Digital camera recommendations [Archive]

robotic

09-03-2006, 05:00 PM

i bought my digital around 2003, a sony cybershot model (DSC-P31) 2.0 megapixels for 999DHS or approx $300 canadian dollars. i've been wanting to update it, although i don't plan on using digital for serious photography.

i post this here to gain useful information from yw folks ^_^ i haven't been paying very close attention to the digital camera market, and seeing digital camera listings is dizziness, with the influx of canons, sonys, minoltas, kodaks and nikons. i never really paid attention to any difference too :redface: leaving me a bit confused.

please feel free to recommend brands that are within a reasonable price range ($100-$300), have higher megapixels, have a video recording option (with sound), other useful features or digital camera's you've owned or had a good experience with.

Faithless

09-03-2006, 05:27 PM

How about a combo cellphone/digital?

I'm thinking of getting rid of my "toy" motorola for a Sony Ericsson (http://www.phoneyworld.com/newspage.aspx?n=1782) that purports to shoot with 3.2 megapixels.

jo1to6

09-03-2006, 10:50 PM

Hello,

You might want to take a look at the Canon Powershot SD600. Seems like it would fit your needs... it's a cool little camera.

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_6482.html
http://dpinterface.com/reviews/canon-powershot-sd600/index.html

And, I think you can get it for under $300USD now.

I currently use a G6 (I'm upgrading soon though) and the image quality is been really good (nice colors, crisp images). The things I didn't like about my Canon was the fact that the auto focus was, in my opinion, kinda slow and the AI for the auto focus wasn't so hot. Not sure if the ELPH's are better in this regard.

Hope that helps!

robotic

09-04-2006, 06:35 PM

canon powershot is really suhweet!

misschopstix

09-10-2006, 03:34 AM

I like Canon brand digital cameras. The quality of the pictures are very nice.

mr. x

09-11-2006, 02:41 AM

get a Canon Mark II EOS

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/0129/canon1.jpg

Goes great in the purse

Fireblade

09-21-2006, 09:14 PM

check out this website if you want to develop some knowledge on what type of photography you want to develop:

http://philip.greenspun.com/photography/

If you're going compact, I would say the best brands tend to be Canon, Panasonic (don't buy Leica, since they're pretty much the same as Panasonic), and Sony. The thing with Sony is that they tend to use a lot of reduntant technology, and use only Sony based technologies that may or may not be on par with things out on the market currently.

A great camera review site:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Faithless

05-19-2007, 04:52 PM

Bought a Casio Exilim because of the multifunction aspect. It had a seven megapixel camera and video camera that fits into the palm of the hand.

Zoom leaves something to be desired.

Three shot stop action is slow with the first shot. And who just wants three shots in the span of three seconds?

The "best shot" feature is good for it to compensate for lighting and subject area. I found myself just going with 400 ISO and full flash in room shots though.

Kennyb

05-19-2007, 06:04 PM

Three shot stop action is slow with the first shot. And who just wants three shots in the span of three seconds?

Obviously you're not geeky enough to know what three shot stop action is meant to be then....

One example for this is to create HDR images (High Dynamic Range), using Photoshop and other softwares that are built for HDR. To create HDR images you need to take the same picture three times but with different exposure, hence 'three shot stop'.

Here are some example of HDR images I did, incase some of you don't know it:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/466478007_49e97d558d_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/466470178_8de06951fb_o.jpg

Faithless

05-19-2007, 11:14 PM

After playing with the camera a bit, I think it's three shots per a second.

I want the feature for catching a flying jump kick somewhere near the point of a board break.

I understand that I need to get a more expensive model that will take up to seven shots in a second.

The continuous flash feature for the three shots is good. The camera seems to take better pictures with the flash in those three shots, then not.

The flash is excellent. Took some pics at Disneyland's Pirates ride and got lots of detail.

thaite

05-20-2007, 02:02 PM

I'm guessing you're not looking for a digital SLR, no?

haplesshobo

05-20-2007, 03:16 PM

I'd just wait. Digital cameras are like HDTVs, where every year, the price keeps on dropping and quality is getting better.

Faithless

05-20-2007, 08:17 PM

I'm guessing you're not looking for a digital SLR, no?
Who, me? Maybe. What can you recommend that takes great stop action shots?

rice cracker

07-02-2007, 10:08 AM

I'm guessing you're not looking for a digital SLR, no?

Me me me, I'm looking for a digital SLR. Right now I'm shopping the Nikon D80 and the Canon EOS 30D. A lady at my office swears she can get me a good price from a dealer she knows. Otherwise I might bargain shop through Amazon.

Arex

07-02-2007, 11:59 AM

I'd just wait. Digital cameras are like HDTVs, where every year, the price keeps on dropping and quality is getting better.I know this is an old post, but this is not helpful advice. In technology, something better and cheaper is always just six months away. But you've got to buy in at some point or you'll be waiting forever.

thaite

07-05-2007, 01:17 AM

true that, arex/

I just bought a nikon d40. still playing around with it.

rice cracker

07-05-2007, 06:45 AM

true that, arex/

I just bought a nikon d40. still playing around with it.

How do you like the d40? That's another model I'm seriously looking at, the d80 might be a little too much camera for me right now (plus it is like twice as much money).

Banana

07-05-2007, 08:28 AM

I just need a good camera under $300. Tell me what to do!

Arex

07-05-2007, 02:24 PM

^ What kind of camera are you looking for? For compact point and shoots, I'm a big fan of the Canon Digital ELPHs. If you can still find one, you can get an SD800 IS (IS = image stabilization) for well under $300. Otherwise, there is the SD850 IS which replaces it for a bit over $300 if you hunt for a deal.

Yeahman

07-06-2007, 11:08 PM

I liked my Casio EX-Z75 before it broke (I dropped it on its lens). I would recommend it.

thaite

07-07-2007, 01:32 AM

How do you like the d40? That's another model I'm seriously looking at, the d80 might be a little too much camera for me right now (plus it is like twice as much money).

I'm liking it a lot. Takes great shots. Not having a top-body display to tell me the pertinent stuff takes some getting used to, but it's not that big of a hassle. It's very lightweight.

I had considered the d40x and the d80, but I didn't want to spend that much cash. If you can find one, the d50 is a good compromise from the d80.

Banana

07-07-2007, 02:35 PM

I'm currently using a Canon Powershot S30 and all the pictures seem to be washed out. All those cameras you guys suggested are over $300.

rice cracker

07-07-2007, 03:21 PM

I'm liking it a lot. Takes great shots. Not having a top-body display to tell me the pertinent stuff takes some getting used to, but it's not that big of a hassle. It's very lightweight.

I had considered the d40x and the d80, but I didn't want to spend that much cash. If you can find one, the d50 is a good compromise from the d80.

I took the plunge and purchased a d40x + 18-55 mm lens. I got an okay deal on it, also didn't have to pay for tax and shipping. I'm excited to be able to finally take nice pictures instead of flat, high contrast/overly highlighted, noisy, crapulous pictures.

Banana: learn the histogram. Love the histogram. http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=histogram

Banana

07-07-2007, 03:41 PM

I'm not looking for something that involved, just a camera that takes pictures where the image isn't overly exposed because of the flash.

thaite

07-07-2007, 04:16 PM

I took the plunge and purchased a d40x + 18-55 mm lens. I got an okay deal on it, also didn't have to pay for tax and shipping. I'm excited to be able to finally take nice pictures instead of flat, high contrast/overly highlighted, noisy, crapulous pictures.

Banana: learn the histogram. Love the histogram. http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=histogram

Sweet!

Now ya gotta save up and buy a bunch of lenses.

rice cracker

07-07-2007, 04:58 PM

Flash will make all your pictures ugly. Don't use it.

thaite

07-07-2007, 10:43 PM

well, you gotta bounce or diffuse it somehow. can't do that with a point-and-shoot.

rice cracker

07-08-2007, 07:22 AM

With a point and shoot I've had better luck lengthening the exposure time and using a tripod. Um, not so much luck with live subjects, though.

mr. x

07-08-2007, 06:57 PM

Rice, requesting pics of your hot hot depth of field

Golden Monkey

07-08-2007, 08:06 PM

I'm not looking for something that involved, just a camera that takes pictures where the image isn't overly exposed because of the flash.

I've heard good things about the Canon PowerShot A560. Good quality for $160+.

Plus you can clean up the image in your computer with the right software.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-a560/4505-6501_7-32314658.html

Arex

07-09-2007, 10:01 AM

I'm not looking for something that involved, just a camera that takes pictures where the image isn't overly exposed because of the flash.If you can't find the SD800 or 850 for around $300, check out the Canon SD1000 (review 1 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sd1000-review/index.shtml), 2 (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd1000-silver/4505-6501_7-32314638.html)). You should be able to get one for well under $300 (Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1000-Digital-Optical/dp/B000NK8EWI)has it for $220, but I've seen occasional coupon/pricematching deals on it for under $200). I have the SD600 which preceded it and think it's a great little point and shoot.

rice cracker

07-11-2007, 03:26 PM

*squee* I got my camera today!! Now I can start taking pictures of all the mundane aspects of my life, in exquisite detail!

Banana

07-11-2007, 04:11 PM

*squee* I got my camera today!! Now I can start taking pictures of all the mundane aspects of my life, in exquisite detail!

oy. that's what i would consider way too much for a camera.

mr. x

07-11-2007, 11:38 PM

*squee* I got my camera today!! Now I can start taking pictures of all the mundane aspects of my life, in exquisite detail!

and remember, it's not a true myspace angle unless you hold it above your head

rice cracker

07-12-2007, 07:27 AM

oy. that's what i would consider way too much for a camera.

It all depends on what you want out of your camera. I already have a good point and shoot, this is just the next step for me.

Mr. X: I'm thinking of upping the exposure, black and white, with a lot of grain. And cropping to just my mouth.

Arex

07-21-2007, 12:09 AM

I'm currently using a Canon Powershot S30 and all the pictures seem to be washed out. All those cameras you guys suggested are over $300.Here you go: Canon SD800 IS for $269 at Dell (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0732944).

hooligan

07-22-2007, 03:41 AM

If you can't find the SD800 or 850 for around $300, check out the Canon SD1000 (review 1 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sd1000-review/index.shtml), 2 (http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd1000-silver/4505-6501_7-32314638.html)). You should be able to get one for well under $300 (Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1000-Digital-Optical/dp/B000NK8EWI)has it for $220, but I've seen occasional coupon/pricematching deals on it for under $200). I have the SD600 which preceded it and think it's a great little point and shoot.

Only by the Canon's if they have Image Stabilization.

AngryABCGirl

07-29-2007, 10:06 AM

rice cracker

07-29-2007, 04:01 PM

any professional or serious amateur photographers here?

I'm looking into buying a higher end digital camera, something that allows some flexibility in lens, etc. I want to take a lot of shots of city life here in Taipei before I leave to the US. I eventually want to make a portfolio for submission if I decide to go to film school someday and wanted to know a good digital to start off with and practice I suppose. May consider purchasing a traditional film one in the future. Looking in 500-800 US range. I might be willing to spend a little more more, but no more than 100, for a better quality camera I can use longer.

Any recommendations?

I hear good things about the:
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi Digital Camera
Nikon D80
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

Wish I could help with those recs, but I've heard good things about all of those cameras too, and I wouldn't be able to make a critical decision. From my own shopping around, the Canon Rebels seem to have a really large following, and I like the shots I've seen taken with them.

Have you gone into a camera shop to play around with any of them? Usually (okay, from what I've witnessed in the two shops I've been in) the shops will have a floor model and let you handle the merchandise before you buy.

*cough cough* Here are some shots I took yesterday with my D40x, using a 50mm lens at 1.8 - 2.2 aperture. I freaking love shooting in aperture priority mode.

AngryABCGirl

08-03-2007, 01:08 AM

I decided to go with the D40x and now am playing with it constantly.

Any tips on how I should use it? get to know it? lol

Moong Joong

08-03-2007, 05:52 AM

i got a d40x myself last month as well, i'm a noob myself though.

rice cracker

08-03-2007, 07:16 AM

D40x noobs unite!

Here are some sites I've been killing time on:

http://digital-photography-school.com/ has a great blog, forum, loads of tips. Not Nikon specific.

http://www.nikonians.org/ Nikon specific (obviously) tons of information, techniques, tips, etc. Plus forum.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/ is a fun one, not Nikon specific but really good reviews, articles, and forum.

Moong Joong

08-04-2007, 07:03 AM

awesome, thanks.

rice cracker

08-15-2007, 03:16 PM

Because I'm addicted to my camera now, I've created a catch all photography thread. I cleverly named it, "Catch All Photography Thread (http://www.forums.yellowworld.org/showthread.php?p=519992#post519992)."

thaite

08-15-2007, 09:38 PM

I'm feeling a little inadequate.

rice cracker

12-18-2007, 11:19 AM

well, you gotta bounce or diffuse it somehow. can't do that with a point-and-shoot.

I recently purchased a SB-600 speedlight, and I freaking love it. Ceiling bounce!

AngryABCGirl

12-18-2007, 02:51 PM

I recently purchased a SB-600 speedlight, and I freaking love it. Ceiling bounce!

good lord.

thaite

12-18-2007, 04:33 PM

hey, we're still waiting on those nude shots of radford

mr. x

12-18-2007, 04:50 PM

Personally I wanna sice Rice' myspace camwhore pictures, but the D40 is a little hard to hold with one hand

robotic

12-20-2007, 10:07 PM

ren28

12-21-2007, 12:20 AM

i just bought a canon powershot A570! i love it, but my only pet peeve would be the AA batteries that zaaap out pretty quick (especially with the LCD screen on). is there any brand that lasts longer?

;) have my eyes set on an DSLR now. haha maybe after i get a job.

This may possibly help you.

Steve's Digicam site battery link (http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html)

rice cracker

12-21-2007, 09:39 AM

Anyone do anything with Lomographic cameras? I think I might get the Holga camera. Looks cheap and fun.

yoMAMA

12-21-2007, 11:21 AM

I want to get a canon powershot G9....

:p

robotic

12-21-2007, 11:45 PM

This may possibly help you.

Steve's Digicam site battery link (http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html)

thanks for the link :) very helpful. i need to invest in some nimh batteries real soon.

Anyone do anything with Lomographic cameras? I think I might get the Holga camera. Looks cheap and fun.

i have a holga! a 120N that i recently shot a roll of 120 film with. i'm going to be sending it to develop next month at a photography place near my university, and i'll send you the pictures if you like =] i do enjoy the unpredictable pictures that lomographic cameras have to offer. before i got my holga, i never really got into the itty-gritty details of any camera i've owned, even back when i owned an SLR. it's cheaply made and almost gives you a child-like giddiness to carry the clumsy thing around.