Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: SOB on January 03, 2005, 02:21:08 PM
-
Greetings fellow computer geeks, I'm looking for digital camera suggestions!
Requirements:
- Compact size
- 2" LCD or bigger
- 3x Optical zoom or zoomier
- 3.2 Mexapixel or megapixelier
- Manual white balance & shutter speed
- Ability to take detailed shots of matted gerbil fur
Wouldn't mind having:
- A bunch of manual controls that I'll never use
- Video recording w/Audio
- Ability to attach filters
- Metal body
- Ability to use AA or AAA batteries
- A template feature that draws Groucho mustaches and fake boobs on the subject of your photos
I currently have the Nikon CoolPix 995 and I'm getting rid of it simply because it's too big. It's got a bunch of manual controls and takes nice pictures and stuff, but it's just a pain in the bellybutton to lug around with you at a party/family gathering. Plus, I don't care enough to use most of the manual controls.
My current choice for a replacement is the Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH. It's pretty cheap at $240, has the only two manual controls I've ever used on my Nikon (white balance & shutter speed), and most importantly: it's small. I thought about the SD300 (4 MP version) also, but it's $100 more, and I rarely ever do anything bigger than a 4X6...just the occasional 8x10.
Any other suggestions before I plunk down the cash for the Canon...or any thoughts on the Canon? Thanks!
-
I got a hp m305 that seems to match everything in your requirements. but none of your would like to have options.
Does seem to take good pics but have not tried all the opentiosn yet.
it has video, no clue if it comes with audio. it uses AA bateries.
it wont let you attach any filters that i know of. anduses a plastic body.
-
Originally posted by SOB
Greetings fellow computer geeks, I'm looking for digital camera suggestions!
Requirements:
- Compact size
- 2" LCD or bigger
- 3x Optical zoom or zoomier
- 3.2 Mexapixel or megapixelier
- Manual white balance & shutter speed
- Ability to take detailed shots of matted gerbil fur
Wouldn't mind having:
- A bunch of manual controls that I'll never use
- Video recording w/Audio
- Ability to attach filters
- Metal body
- Ability to use AA or AAA batteries
- A template feature that draws Groucho mustaches and fake boobs on the subject of your photos
I currently have the Nikon CoolPix 995 and I'm getting rid of it simply because it's too big. It's got a bunch of manual controls and takes nice pictures and stuff, but it's just a pain in the bellybutton to lug around with you at a party/family gathering. Plus, I don't care enough to use most of the manual controls.
My current choice for a replacement is the Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH. It's pretty cheap at $240, has the only two manual controls I've ever used on my Nikon (white balance & shutter speed), and most importantly: it's small. I thought about the SD300 (4 MP version) also, but it's $100 more, and I rarely ever do anything bigger than a 4X6...just the occasional 8x10.
Any other suggestions before I plunk down the cash for the Canon...or any thoughts on the Canon? Thanks! [/B]
I can't believe your going to get rid of the Nikon....I have that camera and also one of the smaller ones your looking to buy....Nikon outperforms all the smaller cams.
Suit yourself:)
-
Yeah, I don't doubt it does Rude, but all I really use my camera for is snapshots. So as long as the picture quality is decent, size is really the only determining factor. The greatest camera in the world isn't gonna do me any good if I don't use it...like my Nikon that sat in its case for New Years while I took pictures with the crappy 1MP camera on my mobile phone. :)
Thanks Trell, I'll check that one out.
-
SOB, we share camera tastes: 995 and SD200. Love 'em both. Keep the 995 -- it's the best slide copier you'll ever find. Buy the SD200 -- best pocket digital ever.
-
(http://www.imaging-resource.com/NPICS1/POWERSHOT_S500_1_L.JPG)
SOB,
I was looking for many of the same requirements. I did a heck of a lot of research because what I was going to spend on a camera was comparable to what I typically spend on a car (I’m poor). I ended up with the Canon s400. Right now you can get the s500 (5 megapixle version) for $400. You will probably want an extra battery ($50), and a 512 or 1gig card (on sale for $35 - $75) and maybe a reader ($10). The Canon Elph starts up quickly, has reasonable shutter lag, great zoom, takes very clear pictures, good batter life, good color/balance, takes sound movies, handles low light pretty well, etc. A lot of review ranked all of its features very high. Most importantly, you can put it in your pocket comfortably; you won’t really know its there because it’s so small. Because it is small, you won’t hesitate to take it everywhere, which means that you’ll be able to take more pictures. I have a degree in photography, and after owning one for a year have not explored all that it can do. The s400 is still available for about $350 and a 3.2 meg version is even cheaper yet. Since I bought mine, I’ve talked 2 family members into getting one as well as my priest. They all love them and take them everywhere.
eskimo
-
Just got a Canon A95. Love it.
-
Typical s400 snapshot:
(http://[img]http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/284_1104789612_homer.jpg)[/IMG]
eskimo
-
Nothing will macro like your Noisekon 995.
That said the A-Series ( A75, A85 etc...) from Canon are the best cameras on the market fer their price and size and have a wide variety of auto and manual functions. They take incredible good videos even in low light.
The S500 is a sweet 2nd generation Canon camera, with more advanced internal mechanics and firmware over the A-series, but for a man with big hands it's so ultra small and lacks a ergonomic design, it can literally slip between your fingers and can be an awkward camera to navigate and function.
-
I have an S400 too, amazing compact camera. The 400 is 4 megapixel, and you can find them for at least $100 cheaper then the excellent S500 if you don't need the extra rez.
I second the digital elph. Perfect for your listed reqs.
-
Sony DSC - P71 run u about $180.00
-
Originally posted by VWE
Sony DSC - P71 run u about $180.00
That thing is huge, 50% wider and 75% thicker than the Canon. The memory is way overpriced, you will pay 1.5 to 2x than a CompactFlash of the same size. Sonys are typically way overpriced if you compare features to other brands.
eskimo
-
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=30-119-028&depa=7
Just got this camera ... it's nice... has about 10 min's of mpeg recording too...
-
Originally posted by Manedew
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=30-119-028&depa=7
Just got this camera ... it's nice... has about 10 min's of mpeg recording too...
That looks like a very decent camera and a very good price. It's almost exactly the same size as the Canon. How's the picture quality and button/shutter lag?
eskimo
-
SOB just curious, getting rid of the camera, how and for what price?
-
The memory is way overpriced
Gee, I just bought a 256 meg Sony memmory stick from Fry's this past weekend for $59.95
I've bought Sony since their first Maciva that used the 3.5 floppy. I still have that camera and use it for posting auto pictures on eBay.
I think most digital camera's are a good buy with the exception of Kodak... those things are a piece of crap! I was forced to use one with a vendors software but they had so many break they stopped buying them.
-
Originally posted by eskimo2
That looks like a very decent camera and a very good price. It's almost exactly the same size as the Canon. How's the picture quality and button/shutter lag?
eskimo
Haven't had time to play with everything yet ..... was my nicest christmas gift other than cashmere' ::grin::
it has a multiple picture function ... but can't just keep pushing the button for fast picture like nicer camera's ... delay on a normal picture is slight, but noticeable from time to button push till flash etc... but there are setting's I haven't gotten too ... and i've delayed shutter closeing etc .... to get blurry pics or stable pics in low light with no flash.......
oh and quality is pretty nice depending on settings... finding all kinds of funny things in background from pic's i've taken
-
Betcha $5 bucks you'll place that dainty camera in your shirt pocket one day, go to use the bathroom and while zipping up your pants accidentally lean forward and watch it fall out of your pocket into that loaded toilet! :D :rofl
-
Originally posted by VWE
Gee, I just bought a 256 meg Sony memmory stick from Fry's this past weekend for $59.95
I've bought Sony since their first Maciva that used the 3.5 floppy. I still have that camera and use it for posting auto pictures on eBay.
I think most digital camera's are a good buy with the exception of Kodak... those things are a piece of crap! I was forced to use one with a vendors software but they had so many break they stopped buying them.
I've seen 1 gig CompactFlash on sale at retail stores for $60. Four times the memory for the same price. We have Sony cameras at work, I hate them. They are way overpriced, handle low light incredibly poorly, are huge, and the pictures are not that sharp. I have a very old cheap 2 meg HP. It sucks, yet I like it better than the Sonys. Sonys are certainly better than nothing, but my experience has been that they are way overpriced for what they offer.
eskimo
-
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/277_1104803953_nikoncoolpixsq.jpg)
this one i use and it's a nikon
:)
its a real good snapshooter
also very sneaky it fits in the backpocket of ur pants.
below a typical snapshot
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/277_1104804449_p51.jpg)
-
Thanks for the recommends, everyone. I checked them all out, and the S400 (well, S410, actually) almost had me, but I don't think I could live with the 1.5" LCD. Still leaning toward the SD200 for the continuous shot (http://www.dcresource.com said they were able to shoot continuously until the memory was full!) and the 2" LCD...and the 30 FPS VGA video is pretty cool too. I think I'm definitely gonna have to check one out locally before I buy...didn't consider that it might be too small! And if it ends up in the toilet, I'm kicking your ass, VWE! :D
JB73...I was planning on ebaying the Coolpix 995 for $200 BIN with 128MB & 16MB Lexar 8x CF cards, Jumpshot USB Cable for the CF cards, set of Nikon filters (UV,C-PL,ND2,ND4), 28mm-37mm Step-up ring & 37mm UV filter, mini-tripod, and camera case.
-
rgr i know nothing of digital cameras other then the bigger mega-pixel the better picture....
was hoping you mabye were unloading something that was $250 new and bargin $75 now it's so outdated.... just to get a digital camera to own.
-
Canon SD200 may be the new standard for digital pocket cameras (until something better comes out next quarter).
Like Hondas and Toyotas when buying cars, don't buy anything else without first checking the SD200 (and bigger brother SD300 if you want 4-megapixel instead of 3-megapixel).
-
Something else to consider, size. The smaller the camera, the more likely you are to carry it around and be able to capture those little moments that happen unexpectedly. The S400 we have it small enough that I find myself just carrying it most days and can grab shots of interesting things easily.
BTW, don't believe the megapixel myth. Just because one camera takes a 5MP shot and another takes a 4MP shot doesn't automatically make the 5MP better. If the optics are poor (as many digital cameras are) then the picture will suck no matter what.
The various Canon cameras I've read about have had good glass optics, and take good pictures. For micro cameras, they are hard to beat. I've also read that if you are ok with a big physical camera, the digital SLRs are the cat's pajamas.
In the meantime, S400 ho! Sure, the LCD is small, but honestly, you should only be using it to frame the shot, not to watch feature length movies.
-
Well, I did it! I went to Best Buy to check out the SD200 and the S410, and ended up buying the SD200. It's friggin' tinay! But still comfortable for me to use.
The S410 was bigger, and the screen was smaller - the 1.5" LCD was just too little for me.
Now, to get a big-assed SD card for cheap. I remember buying the super-fast 128MB 8x Lexar Media CF card for my Nikon 990 in 2000 . . . for $320!!! Now I just have to decide between the SanDisk Ultra II (60x) 512MB or 1GB for $65 or $95.
-
what's to decide?
$30 bucks more you get double the card, videos can take up alot of space, pics are fine but you'll end up taking more vids than pic.
-
Congrats, SOB -- you gonna be ecstatic with the SD200. Get that 512MB or larger card PLUS a second battery and you will be prepared for anything.
-
Originally posted by VWE
I think most digital camera's are a good buy with the exception of Kodak... those things are a piece of crap! I was forced to use one with a vendors software but they had so many break they stopped buying them.
I have owned two Kodaks, one which I'm currently using and I think the cameras are quite good bang for the buck. The PC software is, admittedly, very crappy and I uninstalled it after first trial.
I have a Kodak 6490 I bought from Singapore about a year ago currently. It's not a small camera with its 10x optical zoom, but it's quite a good camera for the value. The most gripes I have with it are:
1) No manual white balance control
2) Only JPEG output, no RAW
3) Noisy motors for moving the lens (this affects only the motion picture, since the noise is quite prominent in the movies)
I'm using a standard memory card reader for getting the pictures out of the camera so the crappy software doesn't actually pose any problem for me.
For a compact camera, I wouldn't say this is the choice since it's quite far from the compact form factor. This post was just to compensate for the "utter crapliness" of Kodak cameras. Did I already mention it's quite cheap? :) I have a gigabyte SD card for it, cost about 120 SGD (no idea what that is in us$)
-
Great choice SOB.
I just checked out the specs; that looks like a great camera and good price.
eskimo
-
Sounds like you did well. Like most said, having anything small enough to keep in your pocket is the reason to get these types of cameras, and the quality for $200-300 is amazing. I've taken tons more pictures of stuff I would have missed just because you could drop it in your pocket.
You could have been extra cool and dropped $200 more for a really wacky 7 megapixels camera, but even at 4, hell, even 3, you will be reducing them bigtime in photoshop or fireworks anyway unless you plan to print 8X10 glossys of your trout for the ladies.
One thing you will dig in the features department is the night modes, and manual modes. You can do quite a bit, although maybe your coolpix did all that. My first and only did not, and the pictures usually stunk unless it was optimal conditions, and good lighting outside. Now i can get a good shot in almost any conditions.
edit- I currently have the Nikon CoolPix 995 and I'm getting rid of it simply because it's too big. It's got a bunch of manual controls and takes nice pictures and stuff, but it's just a pain in the bellybutton to lug around with you at a party/family gathering. Plus, I don't care enough to use most of the manual controls.
Sorry, duh. Looks like you got it. The selectable auto modes for most conditions will work really well. Choosing "Autolevels" in Fireworks makes what it didn't do well, pretty much as good as you need.
-
The main thing to look for in a digital camera is silence- when you're taking up skirt photographs of the babe sitting next to you at a lecture the last thing you need is a tell tale beep whenever you click the shutter.
-
You're thinking of cellphones that take pictures. I think they make that beep on purpose. (a legal issue?)That's why you fill the speaker holes with epoxy and set it to vibe before a con.
-
Originally posted by Torque
The S500 is a sweet 2nd generation Canon camera, with more advanced internal mechanics and firmware over the A-series, but for a man with big hands it's so ultra small and lacks a ergonomic design, it can literally slip between your fingers and can be an awkward camera to navigate and function.
No kidding, it could almost fit in the package of a pack of cards.
A card compared to an Ixus 400 (same frame as with the S500 et al)
(http://koti.mbnet.fi/fishu/ixus400/ixus400.jpg)
-
Definitely Creamo - Photoshop color & levels adjustments are my friends. Not to mention the ability to crop my sorry attempts at photography. I stuck with the 3MP because it was enough for the sizes I'd ever print, and I didn't want to spend any more. Decided on a 512MB card...went with a PQI 60x card instead of the SanDisk, since it's about $20 cheaper for the same speed. Plus, the continuous shoot seems to work fine with the card I'm using temporarily - a 256MB RSMMC card from my mobile phone, and this card isn't anything special.
-
Cool. And get a jump drive from LEXAR (sold at Wally World) if the memmory supports it.
The first thing I did was leave my camera cable at my brothers on vacation downloading our pictures. That way you have a quick connect always in your USB port at home, and you can carry your camera cable with you to dump your memory at will and be recharged if your at friends with a laptop our access to their home computer outta town. Makes a 512 stick huge if you think about it.
-
I had a cable that just worked with my CF cards, but I just ordered this: http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=5069-6272&cat=RDM
-
bought this for the wife. nice little camara nice pic.
paid about 250.00 US on one of the i-net stores.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.dcviews.com/press/images/Olympus-Stylus-410.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dcviews.com/press/Olympus-Stylus-410.htm&h=213&w=400&sz=20&tbnid=SrHFEAzCPKIJ:&tbnh=63&tbnw=118&start=5&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dolympus%2B410%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG
-
I bought the ScandiskII 1 gig, I haven't used it yet, but i figure the battery would run out WAY before the card got filled.
NUTTZ
Originally posted by SOB
Well, I did it! I went to Best Buy to check out the SD200 and the S410, and ended up buying the SD200. It's friggin' tinay! But still comfortable for me to use.
The S410 was bigger, and the screen was smaller - the 1.5" LCD was just too little for me.
Now, to get a big-assed SD card for cheap. I remember buying the super-fast 128MB 8x Lexar Media CF card for my Nikon 990 in 2000 . . . for $320!!! Now I just have to decide between the SanDisk Ultra II (60x) 512MB or 1GB for $65 or $95.
-
"The Photoshop Book fer Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby, well worth the cash.
Thx Sab.