What brand camera to buy ?

[xmas16]

I'll second what CJSTARR advised. You get what you pay for. If this is you're first digital camera buy then go ahead the run of the mill approx 5MP cameras. But, if you are a camera buff, then you may want to seriously consider stepping up to the more expensive digital cameras, the ones that can go for $400+ and more, some much more. I've heard lots of compliments on the Canons. I know almost nothing about cameras but my wife does and I've seen the differences between the $200 digitals and the $500+ ones. It all comes down to what you're comfortable with. For most people the ones you're considering will be fine.

Steve

 

[Millie12591]

I have the Sony. I love it!!! It is really easy to use. The pics are great. The only downfall is the zoom. I wish it was more that 3x. But IMO I would get the Sony.

Ditto, ditto, ditto!!! I love, love, love this camera! And you can get it in pink!(well I did last year) He he, which made me so happy! I figured it was less likely to get stolen also. he he
Great pictures, great use for a mini video camera, and I LOOOOVE the settings on it! You can take a picture of anything anywhere with this camera. You can't go wrong with the Sony Cyber-shot 7.2

 

[wano]

I have a vivitar 6200w it's a little bigger than a normal camera but its waterproof ,shockproof,6 megapixle & takes 2AA batteries . With my 2 gig memory card it holds over 900 pics . got it at target.com for under $150 w/shipping . I like it also no plastic bags and no worries.

you can see at http://www.vivitar.com/en-us/Products/6Megapixels.aspx

other features are:
6.0 Megapixels
Rubber Armored
Waterproof – 30 ft
2.0” Color LTPS
16 MB Built-in Memory
PictBridge Support
Flash - Built-in Multi Mode, Auto / On / Off

 

[tink2dw]

I luv luv my HP Photosmart R937 I just went thru the Digital Camera Search and settled for this camera 1 1/2 weeks ago. After a ton of research and shopping around. This is the Easiest camera ever to work! It has a Design Studio in the camera. It fixs Red Eye better than any photo program, right in the camera so when you print it is fixed!! There are borders with colors, pet eye fix, art affects. With a 3 1/2 inch view/touch screen. Is a 8mp. I just printed 3 head shots, 8x10 and full sheet.And it takes great pix!! As I said I love this camera!!

check here for all the Details PS. I got mine on sale at HP.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?product_code=L2473A#ABA

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

How easy to use are DSLR cameras? I've been looking at the Nikon D40 but I'm worried it will take to long to learn. Can you just turn the camera on and take a picture or do you have to fiddle with a bunch of stuff first?

 

[cjstarr]

How easy to use are DSLR cameras? I've been looking at the Nikon D40 but I'm worried it will take to long to learn. Can you just turn the camera on and take a picture or do you have to fiddle with a bunch of stuff first?

AlwaysEeyore
Most of today’s DSLR cameras have an auto function that takes over all the settings allowing it to become a Point-n-shoot camera. As time goes on you will want to read more and learn the other setting that this camera has to offer.
Nikon makes one of the best DSLR cameras that are on the market today.
The D40 has one drawback; I don't believe it has image stabilization. Don't misunderstand me; I have cameras without this feature that make great pictures.
I find image stabilization helps me when shooting with a zoom lens at max power. It will really come into play and I fine it compensates for the movement of the camera. That is about the only time I need it as I have a hard time now holding the camera still for those long close-up shots. (I don’t like carrying a tripod)
Here is a link with more information on the D40,

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

AlwaysEeyore
Most of today’s DSLR cameras have an auto function that takes over all the settings allowing it to become a Point-n-shoot camera. As time goes on you will want to read more and learn the other setting that this camera has to offer.
Nikon makes one of the best DSLR cameras that are on the market today.
The D40 has one drawback; I don't believe it has image stabilization. Don't misunderstand me; I have cameras without this feature that make great pictures.
I find image stabilization helps me when shooting with a zoom lens at max power. It will really come into play and I fine it compensates for the movement of the camera. That is about the only time I need it as I have a hard time now holding the camera still for those long close-up shots. (I don’t like carrying a tripod)
Here is a link with more information on the D40,

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html

Thank you so much, I definately want the stabilaization, I have very shaky hands. I think I will definately be getting a DSLR soon if I will have the capability of using it but learning as I go. Thank you again!

 

[Manda]

Thank you so much, I definately want the stabilaization, I have very shaky hands. I think I will definately be getting a DSLR soon if I will have the capability of using it but learning as I go. Thank you again!

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs. Point and shoots have it as a feature because the lens is built-in. Most new lenses for dSLRs now are coming with "VR". I just ordered a new lens yesterday, actually, that has VR. Up until now though, I've never had a VR lens on my Nikon D50 and it hasn't mattered at all. If you're doing a long zoom, it matters, but not so much if you're just taking a well-lit snapshot of your kid standing next to Mickey.

And, yes, the D40 can be very easy. You put it on Auto and turn it on and there you go.

 

[mike_r]

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs.

If i am not mistaken I think Sony, Olympus and Pentax have some type of image stabalization built into there cameras already and you will not need to buy an image stabalized lens.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

What is the difference between electronic and virtual stabilization?

Thanks

 

[belle09]

I've had 2 Canon digital cameras and a Nikon, and my parents have always bought Kodak. Personally, I would recommend a Canon over either of the other two brands.

I have the Canon SD 750 (7.1MP) and while it's good, it's got nothing on the Canon SD 870 that I lost to a pickpocket. The 870 has image stabilization, amazing colors, great modes for indoor photos, option for high ISO shots, and a ton of other features that make just about every picture I take look like something I'd want to put on my wall. The SD850 also has the IS feature, and has a viewfinder (which the 870 doesn't -- it's got a HUGE LCD screen instead).

CNET.com often has good reviews on products, and I'd check amazon and newegg before buying from a store. The online stores are almost always cheaper. Oh, and no matter what camera you end up getting, I'd recommend purchasing at least a 2 GB memory card in order not to worry about having to download pictures from the camera while on vacation.

 

[TommyTutone]

We JUST bought a new camera on Friday as the wife wanted something small to take to complement her Rebel XT SLR camera.

Using both CNet and DPReview.com as guides, reading their recommendations, reviews, as well as user reviews, we found that the Canon Powershot looked to be the best of the bunch.

From there, we went to our local Fry's and held and compared (after looking up the differences online) the 870, the 950, and the colorful 1100. The 950's only advantage was the extra 800,000 pixels and was not worth the extra $120 for it. It also had the viewfinder where the 870 did not, but because of that, it also had only a 2.5" screen instead of the 3" screen that the 870 has.

That brought it down to the 1100 and the 870. They had the same number of pixels (8.2m I seem to recall) and I think it came to a matter of taste. The 1100 was slightly cheaper and much more colorful (they can be had in one of 6 different colors), but also had the viewfinder and smaller screen. Testing out the viewfinder in the store, we found it small and almost unwiedly, at least compared to her Rebel, so we went with the 870.

We take it with us to Disney this Friday and are looking forward to give it a good run for its money!

 

[cjstarr]

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs. Point and shoots have it as a feature because the lens is built-in. Most new lenses for dSLRs now are coming with "VR". I just ordered a new lens yesterday, actually, that has VR. Up until now though, I've never had a VR lens on my Nikon D50 and it hasn't mattered at all. If you're doing a long zoom, it matters, but not so much if you're just taking a well-lit snapshot of your kid standing next to Mickey.

And, yes, the D40 can be very easy. You put it on Auto and turn it on and there you go.

There is a difference between lens-based and sensor-shift image stabilization. Canon has a lens-based stablization while Sony uses a sensor-shift stablization.
The article below helps explain the difference between the two.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/461...-special-stop-the-shake-lab-report-page2.html

 

[uncw89]

I have the Sony H9 which has a great zoom. I got it in the fall and I love it. I have an old Cybershot which is 5.0 mp and is a great little camera as well, but I wanted one with a better zoom and this camera is awesome!

 

[tink2dw]

If you want an easy point and shoot HP has it all the canons, sonys, nikons all have a steap learning curve. While HP is intuitive, you can take it out of the box and take fab pix in seconds!!!
Here is cnets review.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/hp-photosmart-r937/4505-6501_7-32475695.html?tag=prod.txt.1

Also get views of the camera
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...=H24-L2473A&SRCCODE=CNETFEED&CMP=OTC-CNETFEED

 

[weHEARTmickey]

I have the Sony. I love it!!! It is really easy to use. The pics are great. The only downfall is the zoom. I wish it was more that 3x. But IMO I would get the Sony.

This is OT, but moomytoone have you figured out how to take pics in the dark? We have the Sony Cybershot 7.2mp (bought it in 2006) and we've never been able to figure this out. We've even gone so far as to read the directions!!

For example, our pics of the Nemo show (at curtain call...no flames!), Lion King, and any other dark stage show, our flash doesn't reach the stage. I was sitting on the 2nd pew at church on Sunday (lights were on) and took some pics of our children's choir...none of them turned out b/c the flash stinks!! Any advice??? TIA!

 

[Minniekins]

We JUST bought a new camera on Friday as the wife wanted something small to take to complement her Rebel XT SLR camera.

Using both CNet and DPReview.com as guides, reading their recommendations, reviews, as well as user reviews, we found that the Canon Powershot looked to be the best of the bunch.

About a year and half ago I bought the Canon PowerShot A540 and though it would be great. It had a big viewfinder and only two batteries(use rechargable most of the time), so it was pretty light in the hand. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the flash time. It often takes up to 10 or 11 seconds before the flash is ready to go again.
It takes forever for the flash to be ready, a really long time before you can take a second picture so I miss a lot of pictures and I get very frustrated. And if you ask someone to take a pic of you, you get one shot cause no one wants to wait that long. So I often have to take pic with no flash, even if they could really use a flash. It seemed to be a nice camera when I bought it but yikes, what a disappointment!!

So, anyone know of a great camera that has a really good(short) flash recovery time, is lightweight, has a nice size viewfinder, good zoom, easy to use, and takes great pic and video? I know, what a question but anyone have any answers?? Besides family gatherings, we probably use it most at concerts and disney&supersoap weekend. Oh, and not over the moon expensive or needing too much fiddling to figure out how to work it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[cjstarr]

About a year and half ago I bought the Canon PowerShot A540 and though it would be great. It had a big viewfinder and only two batteries(use rechargable most of the time), so it was pretty light in the hand. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the flash time. It often takes up to 10 or 11 seconds before the flash is ready to go again.
It takes forever for the flash to be ready, a really long time before you can take a second picture so I miss a lot of pictures and I get very frustrated. And if you ask someone to take a pic of you, you get one shot cause no one wants to wait that long. So I often have to take pic with no flash, even if they could really use a flash. It seemed to be a nice camera when I bought it but yikes, what a disappointment!!

So, anyone know of a great camera that has a really good(short) flash recovery time, is lightweight, has a nice size viewfinder, good zoom, easy to use, and takes great pic and video? I know, what a question but anyone have any answers?? Besides family gatherings, we probably use it most at concerts and disney&supersoap weekend. Oh, and not over the moon expensive or needing too much fiddling to figure out how to work it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

It is issues like this that made me make the statement here;
You get what you pay for.
Compacts are nice and small but more time then not you're not going to be happy in the long run and will quickly outgrow them or their short comings will show.
It's then you realize thatyou have just made a $150 to $300 mistake.
Trust me I know from experience.
This is why I will have nothing other then a DSLR.
My question to you then;
What kind of Money are you looking to spend on one?
Are you looking for a compact digital or a DSLR?
The two web sites below offer some of if not the best advice on the internet today when it comes to digital cameras.

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

There are a lot of people that will tell you their camera is the best or that it gets very good reviews from places like cnet or the likes.
1st piece of advice never believe a review from a web site that has the camera for SALE These web sites are no more then fancy advertisements.
2nd do your homework never buy a camera in a rush. (I think you know this one by now. Finding out that you have made a high dollar mistake is no fun.
3rd don’t be afraid to ask other shutter bugs. There are a lot of us out here and on this forum I bet. (I know of one anyway)
4th never let someone tell you that you don’t need all those Bells & whistles.
In the long run as you learn more and more about the camera it will be those Bells & whistles that are going to help you make the most out of the photos that you take.

Good Luck!!!

 

[browneyedmom]

I have an Olympus with 10X zoom and love it. It is about 5 years old, so I am sure they don't make the model I have any longer. I would definitely only consider a camera with 10x or 12x zoom. You will be amazed at the shots you can get from quite a distance.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

Thanks for all this info everyone. How do DSLR cameras do in low light or for fireworks?
Can anyone recommend a camera for such situations? Point & shoot or otherwise