MarkHastings
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2003
- Messages
- 12,013
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
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