Digital Camera...
 

Would like some recommendations on an economical and "simple to use" digital camera. I want something that can handle photos of details on parts, etc. and also be good for taking shots of cars. Has to be easy, because I am camera challenged. Thanks in advance.

wilma https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Oh Bruce....Tom needs some help.

Tom, I have an Olympus C-3020 with 3.2 megapixs. Works great. Good luck.

Dan.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Aren't we all "camera challenged"? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif I like that ! ! ! ! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

You'll find that everyone's definition of "economical" is different though.

I have a Canon S1 IS. It is a 3.2 mega pixel camera. I have been extremely happy with it but am looking to upgrade now. You might want to consider the S2 IS as I believe they have discontinued the camera I have (the S1 IS). The S2 IS is a 5 mega pixel camera I believe.

We have enlarged pictures that I have taken with my current camera as large as 11X17 with excellent results. I have posted several pictures here on this website including the pictures below SCR8.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...Reunion097.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...nion2005-J.jpg

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Wilma,
I'm screwed up too trying to figure out which one to buy of the hundreds available. It's like having $4500. to spend on a new car in 1969 and it's shopping time! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif Just pick ONE https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif

Seriously, I'm looking for the same type usage: close ups of parts and details, etc. I think you can get away with as low as 5megapixel resolution as long as the camera has about 4-5X optical zoom.
I'm also looking for one with a quick auto processor, so I don't have to wait 2 seconds for it to take the picture AFTER I've pressed the button. And since I'm looking at ones with zoom, I'm looking at those with what's called "image stabilization" because of camera shake when you zoom in. I'm looking at digital SLRs. They're more expensive, but you have the ability to change lenses for different situations, like a wide angle so you can shoot a whole car without having to be 25Ft away from it.
But I'm still stuck. I'm looking at Canon, Pentax (I already have K mount lenses) and Kodak. Can't afford Nikon.

Google digital cameras and make a list of features you want, then try to narrow it down. You're getting advice from someone who hasn't been able to come to a decision himself though...... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

Verne

Re: Digital Camera...
 

.....plus he forgot what he had for breakfast today....

Re: Digital Camera...
 

All I can say is CANNON EOS REBEL

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Oh Bruce....Tom needs some help.

Tom, I have an Olympus C-3020 with 3.2 megapixs. Works great. Good luck.

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]


I have a Fuji S5100...and Dennis Cumby has an S5200? (the newer version of mine). When I bought mine...it was $350 plus another hundred for the 16mb card...


I think Dennis paid in the high 200's for his...and the extra memory cards are ~$100 for 1 GB of storage. My camera is 4.9 or 5 megapixel...

I like mine, because like an SLR...you can override everything (Aperature, shutter speed, etc.) and shoot the way that you want to...or you can leave it fully automatic.

It has a burst mode, (Taking pics in rapid fire sucession) a movie mode (the Chevelle burn out movies were made with this camera) and also has the ability to screw on filters on the front of the camera. Finally, you can look throught the eyepiece (Like an SLR...except what you are seeing is digital) or you can use the view screen on the back of the camera to take shots also (battery hog!)

Whew...!

Re: Digital Camera...
 

JD...AWESOME SHOTS!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

I am about as good with cameras as I am with computers. I wanted something I could take very detailed close up shots as well as telephoto and action pictures. After telling the salesman at Best Buy what I need the camera for, he suggested the Canon S3 IS. The camera is 6.0 Mega Pixel and with a very nice case, batteries, 2 GB memory card and memory card reader, and a 4 year extended warranty, the total cost was around $570. I am very happy the camera, it is relatively user friendly once you read the library that comes with it and takes great shots.
Rick

Re: Digital Camera...
 

I am by no means a camera expert but if you will be shooting close up shots and wanting to make sure you get part numbers in your pictures, make sure what ever camera you buy has a macro mode. Macro is for taking extream close up shots and keeping all the fine detail such as small printed part numbers. I'm pretty sure that most digital cameras of today have a macro mode but that's still something you might want to make sure of before you make your purchase. I hope this helps.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Screw you, you short person...... What I had yesterday is gone tomorrow. What I had 20 years ago is still here!

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Stick to your Brownie will ya...

Re: Digital Camera...
 

http://www.nikonusa.com/images/products/25504_180.jpg

<font color="blue">I use a Nikon 5700 .
It is a great camera with tons of features.
It is 5 megs with 8X zoom &amp; macro, fully adjustable like a 35MM or automatic &amp; has movie mode also.
You should be able to get one of these for around $500.
I got mine from Beach Camera on the web .. quick service &amp; good price.

The pics on here are from this camera ... &amp; this one too:
https://www.yenko.net/attachments/227...8Medium%29.JPG

If that's too high tech, I have one of these for sale ...
http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/images/Kdk3ACartHKB.jpg </font>

Re: Digital Camera...
 

I use a Kodak Z650. 6.5 Mega pixels. 10x optical zoom with another 5x digital zoom.

The pictures are incredible.

Rick H.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Try to get the smallest one you can find.
I just got a Cannon SD400.

My SD330 broke and Cannon sent me this SD400 one for free.
(even after my warentee had run out) https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Smaller than a pack of playing cards.
It takes great pictures close up, or far away,
and has a "digital Macro" feature for detailed part numbers.

And it fits right in my pocket. Takes movies too!!
The size is just as important to me as the quality.

I can walk around anywhere and always have it with me.
Has 3 resolution settings for quality.
The best is absoutly amazing, but I have no need for that setting.
The lowest setting takes great pictures, and they send fast by email.
Cost is around $350 https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Tom,
Like Bruce said, I have the Fuji S5200 and I love it. Don Stowers has the same camera as Bruce. I have to admit, I had a Fuji 2.1 Megapixel and was somewhat satisfied with it.......... until it died the day after the Gibb Show. I knew SCR9 was looming and I begged Bruce for advice. I had looked at this camera for a while but didn't feel justified in popping for it until the old one died. It has all the features you've asked for and I paid $254 for the camera including a 16MB card. The total cost with an additional 256MB card was still under $300. (I've since picked up another 256 card and a 1GB) I shot over 275 pix at SCR9 and still had plenty of space on the 1GB card, and I shoot EVERYTHING at HiRez.
As JD said, I've enlarged some of the shots from his 3.2MP to 11" x 17" and they're plenty sharp enough to frame and display. (Right JD?) The 5.2/6.0 should give you all the detail you need.
The Fuji S5200 is priced close to the new Canon S3 IS, 6.0MP Rick has, and it appears prices are coming down daily.
All that said, if you can afford a few hundred more...................... go for the Nikon D50 or the Canon Digital Rebel XT. You'll never be sorry if you have MORE than you asked for. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

Dennis

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Tom,
Like Bruce said, I have the Fuji S5200 and I love it. Don Stowers has the same camera as Bruce. I have to admit, I had a Fuji 2.1 Megapixel and was somewhat satisfied with it.......... until it died the day after the Gibb Show. I knew SCR9 was looming and I begged Bruce for advice. I had looked at this camera for a while but didn't feel justified in popping for it until the old one died. It has all the features you've asked for and I paid $254 for the camera including a 16MB card. The total cost with an additional 256MB card was still under $300. (I've since picked up another 256 card and a 1GB) I shot over 275 pix at SCR9 and still had plenty of space on the 1GB card, and I shoot EVERYTHING at HiRez.
As JD said, I've enlarged some of the shots from his 3.2MP to 11" x 17" and they're plenty sharp enough to frame and display. (Right JD?) The 5.2/6.0 should give you all the detail you need.
The Fuji S5200 is priced close to the new Canon S3 IS, 6.0MP Rick has, and it appears prices are coming down daily.
All that said, if you can afford a few hundred more...................... go for the Nikon D50 or the Canon Digital Rebel XT. You'll never be sorry if you have MORE than you asked for. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

Dennis

[/ QUOTE ]

That's right D.C. ! ! ! In fact, just got back the last one you enlarged for me from the frame shop this afternoon. It looks AWESOME in the frame with the Fred Gibb logo and the date in the corner. Your photo editing out the clear columns in the BowTie as well as the straps supporting the BowTie certainly made the end product much more attractive.

Like D.C., I shoot everything at the highest resolution that the camera is capable of just in case I want to "blow something up". If I need to downsize them to put them in a website such as the pictures I posted above, I have software on my computer to downsize them.

Also as D.C. mentioned, I have three or four different sized cards. I have a 256, a 512 and a 1GB card. With the 1GB card I can shoot around 700 photos at high res without swapping out cards ! ! ! !

Rick...........I didn't know that Canon had an S3 IS out now. See how fast things change ! ! ! ! I thought the S2 IS was the step up from my camera.

As someone already suggested, what I am looking at now is a Canon Rebel in either a 10 mega pixel or a 12 mega pixel version so D.C. can blow up my pictures "poster sized". https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
JD...AWESOME SHOTS!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Bruce.........thank you..........but trust me............it is the camera and being in the right place at the right time. None of it is reflective on my capabilities as a photographer. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Thanks for the input guys...all those numbers https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif 5.2, 6.0. 1GB.....sounds like somebody is building an engine.....I am going to check some of these out on the internet and then go see a few in person. Hope I don't get "over exposed" https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

wilma

Re: Digital Camera...
 

The great thing about digital cameras is the fact that you can see how well they shoot online. I have used this site for the last 2 cameras I bought. A great resource.. FYI- I like Canon!

www.dpreview.com

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Tom
I highly recommend picking up a used Canon powershot A60,A70 or A85.You can find them used on Ebay starting at $50-60-75.00 respectively.They are compatible with nearly all the computer software,with professional looking images and features.
These are quite possibly the simplest,easiest digital cameras you can find,that are easy to replace as well.
I own an A60 &amp; A70 and bought them both off Ebay.I recommend you purchase one from a Reputable seller that will back it up if it doesn't work upon arrival,and not some kid in a college dorm.
I'll get that CW Jpeg from you yet!
-------------------
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...sbearslogo.gif
They're On The Move..

Re: Digital Camera...
 

See, another satisfied Canon customer. My recommendations do work sometimes.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
www.dpreview.com

[/ QUOTE ]

D,
I spent HOURS on this site trying to make a decision. Good, detailed info.https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

This is also a good one...

http://www.imaging-resource.com/

Oh yeah. My Canon is a PowerShot SD600.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
www.dpreview.com

[/ QUOTE ]

D,
I spent HOURS on this site trying to make a decision. Good, detailed info.https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You <u>DO</u> get it. There is no better site for digital camera info. I've wasted a boatload on that site too...

My advice to all of you guys is the following:

1. FOCUS ON THE LENS (no pun intended)

Now that 6 or 8 megapixels is commonplace (Nokia just came out with a 3.2mp camera phone), the sensor has outstripped the capabilities of the lenses. Focus on the lens quality. FYI the pictures that I take for the sYc are off a little bitty 5mp sensor - it's the glass that makes the difference.

2. MAKE SURE YOU GET GOOD QUALITY <u>OPTICAL</u> ZOOM

See number 1 above. It's the lens that makes the pictures. Digital zoom is a poor alternative. Don't use it.

3. GET A CAMERA WITH CREATIVE CONTROL FEATURES AND TRY THEM

Canon cameras, in particular, have a lot of pre-programmed "creative" settings for things like fast moving objects (kids, dogs, race cars), portrait shots, tungsten vs. natural light (to balance off those horrible Gateway Center flourescent tubes), etc. Also look for a macro function that will allow you to do non-flash, closeups of parts, stampings, VINs etc. (buy, make or steal a beanbag or small tripod, like the kind made for remote flashes to allow you to use this function without camera shake).

4. IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE TAKING ACTION SHOTS, YOU CARE ABOUT SETUP AND SHUTTER LAG

Digital cameras tend to be very lazy. Use the DP Review site to evaluate this. Nothing worse than that perfect Ken Barnhart launch and all the camera ends up with is the rear bumper. Fast setup times or sport shooting modes are key.

5. GET SOMETHING SMALL ENOUGH TO CARRY AROUND AND ACTIVELY USE

All that crap I bring to the Reunion is heavy and a pain in the ass. I carry a little Canon digital around in my briefcase all the time. You want something that is small enough to fit in a pocket or your wife's purse. With many of the new large LCD screen models you can have a small format camera and still be able to evaluate your images effectively.

6. BUY THE BIGGEST CF CARD YOU CAN AFFORD

If you are a budding Bruce, get a 2 or 4 Gb card for your camera. All those mp's take up a lot of room.

7. BUY A SPARE BATTERY

Keep it charging in the hotel room or car. Ask Bruce about this one too.

7. DON'T BE AFRAID OF MAIL ORDER

I buy all my equipment from either B&amp;H Photo or Adorama in NY.

8. CONSIDER THE CAMERA AS A WRITE OFF

Buy the best thing your budget will allow. After all it's a computer, so a new model will come out the week after you buy the thing and you'll have no residual value. If you've bought enough megapixels, with good glass, you'll be happy for a long time....

BTW all my stuff is Canon.

Hope this helps... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Great information, Jeff.

I noticed you failed to mention the flash. Flash can really make or break a good picture, viz:

Me at Barrett-Jackson without Flash:

http://www.corvettes-musclecars.com/.../flash_off.jpg


Same photo with Flash:

http://www.corvettes-musclecars.com/...t/flash_on.jpg

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Spoken by someone who *knows* about cameras...Thanks Jeff! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

I agree with Jeff...experiment with your camera with all the cool settings that it has to offer...it's not like you're using film anymore...if it doesn't work...delete it!

I can't tell you how many rolls of film I wasted screwing around with my "regular" Minolta SLR when I first got it...just to see what would happen...though I do miss screwing around in the darkroom...and 'pushing' my film, too!

And to reiterate...get lots of storage...it's getting cheaper to buy every day...and get rechargeable batteries (my next purchase) or be prepared to buy them in bulk at Costco...get name brand ones...the cheapo ones suck!

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Denis...what the heck is behind you in that pic? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Like I said, that's Flash.

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Flesh?

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Flash. Now that is funny!!

Denis, you also demonstrate for everyone that the digital camera doesn't stop with taking the picture. Don't be afraid to mess with the PhotoShop LE that comes bundled with many cameras. It can be a lot of fun too...

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Flash...I get it! Duh! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif

Flash and flesh together...! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Jeff,
I used that site too. Amazing! Filled out all my preferences and got their recomendations. UNfortunately, I'm trying to keep the price below $425. so I got the Canon S3IS as the top pick. (maybe they use MSRP, so I should redo my search)I don't like the AVI video. I hear MPEG is the best compression. And it takes FOUR double As,. No rechargable batteries. I agree, "buy good glass".

1. I don't know how to find out who makes the lenses for each camera (there are only so many lenses manufacturers)

2. The "delay" time between pressing the "I want THIS shot NOW" button and when the camera finally says "I'm ready now dear" and clicks the shutter is VERY important to me, BUT I can't find that delay time listed in any of the specs.....??? Is there a way to figure that out by looking at other specs? Like you said, When Ken launches, I want the picture with the wheels pointing at the clouds!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif

Verne

See what you started, Wilma!!!!!!!!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Verne,

The spec you're looking for is defined as "Shutter Lag Time". My Fuji has a 'rapid start-up time' of 1.1 seconds and a 'shutter lag' of 0.01 seconds. I don't see that spec listed for the Canon S3 IS on the dpreview site but I'm sure you can find it on another site somewhere. (Maybe Rick can find it in his User Manual.) You can reduce the lag time by partially depressing the shutter button for a pre-focus, then waiting for that 'Perfect Instant' to snap the shot.
The Canon does accept rechargable AA batteries, both in Ni-Cd and Ni-MH. They list a "Battery and Charger Kit (CBK4-300) under "Accessories". Actually, the camera doesn't know the difference. They just suck the juice from whatever is in them. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif

(And the MSRP for the Canon is $499...... but you can beat the He!! outa that price!!! Just ask Mr. Murphy. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif)

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Verne/DC,

Each of the camera tests include the following table:

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/228115-Speed-Test.jpg

The ones to look at are "Power: Off to Record", "Half-press Lag (0-&gt;S1)", "Half to Full-press Lag (S1-&gt;S2)", "Full-press Lag (0-&gt;S2)", "Off to Shot Taken" and "Shot to Shot" times. To me the ones that matter most are the last 4 because they represent real world shooting.

For the lenses, in the opening table in each review there is a "Lens" category that will identify the aperture/focal length settings, optical zoom, image stabilization and manufacturer, if not the camera producer (Sony tends to use Zeiss, Panasonic uses Leica, but the others use their own). There can be a big difference on the lenses, but they have to be evaluated as part of the total package. For this, I would look at the summary ratings of each camera (bottom of last page of the review) and compare the "Image Quality" rankings.

Based on these things, you might be surprised that some of the more compact cameras actually do better than some of the larger, more SLR looking units.

Also, re the battery issue, DC is right. Canon has gone cheapo on the factory battery in order to keep the whole package price down. Your best bet is to get some Ni-MH or Li-On rechargeable AAs, or worst case use Lithium single use batteries.

Hope this helps. Clear as mud, eh?

Re: Digital Camera...
 

You guys are Great! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

I just didn't dig deep enough. I agree, that Full Press Lag is important. You never know when your eye is going to catch something in motion that you want to save, so you swirl around and quick hit the button to catch it! Another second, and it might be gone.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

If you're anticipating something (like Ken's launch), then you can do the half button thing which gets everything ready and the lag time is almost not measureable.

I also want to be sure I have a little LED I can move around to pick the spot I want to be in focus. Sometimes the surroundings are a lot closer or further away from the actual subject, so I don't want the camera to average things.

It's been said before, but it's amazing how much knowledge is on this site. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif
Verne

Re: Digital Camera...
 

One nice thing about the LED light is you don't even have to have the camera up to your eye...once you get used to it...you can shoot by where the LED casts its light. People wonder what I'm doing sometimes...

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
It's been said before, but it's amazing how much knowledge is on this site.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ain't it the truth. The diversity of the members, and their willingness to share makes this an invaluable asset. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

[ QUOTE ]
People wonder what I'm doing sometimes...

[/ QUOTE ]

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif That's just too easy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
People wonder what I'm doing sometimes...

[/ QUOTE ]

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif That's just too easy! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I was thinking about not posting that...LOL

C'mon DC...give it your best shot. I need a laugh today! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: Digital Camera...
 

Can't say anything about you when I wonder the same about myself! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/tongue.gif