Looking For A New Camera - Need Help Please!!

[DestinationDisney]

Hi everyone,

I just discovered the photography board (didn't realize I could scroll down that far) and first I have to say I am amazed at what beautiful pictures are posted on this board. You have given me inspiraton to look at things in a different way and to take the time to look around and capture the beauty in things I would normally pass by.

I thought I could turn to you for help in picking out a new camera. There are so many brands and models out there, I don't know where to start. Here are the cameras I own:

Canon Rebel G
http://www.marietta.edu/~mcshaffd/macro/canonrebg.html

Kodak CX 7530
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2238&pq-locale=en_US

Kodak V530
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=7113&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=15406


My digital cameras are really outdated and I'd like to invest somewhere around $350 into something that will last me another 2 years. What I'm looking for is a new digital camera with a decent sized display screen. I'd most like a nice zoom. My current cameras don't zoom very far and I'd like something with a higher zoom (I'm thinking 10x). I was told to get a camera with good image stabilization, but I'm not sure how necessary this is, so I'll leave that to you experts. I don't really care about size, but I don't want anything thats too big and bulky to carry around while touring on vacations.

Here are some of the cameras I was recommended (but know nothing about):

Olympus SP500 UZ
Canon S 80
Fuji Finepix S 5000
Kodak Z 740

Thank you so much...I really, really appreciate the help!!

Erica

 

[Jeanne B]

You'll find lots of Canon lovers on here!! I have both the A620 and the S3. I would recommend the S3 for the 12x zoom and IS and the price has come down to $350 (I paid $425 in June).

Here's a link to the S3 on buydig...

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNPSS3


There's also the A710 IS which was recently announced but it's only 6x zoom and I'm not sure when it will be available.

 

[manning]

Sony H5 12x zoom (36-432 mm) huge 3" LCD. 7.2 MP

Sony H2 12x zoom (36-432 mm) LCD not as big, 6MP

Panasonic TZ1 10x zoom (35-350mm) Small size camera for a 10x zoom.

Panasonic FZ50 12x zoom (35-420mm) replaces the FZ30 and now hitting the streets. Has external flash hot shoe.

Those are the ones I know about.

 

[mhutchinson]

I noticed that one of the cameras that you own already is the Rebel G. If I am not mistaken that uses Canon EF type lenses. So depending upon the number of lenses that you already own, you might look at getting a Canon dSLR as the lenses will work on these cameras as well.

For a little more than what you wanted to invest, you could be re-investing with your current lenses on a camera like the Rebel XT. Just some food for thought.

Mike

 

[DestinationDisney]

I noticed that one of the cameras that you own already is the Rebel G. If I am not mistaken that uses Canon EF type lenses. So depending upon the number of lenses that you already own, you might look at getting a Canon dSLR as the lenses will work on these cameras as well.

Hi Mike...

I had never thought of that. To be honest, I really don't use my Rebel G much anymore, except to shoot for fun. Its sad, but now that digital cameras have been out, I like the option of being able to see the picture before its printed. I'm really not sure what the quality of the lens is that came with my camera. I think its just a basic lens, so I don't know if it would be worth buying a new camera just to fit this lens.

I'm a beginner at photography so a lot of the terms people have been using are foreign to me. Do you think getting a high-zoom digital would be best for me instead?

Thanks for the help!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Here are a few more things that I could use some help on when shopping for a camera. Please don't mind my beginner questions, I'm a bit confused and I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I go out and spend a chunk of money!

- I don't know if I should be looking for a camera with higher megapixels or a camera with a higher zoom. What is the difference?

For example, someone recommended a few of the Kodak high-zoom cameras. If you look at this link, it gives you a comparison of all the cameras.

Kodak Cameras

Why is it that the Kodak Z740 and the Z650 are priced the same? They both have the same zoom, but one has higher Mp than the other.

- What is better to have, higher optical zoom or digital zoom?

- How important is it to have a camera with image stabilization?


Thank you again for your help!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Oh boy...here comes more...

My Kodak CX7530 doesn't shoot very well at night. Even when I turn it to "night mode", everything blurs because of the lights. I've tried using it on auto mode and I still get similar results. I've also turned the flash off...sometimes that has helped, but mostly I wind up with blurry pictures.

How can I prevent this? Or is this because I'm using a cheap camera?

 

[bazzanoid]

I can't answer many of the questions (relative newbie myself to the dSLRs...), but i can answer a couple:

Zoom - the higher the optical, the better, Digital zoom works by interpolating (i.e. guessing) the pixels to produce the large image, all it does is take the highest optical and crop to the level you've selected, then 'fill in' the gaps. generally pictures with a high digital zoom will look a little soft in focus.

For night shooting, try to use a tripod where possible. The camera automatically opens the shutter for longer to gain a larger exposure, and any minute movement will cause a blur.

Image stabilisation - very very helpful, try to get a camera with physical I.S. rather than digital I.S. - you get far better results with an actual stabiliser as opposed to digital - as the name suggests, the camera works out after shooting the photo what parts of the photo shouldn't be blurry and sharpens/edits as necessary, which doesn't yeald the best results.

Plain english answers as opposed to the fully-blown techy ones, probably not the best of explanations but hopefully it makes some sense...

 

[manning]

These two sites might help.


http://www.creativepro.com/story/howto/15109.html

http://cameras.about.com/cs/choosingacamera/ht/selectcamera.htm

 

[Master Mason]

Here are a few more things that I could use some help on when shopping for a camera. Please don't mind my beginner questions, I'm a bit confused and I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I go out and spend a chunk of money!

- I don't know if I should be looking for a camera with higher megapixels or a camera with a higher zoom. What is the difference?

Megapixels tells you how many pixiles of information are captured by the cammera. The more mega pix you have, the larger you can blow up a picture before it starts to become pixilated or unclear.... I think that 5MP gets you 11x14 before it starts to degrade...

Zoom tells you how close you can move in on the subject to get those megapixels.... So with a big zoom you can get as close as someones eyeball on a stage when your in the back row. Optical is better than digital as the previous poster stated because all the digital does is crop your picture... It won't get closer to get better information.

The big thing is to decide what you want your cammera to do.... and what might you want to do with it in the future. If you sure you only want to be a point and shoot type photographer... then you don't need to worry about any manual settings on the camera you get. But I am guessing since you already purchased a SLR previously you would like to have more control of your pics.... Which means getting a camera that will let you take control.

I have the Cannon rebel XT and love it, but I am definately still learning. If you decide to go that route you won't be sorry, but you said earlier you didn't want to carry a bulky camera around, and the XT is definately not pocket size, and once you get bit by the lens bug, it becomes backpack size....

 

[mhutchinson]

I'm a beginner at photography so a lot of the terms people have been using are foreign to me. Do you think getting a high-zoom digital would be best for me instead?
Thanks for the help!

From what you have said, I would think that getting a high (optical) zoom digital camera with IS (Image Stabilization of anti-shake) sounds to be what you are more looking to get. No hassles of lens changes, they are smaller and lighter than a dSLR, and can be fun to use.

From the threads I see in this post ,you have a lot of information to digest and the only suggestion I would offer when trying to choose the right camera is check the reviews and compare specs (higher ISO will allow lower light photography, flash range and recycle time, battery life, etc). Then compare the sample pictures for what matters most to you. There are many camera manufacturers and none of them do everything perfect, but they all produce images to bring us back to a moment and be able to share this with others.

As far as Mega Pixel ratings, anything 5MB and greater are going to produce fairly good size pictures and allow crops of the picture for a more focused subset. Unless you plan on printing posters of your pictures, most camera available these days would be fine.

These are just two of my favorite sites to go camera comparing:

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/

Mike

 

[DestinationDisney]

Thank you again for all the great information!

I figure I'd like a camera that is at least 6mp with a 10x optical zoom. I never knew the difference between optical and digital zoom, I was always just told "optical is better" but I never really knew why. So I'm glad to learn what the real difference is.

The big thing is to decide what you want your camera to do.... and what might you want to do with it in the future. If you sure you only want to be a point and shoot type photographer... then you don't need to worry about any manual settings on the camera you get. But I am guessing since you already purchased a SLR previously you would like to have more control of your pics.... Which means getting a camera that will let you take control.

I agree. I already have the 2 pocket, point and shoot type cameras...so I think I'd like to get something more "professional" that is a higher quality camera and that will be a good investment for me. A few of the cameras I saw, like the Kodak Z40, offer add-ons like telephoto and wide angle lenses and other additional components for the camera.

Do you think this is a good route for me to go?

Oh, and I meant to add that I thought the Rebel XT looks like a really nice model, but its way out of my price range. I've had a lot of recommendations and I'm considering the Canon S3 IS, do you think this is a good camera for me to start with?

Thanks!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Hi Mike,

From what you have said, I would think that getting a high (optical) zoom digital camera with IS (Image Stabilization of anti-shake) sounds to be what you are more looking to get.

Do you know if there are high optical zoom cameras with image stabilization that have the option of purchasing extra lenses and other additonal components in the future? I'd like to get a camera that I can "upgrade" with new lenses in the future.

Higher ISO will allow lower light photography, flash range and recycle time, battery life, etc.

This may seem like a dumb question, but where can I find the ISO of a camera? I'd really like a camera that takes good night shots because that seems to be one of my main concerns with my current cameras.

There sure is a lot of information to read up on and become familiar with when buying a camera! I took a photography class in college, but its been a few years since then and I've lost a lot of the information that I learned on manual photography and different settings to use.

I'll definitely check out the websites you gave me, hopefully they'll clue me in a little more on what type of camera is best for me.

Thanks!!

 

[Master Mason]

Question,

How much did you use your Rebel G?

If you used it quite a bit before you decided to go digital, then I would really suggest looking at the dSLR's on the market... Cannon just announced its new line, which is the XTi, and you will most likely see the XT drop in price for a short time while places clear the inventory.

Most people I know that had film SLR's first moved to P&S digitals because of cost, but as the dSLRs are coming down, more and more of them are moving in that direction, and I can include myself in that group as well.

Edited to add: I just saw the question about the S3. I haven't used one, but have seen some beautiful picutres from them, and heard many good reviews from those that have them.

 

[DestinationDisney]

Question,

How much did you use your Rebel G?

If you used it quite a bit before you decided to go digital, then I would really suggest looking at the dSLR's on the market... Cannon just announced its new line, which is the XTi, and you will most likely see the XT drop in price for a short time while places clear the inventory.

Most people I know that had film SLR's first moved to P&S digitals because of cost, but as the dSLRs are coming down, more and more of them are moving in that direction, and I can include myself in that group as well.

Edited to add: I just saw the question about the S3. I haven't used one, but have seen some beautiful picutres from them, and heard many good reviews from those that have them.

I really didn't use my Rebel G much. I originally purchased it for a photography class in college, but after I realized how much film I was "wasting" by practicing different skills and techniques, I became frustrated and gave up on it. I still enjoy the camera, and I use it to when I go on walks and take leisure photos. But I mostly use my digital camera when I go on vacations and to special events because I'm so worried about the pictures not coming out well.

Would you mind explaining the difference between the Canon XTi and the Canon XT? Is it the image stabilization?

Also, what is the difference between a digital SLR camera and just a regular digital camera (the Canon S3)?

Thank you for your help!!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Also, what is considered a high ISO?

And where can I find this information on the camera's specifics?

 

[Master Mason]

I really didn't use my Rebel G much. I originally purchased it for a photography class in college, but after I realized how much film I was "wasting" by practicing different skills and techniques, I became frustrated and gave up on it. I still enjoy the camera, and I use it to when I go on walks and take leisure photos. But I mostly use my digital camera when I go on vacations and to special events because I'm so worried about the pictures not coming out well.

that is the beauty of Digital, you can play all day, and then delete the ones that you don't like, no film cost or developement costs for pics you don't like

Would you mind explaining the difference between the Canon XTi and the Canon XT? Is it the image stabilization?

The XTi is the replacement for the XT. It has new features such as a dust cleaning system, and also a larger MP 10 on the new XTi instead of 8 on the XT. The XTi isn't out yet, just been annouced, so there are little to no reviews to read because it isn't availible yet. Cannon doesn't put image stablization in their dSLR bodies, they put it in the lenses that can be attached.

Also, what is the difference between a digital SLR camera and just a regular digital camera (the Canon S3)?

Thank you for your help!!

The S3 is what is called a bridge camera, it has many of the features of an SLR but I don't belive it has the ablity to change lenses.

With an SLR, you can get mulitple lenses which will allow you to greatly expand the possiblities of your cammer. You can get a lens with a wide open appature that allows you to create pictures with blury back grounds, it also allows you to get better night time shots as the lens is more open and more light comes in. You can get super zooms which allow you to move in on subjects that are far away. You can get a fish eye lens that lets you take a picture of a building your standing right next to and capture it all... and the list goes on.

With a Bridge camera, your locked into what the lens that is attached is capable of doing. This isn't bad, it is just a limitation that isn't present in an SLR.

Also typically an SLR will give you much faster response time, so in my case, I take pictures of my kids playing sports, and If I can click off many picutres in a short period of time, I am much more likely to catch that elusive great shot.

I am a newbie, but there are some professionals, and some very good non professionals on here that can probably shed more light on it than me.

 

[Master Mason]

Also, what is considered a high ISO?

And where can I find this information on the camera's specifics?

I think in most cases 800 is the start of the high range. You can get the specifics of the cameras at the manufacturers sites, or at the review sites that have already been posted.

 

[mhutchinson]

You should be able to get all the specs on the individual cameras at either site I previously listed. http://www.dpreview.com/ should have complete specs for virtually all digital camera currently and as long as they have been recording them (they still have the information from my old Canon S20). Just drill down through the 'Camera' drop down on the left side of the page.

The high end of a camera's published ISO and its practical ISO are usually two different things. You will get better results from a dSLR due to better glass and the larger sensors, but some of the noise from a point and shoot can be easily cleaned up in most photo software tools or by a specialty tool like Noise Ninja. And these images will print out just fine on 4X6 or 5X7 .

If you are looking to have the capability to upgrade lenses, that is a dSLR. I don't know of any P&S or Mega Zooms that have interchangeable lenses. Not to say that you couldn't add a lens adapter like a .37X to increase your wide angle or a 2X converter to double your telephoto range. The only dSLR line I know with a built in IS system is the new Sony Alpha (built on the Minolta IS platform). Other than that you find the IS in the lens, and it will be called different terms depending on the manufacturer (e.g. Canon is IS and Nikon is VR). Where there are many P&S and Mega Zooms that do have stabilization built right in to the camera.

I myself went through a similar camera purchase cycle. I had a SLR, left it out in the sun too long, bought a new SLR, got tired of development costs and darkroom chemical costs. Bought a P&S 3.2meg digital, used for years. Got frustrated with the shutter delay and short flash range resulting in blurred or missed shots and decided to upgrade. I was really, really going to go with a Mega Zoom Like the Panasonic or Canon (now I would add the Sony to choices), but the dSLR just felt right back in my hands. The initial cost was not that much more after factoring in some rebates, and I figured it would have been my next jump anyway.

The only two times I regret that decision is when I wish I could stick it in a shirt pocket or when I get dust on the sensor (which is an easy fix, just another thing to do ). Technically my budget would have also added a third, the money I keep spending to fuel my habit

Mike

 

[makinorlando]

I have the Canon S2- the predecessor to the S3 and I love it. The zoom is great, and it has lots of features. The ISO is limited, although I believe the S3 has a higher ISO than the S2.

I have been successful with some nice night time shots when I take the time to use a tripod or trash can etc.

I have been taking pictures for ever but am very much a beginner when it comes to all the "technical" jargon. That is what is great about the S2/S3 (all I can speak to personally) - you can shoot great pictures in auto, but experiment out of the auto zone as well.

If you have any other specific questions that I might be able to answer please feel free to contact me - although many here have much more knowledge than I have regarding photography, but I can answer some questions specific to the camera.

With the S2/S3 you do have the option of buying converters - there is a telephoto converter, wide angle converter and a close up. You do need an adapter tube for these, which is good to have to protect the cameras lens.

If you would like to look at my photos, you can click on the link below, the majority of them were taken with the S2 - some other (before Feb) were with my older digital.

If you don't mind, I will share some that I am proud of....

I took this using a mini tripod and the fence post near BTMRR

I took this hand held using the fireworks mode and the timer so I did not shake the camera pressing the shutter release.

This was on the "fly" leaving MK one night - I used the trash can for stability. I did not take time to change any setting really - my family was not stopping for me!!!

This shows the cameras zoom - I took this from the flag pole area in MK.

and this is just one of my favorites..