Author Topic: Camera recommendation (Read 858 times)

AKcurly · « **Reply #30 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:33:40 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SaburoS
AKcurly,
I can't stress the image stabilization strong enough.
Two points:
1) When shooting a magnified image, any camera shake during the shot becomes more apparent without IS, causing an unwanted blurred shot.
2) When shooting at lower light levels with an image 'noisy' camera (the small sensor of the 'point and shoot' type of camera really has a relatively low signal to noise ratio at ISO 200 and above), you'll find relatively long shutter speeds in order to capture a decent image. IS gives you that edge to capture moderate to low light shots when handholding.
IS won't give you miracles, but will give you noticeably better shots in a lot of cases.
If you don't get a camera with IS, better invest in a decent tripod.

Thanks for the advice, Saburos. I am waiting to see a street price and review of a Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 since its features are superior to both the Panasonic DMC-FZ10 and Kodak 6490.

The Panasonic and Kodak both appear quite similar to me so far as features and reviews. I haven't read anything negative about either of them.

Thanks again,

curly

Nashwan · « **Reply #31 on:** July 15, 2004, 06:03:26 AM »

Have you looked at the forums at http://www.steves-digicams.com

Pretty good (and busy) forums, with sections for most popular camera makes. There's a fair sized thread on the Z3 already.

The only disadvantage to the Z3 seems to be the aperture, f2.8-4.5, compared to the FZ10 F2.8.

The Minolta certainly looks to have better movie functions though.

If you're waiting for the Z3, Panasonic are announcing the Fz15 and Fz20 any day now, so they'll be worth a look too.

Replicant · « **Reply #32 on:** July 15, 2004, 06:28:47 AM »

I have the Minolta Dimage Z1 and have been very satisfied with it. It has all the usual features of a SLR and has 10x Optical zoom. The new Z3 has 12x optical zoom.

Not sure if it's on the Z3 but a really neat feature is that the LCD screen can be projected so it's like a TTL using the view finder.

AKcurly · « **Reply #33 on:** July 15, 2004, 07:02:43 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Replicant
I have the Minolta Dimage Z1 and have been very satisfied with it. It has all the usual features of a SLR and has 10x Optical zoom. The new Z3 has 12x optical zoom.

Not sure if it's on the Z3 but a really neat feature is that the LCD screen can be projected so it's like a TTL using the view finder.

I don't see much difference between the Z2 and the Z3 other than 10x versus 12x zoom. Anyone know anything negative about the Dimage z2?

curly

edit: Nevermind, I don't see the image stabilzation on the Z2.

Replicant · « **Reply #34 on:** July 15, 2004, 07:33:56 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by AKcurly
I don't see much difference between the Z2 and the Z3 other than 10x versus 12x zoom. Anyone know anything negative about the Dimage z2?

curly

edit: Nevermind, I don't see the image stabilzation on the Z2.

The image stabilization might just make the Z3 into a great camera. My only fault with the Z1 is that under low light levels you always get the camera shake warning which is very frustrating (even under moderate conditions).

BTW You can change lenses on them as well although I think the only one available at the moment is the wide 35mm I think.

Torque · « **Reply #35 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:46:14 AM »

Just make a short list and then take a CF card with you to a local Camera Shop, try out all the cameras you want in different lighting situtations or what you'll be using the camera for most.

Bring it home and dump it, you'll have your answer.

SaburoS · « **Reply #36 on:** July 16, 2004, 03:35:12 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Replicant
BTW You can change lenses on them as well although I think the only one available at the moment is the wide 35mm I think.

Actually on 'point and shoot' type cameras, the lens is fixed and not removable. The converter lens actually gets attached to the existing lens. Trouble with converters though is that they tend to downgrade image quality somewhat.

Panasonic has as an option of both a teleconverter (for more zoom) and a wide angle converter for its FZ10 as well. They each cost almost as much as the camera though. With the added cost of converters and camera, one might be better off going to a lower priced DSLR camera.

BUG_EAF322 · « **Reply #37 on:** July 16, 2004, 05:19:37 AM »

the coolpix 5700 is an awesome camera

it's 8X zoom

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix5700-review/

i think this i'm gonna buy as my next camera

the 5400 is also an option but it's only 4X zoom

but u can put an telelens on it

both can do up to 3 frames a second wich is faster than a canon

Torque · « **Reply #38 on:** July 16, 2004, 10:19:57 PM »

Nevar had a good pic using 8x zoom on the 5700, makes me wonder just how good these 10-12x zooms are on the other PS cameras.

But for Macros the Nikon PS cameras can't be beat, but they're noise machines in low light and no prelamp that blows.

Coolpix 5000

I'd say get the Canon A80 for all round use and buy a 2G card.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #39 on:** July 16, 2004, 10:56:38 PM »

http://www.dpreview.com is THE PREMIER site to look at Iron.

Personally, I;m a little partial to Canon S60's. $449.

Check out the website though.

Karaya

BU9E22 · « **Reply #40 on:** July 17, 2004, 09:50:58 AM »

My simple SQ and low light

BU9E22 · « **Reply #41 on:** July 17, 2004, 10:28:15 AM »

more light is always better

-ammo- · « **Reply #42 on:** July 17, 2004, 01:02:23 PM »

Taken with my Kodak DX6490 in Macro. Sorry bout the size. I need to tone down the settings on the camera, but don't know how yet.

Wanker · « **Reply #43 on:** July 19, 2004, 03:19:14 PM »

Thanks for the recommendations, guys. I bought my wife a Canon A80 today for a graduation present for getting her Master's Degree.

AKcurly · « **Reply #44 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:29:03 AM »

Man, I've looked at cameras until my eyes started suffering from barrel distortion!

Given my requirements and others suggested by you, the Canon PowerShot S1 IS appears to be my best candidate. It has superb movie capabilty (none better); it has good to excellent imaging ability; it has a 10x zoom lens; and it stabilizes the image. And last but not least, it's the least expensive of the 10x zoom, movies (640x480,30 fps) and stabilized image cameras.

I would genuinely appreciate anyone setting me straight if I am incorrect.

curly