Camera recommendations
Jul 15th, 2006, 10:05 AM
#21
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Was going to add the Canon 620 into the mix. 4X zoom, 7 mp, Digic II processor. $214 at B&H. Lots of serious photographers have one as their P&S.
johng -- what is it about the Nikon D200 that you like? I've heard they have noise problems. Do you think it has much over the 20D?
johng -- what is it about the Nikon D200 that you like? I've heard they have noise problems. Do you think it has much over the 20D?
Jul 15th, 2006, 10:29 AM
#23
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After a lot of research, I bought my daughter a Canon A620 for Christmas, and she seems to like it very much. One of the things many people overlook when choosing a P&S digital camera is shutter lag, but the A620 is far better than most P&S digitals in that respect. Image stabilizer is good for a camera with an 8X or 10X zoom lens, but not as important for a 3X or 4X zoom camera.
Johng, I have been lusting after the Nikon D200 as well (I already have a D70) but simply can't justify spending an extra $1K when the D70 has most of the same features. Today I put my dreams aside and ordered a D70s spare body. Do you really want to change from Canon to Nikon and then have to start a new lens collection?
Johng, I have been lusting after the Nikon D200 as well (I already have a D70) but simply can't justify spending an extra $1K when the D70 has most of the same features. Today I put my dreams aside and ordered a D70s spare body. Do you really want to change from Canon to Nikon and then have to start a new lens collection?
Jul 15th, 2006, 10:32 AM
#24
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A very nice feature of the Canon S series is the rotateable LCD panel. This makes it possible for you to take pictures over your head or basically almost around a corner.
Shop the Amazon sales. They give free shipping (in most cases) and will sell a warranty policy.
Shop the Amazon sales. They give free shipping (in most cases) and will sell a warranty policy.
Jul 15th, 2006, 11:37 AM
#25
While I agree that the Canon S2/S3 cameras are very desirable, they are a little big for carrying around. I have a Minolta Z6 with Image stabilization, and 12X zoom, but it is a similar size to the S2, and while it takes beautiful pictures, it is a pain to carry around.
Iwould look at the smaller Canons. The Ixus 6 (this is the UK designation - they differ depending on part of the world) is small enough to fit into a mens shirt pocket, has a good zoom, and takes great pictures.
My Powershot A70 is small enough to go into a coat pocket, and I find it far more useful than my "posher" Minolta. The latest versions are of similar size, but "more megapixels".
Iwould look at the smaller Canons. The Ixus 6 (this is the UK designation - they differ depending on part of the world) is small enough to fit into a mens shirt pocket, has a good zoom, and takes great pictures.
My Powershot A70 is small enough to go into a coat pocket, and I find it far more useful than my "posher" Minolta. The latest versions are of similar size, but "more megapixels".
Jul 15th, 2006, 11:37 AM
#26
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One more thing - I learned the hard way to never buy a P&S camera for travel unless it takes regular AA batteries. We were in Costa Rica last year with my old Nikon Coolpix and the battery fell out on a horseback ride. Try replacing one of those things in the boonies somewhere.
Pausanias, my wife shoots pro with a Nikon F100's (film) and the colors and depth she gets is so much better than anything I shoot with my Canon - but she has friends who use the D200, and the image quality is comparable.
HD - my glass is junk and I can (maybe) borrow my wife's if I upgrade.
Pausanias, my wife shoots pro with a Nikon F100's (film) and the colors and depth she gets is so much better than anything I shoot with my Canon - but she has friends who use the D200, and the image quality is comparable.
HD - my glass is junk and I can (maybe) borrow my wife's if I upgrade.
Jul 15th, 2006, 12:12 PM
#27
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Honestly, I would probably just go into your largest local camera store and ask them all the questions you can think of until they physically remove you from their store.
They are going to be able to deal with all the first timer questions extremely well because they hear those exact same questions a million times a day.
A lot of people go to camera stores for research and advice and then end up buying the camera on the internet from sites like buydig.com because you can get things far cheaper than local stores. HOWEVER, I would rather spend my money locally and reward them for their time and advice... but that's a personal choice I suppose.
The Epson P2000 has two little slots on it that accept both CF (Compact Flash) memory cards and also SD memory cards. Those are probably the two most popular types of memory cards... however if you get a Sony camera for instance you probably won't be able to use the Epson to store photos.
After you insert your memory card into the Epson you can pull all of those pictures off of your memory card onto the Epson for storage and viewing. I took roughly 20 gigs worth of pictures and could have never fit them on memory cards. The Epson holds 40 gigs worth of pictures (now they have an 80 gig model) so I have room to spare.
And the second I got home I simply plugged my Epson into my computer at home through the USB port and copied all of my pictures onto my computer. Now I can edit them till my hearts content or just print them out. I prefer to copy them to cd's and go print them out at camera shops.
They are going to be able to deal with all the first timer questions extremely well because they hear those exact same questions a million times a day.
A lot of people go to camera stores for research and advice and then end up buying the camera on the internet from sites like buydig.com because you can get things far cheaper than local stores. HOWEVER, I would rather spend my money locally and reward them for their time and advice... but that's a personal choice I suppose.
The Epson P2000 has two little slots on it that accept both CF (Compact Flash) memory cards and also SD memory cards. Those are probably the two most popular types of memory cards... however if you get a Sony camera for instance you probably won't be able to use the Epson to store photos.
After you insert your memory card into the Epson you can pull all of those pictures off of your memory card onto the Epson for storage and viewing. I took roughly 20 gigs worth of pictures and could have never fit them on memory cards. The Epson holds 40 gigs worth of pictures (now they have an 80 gig model) so I have room to spare.
And the second I got home I simply plugged my Epson into my computer at home through the USB port and copied all of my pictures onto my computer. Now I can edit them till my hearts content or just print them out. I prefer to copy them to cd's and go print them out at camera shops.
Jul 15th, 2006, 12:37 PM
#30
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I'm not sure I see the need for the Epson p2000.
If you must download on a trip, it can be done to an IPod. $500 is a pretty good amount of money.
Memory cards are cheap. I don't think even I could fill a 1 gig card, unless I took a lot of movies.
If you must download on a trip, it can be done to an IPod. $500 is a pretty good amount of money.
Memory cards are cheap. I don't think even I could fill a 1 gig card, unless I took a lot of movies.
Jul 15th, 2006, 12:41 PM
#31
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I've been very happy with my
Kodak Easy Share Z740 it has a 10X zoom and it takes AA batteries. It's not as compact as some of the other models and it doesn't have an image stabalizer (that has to be done by me) but I like the zoom when I want a detail on a tall tower.
Kodak Easy Share Z740 it has a 10X zoom and it takes AA batteries. It's not as compact as some of the other models and it doesn't have an image stabalizer (that has to be done by me) but I like the zoom when I want a detail on a tall tower.
Jul 15th, 2006, 01:09 PM
#32
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I did miss a good zoom on my trip. I only took one lens and even though I LOVED the lens... I wish I had had a second for zooming.
Carrying multiple lenses might be a bit more hard-core than you want to go. Getting a nice multipurpose camera with built in Image Stabilization is probably better in your case.
I would still go digital though.
Carrying multiple lenses might be a bit more hard-core than you want to go. Getting a nice multipurpose camera with built in Image Stabilization is probably better in your case.
I would still go digital though.
Jul 15th, 2006, 01:35 PM
#33
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Actually you can get an Epson P2000 for about $376.97 after mail in rebate rebate from Buydig.com
Or you can get an 8 gb CF card from Buydig for about 420$...
Or perhaps 8 1 gb cards at about 60$ each... whatever floats your boat.
Of course I don't know how many pictures you take. I've heard people say that they can fill up their Epson's 40gb hard drive in a week... other people barely fill up a 1 gb card in a month.
The average person might only need a couple gb's worth of storage for a 2 week trip depending on the resolution of their camera.
I was really looking into using my IPod to store photos but I've just heard far too many horror stories about people losing their entire trip's pictures due to Apple's shaky software. I have 2 Ipods and have nothing against them so don't get me wrong. I just think travel photos are too important to risk to save a few dollars.
In fact, what my friend and I did in Europe was occasionally burn a bunch of photos onto cd's and mail them home... just as a backup...
I got a camera stolen (all pictures included) in 2004 after seeing about 15 countries and it nearly ruined my trip.
Or you can get an 8 gb CF card from Buydig for about 420$...
Or perhaps 8 1 gb cards at about 60$ each... whatever floats your boat.
Of course I don't know how many pictures you take. I've heard people say that they can fill up their Epson's 40gb hard drive in a week... other people barely fill up a 1 gb card in a month.
The average person might only need a couple gb's worth of storage for a 2 week trip depending on the resolution of their camera.
I was really looking into using my IPod to store photos but I've just heard far too many horror stories about people losing their entire trip's pictures due to Apple's shaky software. I have 2 Ipods and have nothing against them so don't get me wrong. I just think travel photos are too important to risk to save a few dollars.
In fact, what my friend and I did in Europe was occasionally burn a bunch of photos onto cd's and mail them home... just as a backup...
I got a camera stolen (all pictures included) in 2004 after seeing about 15 countries and it nearly ruined my trip.
Jul 15th, 2006, 02:20 PM
#35
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I'd suggest carrying a moderate number of smaller cards. First of all, they're cheaper on a per-bit basis, and second, you don't have to worry about losing every picture should anything go wrong.
256mb memory sticks are about $10 - get a half-dozen or so and relax.
256mb memory sticks are about $10 - get a half-dozen or so and relax.
Jul 15th, 2006, 02:35 PM
#36
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Hi CEB,
For some years I used a Canon A60 with 2 Mpx and a 3:1 Optical zoom. I later bought a 2:1 telescopic lens.
I was was quite pleased with this camera.
I recently purchased a Canon S3 with Image Stabilization, 6Mpx and a 12:1 Optical Zoom.
I am in hog heaven.
I also looked at the Panasonic Linux and the Sony H3.
For a combination of ease of use, quality of lenses and pix quality, I went for the S3.
You can use it as a simple point and shoot camera by just leaving it on AUTO.
You can also spend weeks going through the manual and learning how to use all of the features.
It also records video (up to 1 hr) with stereo sound.
You will want to get several 1 or 2 gb 60X or faster SD cards.
Hope this helps.
For some years I used a Canon A60 with 2 Mpx and a 3:1 Optical zoom. I later bought a 2:1 telescopic lens.
I was was quite pleased with this camera.
I recently purchased a Canon S3 with Image Stabilization, 6Mpx and a 12:1 Optical Zoom.
I am in hog heaven.
I also looked at the Panasonic Linux and the Sony H3.
For a combination of ease of use, quality of lenses and pix quality, I went for the S3.
You can use it as a simple point and shoot camera by just leaving it on AUTO.
You can also spend weeks going through the manual and learning how to use all of the features.
It also records video (up to 1 hr) with stereo sound.
You will want to get several 1 or 2 gb 60X or faster SD cards.
Hope this helps.
Jul 15th, 2006, 03:09 PM
#37
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this website has what looks like a tutorial on a first-time digital camera purchase, including websites on which you can read about camera reviews. http://tinyurl.com/ztvnw
Like others, I've been very happy with my Sony, it's small and the pictures have been good.
Like others, I've been very happy with my Sony, it's small and the pictures have been good.
Jul 15th, 2006, 03:50 PM
#38
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"Digital SLRs are not compatible with film lenses."
Where did you get that idea, Gretchen?
I think that depends on the lens/camera.
ira mentioned a great camera in the S3
This is the official S3 site:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...;modelid=13077
And you can get it for 419$ here:
http://buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNPSS3
Those larger digitals are nice because they give great quality pictures with good features and you don't have to buy lenses for them.
It's an option to think about anyway
Where did you get that idea, Gretchen?
I think that depends on the lens/camera.
ira mentioned a great camera in the S3
This is the official S3 site:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...;modelid=13077
And you can get it for 419$ here:
http://buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNPSS3
Those larger digitals are nice because they give great quality pictures with good features and you don't have to buy lenses for them.
It's an option to think about anyway
Jul 15th, 2006, 04:24 PM
#39
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Our family has become big fans of the Canon Powershot digital elph cameras. We have bought four over the past three years: two 3 mp, a 4 mp and a 5 mp.
I'm a big fan of the quality of Canon's pictures, and these cameras have spoiled me with their size. I can fit the camera in my jeans pocket or the inside pocket of my jacket and just go. The freedom is amazing - I used to travel with a SLR and a couple lenses. I'm not a professional photographer or a camera techie but I do like good pictures. There are a few situations where I miss the 28 to 300 capability I was used to having, but overall I love the fact that I can travel light and still get really really good travel pictures.
There's a new SD700 that has IS and I think can be bought for under $500. http://tinyurl.com/mduqa By the time you are closer to your trip, it will undoubtedly be lower in price.
I'm a big fan of the quality of Canon's pictures, and these cameras have spoiled me with their size. I can fit the camera in my jeans pocket or the inside pocket of my jacket and just go. The freedom is amazing - I used to travel with a SLR and a couple lenses. I'm not a professional photographer or a camera techie but I do like good pictures. There are a few situations where I miss the 28 to 300 capability I was used to having, but overall I love the fact that I can travel light and still get really really good travel pictures.
There's a new SD700 that has IS and I think can be bought for under $500. http://tinyurl.com/mduqa By the time you are closer to your trip, it will undoubtedly be lower in price.
Jul 15th, 2006, 05:47 PM
#40
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Many have told me that you cannot use your great SLR lenses with a digital SLR. There are adapters, I think, that make it possible. I recently read about it for a Canon, I think. There is a difference in focal length/size of image for digital vs. film. Check it out.
As far as size of the S series of Canon, I do not find them "large". They are not vest pocket==mine does fit in my raincoat pocket if I need to. However, digitals are quite light, unlike their film SLR counterparts. I have found no problem travelling with my S1.
As far as size of the S series of Canon, I do not find them "large". They are not vest pocket==mine does fit in my raincoat pocket if I need to. However, digitals are quite light, unlike their film SLR counterparts. I have found no problem travelling with my S1.
