Camera Suggestions?
 

I'm planning a trip to Scotland in May 2001 and need a camera. All the cameras I've owned in the past are cheapy types (Canon Esprit) but okay for taking pictures of the family at Christmas. This is the first time I really have need of a good camera. I want to take really beautiful pictures of the various sites and landscapes. I've read some about APS vs. 35mm and then there's the new digitals. I want a camera that's easy to use but also want super pictures. Some of the pictures I've seen taken with digital cameras are really great. I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions.

this is a bit like asking "I want a great car, what kind should I consider?" <BR> <BR>you'll probably have to define your requirements a bit further, along with with OVERALL budget (it doesn't just end with the camera alone). <BR> <BR>considerations include to what extent you're willing to tradeoff bulk & weight vs picture quality & creative flexibility (eg a Point & Shoot style camera vs. an interchangeable lens SLR). <BR> <BR>Digital will require ancillary expenses for a photo capable printer & its consumable supplies, & maybe some software (assuming you already have a reasonably modern PC with USB ports, etc). <BR> <BR>And, to get digital photos comparable to a good $200 point & shoot, you will probably have to spend northward of $600 for the camera alone. <BR> <BR>as far as APS vs 35mm, I feel that 35 mm is all around superior. <BR> <BR>APS's appeal is mainly in its potential for very small cameras (at usually high prices), and if you are horribly "mechanically challenged" & have trouble popping in a 35mm film cannister. <BR> <BR>The cons of APS include less film & camera choices, somewhat higher processing costs, and significantly smaller image size (more likely to be grainy on an enlargement). Certain types of films (high speed print, slides, B&W, etc) simply aren't available on APS, at all (at least not that I've seen). <BR> <BR>You may get some reposnes like "I have an Acme Digital Whiz camra, & it takes great pictures". Well, "good" is relative term, especially over an ineternet forum. <BR> <BR>a couple of possibilities to narrow down your choices: <BR> <BR>magazines like Popular Photography & Photographic have "buyer's guide" issues during the year, that can help narrow your search based on your needs. <BR> <BR>also, a well run independent camera shop (not a mass market chain like Ritz or Walmart) can be invaluable for its advice. Prices will be somewhat higher but it can be worth it. Some of the better independents will sponsor photo classes & seminars & such, also very worthwhile.

This week my new Canon Elan IIE arrived along with a 28-135 image stabilizing lense. Prior to this I have used the same point and shoot camera for eleven year. My new camera is for my trip to Germany next month. <BR> <BR>I chose this camera because it will allow me to eventually become very creative in my picture taking, while along allowing me time to learn with some of its idiot proof modes. This lense will allow me to avoid carrying many different lenses. <BR> <BR>Since you are going on a trip and probably wanting to take landscapes photos, make sure your camera will allowing a nice wide shot starting around 28mm or smaller in number. It is pretty easy to find SLR 35 mm and point and shoot cameras starting at the 28mm range with zoom going up further from that number. <BR> <BR>The point and shoots I was looking at are Olympus Stylus 28-80 and 35-140, I believe. They were great looking cameras in terms of features, size and weight (perfect for traveling). However, in the end, I wanted a camera that gave me more flexiblity for overall all picture taking, not simply a travel camera. <BR> <BR>A site I visited often for the opinions of consumers of many cameras, lenses and accessories is: <BR> <BR>http://photographyreview.com/ <BR> <BR>They also have nice links for learning how to take better pictures. <BR> <BR>Good Luck

I have had many trips with a point and shoot and quite a few with one or more SLRs. I think the decision should be based on two things: how much do you want to carry and is there some chance you will get seriously interested in photography. I use a Canon A2 which is borderline amateur-professional level, but it has a fully automatic mode. You can use it as basically an expensive point and shoot, but you can also switch to completely manual and everything in between. So ease of use can point you toward either an SLR or a point and shoot. The reveal advantage of the SLR is if you want to have any control over the photo, such as blurred vs. sharp background, or change lenses. The only real advantage of the point and shoot is size, in my opinion. There are several point and shoots that will give you great photos, but SLRs tend to have even better optics. If you decide to go with an SLR, the Elan II that Chris recommended would be a great choice. It has most of what my camera has, is actually a newer model so has some advantages, and is not overly expensive. The 28-135 lens is good, but if you want something a little smaller and less expensive, Canon makes an excellent 28-105 lens that I use for 80-90 percent of my travel photos. If you want something even lighter, so light that some people actually take it along when they don't want to take the heavier camera out, look into the Canon Rebel.

Good news! Starting Monday, July 24, our Hosted Forum will be on the subject of travel photography. Our host, Jeff Wignall, will be happy to answer any questions you have on cameras, film, and how to take the best photos possible. (Click "Hosted Forum" off fodors.com's home page.)

APS has much smaller negatives, so they don't enlarge well. The quality difference can even be seen on normal print sizes. Stick w/ 35mm IMO. <BR> <BR>The SLR vs point-and-shoot is tougher. I have a SLR w/ several lenses, but I find for vacations that I don't want to carry all that around, and I'm not spending a lot of time composing artistic shots. I like using my P&S, which is a Yashica T4 Super. It has a fixed focal length lens (no zoom) that is very high quality (Zeiss). <BR> <BR>Zoom lenses on P&S aren't as high a quality as SLR's or the equivilent fixed focal length P&S, but some are pretty good. Olympus and Pentax make some decent P&S zooms. <BR> <BR>I can't help w/ digitals except to say that good ones will cost you much more than a 35mm.

As has been stated before on another thread, SLR's give you much better pictures than the digitals. I have a Cannon A1 that I've been using for years. I had a burglurary a couple of years ago and when I replaced the body the used ones cost almost as much as when they were new. You can point and shoot on full automatic (you have to focus) or change any settings. It is a great camera for manual settings for great night shots(I have a fantastic night shot of the Opera House in Vienna). I carry three lens, a 50mm standard, a 28mm wide angle and a 80-300 zoom telephoto lens. Yes its heavy so I wear a fannypack turned around to carry the lens and extra film. Last year instead of getting slide film, I had the print film developed on CD's and using photo paper for my printer I printed them out on 8x11 paper and created a photo binder. I've had a lot of complements and its much easier to show than slides but still a decent size. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR>

I'll second the comments on the Canon A-1. I'm a relative amateur, but I've always been satisfied with the flexibility the camera offers. All I did was buy the camera 15 years ago and read a couple of short introductory books on photography, and off I went to shoot. <BR> <BR>There's an automatic operation (after focusing), but you also have the option of selecting the exposure time (for example, a short exposure would be good to capture someone playing a sport) and letting the A-1 select the f-stop, or you can select the f-stop (to play with the depth of field--how much of the picture is in sharp focus) and let the A-1 select the exposure time. You can also adjust the film-speed setting to get longer exposures on overcast days, or shorter exposures in extremely bright conditions. You can mount it on a tripod, you can buy an attachment if you want to shoot up to six frames a second, you can attach a flash, and you can take multiple exposures (several photos without advancing the film, so that all the images are superimposed). And you have a full selection of lenses so that you can get wide-angle shots or zoom to enlarge distant objects. And you also can select print film of whatever speed suits your purposes, or slide film, or black-and-white film (if you so desire). <BR> <BR>The major disadvantage is if you choose to carry more than one large lens, it can be a little bulky. And it's overkill if all you want is something to snap pictures with. But if you want a camera that doesn't inhibit your options, I'd recommend the Canon A-1 in a second. JMHO, of course.

Micki, I was considering purchasing a digital camera for an upcoming vacation. However, after talking with family members who have digital cameras I decided against it for traveling. The disks the pictures are recorded on (I don't know all the technical terms) are very expensive compared with film. They can be reused but not until the photos are downloaded on a computer. So on a vacation you would need lots of little disks unless you carry a lap top or find a cyber cafe and send them home. Also I have seen printed pictures from a good digital. The quality was just OK. A digital is a wonderful way to send pictures over e mail and we love receiving family pictures we wouldn't otherwise see but I don't know how practical for a vacation.

Thanks for all the great info. I think I'll try and find a photography shop as was suggested. Who knows, I may want to pick this up as a hobby and so maybe purchase one that has all those bells and whistles. And I'll have almost a year to practice before my trip.

On our first trip to Europe, we took my husband's fancy Minolta with all the accessories. Too much to lug around. Now, I take my pocket sized automatic everything that zooms to 130. The pictures come out just as well and we love the new Kodak MAX 400 and 800 film. You may want to consider shopping at www.qvc.com where they have a 30-day money back guarantee. Where else can you try it out and then try another one if you're not pleased?

<BR>Micki - my last 2c's worth: <BR> <BR>make note of any zoom lens's range. For travel pics a wider angle capability is desired (if not essential!). <BR> <BR>28mm focal length is the beginning of "true wide angle". Problem is , that most P&S camera only have a 35-40mm or so lens at the widest. 35 is marginal, 40 is just not wide enough. Only a very few P&S models go down to 28mm. <BR> <BR>IMO, wide angle is much more useful than telephoto; I would not give up wide angle just to have an infrequently used 120+ mm focal length. <BR> <BR>with an SLR all this changes. As noted, 28-105mm is a popular & excellent all around range. You'll also have capability for 24 & 20 mm lenses, which are fabulous for travel, if used appropriately. <BR> <BR>I use a 24-120 Nikon lens as all around, although the bulk is more than many desire. A 17-35mm (or similar) is available for Canons, Nikons, Minoltas if you go SLR route, & mine is already getting lots of use. <BR> <BR>The P&S vs SLR is perhaps the biggest decision point to make.

Now that I've had some time to think about it and after reading the posts, what is the best "small light weight" camera to use. I started thinking how I can't stand to carry a small purse around all day so I know I'll get tired of lugging a camera. Any suggestions with that in mind?

Check out the Olympus Stylus Epic series. They are well made, not too expensive and take good photos. Take your time in the camera shop to try lots of different models. Some cameras just feel comfortable in your hands while others may be hard to work with (personal preference plays a big part). Pentax line is also good. I like some Minolta's, but find that there can be a long delay between depressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This can be a problem with a street scene or other moving subject. <BR>

Since you have decided on a point and shoot, I would also recommend the Olympus Stylus. As I mentioned earlier, I was considering two models, the zoom 80 and the zoom 140. If I recall the 80 had a range of 28-80mm. That lower number is good for wide travel shots.

Check out the new aps Canon Elph LT 260 or the 360. Real small and light weight you can put it in your pocket.Has lots of features and easy to use,and takes great pictures.I find 200 film the bestI have a canon Rebel that I love,but wanted something real small for my trip to Switzerland.

Micki -- Ask questions at your local shop and see what kind of return policy they have. With a new camera, I like to zoom through a roll of film in different situations, go to my high quality processor, and see if I want to keep the camera. <BR> <BR>I think you are wise to shop for a small lightweight camera. Too many people "want to take good pictures" -- buy some big SLR and can't master it. Seems like there must be a lot of these cameras lying unused in closets while people use P&S and APS. <BR> <BR>Please remember that much of the quality of photos is determined by who is behind the camera. Composition is often far more important than the quality/price of camera. (And less than perfect pictures don't diminish the memories of being there!!) <BR>

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Hi Micki, <BR> <BR>Leica is famous for its good, small cameras, but they are expensive! One that has a really good reputation for under $200 is the Yashica t-4, which has a great lens, but no zoom. The problem is, a good, fast (low f stop #) zoom lens is going to be big. The point and shoot zooms are more or less the same, so pick whichever you like...olympus canon pentax what have you. I shoot an slr, and I get tired of carrying around all my lenses and stuff too, and always swear next time I will leave it at home, but I never do.