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Response - this time with a name Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 20 Feb 2006 08:16:49
In Reply to: OT Need some advice on Digital Cameras, SaabHubby, Mon, 20 Feb 2006 03:06:25 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Forgot the name; otherwise a repost of below:
First, I recommend some very good websites:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/
Next, I recommend ignoring a lot of the information out there. It is VERY easy to get overwhelmed by all the numbers, or to figure that if you compare all the numbers just right, the 'best' camera will pop out at you. If it were only true.
Some things to consider: When it comes to megapixels, size isn't everything. Yes, a 6MP camera will allow you to make an 11x17 print. When was the last time you ever did that? There are two major advantages to high MP count - (1) you can take a picture and blow it up, so if you're interested in only one area, you still have a shot, and (2) digital zoom almost works. All digital zoom does is blow up the picture. Frankly, I still think it's a waste. As others have said, the lens is the key. In your price range, you'll be hard pressed to find high MP, and if you do, you'll greatly compromise everything else. I would stick with the many very fine 3MP cameras, 4MP at most.
Now comes the vast array of options. First is storage media. Last I checked, there is SD (secure digital), CF (compact flash), xD and Memory Stick (Sony). Maybe some others. SD and CF are the most common, so the media is cheapest. If you have other devices, like a Palm Pilot, that uses SD, it may point you that way so you standardize on a media. However, it's not a big deal - if you find the best camera for you and it's a Sony with it's proprietary media, you may only buy a couple of memory sticks, and the price difference isn't that big for the right camera.
Power - camera come with either proprietary batteries or replaceable. Most of the replaceables are AA. I would avoid anything else. Proprietary batteries are nice because they have great power density. Replaceables like AAs are great because you can get them anywhere. And you'll need to. A digital camera will eat regular alkaline AAs like candy. The solution is to use high-quality rechargeable AAs - and in a pinch, you can always drop in some alkalines. However, my camera has a proprietary battery (Kodak), and it has amazingly long life.
Next is control - how much control do you want, or do you want just a point and shoot? Many cameras are well setup for point and shoot, but have some pretty fancy manual features. Sometimes the manual features are buried in menus; in other cameras, they're easily accessed. (features like exposure control, shutter and apeture, film speed, etc). Be aware that adding manual features tends to add cost to the camera. If you get really into it, you can always buy another camera.
Size - how big do you want? You'll need to carry it. Small is nice - if the camera is easy to carry, you'll have it on hand. Really, really small adds cost and compromises the lens, so don't get too carried away by something the size of a book of matches.
After all that, what should you buy? Go down to Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples, Office Max, any place that has camera. PLAY WITH THEM. If the batteries are dead (as they usually are), ask the salesperson to put in new batteries. Digital cameras are complex so expect a learning curve. But some just seem easier to use than others. I know that when I went looking for a camera, I had my heart set on one model. I accidently picked up another, and it just felt right. I've been very, very happy with it, despite the fact that it violated some of my own 'rules.'
Lastly, how good are your eyes? The LCD display on cameras range from 1.5 up to a whopping 3 inches. 1.5 and 1.8 are common on the less expensive ones. If you can't read the information because the display is too small, you'll hate using the camera.
Just my opinion, but stick with 3.2MP. Some zoom is nice, because you can frame the picture without having to walk closer or farther back. Max optical zoom should be 3X - anything bigger, and you're going to want a more expensive lens. A high mag lens of poor quality is a waste. Ignore digital zoom numbers - I consider it nothing but a cruel trick. If you want to blow something up, do it in post-processing.
I've been pretty impressed with the Canon "A" series - they use AA batteries, and are entry level but with a decent mix of quality and value for the buck. I also like the entry level Kodaks. I think the Easy Share feature is a gimmick, but the cameras work pretty well. That isn't to say that there aren't a bunch of other really good cameras out there - that's just what I have experience with.
But again, I suggest you go and play with cameras in the store. Check out the delay, etc. And keep playing - the more you play with them, the more you'll learn, and the more you'll learn what is important to you.
posted by 192.249....
, Mon, 20 Feb 2006 11:44:20, Mon, 20 Feb 2006 08:16:49 <-- Viewing This Message
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