Digital camera recommendation needed
I have a Kodak Easyshare 4330 and I hate it. It devours batteries and it is big and ugly. Also, the video quality is garbage (I don't expect much, it's worse than my cell phone).
What I want is a compact camera, I don't much care past 3MP, that is attractive and good on power.
So I need recommendations. Also, should I care past 3MP?
What I want is a compact camera, I don't much care past 3MP, that is attractive and good on power.
So I need recommendations. Also, should I care past 3MP?
Comments
Originally posted by groverat
Also, should I care past 3MP?
That depends on how large you intend to print. Printing at 8x10 from 3MP is pushing it - you can do it, but the results might not be that great. But it should be OK for 4x6 or 5x7. So the more the merrier
I'm a Canon fan, so I'll recommend something from the Powershot range. I've just got the SD500 / Ixus 700, but that's 7MP, so probably total overkill. However, there are several models below that that should meet your requirements. Also, bear in mind that ultra compacts don't have as much manual control as some of the larger models like the S60/S70.
I am not familiar with other manufacturers, so I'll leave that to someone else to comment on.
Hope that helps
I just bought a Canon A520 (4MP, 4x zoom, excellent battery life with 2 standard NiMH AAs, uses SD, etc) for $350 Canadian (figure about $250 US or less). I've only taken a couple hundred pics with it but it's been good so far.
Canon is probably number 2, although contrary to the last poster I found the A520 to be one of Canon's worst cameras in a long time. In low light it struggles too much with noise and it has some issues with reds. Whether they were early problems and have since been fixed I'm not sure but certainly the model I saw was subpar.
Both of those two manufacturers have their pros and cons.
The last two I'd consider are probably Olympus, who I dislike for XD cards, or Nikon. Sony just doesn't offer anything for all the extra money you'll pay and the quality isn't as good as the other brands I've mentioned in my eyes.
Originally posted by mikef
I have yet to see a single P&S camera that has good low light performance... Cheap consumer P&S cameras cannot defy physics.
True but certain models are quite a lot worse than their predecessors or the norm.
As an aside I've seen a Pentax DSLR do a very poor job in low light. I suspect the photographer was partially to blame there though.
Nick
Originally posted by trumptman
We've got a Nikon that has been very good for us. We use rechargable AA batteries with it.
I have a Nikon SLR 35mm that I really love, so I'm glad to hear that people like their digital stuff as well.
It's just that 35mm just isn't worth it anymore.
Keep the suggestions coming, people. This is all very helpful.
I like the Canon better overall for its size and ease of use.
[edit]
What the hell happened to your post and my first response to it?
Originally posted by groverat
Some shots from yours would be great. Also, how does it handle AAs? As I said, my battery life is terrible.
[edit]
What the hell happened to your post and my first response to it?
I have no ideal what happened to my post. System hiccup I guess. It does very well with the rechargable batteries. I would say that we get off probably 50-60 shots minimum per set of two batteries and it isn't hard to carry an alternate set.
PM where you would like some sample shots sent. I'll send them full size so you can scrutinize them in whatever manner you desire.
Nick
7.2MP, amazing battery life (rechargeable AA's), compact and solid.
My problem with AA batteries is that it's a recurring cost. Even though it's nice to know you can get a backup set easy it's something you're always having to pay for.
I'm not a hiker, so I figure if I carry the charger with me on trips I'll be good to go.
Cake:
That looks like a really great camera, but do you think there's a functional difference between the 5MP and the 7MP models?
I'm thinking printing 8x10 and maybe a 1600x1200 desktop are as large as I'd go with it.
Originally posted by groverat
That looks like a really great camera, but do you think there's a functional difference between the 5MP and the 7MP models?
I'm thinking printing 8x10 and maybe a 1600x1200 desktop are as large as I'd go with it.
Never looked into the W5, but they must be the same since the manual lists both cameras:
Originally posted by groverat
[email protected] if you please.
My problem with AA batteries is that it's a recurring cost. Even though it's nice to know you can get a backup set easy it's something you're always having to pay for.
I don't think there's a current model camera that doesn't take rechargeable batteries. The benefit of a cam that uses AAs is that you can use alkalines in a pinch and the prices of rechargeable batteries is next to nil. Compare that to a proprietary Sony battery pack, for example. I paid $70 for mine for my older Sony.
Originally posted by groverat
[email protected] if you please.
My problem with AA batteries is that it's a recurring cost. Even though it's nice to know you can get a backup set easy it's something you're always having to pay for.
I'm not a hiker, so I figure if I carry the charger with me on trips I'll be good to go.
Oh no, we don't buy batteries for it. We use rechargable AA batteries. We put the first set in the camera and carry the second set with us. The whole 4 battery+charger combo was something I got for like $10.00 so it wasn't even some high end combo. I just mean that if you are out in BFE and have run out of juice, it is nice to be able to hit the store, grab some batteries and still get your shots in the event you hvae run out of even the rechargable juice.
Nick
Originally posted by Mac Write
Nikon is set to announce the D50 this week $599. It's an SLR aka interchangeable lenses. I love my D70 and am never looking back to Point and Shoot.
Is there any information available on the D50?
The only not-so-good side to it is that you are limited to 3 minute movies even if you have a 1 GB card.
Originally posted by Gene Clean
The only not-so-good side to it is that you are limited to 3 minute movies even if you have a 1 GB card.
I do not understand why they do this. If I have space, fill it. Gah.