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Post by jims on Feb 2, 2009 12:49:13 GMT -5
I am considering being dragged into the modern world, by that I mean I might purchase a digital camera so I can post Savage ML pictures etc.
I have never used one other than to take a few pictures on my daughter's camera at her request. What brand, other items do you recommend to do an adequate job?
Is this something I should buy off of ebay, WalMart, camera or photo shop?
Help me here as I know nothing since Brownie Starflash times as far as cameras go. I have only used film cameras and not extensively at that. Thanks
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Post by 12ptdroptine on Feb 2, 2009 13:39:14 GMT -5
There are so many option's available I wouldn't know where to begin . I have a couple Fuji-Fine pic's that work flawlessly for me. But I dint use them often enough to remember how to reset thing's..So I keep the manual with them. I just bought a new Sony camcorder last summer and went through this back then... What I would recommend is to go to several place's that sell them (Best Buy was the most informative for me) and let them tell you the feature's . Stay with as much optical zoom as you can get. Rather than digital zoom as digital is more grainy..Not a sharp and clear. Good luck and keep us posted. drop
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Post by dougedwards on Feb 2, 2009 14:43:19 GMT -5
Camera cell phone works for most applications
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Post by jims on Feb 2, 2009 15:43:14 GMT -5
I do not have a cell phone either. I would like a simple, basic camera. I do not think I would use many features.
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Post by ozark on Feb 2, 2009 15:50:35 GMT -5
As mentioned, there are a hundred options. My son does some professional photography as a side business and for my purposes recommended the Panasonic 18X (DMC-FZ18). It isn't a cheapy nor all that expensive. I really like the zoom feature that permits me to bring the subjects in close. Pictures are crisp and clear and comparable to the 35MM camers. I can't say it is better than some others, just that I am completely pleased with it. Ben
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Post by dougedwards on Feb 2, 2009 17:08:24 GMT -5
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Post by raf on Feb 2, 2009 22:19:26 GMT -5
The price of cameras is coming down compared to what they were a few years ago. Don't buy a real cheap one and don't buy a real expensive one. Some where in the middle will get you all you need. As was suggested go to a shop that has a good selection, talk to the people and they'll give you good info. Pick one that feels good to you and you like the look of and is in your price range.
I also have a camera in my cell phone but IMO it doesn't take very good pictures and getting them out of it and onto my computer is a chore. Some have good luck with them but I haven't.
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Post by huntmeister on Feb 3, 2009 13:51:21 GMT -5
I have a Panasonic FZ50 which is a super zoom and like it alot but you will spend a bit more for one of these types. Olympus has a pocket sized model that is waterproof and shock resistant and I hear good things about it from others. Check out this site, www.dpreview.com/ LOTS of useful info there. |
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Post by raf on Feb 3, 2009 16:02:25 GMT -5
Mine is a Panasonic DMC-FZ5. Has a 12X Optical Zoom. That magnification is nice, but, you need a tripod or some steady to use it and get a decent picture. You just can't hold it steady enough free hand. When I bought it cost a whole lot more than the equivalent would cost today.
Mine uses an SD card which is pretty common and can also use it in my trail camera. Some camera need a different memory card. Sony comes to mind. IMO SD cards are a better way to go and can be bought cheaper than some of the others.
Most cameras come with a card, usually about 16 megs which will get you about 8 decent pictures, not enough. All the pictures I take are taken on the highest resolution the camera is capable of and you get better prints, especially if you want to enlarge them. Buy the biggest card you can.
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Post by whyohe on Feb 3, 2009 17:35:40 GMT -5
jims, i have ad a couple. i just replaced an old Olympus that worked great till i broke the screen  . i went to circuit city cause of the going out of business sale and picked up a fuji pix z and my wife likes it. it was only 135.00 and came with all necessary programs to down load to your PC and cables and is 10 mega pixels. i got a Nikon cool pics p50 for 135.00 also. its a little bigger but i decided they where the same price so I'd give them both a try cause i like the Nikon brand. it takes good pics and is a 8 mega pixels. it too came with all necessary programs for down load and cables. i would recommend a camera with a SD memory card cause they are cheaper and more common. the Olympus uses a XD card which can be 50% more than the SD of same capacity. |
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Post by jims on Feb 3, 2009 21:39:16 GMT -5
This is all good information. Keep it coming.
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Post by ozark on Feb 3, 2009 22:00:25 GMT -5
Probably the best camera for the money is the Cannon powershot SD 750. The cost is around $200 and it takes excellent pictures and uses a SD Card that is compatable with the computer. It is small and roughly the size of a Cell phone. But does a great job. My daughter has one and hers has impressed several others to buy the same. It does lack the zoom function but that would be minor to most.
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Post by raf on Feb 4, 2009 8:07:42 GMT -5
My son has a camera similar to what Ozark says. He bought it as a 2nd camera so they can get more pictures of their daughter and one his wife can carry. Their main camera is some expensive SLR digital with interchangable lenses etc.. Anyway his comment was that the cheaper canon take pictures every bit as good and his expensive on.
As far as zoom, it you plan on take some picture of the great out doors and while hunting a zoom is nice. Size is also nice. I have one that fits in my shirt pocket, so that is also a consideration.
By now you're probably getting confused with all the things available so my advise is got to a camera shop, look 'em over, handle them and listen to the feature from hopefully a knowledgeable sales person and buy it.
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Post by huntmeister on Feb 4, 2009 10:19:30 GMT -5
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Post by billc on Feb 4, 2009 18:15:17 GMT -5
Most manufacturers have a refurbished camera store. I have bought 4 Olympus cameras this way and the warrenty is good and the price is great. These are my carry in the backpack, tackle box, keep in the glove box, let the Grandkids use camaras.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Feb 4, 2009 19:47:35 GMT -5
No doubt you are getting bombarded with info and opinions. You are like me....dumb with technology like this.
I rec'd a Kodak EZ share 885 for Xmas last year. I stuck the DVD instructions in my computer and it basically walked me thru it....no teacher. This was a $200 camera at the time. I bought my girlfriend a Kodak this year at Walmart. It has more functions then mine, more mega-pixels, and only cost $100.
For a Newb like us, each of these carema's do it "all".
Too many choices...I know. I like mine and hers. Easy and usefull. Any pictures I've posted here (other then my new trail cam) has been from a Kodak.
Do it...it's fun and worth it!
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Post by northny on Feb 4, 2009 20:28:44 GMT -5
1. More optical zoom is good
2. Don't get too influenced by needing the "most" mega pixels. five or seven will give you a good image you can enlarge 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 inch. For work on web, most images are less than 1 megapixels anyway and for email attachments I reduce resolution to half meg or less.
3. Get a unit that uses SD cards for storage. SDs are inexpensive, ( 2 gb SD card for $15 will hold 400 images at 7 megapixel) and a $10 USB adapter lets you use images on computer like any file and you do not have to connect the camera
4. ask if camera comes with rechargable battery and charger. I find it annoying to have to shell out another $40 for a good rechargabe battery and charger after buying the camera. Sometimes they have a package deal on sale.
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Post by ozark on Feb 4, 2009 20:54:44 GMT -5
northny has good information. Many cameras take good pictures but IMO if you get one without the zoom feature you will later wish you had paid a little more and got that. ozark
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Post by joe21a on Feb 18, 2009 14:23:29 GMT -5
I have a Sony cyber-shot Dcs-W80. It is small ( 2.25"x3.5" x.75"), Takes great photos and uses SD card for memory. It only has a 3X tele Zeiss lens but has been a good camera. It's size and quality of pic is what sold me on this one.
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Post by farmallm51 on Feb 25, 2009 20:23:41 GMT -5
I have two Canons, a Powershot S3IS and a Powershot A590IS. Both take great pictures. The S3IS is the size of a small SLR and has 12x zoom (48x digital) and 6mp. It cost around $300 several years ago. Ebay has really good deals on them. The A590IS is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket (the reason I bought it) and is 8mp and 4x zoom (16x digital) I got this one at Sears after hunting season this year for $95. Both these units have image stabilization and use sd cards. They also both use standard AA batteries. I am using the rechargeable styles and am getting great battery life from both cameras.
Take a look at either of these models, you would be disappointed
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Post by Richard on Feb 26, 2009 13:58:09 GMT -5
Jims..........I am on my third Kodak and think they are a good camera. Mine has 12X optical and 8.5 meg. pixtel. Truth is, I shoot most everything on 3 meg. pixtel. The optical zoom is a must after have a 3X optical and 12X digital. NG! Your computer can give you the same effect. You want OPTICAL. You don't necessarily need a lot of zoom if you are not taking pictures at long distances that you want magnified! Here is one thing to watch out for...........If you get a spare rechargeable battery, don't let them sell you a cheap imitation. They do not hold the charge. They sold me one with my camera and it was $29 wasted. I subsequently bought an original for $40 that last and lasts. That was an expensive battery!!!  You have been given a lot of good choices. Richard |
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Post by Harley on Feb 26, 2009 18:12:08 GMT -5
I've been into photography for more than 55 years, and like everybody that's already replied, I'm tempted to offer what I think are good specs for your camera buy; but, after re-reading your first post it seems to me you're looking for something that will just "get you by" as a means to post pictures on the Board. If that's targets, dead deer and your pickup truck you don't even need a zoom. You don't need to specify any number of pixels, since any newer camera will have enough for your purpose. Just buy a pocket-sized, fully automatic camera, preferably with rechargeable battery (as opposed to replaceable AA or AAA batteries, since they generally don't last long if you leave the camera "on" or use the flash). Buy a backup battery if you plan either to take a lot of pictures or be away from a charger for a long time. I would definitely buy a larger capacity memory card than the one that comes with the camera. Kodak, Panasonic, Canon and a few other battery brands are all good. Canon probably makes more quality point-and-shoot cameras than anybody else, and you can pick a comfortable price. Some even lower-price cameras can be corded to your PC for image transfer, but that runs down the battery; I'd rather see you buy an inexpensive card reader that stays plugged into your PC. You then take the memory card out of your camera and press it into the card reader to transfer your pictures.
Harley
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Post by jims on Feb 26, 2009 21:31:33 GMT -5
I knew so little about the cameras I did not even know what to ask for. Everyone has given me alot of good advice and ideas. I will keep that in mind. Thanks again
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Post by ozark on Feb 26, 2009 22:04:50 GMT -5
There are so many excellent choices out there that satisfaction is probable. Most are simular and you get what you pay for. A $300. camera today is doing the job better than a $1000. did not so long ago. My family are into photography and we all have different cameras. It takes an expert to say one picture is better than another. I think most all digitals are compatable with computers now. Jump in jims and post some pictures for us to view. Ozark
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Post by jims on Feb 27, 2009 17:15:28 GMT -5
I will eventually do that but first I have to buy the camera. It will get done, I just do not know when. I did copy the info on posting pictures so I will have that when I need it.
My wife already wonders what I am doing on the computer all the time, if I start posting photos I really may be in trouble. Actually she is a great wife, I could not ask for better unless she was a twin and there were two of her.
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Post by fowlplay on Feb 28, 2009 5:44:02 GMT -5
I also have a Cannon Powershot. Easy to use and take great pictures and mini movies.
Steve
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Post by davewolf on Mar 20, 2009 23:12:32 GMT -5
This might be an old thread, but I'm more than happy with my Nikon D50. It's been a workhorse for me and takes all the lenses from my SLR Nikon, in the end saving me a lot of money in 'glass.'
Fortunately I've been able to publish a photo a week in the Sunday paper here.
Have a great day!
Dave
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. i went to circuit city cause of the going out of business sale and picked up a fuji pix z and my wife likes it. it was only 135.00 and came with all necessary programs to down load to your PC and cables and is 10 mega pixels.
