Not another Camera rec. thread - ;)

MarkHastings · 05-02-2004, 10:56 AM

HELP! I have lost complete touch in the camera technology world...What am I looking for? Well, I don't want an SLR yet I don't want something cheap. Mid range with room to grow would be best. Point and Shoot, since I don't understand the manual adjustments.

Pixels:
I'm looking in the 4-5 Megapixel range. More would be better, but I think I'd be happy (for what I'd be using it for) with 4.

Cost:
$500 is fine, but I'll go as high as $750 if the features seem worth it.

Size:
Size isn't a big deal...I want a decent sized camera, not a giant arm breaker, and not a pocket sized one that I'll lose.

Features:
I don't need all of the special effects and software bundles (although most higher end cameras come with that stuff standard). Image stabilization and zoom is probably my key goal. As I said above, I want the camera to be automatic (i.e. auto focus), but also have the ability to use it manually if I decide to do so down the road.

Quality:
That's the big one for everyone. I bought my SONY digi-cam corder mainly because of the Carl-Zeiss lens, but on some SONY reviews, they say the Carl Zeiss lens isn't that great?

I'm not sure if I covered the bases. Feel free to ask more questions.

My brother and parents both have Canons (the 'A' series). I like the looks of the A80 and I would have definitely bought the camera and not written this thread, but the view finder (as a lot of sites note) is quite small (i.e. 1.5").

Again, I'm not looking for something professional, yet I don't want to buy something low end and then (over time) wish I had something better. So I kind of want more than I need as a casual photogrpaher without getting into the SLR pro end.

Also, something that sets the camera apart from the others would be cool, but not necessary. This is mainly so the camera doesn't get confused with someone elses when I'm at a party.

p.s. I know a lot of people are going to reply with cameras they own (which is appreciated), but please explain why your camera is better than the others and not just because it's good. All of these cameras look good, so I'm trying to find the little reasons why one is better. Also, what brands should I avoid?

Thanks

Sam Posten · 05-02-2004, 05:56 PM

For that price range check out the Canon G5. For $1k you should check out www.dpreview.com recent round up.

Personally if I was spending $1k I'd want a DSLR like the Canon Digital Rebel than a fixed lens.

Actually, I AM spending that much, soon as I can actually get a Nikon D70 in store without having to order one over the net!

Check out photo.net dpreview and Luminous Landscapes for sure!

Sam

MarkHastings · 05-02-2004, 06:53 PM

I was looking at the G5, the only thing that worried me was what I saw on CNET:

Quote:

The bad: Noticeable chromatic aberration in some photos; small, partially obscured optical viewfinder; lens cap won't stay put.

Drew Bethel · 05-02-2004, 07:05 PM

The G5 is overrated. Do a search for reviews of the Olympus 5060...you will be pleasantly surprised.

SethH · 05-02-2004, 09:27 PM

I've never used the Olympus 5060, but I've not been impressed at all with the Olympus digital cameras I've come into contact with. They were awesome back when only a handful of companies made digitals, but they're recent cameras have left something to be desired IMO. If you just want a straight point-and-shoot no frills type camera I'd go with a Sony or Nikon. My fiancee has a Sony and I think the pictures are wonderful. Not to mention that her's cost about $400 2-years ago and does a little over 4MP's. If you decide on SLR, definitely look at the Digital Rebel. Also check out the other offerings from Canon and Nikon.

**HTF Ads**

Drew Bethel · 05-03-2004, 02:13 PM

I own the Oly 5050 (prior model to the 5060) and I have three 13X17 pics blown up in my front room. I have a hard time convincing people that I took those pics.

Truth be told, any decent 5 meg pixel should be fine...it's the person behind the camera....not the camera! My wife has pics taken on a $100 35mm point and shoot that are worthy of an exhibition.

Todd Hochard · 05-03-2004, 02:28 PM

I just picked up a Canon S410 for $325.

4.1 MP, and I'm very satisfied with the quality of pictures. It's tiny, too- goes right in the pocket. Rich color, and the optics seem pretty good.

You can read all sorts of reviews over at www.imaging-resource.com.

Todd

Scott Dautel · 05-03-2004, 02:35 PM

Mark:

I've recently been looking to upgrade my camera with similar requirements that you note.

I would ask you to re-consider why you need 4 MP? Do you plan to make lots of prints that are bigger than 8x10? Or, do you plan to make extensive use of the digital zoom feature?

When I looked into it, I decided a 10x optical zoom was more important than 4 MP. You actually have greater flexibility with 10x optical zoom. This past weekend I was at the National Zoo tacking pics and the one thing that was a real problem was my 3x optical zoom limitation. These 10x units are just amazing. Sure, I originally thought I needed 4-5 MP ... after all, it makes you more future-proof, right? Yea, but it also chews up memory space faster and I can print beautiful 8x10's right now with an older Kodak 3 MP unit (dont crop too much). Regardless, I really dont have much need larget than 8x10's, so I really have to ask myself why do I need the pixels?

After lots of looking, I've decided on the Canon S1 IS. This thing gets great reviews and functions great in fully automatic mode (i.e.: point & shoot) ... or if you want it, it has many manual controls as well. Also, the automatic image stabilization is a great feature for lower light shooting and high zoom ... much more useful to me than the extra pixels.

street price is ~$450 and it used CompactFlash format (cheaper!)

Just another humble opinion for you to consider .....

Scott

Greg_R · 05-03-2004, 06:28 PM

Scott makes a good point. I have a 3.3MP camera and it is more than adequate for casual photography. Also, the whole megapixel rating system is somewhat bogus (very similar to amplifier ratings... the manufacturer chooses how to measure and present the data).

Quote:

Well, I don't want an SLR yet I don't want something cheap. Mid range with room to grow would be best. Point and Shoot, since I don't understand the manual adjustments.

If all you are ever going to do is take point and shoot pictures, then why do you need room to grow?