suggestions on digital camera?

[Wanderer]

I have finally decided to break down and buy a digital camera. Does anyone have any good/bad/ugly opinions about a particular brand, which feature is most important, how easy it is to transport, etc?

I need something that will perform equally well inside and outside. (A zoom is optional, obviously, we know we can crop and zoom in photoshop.)

I'm thinking about batteries here, too. Something I can buy rechargable batteries for? or if not, something that doesn't eat up batteries like the cookie monster does oatmeal raisin?

Also, what types of cards do they take? Are they standard?

Quite frankly, going into a camera store is a little overwhelming for me. The person behind the counter will tell you anything they think you want to hear, or nothing, because they don't know anything about them. I'd like to hear from people who've owned one for at least a few months.

(also, I don't want to spend a fortune)

Thanks for any input. I am tired of lugging around this massive thing we have had for years. Not only do I have to lug it around, I also have to carry a box of floppy disks! (about 18 high-res pics per disk)

[mjfarrell]

Kodak has a real nice 4.0 mega pixel model
that actually comes with a rechargeable battery
and no need for any software through USB, it will
take MPEG movies with sound, and output to VHS
device through included cable. I believe it also adopts
the same 'docking' port as HP for connection to
photo printer hardware.

[arcadia_x27]

Ive always found that the cannon A series were good reliable cameras, I've used both and A60 and A65 models and found them easy to use and versatile in different photographic situations. Im currently saving up to get the newet A80 model, The A60 model goes for about $300 Canadian, the A70 $400 CAD and the A80 $500. Id stay away from Kodak cameras in my experience you pay more for the name than the quality. HP also makes good cameras at a reasonable price

[BrenBren]

I have a Kodak 3 megapixel camera. It has worked splendidly for me. It has a optical and digital zoom (I never use the digital, you need a tripod to be able to hold still enough). It was about 300.00, but that was 2 years ago, and has dropped dramatically in price. They say 3 megapixels will print up to 11 x 17 photos, but my printer can't print that big. I have some great 8 x 10's of the kids hanging on my walls. You can tell they are digital, but I think that is more the printer. I have used online printer, and they look as good as old fashioned photos :)

Go to a camera shop, they are starting to really get into the digital cameras now, they will be able to tell you more. My 56 meg, along with the internal memory, holds about 70 high res pictures. I would recommend a bigger one, for vacations and what not. I would have bought a bigger one, but they didn't have any at the store I had the gift certificate for, and I am not patient :)

Also, it will shoot short vidoes, although I haven't tried that yet.

[robert.1.hall72202]

My still camera quit working, so with a new baby, I had to pick up
a camera. Perfect opportunity to talk the wife into a digital camera......I went with
Kodak 4530 easyshare 5.0 Megapixel camera. Also, picked up the printer dock
because it doubles as a battery charger. I can print my own photos and have
several at my desk. The photo kits are $25 US and make 40 prints. Polaroids cost
the same, make lesser quality photos, and only 25 prints.....In my book the
printer dock rules! Get one! Overall, the camera ended up being one of my favorite gadgets. My son will probably kill me when he is a teenager (check the avatar bathtub pic, lol).

[baechlerj]

For everyday 'home-use', Olympus has a very nice line of digital cameras, the D-series, excellent quality & easy to use, speed between shots can be a little slow depending on your settings, but is very easy to use and reliable, good price also.
Try not to get anything under 3MP as you will be disappointed with the results for the little difference in price. Also, I would recommend Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, get enough for two sets for the camera, as one set can be charging as you are using the other. I strongly recommend using batteries that a made for electronic products as they will proved the extra surge required for digital cameras. Regular batteries tend to 'drop-off' in power after the first few pictures and the quality declines steadily.
If you have a little extra cash on hand and want a superb camera, the Cannon Powershot, 8MP, and the Cannon Rebel, 6.0 MP are both excellent cameras, here in Canada they are about $1400 each.
I suggest researching digitals on the web to narrow down your choices, printing of the info and then going into the camera shop with info in hand to physically compare the cameras you are interested in. By being familiar with the digital camera 'lingo' and having info in hand, the salesmen tend to treat you a little differently sometimes.

good luck

joe
P.S. - get a good size memory card- 128MB minimum, 256MB prefered, holds lots of pics for trips, events ,ect until you can download or transfer to disk, I actually keep a second card as a backup with the camera.

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

I've got a Nikon CoolPix 885 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0108/01082302nikoncoolpix885.asp), bought 3 years ago, has served me pretty well on my travels -

3 MegaPixel, I wouldn't recommend anything less than that, especially nowadays (4 to 5 MegaPixel is more the norm).

128MB CompactFlash card (bought additionally), most camera's come with pretty low storage card capacity, 128MB is ok! but again I would recommend that really should be the minimum nowadays.

Here's a good place to start looking for information -

Digital Cameras on ZDnet (http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/Digital_cameras/4502-6501_16-0.html?tag=ont-cam&qt=&sort=asc&orderby=-7relDte)

The only thing I would really recommend is set a strict budget on how much you want to pay, then work from there; if you don't I think you will find yourself going round in circles (that's what happened to me, I kept saying if I only spend a little more I can get X).

Have a good one, Mike

[Glenn Pope]

Check out CNET for some good reviews for cameras. Digital cameras - CNET (http://reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.glnav). There are also reviews from users, including a most popular list. Also there are video about what to look for and explains some of the terminology.

I'm with arcadia_x27 about the cannon A series. I bought my mom the A-70, and it's a great camera. I would go with the A-80 as it has some really cool new feature. Mainly the swivel LCD screen. You can tilt the screen in any direction, making it a lot easier to take pictures over the top of a crowed. I have that feature in my Cannon G2. That is another great series from cannon.

There are several types of memory cards. I would go with the COMPACTFLASH. It's cheaper then most of the others. Also there not to small in size. Some of the other types (mainly secure digital) are very small and could be easily lost.

For the zoom features, don't even think about the digital zoom. Look at the optical. Digital can really pixelize a picture.

[Glenn Pope]

Here is a list from CNET of what cameras NOT TO BUY.
Cameras that can't cut it. (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6501_7-5501162-1.html?tag=cnetfd.ld)

[baechlerj]

Remember when you are setting your budget price to include things like a carry case, larger/extra memory card, batteries, (recharger).
Also stock up on photo paper and more ink for your printer because for the first while you will play around and photo& print anything that moves and lots of stuff that doesn't!

joe

[Wanderer]

I might have found one that I want.

I didn't note the model number, I was in the store on other business...

It was at Sams, and it was a Kodak, and it costs $200. Came with 16mb of memory, 4.1mp, has the little lcd screen on the back, dial next to the screen to set different types of shots (moving, close, distance), 4x zoom (both kinds), also takes video with sound. Will be taking another look at it next time I am up there.

[cadkiller]

Melanie;

I'm getting the Minolta Dimage A200.
It costs about $600 and is a mid range digital camera.
You can take wide angle shots, telephoto and micro photos.
It takes 28MM to 200MM shots with the lens that comes with it.
If you get the adapter it will allow you to take 17MM wide angle shots.
It's great for getting those interior shots of the whole family for the holidays.

From;
Edward Borg

[Wanderer]

Melanie;

I'm getting the Minolta Dimage A200.
It costs about $600 and is a mid range digital camera.
You can take wide angle shots, telephoto and micro photos.
It takes 28MM to 200MM shots with the lens that comes with it.
If you get the adapter it will allow you to take 17MM wide angle shots.
It's great for getting those interior shots of the whole family for the holidays.

From;
Edward Borg
if $600 is mid range, place me at the low end of the scale. lol. I'd love to have something fancy that does everything but walk my dog (actually, I don't have a dog, but, whatever). But, for right now, I will probably settle for this kodak or something close to it.

[Glenn Pope]

We just got the Cannon A95 digital camera. This thing is sweet. Small, tons of options, plus a screen that can be tilted in any angle.

You can check out the review here.
Canon PowerShot A95 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_A95/4505-6501_7-30994105.html?tag=pop)

[Wanderer]

We just got the Cannon A95 digital camera. This thing is sweet. Small, tons of options, plus a screen that can be tilted in any angle.

You can check out the review here.
Canon PowerShot A95 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_A95/4505-6501_7-30994105.html?tag=pop)
cool. This might be the one I saw last night... Kodak 4 MP EasyShare LS743 Digital Camera
walmart's description (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2624924#long_descr).

[Wanderer]

cool. This might be the one I saw last night... Kodak 4 MP EasyShare LS743 Digital Camera
walmart's description (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2624924#long_descr).
nope, here it is... Kodak easy share CX7430 (http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=9/19/32/1833&pq-locale=en_US)...
I was shooting pics about 2 minutes after opening the box.
So, $197 for the camera, and $35 for the 128mb card... not too shabby.

Incredible quality at the touch of a button. That's what you get with the KODAK EASYSHARE CX7430 Zoom Digital Camera.

Vibrant prints up to 20"x30" (50x75 cm) with 4.0 MP
3X optical zoom lens
Point-and-shoot simplicity
Multiple scene and color modes, and video capture
Sharing is one-touch simple




I love the video's it puts out, very nice.

Continuous video and audio capture

Up to 80 minutes depending upon size of external memory card
Put moments into motion with TV-quality (VGA) video featuring audio playback. Settings for VGA (640x480 pixels resolution) at 13 fps, plus QVGA (320x240 pixel resolution) at 20 fps - both with MPEG-4 compression
Video cables for easy hook-up right to your TV
QuickTime video format allows for universal sharing
Go from still photos to video clip at the touch of a button

[judekw]

Hi. I bought a Kodak 4530 easyshare 5.0 Megapixel camera about a year ago for around $300US. After researching on CNET I determined that this was the best value for the money. I have been very pleased with it's performance. The internal memory will hold about 20 pictures at "best" quality, and with a 128MB SD card I can get an additional 90 "best" quality pictures. The picture quality is outstanding.

The battery pack that was included is not rechargable, but it will take AA batteries. If you are going to use disposables, you have to make sure that they are for digital cameras. (NiMH, I believe.) I have found that regular alkaline batteries will not work. I bought a charger with four rechargeable NiMH batteries for around $20US. This camera does go through batteries rather quickly, but I have found that if you download pictures to your computer via a multi-card reader directly from the SD card rather than via USB cable, battery life is extended dramatically. Apparently downloading from the camera via USB cable is quite a drain on the batteries.

[Wanderer]

Hi. I bought a Kodak 4530 easyshare 5.0 Megapixel camera about a year ago for around $300US. After researching on CNET I determined that this was the best value for the money. I have been very pleased with it's performance. The internal memory will hold about 20 pictures at "best" quality, and with a 128MB SD card I can get an additional 90 "best" quality pictures. The picture quality is outstanding.
I am thrilled with the 4mp, way better than the stuff you get from your 35mm cd's, you know...

my ONLY problem with this is that the format of the movies is MOV files. I can't edit those with moviemaker. I am sort of bummed. (looking for a FREE program that will convert mov files to something I can use with movie maker... and that won't leave a watermark on my video like most demo/trial programs. I am told ifran view can do this, but, i have to install the rest of the plug ins for it and try and see if it really will.)

[judekw]

Glad you found something you're happy with. I did notice your post before I made my first one, so I was under the impression that you were still looking.

I've not used the video feature on mine, except once by mistake. I was able to view it, but I have not tried to edit it. I'll do a little googling and let you know if I find anything.

[richard.binning]

Kodak EasyShare 6490.

Get the camera only, then buy the printerdock. this way you get the lithium battery and the wall mounted recharger. Then get yourself the biggest memory stick you can afford. Or a couple of them. We got this kit and ordered the printerdock and a 512mb memory card.

Check this site out for some example pictures taken by my wife.

http://www.integr-8.com/JYSD47/

Click on the thumbnail, then click on the slide to see the raw picture size.

Note: you might have to turn off "automatic image resize" under Internet Options, advanced, multimedia in order to see the full size image.

RLB

[Mike.Perry]

Hi Richard

Off Topic here I'm afraid :(

Which one is your "Zinedine Zidane"?

:beer: Mike

[Wanderer]

Glad you found something you're happy with. I did notice your post before I made my first one, so I was under the impression that you were still looking.

I've not used the video feature on mine, except once by mistake. I was able to view it, but I have not tried to edit it. I'll do a little googling and let you know if I find anything.
oh, I did forget to mention that I got it for Christmas... ;)

I love the video feature. My son is rapidly expanding his vocabulary, and I email out him showing off to my relatives on the west coast. I'd like to chop off some parts, and string together videos from different days, etc, to put on a cd for them... and us, I guess. (gotta get the old vhs stuff on the pc to include... borrowed a video camera and was able to capture his first steps on tape, precious)

[Wanderer]

I am told ifran view can do this, but, i have to install the rest of the plug ins for it and try and see if it really will.)
okay, I installed the plugins for ifran view, and now I can open and play the mov files... but, the conversion tool doesn't allow me to save as anything my moviemaker will let me edit (Video files: .asf, .avi, .m1v, .mp2, .mp2v, .mpe, .mpeg, .mpg, .mpv2, .wm, and .wmv ) oh, well, guess that guy was talking out his... ear...

so, back to google I go...

[Wanderer]

oh, I did forget to mention that I got it for Christmas... ;)

I love the video feature. My son is rapidly expanding his vocabulary, and I email out him showing off to my relatives on the west coast. I'd like to chop off some parts, and string together videos from different days, etc, to put on a cd for them... and us, I guess. (gotta get the old vhs stuff on the pc to include... borrowed a video camera and was able to capture his first steps on tape, precious)
so, last night, I finally tried out the av cord with my tv. just hooked up the camera, and played the videos on it right on the tv. lol. I am too easily amused. this was very cool. also, when i wasn't playing, the tv acted as my viewfinder... whooooa... neat. I'm having too much fun with this thing...

[richard.binning]

He's number 5, with the blond hair.

RLB

[richard.binning]

Which one? did you get for christmas?

[Wanderer]

nope, here it is... Kodak easy share CX7430 (http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=9/19/32/1833&pq-locale=en_US)...
I was shooting pics about 2 minutes after opening the box.
So, $197 for the camera, and $35 for the 128mb card... not too shabby.
I've since acquired a new camera... this kodak served me well, but, I've given it to my mom to play with now.

I have a sony cyber-shot 5.1mp & 3x optical zoom.

nice big screen on the back, does pictures and videos. the only thing that's irritated me so far about this camera is that it doesn't reckognize when the camera is tilted, so you end up having to rotate your screen (or the photo itself on the pc) to look at things. Not a big deal, but, something that the Kodak did do automagically. ;)

I am loving the new Sony aside from that. The screen is nice and big with a clear picture. It's been easy to use, I haven't even touched the manual except to see what a couple of the icons meant. There are a lot of settings I'm sure I haven't explored yet, but, the pictures tend to turn out well. (some of them can take a while to focus when you've got it set on auto and subjects do tend to get impatient at times)

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

I've since acquired a new camera... this kodak served me well, but, I've given it to my mom to play with now.

I have a sony cyber-shot 5.1mp & 3x optical zoom.Sounds like a nice camera, you are very lucky...



nice big screen on the back, does pictures and videos. the only thing that's irritated me so far about this camera is that it doesn't reckognize when the camera is tilted, so you end up having to rotate your screen (or the photo itself on the pc) to look at things. Not a big deal, but, something that the Kodak did do automagically. ;)Maybe the information you require is in the User Manual ;-)



I am loving the new Sony aside from that. The screen is nice and big with a clear picture. It's been easy to use, I haven't even touched the manual except to see what a couple of the icons meant. There are a lot of settings I'm sure I haven't explored yet, but, the pictures tend to turn out well. (some of them can take a while to focus when you've got it set on auto and subjects do tend to get impatient at times)The User Manual can be very enlightening sometimes...

Have a good one, Mike

[Wanderer]

Hi
Sounds like a nice camera, you are very lucky...


Maybe the information you require is in the User Manual ;-)


The User Manual can be very enlightening sometimes...

Have a good one, Mike
shall I amend? We have a new digital camera, and yes, I am very lucky. :mrgreen:

:roll: reading instructions is soooo overrated... how else would I test the user-friendliness of the product?

how about you read the manual and tell me what section to find the answer in? ~bats eyes~

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

shall I amend? We have a new digital camera, and yes, I am very lucky. :mrgreen:Much better...



:roll: reading instructions is soooo overrated... how else would I test the user-friendliness of the product?Do not knock it, until you try it... by letting a simple person like myself test it.



how about you read the manual and tell me what section to find the answer in? ~bats eyes~I would happily, but a certain someone will not let me anywhere near it...

Have a good one, Mike

[Wanderer]

Hi
Much better...


Do not knock it, until you try it... by letting a simple person like myself test it.


I would happily, but a certain someone will not let me anywhere near it...

Have a good one, Mike;) YW.

hahaha... you're funny...

oh, you can have the manual anytime you want... I'll have to insist on testing the procedures myself though. :mrgreen:

[Glenn Pope]

I have a sony cyber-shot 5.1mp & 3x optical zoom.
I like your camera too except for the quadruple flash. It might get rid of the red eye in the pictures, but leaves everyone in the room with red eyes and spots :wink:

[Wanderer]

I like your camera too except for the quadruple flash. It might get rid of the red eye in the pictures, but leaves everyone in the room with red eyes and spots :wink:~throws bucket of boat trash at glenn~ yeah, yeah, no comments from the peanut gallery. My pictures turn out great and that's all that matters... you can always get a seeing eye augi dog. ;) (my midget and I *always* have red eye in cameras without the red-eye reducer, it's creepy)