Digital Camera Suggestions
July-11th-2003 | 08:54 PM
#1
Thread Starter
I Bent My Wookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 358
From: Knoxville, TN
Digital Camera Suggestions
I am looking into picking up a digital camera soon. How many megapixels do your cameras have? How many would you recommend for a good picture but with a reasonable price.
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Last edited by Proto2k; August-26th-2011 at 09:10 PM.
July-11th-2003 | 09:04 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have a Sony S-85 4.1 mega pixel..
check out www.dpreview.com
my dad has this camera Cannon G5
I have this camera Sony s85
My brother has this camera cannon G3
check out www.dpreview.com
my dad has this camera Cannon G5
I have this camera Sony s85
My brother has this camera cannon G3
July-11th-2003 | 09:22 PM
#3
Protege Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 731
I would say that a 3 or 4MP camera is more than acceptable for most picture taking needs. A 4x6 print from that is excellent and even an 8x10 is pretty damn good.
Depending on what you are going to be using it for size is a major factor when it comes to cameras. I have two.
An "older" Canon S330 (2MP - 3x optical zoom) which does just fine for outdoor pictures and most importantly fits very comfortably in my jacket or pants pocket. This was a must for that camera, I can take it almost anywhere it is not a pain to drag around, and does not need a camera bag. This means that I usually have it along when I wish I could take a picture of something. The down side is that the lens is rather small and thus needs a good amount of light to take really good pictures. I have been less than happy with some of the low available light stuff I have take with it.
For some of the more "serious" pictures I have a Minolta 7Hi (5MP - 7x optical zoom). This camera is the opposite of the Canon... it is big, has a large lens, chews through batteries, has the ability to do everything manually, and is not easily put in a pocket. It is extremely good in low light and also takes pics fast! Thing is that it is bulky so it only comes along when I know that I am going to be taking pictures and I don't mind having the camera bag.
That said, if I had to choose one over the other the Canon would be the winner. Modern versions come in 3MP (and soon, if not already, 4MP) varieties. However they are pricey.
Bang for the buck I would recommend one of the Nikon cameras. Good price, nice features, and exellent optics. For ease of use the Sony cameras are also at the top of the game, but I personally know of too many people that have had problems with them less than a year after purchase.
One thing to keep in mind... optical zoom is the only zoom that counts. All the bullsh**t with digital zoom is a waste of freakin' time. You have a computer so use it to zoom in and crop on the area you want. All that digital zoom does is throw away information that was present at the CCD. This is a gimmick to get people to think that the camera is better than it really is. The only place digital zoom has a home is with people that can not operate a PC and then at least what they see in the viewfinder is what comes out on the printout.
Before you buy, go play with them and read all the reviews you can find. I found www.megapixel.net to be a really good refernce before my purchases.
Hope some of that helps.
-JJB
PS. to see some of the pics I have taken with both see my rail pics, these have been resized down to 1024x768 for web use. The split is about 50/50 between the Canon and the Minolta (edit: this is no longer the case, the split now strongly favors the Minolta).
Depending on what you are going to be using it for size is a major factor when it comes to cameras. I have two.
An "older" Canon S330 (2MP - 3x optical zoom) which does just fine for outdoor pictures and most importantly fits very comfortably in my jacket or pants pocket. This was a must for that camera, I can take it almost anywhere it is not a pain to drag around, and does not need a camera bag. This means that I usually have it along when I wish I could take a picture of something. The down side is that the lens is rather small and thus needs a good amount of light to take really good pictures. I have been less than happy with some of the low available light stuff I have take with it.
For some of the more "serious" pictures I have a Minolta 7Hi (5MP - 7x optical zoom). This camera is the opposite of the Canon... it is big, has a large lens, chews through batteries, has the ability to do everything manually, and is not easily put in a pocket. It is extremely good in low light and also takes pics fast! Thing is that it is bulky so it only comes along when I know that I am going to be taking pictures and I don't mind having the camera bag.
That said, if I had to choose one over the other the Canon would be the winner. Modern versions come in 3MP (and soon, if not already, 4MP) varieties. However they are pricey.
Bang for the buck I would recommend one of the Nikon cameras. Good price, nice features, and exellent optics. For ease of use the Sony cameras are also at the top of the game, but I personally know of too many people that have had problems with them less than a year after purchase.
One thing to keep in mind... optical zoom is the only zoom that counts. All the bullsh**t with digital zoom is a waste of freakin' time. You have a computer so use it to zoom in and crop on the area you want. All that digital zoom does is throw away information that was present at the CCD. This is a gimmick to get people to think that the camera is better than it really is. The only place digital zoom has a home is with people that can not operate a PC and then at least what they see in the viewfinder is what comes out on the printout.
Before you buy, go play with them and read all the reviews you can find. I found www.megapixel.net to be a really good refernce before my purchases.
Hope some of that helps.
-JJB
PS. to see some of the pics I have taken with both see my rail pics, these have been resized down to 1024x768 for web use. The split is about 50/50 between the Canon and the Minolta (edit: this is no longer the case, the split now strongly favors the Minolta).
Last edited by JJB; August-16th-2003 at 06:29 PM.
July-11th-2003 | 09:22 PM
#4
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 426
From: Ohio
I have been researching digicams for a few weeks now. What camera really depends on what you are going to be doing with it.
From what I have read 3.2 megapixels will work great for printing off up to 8x10 photos and 2 megapixels works great for 5x7 photos. I am probably going to get a 3.2 megapixel camera because I don't really see me doing anything that will require larger pics.
Also are you just looking for a point and shoot type camera or do you want manual settings as well?
Pay attention to what kind of batteries they use. A lot of smaller digicams use a special battery that only works for that camera and are usually expensive. If you stick to a camera that uses AA batteries there are tons of different kinds of rechargable ones and if your batteries happen to die you can pick up a set of regular AAs at almost any store. If the camera uses a special battery then you won't be able to take more pictures until you can get home to your battery charger.
If you have any other devices that require some kind of memory card then you might want to get a camera that uses the same kind.
I used http://www.activebuyersguide.com/ to narrow down my search. You enter the options you want on your digicam and then it will come up with a list of cameras that match. You can then compare them side by side. Be careful though because I found a few errors with their info on a couple cameras.
Also check out this website. http://www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm
It has tons of info.
From what I have read 3.2 megapixels will work great for printing off up to 8x10 photos and 2 megapixels works great for 5x7 photos. I am probably going to get a 3.2 megapixel camera because I don't really see me doing anything that will require larger pics.
Also are you just looking for a point and shoot type camera or do you want manual settings as well?
Pay attention to what kind of batteries they use. A lot of smaller digicams use a special battery that only works for that camera and are usually expensive. If you stick to a camera that uses AA batteries there are tons of different kinds of rechargable ones and if your batteries happen to die you can pick up a set of regular AAs at almost any store. If the camera uses a special battery then you won't be able to take more pictures until you can get home to your battery charger.
If you have any other devices that require some kind of memory card then you might want to get a camera that uses the same kind.
I used http://www.activebuyersguide.com/ to narrow down my search. You enter the options you want on your digicam and then it will come up with a list of cameras that match. You can then compare them side by side. Be careful though because I found a few errors with their info on a couple cameras.
Also check out this website. http://www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm
It has tons of info.
Last edited by Dermen; July-11th-2003 at 09:26 PM.
July-11th-2003 | 09:28 PM
#5
Thread Starter
I Bent My Wookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 358
From: Knoxville, TN
Thanks for all of the really detailed answers. Lots of good information in them. The real reason I want a digital camera is to take with me to car shows. I will probably go with a 3.0 MP, if not higher.
Thanks again.
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Thanks again.
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Last edited by Proto2k; August-26th-2011 at 09:10 PM.
July-11th-2003 | 10:53 PM
#6
Hooray for Zoidberg!
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 491
From: Silicon Valley, CA
Get a Canon PowerShot S45. Clicky here.
July-11th-2003 | 11:44 PM
#7
Thread Starter
I Bent My Wookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 358
From: Knoxville, TN
Circuitcity has a Canon on sale for cheap. I think I will go pick it up tomorrow and test it out. If I don't like it, I can always return it.
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Last edited by Proto2k; August-26th-2011 at 09:11 PM.
July-12th-2003 | 02:21 AM
#8
Protege Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 731
Originally posted by Protegé Menacé
eh, theres a reason its on sale "cheap" it doesnt look like its the best.
and ALL it has for zoom is 5.1X DIGITAL, theres NO optical zoom ( digital zoom is worthless, you'd be beter to just blow it up on your computer)
I'd say check out the canon powershot elf series cameras.....
eh, theres a reason its on sale "cheap" it doesnt look like its the best.
and ALL it has for zoom is 5.1X DIGITAL, theres NO optical zoom ( digital zoom is worthless, you'd be beter to just blow it up on your computer)
I'd say check out the canon powershot elf series cameras.....
see my comments above about digital zoom (worthless bullsh**t)!
in this case it's cheap because it truly is!
July-12th-2003 | 05:21 AM
#9
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 426
From: Ohio
I would recommend the Canon powershot A70. Its a little bigger than the elph series cameras but it is also cheaper. The A70 also uses AA size batteries and the Elph series uses a prpprietary battery. Those 2 things sold me on getting the A70 over the S230.
July-12th-2003 | 10:44 AM
#10
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 290
From: San Diego, CA
Ive got a canon powershot s40
I think its great to have more detail because it makes it easier to take pics of tiny things. With a higher MP camera you can more easily have the small object within the focal range while getting acceptable detail.
I think its great to have more detail because it makes it easier to take pics of tiny things. With a higher MP camera you can more easily have the small object within the focal range while getting acceptable detail.
July-12th-2003 | 11:28 AM
#11
Da' Butcher
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 668
From: Orlando, FL
A note to anyone shopping for digicams or other types of products...Sears and Staples are two companies that will pricematch your best online price! I got an Olympus C-4000 Zoom for like 299 from Staples with an online price match. Find your best price online including shipping for anything that sears or staples sells and take it to the store and pick it up. That way if there is any problems, you simply return it to the store and not have to worry about a fly-by-night company!
July-13th-2003 | 01:03 AM
#12
0-60 in 60!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 668
From: South Florida, Florida, USA, EARTH, Milky Way galaxy, This universe....
I got the powershot a40 and it kicks ***. The movie mode with audio comes in handy! Canon's kick ***! Check out what Target has. I could get you a discount. Ten percent off since I work there. Just let me know if you're serious and Ill give you my discount number
July-14th-2003 | 12:46 AM
#13
Show Layne some respect
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,458
From: Long Island,NY
Something also often overlooked:
If you are going to take photos of high resolution (say, 3.5 megapixel on up), you need a computer that is powerful enough to then handle the file sizes associated with those pictures.
Not that computing power is expensive these days - it's not. But if you think you're going to start screwing around with a 4 megapizel shot on an old Windows 98 computer with 64 megs of RAM, forget it.
Even a PIII with 128 MB RAM can be a little light for high-resolution photos.
Just something to keep in mind.
~HH
If you are going to take photos of high resolution (say, 3.5 megapixel on up), you need a computer that is powerful enough to then handle the file sizes associated with those pictures.
Not that computing power is expensive these days - it's not. But if you think you're going to start screwing around with a 4 megapizel shot on an old Windows 98 computer with 64 megs of RAM, forget it.
Even a PIII with 128 MB RAM can be a little light for high-resolution photos.
Just something to keep in mind.
~HH
July-14th-2003 | 11:37 AM
#14
Thread Starter
I Bent My Wookie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 358
From: Knoxville, TN
Originally posted by hihoslva
Something also often overlooked:
If you are going to take photos of high resolution (say, 3.5 megapixel on up), you need a computer that is powerful enough to then handle the file sizes associated with those pictures.
Not that computing power is expensive these days - it's not. But if you think you're going to start screwing around with a 4 megapizel shot on an old Windows 98 computer with 64 megs of RAM, forget it.
Even a PIII with 128 MB RAM can be a little light for high-resolution photos.
Just something to keep in mind.
~HH
Something also often overlooked:
If you are going to take photos of high resolution (say, 3.5 megapixel on up), you need a computer that is powerful enough to then handle the file sizes associated with those pictures.
Not that computing power is expensive these days - it's not. But if you think you're going to start screwing around with a 4 megapizel shot on an old Windows 98 computer with 64 megs of RAM, forget it.
Even a PIII with 128 MB RAM can be a little light for high-resolution photos.
Just something to keep in mind.
~HH
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Last edited by Proto2k; August-26th-2011 at 09:12 PM.
July-14th-2003 | 03:09 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
The previous statement is true ,,, digital zoom is garbage. you loose a lot of picture quality .. It is better to choose a camera with adequate Optical zoom ...
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Cannon has very good optics so if you choose one of their cameras you will be very happy .. Just don't get a digital camera that uses AA or recharable AA's ... The Battery packs Li-ion ,, last longer and can give you plenty shots ... Last weekend I shot about 175 shots at various sizes and about 10 movies on a 128mb stick and it the pack only went down 2 bars ... and this was using multiple exposures and flash in the daytime to lighten up peoples faces..
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Hey JJB -
That 5 megapixel is kicking *** ... those photo's are sharp and the colors are excellent .. My dad just got his G5 and loves it although he has to get used to it ... I have been thinking of getting a 5 MP next .. but am not really sure of which one to get so I am staying quiet for a while with my S85 ...
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here is a sample photo I took of my cousin ,, last year sometime...
--------------------
I still say Cannon's Optics are 2nd to none... although I would like to test out a Nikon to see how sharp it is on everyday picture taken.
here are some more
http://www.pbase.com/carphotoman
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Cannon has very good optics so if you choose one of their cameras you will be very happy .. Just don't get a digital camera that uses AA or recharable AA's ... The Battery packs Li-ion ,, last longer and can give you plenty shots ... Last weekend I shot about 175 shots at various sizes and about 10 movies on a 128mb stick and it the pack only went down 2 bars ... and this was using multiple exposures and flash in the daytime to lighten up peoples faces..
------
Hey JJB -
That 5 megapixel is kicking *** ... those photo's are sharp and the colors are excellent .. My dad just got his G5 and loves it although he has to get used to it ... I have been thinking of getting a 5 MP next .. but am not really sure of which one to get so I am staying quiet for a while with my S85 ...
-----------
here is a sample photo I took of my cousin ,, last year sometime...
--------------------
I still say Cannon's Optics are 2nd to none... although I would like to test out a Nikon to see how sharp it is on everyday picture taken.
here are some more
http://www.pbase.com/carphotoman