Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Furball on February 28, 2004, 01:11:23 PM

Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on February 28, 2004, 01:11:23 PM
Anyone recommend a good digital camera? looking to spend about £150 - £200 max (max is about $380 ish i think)

i like the look of the slim minolta dimage XT

thanks!
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: APDrone on February 28, 2004, 04:01:56 PM
Here are some hints..

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=108418
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: GtoRA2 on February 28, 2004, 04:21:15 PM
I got a Kodak
 4530

for $299.00 and it is a 5.0 megapixel cam.

Takes fantastic pictures.

I was able to return a 2.0 cam I got as a gift, so for me I got to minus 129.00 of the price.


May not be the best cam, but it is the best price I saw for a 5.0
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: eilif on February 29, 2004, 12:42:18 AM
The nikon coolpix 2500 is great especialy for the fact that it has a digital display and a rotating lense that allows you to take pics when riding motercycles and such.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: beet1e on February 29, 2004, 11:56:42 AM
Furb - didn't you see Nexx's that time we all met up? (I don't think you want me to name the place where we met!) His was a cute thing, USB interface, and if I decide to upgrade mine, I'd find out more about that one.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on February 29, 2004, 12:09:41 PM
Furby, the Minolta Dimage Z1 is what I have and a little more than you want to spend, but it's around £224, but then you do get 10x optical zoom with it!  That includes a 16mb memory card, but there are more options available at obvious greater expence.

What I like about this is that it has all the usual features found on a SLR - Auto mode, shutter priority, aperture priority, mpeg, flash, LCD display plus ability to view TTL, etc., but the main reason I bought this was its price and optical zoom ability.
http://194.206.235.236/uk/uk/33597/art/minolta/dimage_z1.html
(http://www.internetcamerasdirect.co.uk/images/minolta-dcdz1-digital-camera.jpg)
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: beet1e on February 29, 2004, 12:36:22 PM
Yeah, that's the one. ^
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: stiehl on February 29, 2004, 01:22:34 PM
Has anyone heard of Concord? Why are their cameras so cheap?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1067389448955&type=product
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Otto on February 29, 2004, 01:41:47 PM
Canon A60/A70/A80.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: BB Gun on February 29, 2004, 01:48:37 PM
For somewhat pocket sized cameras, the Canon A-series can't be beat feature for feature (lots of control over individual settings on top of the standard automatic settings) and image quality.

But if you DO get one, get a card reader to go with it.  Canon software sucks, and the cameras use a TWAIN interface to talk to the computer.  Blech.  Just rip the CF card out of the canon and drop it in a card reader, and drag and drop just like any other drive.


BB
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on February 29, 2004, 02:10:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BB Gun
For somewhat pocket sized cameras, the Canon A-series can't be beat feature for feature (lots of control over individual settings on top of the standard automatic settings) and image quality.

But if you DO get one, get a card reader to go with it.  Canon software sucks, and the cameras use a TWAIN interface to talk to the computer.  Blech.  Just rip the CF card out of the canon and drop it in a card reader, and drag and drop just like any other drive.


BB


I used to have a Canon A-20 and I found the software very user friendly and had no problems with it whatsoever.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on February 29, 2004, 03:51:40 PM
(http://212.234.91.120/dev/large/NUMMIN29639.jpg)



http://www.pixmania.com/uk/uk/minolta/dimage_xt_silver/29639/fiche.html

This is whats tempting me atm.. SUCH a cheap price for that camera, and i know its very good..  What ya think?

Also the batteries are good, hate the fact the canon's take 4 AA batteries
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on February 29, 2004, 03:58:46 PM
Really depends on what you want it for.  I had a Canon A20 and although it had a 3x optical zoom I found that it was limited to what I wanted it for, hence why I got the Dimage Z1.

If you want it for casual snapshots, pubs etc., then it looks ideal.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: BB Gun on February 29, 2004, 04:20:35 PM
I guess to each his own, replicant.

When it can be as simple as making the camera a USB drive on the system (like Olympus does it), I find the Canon solution (TWAIN driver, two pieces of software, plus other junk) unnecessarily cumbersome.

Oh, and AA batteries are the shiznit.  No proprietary batteries to buy, EVER - as iPOD owners can attest to, rechargeable batteries eventually wear out.  If they're AA's, you just get a new set at your local Kmart/Walmart/etc.  (NiMH rechargeables, of course - I can fill my 256 MB CF card a couple times on one charge)  And if I ever get caught without my spare set and my batteries die, I can slap some plain old alkalines in there as a temporary solution.

They do add to the bulk a bit, but the A-40 still fits in my jacket or jeans pocket.

BB
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: stiehl on February 29, 2004, 04:27:26 PM
Well I just did a bit of shopping.

Canon Powershot A300 Digital Camera    $143.00
BATTERY CHARGER & 4 AA NiMH BATTERIES KIT   $29.00
Subtotal: $172.00
Shipping (Saver): $19.95
Tax (0%): $0.00
 
Total: $191.95
 
from buydig.com
 
USB CREADER|7/1USB2 UGT-CR712 VT RT   $12.99
COMPACT FLASH 128M|CF/128 -K RTL         $35.00

Subtotal $47.99
    Tax     $.00
S@H       $4.00
Total      $51.99

from newegg.com

Of course now that I bought a camera, I'll see better deals everywhere. Same thing happened when I got my pc
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Tarmac on February 29, 2004, 04:28:39 PM
The Canon's 4x AA batteries last forever.  If I'm going on a long weekend trip, I don't even bother bringing the charger anymore. I can easily fill a few memory cards without charging it up.  

Plus, the batteries give the camera a nice hand-sized handle to hold on to.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on February 29, 2004, 05:42:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tarmac
The Canon's 4x AA batteries last forever.  If I'm going on a long weekend trip, I don't even bother bringing the charger anymore. I can easily fill a few memory cards without charging it up.  

Plus, the batteries give the camera a nice hand-sized handle to hold on to.


Which Canon is that Tarmac?  The A20 I owned did uses batteries like anything - I used to have the Ni-MH AAs.  I always carried spare alkaline ones just in case they ran out, which did used to happen.  I can only assume that when newer cameras come out they are more energy efficient, something I've noticed with my Minolta Z1 - the batteries have lasted about 4 times longer than my Canon did.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on February 29, 2004, 05:43:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BB Gun
I guess to each his own, replicant.

When it can be as simple as making the camera a USB drive on the system (like Olympus does it), I find the Canon solution (TWAIN driver, two pieces of software, plus other junk) unnecessarily cumbersome.

Oh, and AA batteries are the shiznit.  No proprietary batteries to buy, EVER - as iPOD owners can attest to, rechargeable batteries eventually wear out.  If they're AA's, you just get a new set at your local Kmart/Walmart/etc.  (NiMH rechargeables, of course - I can fill my 256 MB CF card a couple times on one charge)  And if I ever get caught without my spare set and my batteries die, I can slap some plain old alkalines in there as a temporary solution.

They do add to the bulk a bit, but the A-40 still fits in my jacket or jeans pocket.

BB


I had my Canon setup so that as soon as I plugged the USB connector in, it automatically launched the software and opened up the image directory.  All I had to do is drag from the camera to my directory, which I found very easy.  Perhaps this is different software to the later Canon's?
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: BB Gun on February 29, 2004, 06:10:03 PM
I dunno.  All I know is it was frustrating to use because it never worked quite right, (I ended up using paintshop pro to import pictures through the TWAIN driver, and wrestled with the Canon system to download the few movie clips I took - when the software bothered to actually recognize the camera, which it quite often didn't without a reboot) and didn't put things where I wanted them unless I clicked through a couple of dialog boxes EVERY time.  And the system prevented me from sharing pictures on other people's systems from the camera unless I installed the software/TWAIN driver (or they had a card reader too).

When I saw my friend's olympus D-530 just plug in and be recognized as a removeable drive to be dragged and dropped through windows explorer/my computer, I was ticked that Canon hadn't done something as elegant and simple.  Why use TWAIN and additional software that duplicates some standard operating system functions of windows?  *shrug*

I mean, if people WANT to use it, fine.  But why make it *required* and poorly implemented/unstable?

BB
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Tarmac on February 29, 2004, 10:17:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BB Gun
When I saw my friend's olympus D-530 just plug in and be recognized as a removeable drive to be dragged and dropped through windows explorer/my computer, I was ticked that Canon hadn't done something as elegant and simple.  Why use TWAIN and additional software that duplicates some standard operating system functions of windows?  *shrug*

I mean, if people WANT to use it, fine.  But why make it *required* and poorly implemented/unstable?

BB


That's how my Canon A60 works.  While I have mine set up to automatically open the software when it detects the camera, I can close the software (or could change Windows to not do anything) and use "My Computer" to drag and drop the photos onto my desktop, just like a removeable drive.  

BTW, what's TWAIN?  


Quote
Originally posted by Replicant
Which Canon is that Tarmac?  The A20 I owned did uses batteries like anything - I used to have the Ni-MH AAs.  I always carried spare alkaline ones just in case they ran out, which did used to happen.  I can only assume that when newer cameras come out they are more energy efficient, something I've noticed with my Minolta Z1 - the batteries have lasted about 4 times longer than my Canon did.


A60.  Batteries last forever.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: BB Gun on February 29, 2004, 11:02:15 PM
Tarmac,

TWAIN is typically the interface used by scanners to talk to the PC.  Why Canon chose it for their earlier cameras, I'll never know.  I'm in the market for another camera - 2.0 MP just doesn't quite cut it anymore, at least, not with only 3X optical zoom - so its good to know they ditched TWAIN for a basic USB interface.

BB
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: APDrone on February 29, 2004, 11:42:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BB Gun
so its good to know they ditched TWAIN for a basic USB interface.

BB


I was wondering what you were referring to, as the zoombrowser bundled with my A70 is very simple to use.  At least on my WinXP system.

As far as batteries, the A70 does seem to eat them. I think I get 140 high res pics for a set.

No regrets, tho.. this little monster is awesome.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Replicant on March 01, 2004, 01:31:00 AM
Yeah that's it, Zoombrowser, it works just how BB Gun describes the Olympus working... so BBGun, perhaps you had different software?
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on March 03, 2004, 06:57:48 PM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DY8Q/ref=cm_mp_wli_/026-1879707-6406820?coliid=I3EDGQXOJXSKR8

WOW... gotta get me one of these.

anyone seen/used/know them?

thanks!
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on March 28, 2004, 03:01:17 PM
I brought the Casio Exilim in the end, its brilliant.

Cant recommend it enough for anyone looking for a digital camera - especially since there is also a 4m megapixel version out for those that need it.

Fantmatastic!


(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/71_1080498710_number1.jpg)


(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/71_1079548795_black6ki100.jpg)
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: XtrmeJ on March 28, 2004, 03:06:56 PM
would that be our good furball standing there next to the nose of the 109? Nice Pic btw ;)
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on March 28, 2004, 03:10:13 PM
LOL no.

Just noticed the position of his hands, think he's excited to be so close to a 109?
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: XtrmeJ on March 28, 2004, 03:12:29 PM
Quote
Just noticed the position of his hands, think he's excited to be so close to a 109?


LOL my thoughts exactly. Was gonna post that next if it was infact you :) Prob doesnt get out much, getting frisky over 109's ect;)
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on March 28, 2004, 03:14:05 PM
It must be Wilbuz or Grun, and u really think im that old?!
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: XtrmeJ on March 28, 2004, 03:18:04 PM
rofl. What can I say, i've only seen your little grey text. Your "pervertedness" could insinuate that you are young, or a 450 fat guy getting his jollies being perverted remensing on a "better time". Also the fact i've never heard you on vox :) Any my money says its wilbuz, he's a lil high strong and I can see him in this situation doing the same:D  
(
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Furball on March 28, 2004, 03:21:29 PM
I dont use vox because im already ashamed enough im addicted to an internet game, sitting there talking to my computer like a tard would just make it hell of a lot worse.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: XtrmeJ on March 28, 2004, 03:24:47 PM
Alot of people say the same thing. Ashamed? Nah just because you enjoy a flight sim is no reason. I got into this game cuz i liked WWII aircraft. I see your poin, but usin vox is ok.. (if your in a room alone and no one is there watching you) :D
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Ripper29 on March 28, 2004, 04:09:41 PM
I bought a Pentaz Optio S4 a couple weeks ago.  Takes great pictures and is small enough you can carry it in you pocket.  4 megapixels, I also bought  a 256 mb flash card for it...  cost in pounds would be around 300-320 not including the upgraded memory card

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/optios4.html

Edit-I stand corrected on the price..I just checked Amazon and found this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000D8Q9H/qid%3D1080511913/026-7622404-0180417
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: GRUNHERZ on March 28, 2004, 04:15:53 PM
Old? I'm 23...  :D

But I did recently get a chance to see a 109 up close for the first time. As they were with me at the museum, I'll let SOB and MiniD describe my reaction...  :cool:
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Gunslinger on March 28, 2004, 10:38:51 PM
I have the Cannon A60 that I got in a package deal on Ebay.  I LOVE IT.  Probably for the price range your looking at you can afforde the A70.  The camera is easy to use and has a bunch of nice features.  I'm planning on getting the wide angle lenz adapter for it soon.  Here's an example of a cool feature...it has a stitch mode that lets you take a panoramic of up to 360 degrees...than puts all the pics together via software

(http://4wing.obviousonline.com/forums/uploads/post-2-1076650843.jpg)

IMO its a great camera and I'd give anyone looking for one a good recomendation


PS about the batteries I have yet to run down my rechargables...and I've used it quite a bit
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Mini D on March 28, 2004, 11:16:45 PM
No need to post pics guys.  The test isn't how good a 1024x768 photo looks... my sony 1.2 mpixel camera can do that quality on a 1024.  It's what kind of detail it can grab when making bigger pics that matters.

MiniD
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Torque on March 28, 2004, 11:35:02 PM
Canon is far better than Nikon and you'd need 5 mega pixels for a half decent 8 x 10.
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: Gixer on March 28, 2004, 11:53:10 PM
FujiPix S5000 or S7000 10x optical zoom  SLR type body with manual overides, gf bought one and it's fantastic. Only cost about $600 NZD.



...-Gixer
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: GRUNHERZ on March 28, 2004, 11:57:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Torque
Canon is far better than Nikon and you'd need 5 mega pixels for a half decent 8 x 10.


Shaadaaap... Go Nikon!
Title: Great review site
Post by: Silat on March 29, 2004, 12:14:07 AM
http://www.dpreview.com/
Title: Digital Camera's
Post by: GRUNHERZ on March 29, 2004, 01:26:40 AM
dpreview is awesome. :)
Title: Re: Digital Camera's
Post by: Flossy on March 29, 2004, 01:36:58 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Furball
i like the look of the slim minolta dimage XT
I have the Minolta DIMAGE XL which is excellent.  I used it for all my  Convention photos (http://www.flossy.co.uk/uscon2003/USCon2003.htm).  :)