I'm confused, are there any Digital Photographers out there?? (1 Viewer)

[McPaul]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...=&newdeptid=14

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...=&newdeptid=14

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...=&newdeptid=14

What is the difference between these 3 3 megapixel cameras? I like the lithium batteries and sleek metal frame of the $700 one, but for a $330 difference? I don't think so. Is there any features or quality that a beginner like myself will MISS having if I go for the cheapest one? And to top it off, the expensive one commes with half the memory of the cheapest one. I must be missing something.

I'm partial to Sony because my Clie uses Memory Stick as well (PEG-T615) and I'd like ot have similar media, and view pictures on my clie if necessary. If the experts out there DO NOT think this is a valid reason to get a Sony, could you please recommend a good one in that price range, that has a little more quality for the dollar as these three seem to have?

(all prices on future shop website in canuck bucks)

Thank you.

 

[Cees Alons]

Paul,

I'm not a Sony user myself, but here is the Sony site:
Sony Digital Cameras
and here is a very good Camera Review site that I use rather often myself. I pointed you to the Sony cameras and they extensively review the cameras and allow for quick comparisons as well. Also, you will find several good links to other sites there!

In short: differences are the presence of a zoom-objective
and the focal length. The DSC-P8 seems to be discontinued, BTW, if I understand the info correctly.

Good luck with your choice!

Cees

 

[Cam S]

Paul, I'll try my best to sway you away from Sony, as there are far better camera's available. The ONLY Sony I would consider buying would be the F717. I don't like how Sony uses their own brand of memory, as it is very limiting and more expensive than SD/XD/CF or any other type of memory. Don't let the fact that you'll be able to view pics on your Clie (sp?) as that screen isn't much larger than the LCD on the camera, and the quality will still be horrible.

I would highly recommend the Canon S45/50 or the S320 as well, as it is a very good camera, has lots of options and adjust ability and is very small. I have a Canon G3, and have also owned a Canon S30, and a G2, so I have a bit of experience with Canon. I'm not too sure you need something like the G2/G3 but I think the S45 would be perfect for you, or if you want a bit more resolution, go with the S50. These cameras have ALL the adjust ability of the high end G3, but have a much more compact size, and I like that alot.

In the end, you get what you pay for, and I would suggest going over to DPReview and read the reviews on the cameras you are thinking about. Also check out the forums as well.

 

[Andrew Pratt]

I have to agree with Cam here the Canon's are a much better camera. I just bought the A60 which is only a 2MP camera but I've very impressed with it and all that you can do with it. Unlike most digitals this one allows you to tweak it like you could with a traditional SLR which is cool. To give you some idea of how much you can do the manual that comes with it took me a few hours to read (its very thick!) I got mine from CameraCanada for a great price and wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.

 

[Max Leung]

The problem with Sony's cameras is that they force you to use their Memory Stick. Only the F717 will support their new but not-backwards-compatible high-capacity memory sticks (>128 MB). You should have seen the uproar this caused when the Sony announcement was made early this year. It was practically a riot.

 

[McPaul]

Thanks guys, Cees, thank you that was EXACTLY the site I was looking for, I had visited there last time I was looking into cameras, about a year ago and did not bookmark it. I'm going to spend much more time reading that site.

Apparently you all recommend the Cannons except for the $1500 sony. Is there anything else "wrong" with Sony cameras, and should I be looking to sell my clie because of this apparent memory issue?

I'll look into those cannons you mentioned, Cam and Andrew, thanks!

 

[Max Leung]

There really isn't anything "wrong" with Sony cameras. It's a matter of personal preference. Some don't like how the F717 is awkward to use with one hand, for example, but others don't care.

It's their damnable Memory Stick that annoys a lot of people. If Sony used plain old Compact Flash, SD, or some other industry standard portable memory technology, then the Sony's would be just like all the other digital cameras out there.

BTW, it's spelt Canon.

Some people like the Nikon cameras too. Anyways, everything you need to know can be found at dpreview.

 

[Jay Heyl]

The memory issue is definitely something to consider. The coolest part of digital photography is knowing there is no per picture cost. If you're like me, you'll quickly find that instead of taking one shot of something you'll take four, five, maybe even ten shots. You start experimenting with different lighting, different angles. If some of the shots don't come out -- who cares! It didn't cost you anything!

Of course, you can only do this if you have enough memory to hold all those shots. The 16MB and 32MB memory sticks included with those cameras are puny. My Canon came with a 32MB CF and the first thing I did was go buy a 128MB CF. Then I got a 256MB CF. Then I got a 384MB micro drive. (Okay, the micro drive was just because I got a really good deal on it.) I know this sounds like a lot, but I filled the 256MB CF and about half the 384MB micro drive during Christmas week this last year.

I'd suggest this. Imagine spending two weeks on a dream vacation to a very scenic place. Figure how many pictures you think you'll take. Multiply that by five. Whatever camera you go for, figure in the cost of the memory cards you'll need to hold all those vacation pictures.

Using prices from the same site you listed, the media I have for my camera would cost $660 to replace with memory sticks. Most people could probably get by with less, but I think you're still looking at $200-$300 to get a reasonable amount of memory sticks for a typical vacation. That's not necessarily bad. Just be sure to look at the total cost when making your purchase decision.

 

[Cees Alons]

Some people like the Nikon cameras too.

Yes, I didn't know you might change your brand of interest, but have owned some Coolpixes - and currently own the CP 4500. Recommended!

Cees

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Did you see there's now a 4 gig compact flash card

 

[McPaul]

What is the microdrive you mentioned? Is that just a really big CF card?

Cees: I really don't have one, just want to get the best model for me at the most effective cost. I suppose this might be likened to those people that are just getting into Home Theater and thinking that they should buy the same brand of everything that their TV is, for example! I have not looked into Nikons, only Sony, and thus far, Canons. What made you purchase your Nikons over the Canon models? And do they use the same CF memory?

Sorry, Canon.

Max, can you recommend a good place in town or on the net to buy these things? I'd appreciate it. The future shop website was just the only thing I could think of.

Andrew, 4 GB? wow, imagine the amount of pictures I could take with that!!

Does anyone own the Canon A70? How is that one I wonder, it says it offers features found on the more expensive ones.

I guess the main question I have, is what do I lose by buying a $500 camera that I would get in buying the $1000 cameras? Is there any features on an expensive one that a beginner to intermediate user would miss with the cheaper one?

I'm of course just getting into digital photography, but would like to eventually get into the art, which is photography, so I imagine my needs will expand over time.

Thanks.

 

[Cam S]

Paul, I would highly recommend going into Future Shop and getting them to price match the prices from Camera Canada, as this is what I did. I was able to get my Canon G3 for $1199 back in December when it was still $1299 and had just come out. Future Shop also had a deal back in September where if you bought any digital camera, you would get extra memory cards at 50% off. I asked if I could still have this deal and they had NO problems giving me TWO Lexar 12x 256mb cf cards at $80 bucks a PIECE!!!!! Yes, that is Canadian dollars too. Right now they have those same cards on sale for $106 bucks, which is awesome. Try getting that much memory for that cheap with Memory Stick, not gonna happen.

The more expensive camera's will usually give you upgradability, such as adding lens adapters, filters, lens', external flashes, and other stuff. To me, this was totally worth it, and that is why I went up to the G3, and I am in love with this camera, just feels so right in my hands.

You CANNOT go wrong with the lower end models from Canon, especially the S45/50, but decide if you want the extra features of the G2/G3 and go from there.

 

[Seth_L]

Did you see there's now a 4 gig compact flash card

Someone else was showing off a 6 gig card also. However, if your devices don't support FAT32 for CF cards you won't be able to use cards bigger than 2 gig.

Seth

 

[Cam S]

Those high capacity cards are insanely expensive, so they will be an option a few years from now.

One thing is that I would stay away from Microdrives, I know a few people that have had them die and it takes a few weeks to get them warranted, if they are still covered. Another thing is that they can't operate above 10,000 feet, which could be a problem for some people, like snowmobilers, hikers, etc etc.

 

[Jay Heyl]

I guess the main question I have, is what do I lose by buying a $500 camera that I would get in buying the $1000 cameras?

One of the biggest differences is likely to be the quality of the lens. A better lens is going to provide pictures of better clarity and truer color. If you're going to be printing 8x10s or larger, this can be an important factor. If you're just looking to take snapshots, a less expensive lens will probably do you fine.

 

[Andrew Pratt]

Does anyone own the Canon A70? How is that one I wonder, it says it offers features found on the more expensive ones.

The A70 is the same as my A60 only with higher resolution. I have absolutly no problem recomending the A70 based on my findings. As I said if you want to get into photography the manual settings on these Canon's is unbelievable

 

[McPaul]

Thanks Andrew, I'll probably end up going that way. One question, is the quality of lens going to be much different between that and the S45 (and is there also an S35?, I saw an S30 last year and thought it would make sense to have an S35)

 

[Cam S]

The S45 will provide you with hgher quality images, as the imaging software inside the camera is different, as well as the lens. The difference between the S45/50 and the G2/G3 is very minute, and only some people notice a difference. This is great considering how much cheaper the S series is!

 

[McPaul]

Cam, the cheapest price I've seen in a quick search is $745. The cheapest price for an A70 I've seen in a quick search is $475. Have you seen any better deals on the S45 which would put it closer to $500?

 

[Cam S]

Paul, check Future Shop for "opened box" deals on digital cameras, as my buddy got a S45 for $650, which is awesome!!