novadose71 Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I have been using a friend's Kodak Z730 camera for awhile and finally have some money I can spend on my own. The Kodak takes nice pics, and the 5 megapixel's seem to be enough, but I don't like having to buy the special kodak battery(haven't priced these yet) when you can buy AA batt.'s anywhere. I want to keep the price under $200, the ones I have seen around this price seem decent. Any brands/models to look (out) for? What are some good features to look for? Any Quirks? How long can I expect the battery to last. The Lumix camera's seem to pack a lot of bang fer the buck, are they any good? It will mainly be used for still shots and closeups of models, 1:1 cars etc. and I will also use it for general family use, and some trips to Road America, but I can sacrifice in these area's for better closeup features. I am researching this anywhere I can get info, mostly on the web, and since you guys take the same type of pics, I value the opinions from here. Any advice given will be most appreciated. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU See, I told ya I'd appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crispy Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Rob, I'm a fan of Sony camera's. I've had three of them and still have two. I definitely understand your quandary with batteries. I've also had very good use of Canon and Nikon. But these are DSLR's I was using. If you want just a point and shoot I still think one of those companies will have something to offer with the battery style you want. The other thing to look for is what type of memory it has and how to get your images on the computer. I know the three manufacturer's I suggested do offer a AA battery camera. Just not sure of the MP. The best thing I can say is hit the stores and check out each camera and actually play with it at the store. I was at Best Buy and Ritz camera just about daily playing with two camera's I was interested in. I read a lot of reviews and played with a lot of cameras before deciding. In the end it's your money and for what you want to spend I think you can get it done. Prices seem to fall daily. Good Luck! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurth Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 When I was researching cameras I found the following sites quite useful: http://www.dpreview.com/ http://www.imaging-resource.com/ http://www.dcresource.com/ Be careful though. Cameras and photography can become a very addicting hobby. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanSilva Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 (edited) My next camera is gonna be a cannon S2 for 220bucks. S2 is 2 years old i believe, S3 is the newer version of the S2 and is about 290bucks. Not much changed either, just color and screen size. Its a zoom camera with a big lens, Pretty nice for models, you can check it out at the review sites above. that kurt posted. as far as where to buy http://www.buydig.com has the cheapest prices ive seen, but they stock the latest cameras, not many ''old'' models like from 2 years ago. Edited September 5, 2007 by RyanSilva Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Kren Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 I just picked up a Canon Powershot A560 and LOVE IT! 7.1 MEGA PIX 4X ZOOM small light and takes great pics. Got it at Ceircet City for $154 Saw it on their web site for $154 went to the store and they had it for 179 but got it for the $154 web price Well worth the $$ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariel Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 Hello I have a Kodak Z710 7.1 megapixel 10X the zoom nad I love it. Got it for $297.00 in a package w/ the ezshare printer. The camera is about $275.00 just by itself. Get great pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 I have the Sony Cybershot, 8.1 Meg. I think it is the perfect camera for your needs. I paid almost 300.00 but it is worth every penny. I also like the big screen and ease of use.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Zoom Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 I got a Canon S3 IS last Christmas for about $300, it's been a great camera for me and a friend has an S2 and loves it. 12X optical zoom, image stabilization, macro and super macro settings. It was one of the top-rated cameras of it's kind, it uses standard AA batteries. I get great model pics, and the image stabilization feature is great for anyone with remotely shaky hands; table shots of models indoors are tough to shoot w/o the flash, I couldn't get a good shot w/my Nikon w/o a tripod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOBBS Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 (edited) I concur on the Canon S3 IS. We got one shortly after our third was born in December and we absolutely love it. A huge lens with a 12x optical zoom plus the super macro and image stablization make it very good for models and shows. This pic was taken with the super macro and image stabilization on at about 1 inch off the lens and in less than optimal light. Anyhow, the wife wanted a digi Rebel and I needed a point and shoot with a decent macro so the S3 was a good compromise for us. Edited September 5, 2007 by LOBBS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle F Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 Picked up a Sony Cybershot DSC-W30 a while ago, and I love it. I actually bought it for work, but then I realized that it takes close-ups that I didn't know were even possible with a pocket camera. 6.0 megapixels, Zeiss lens (probably one of the reasons why it takes so good pictures) and a 3x zoom does it for me. There are many things you can't do with a small, relatively feature-less camera like this, but the simplicity and lack of advanced features have actually taught me a lot of tricks that have made me a better photographer. My only major gripe is that a small, lightweight camera is difficult to hold steadily. On the other hand, digital pictures are free, so I can take 10 pictures and then pick the good one (i.e., the one that hides the flaws in the model car I'm shooting B) ) I'm not a photo pro by any means but I really enjoy taking pictures with a good camera, and I'm trying to talk my wife into buying a digital Canon SLR. We already have a regular Canon SLR with some different lenses and accessories that will fit (or so I hope anyway), so I can't wait to kick it up a notch. BTW: Here's a picture I took with the Cybershot. I'm sure you can take much better pictures with a more professional camera, but it still ain't bad for a pocket camera, IMO: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg Posted September 6, 2007 Share Posted September 6, 2007 I did a photo seminar at the IPMS Nationals last week. At the end of the second day of the seminar (I did it two different days, not two days long), Aaron Woods let me use his Canon S3 camera for a quick how-to with a pocket digital camera. I have to say, I was amazed! I was able to hook the camera up right to my notebook (Mac of course), and I could control every single feature of the camera. I was able to adjust everything from white balance, ISO, F-Stop, Shutter, and best of all, is was in real time!!!!! To say that everyone was impressed is an understatement. I was able to get studio quality shots using his sub-$300 camera, that would be print-worthy! So, my hats off to the Canon S3, and to Aaron for letting me use and abuse his camera for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick44 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 I've had quite a few cameras, and personally use a Kodak P850 for good photography, and a Nikon Coolpix L11 as my "pocket camera." I like the fact that the Kodak is one of the few digital cameras I've found in the sub $1,000 price range to which I can attach an external flash. Its "only" a 5.1 megapixel, and it does take a proprietary battery ... but it came with a charger that also serves as a dock for transferring its contents to my computer. I've got two extra batteries and one charger for it ... seems to me the WallyWorld price on a battery and charger was under $40. It seems the main criteria any more for me is what kind of memory card the camera uses. I've become standardized on SD cards. The price on them seems to be coming down and down and down and they're used in many types of devices (I've just ordered a digital recorder that will use up to a 4g SD card for recording sound from four built-in microphones!) Sony cameras are excellent ... but they use Sony's own memory stick which doesn't seem to come down in price...even though other companies offer compatable sticks. And nobody else seems to be using Sony's sticks in their products. I haven't even mentioned the many, many types of SD card readers you can get ... I've even got one 1g SD card that folds in half and inserts directly into a USB port! I guess you might say I feel the cards are stacked in SD's favor! Rick Sampson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 (edited) Before the GSL I was thinking to buy an updated Digital Camera and after I came from there, the cameras were lost at the airport belt. I had been always a photography fan and I have an old Nikon FM from 1981. Actually, in that same trip I lost my DVD Sony camcorder and my "FILM" Nikon N70, remember that one at the GSL Gregg when you, Jairus, and me took a picture together? That situation forced me to buy my new "toy". 2 months after that I ended with one that can be called a "High End" camera for what we do, a 10.2 megapixels Nikon D80. I guess I don't have to say what can do a $1,000(with lens) camera, a 35-105mm Macro zoom, plus a Hoya +1,+2,+4 Close up lens set can do? I'm still practicing with some models and I think it's a great one. Here's something I shooted with it in the first days I bought it. Now, I'm thinking to buy a small table top mini studio like the one Zoom Zomm uses for his great pictures. Simon P. Rivera Torres Edited September 7, 2007 by simonr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novadose71 Posted September 7, 2007 Author Share Posted September 7, 2007 Thanks for the input everybody, more is welcome as I have not yet purchased a camera. I went and played with an Canon s3 yesterday and I, too, am impressed, now I am going to check out other brands versions similar to the s3. I tried a Kodak z710 also and it worked well, and a little cheaper at auction too. I have been watching auctions for Canon s2, and s3 and as far as price goes, they're fairly close. I am going to have to spend a little more than I planned for one of these plus accessories, but I think I will be glad I did, if I do. I'm going to go try some more out in an hour or so. Anyway, thanks again and go build something! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Peterson Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 It appears I'm the minority, but I am mad happy with my FujiFilm S602. In the auto mode and in macro, I am able to get above-average tight close ups of models, even in lousy light, as is pretty much consistent from one model show to the next. The optical zoom is a must, and at about 5 megapixels, I get great crisp shots that I can resize easily without losing resolution. Anymore, you'll have a hard time not finding a decent digital camera, but just make sure you have an optical zoom and macro feature on whatever you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Slammer Posted September 12, 2007 Share Posted September 12, 2007 (edited) I was wondering if any of you guys has had any experience with Samsung cameras, I was planning on buying the S-850. I have checked some of the ones you have recomended here, but I'm on a tight budget. . . Edited September 12, 2007 by Mad Slammer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Slammer Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismaelg Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 Fanfan, I don't know about that specific model but I recommend this website. It has reviews and technical specs of digital cameras. It is a great source for comparison. It also has customer reviews and more. It may help. DPreview.com Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Slammer Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 Fanfan, I don't know about that specific model but I recommend this website. It has reviews and technical specs of digital cameras. It is a great source for comparison. It also has customer reviews and more. It may help. DPreview.com Thanks, Thanks, I'll check there. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 I'd have to agree with the votes for the Sony Cybershot. It's small, yet has a huge viewing screen, Zeiss optics, 7mp, (or is it 8?), zoom, macro, the whole ball of wax, for less than $250 (bought online from some electronics place in NYC). As far as image stabilization...I call it a tripod! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Zoom Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 Steve's digicams has a great selection of reviews and recommendations. It helped me when I was looking for a new camera. Steve's Digicams "Best of" reviews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truckman1958kits Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Hi, I'm a big fan of Fuji dig. cams. The one I have is over 6 years old and works great. My daughter just bought a fuji 610 6 mega pix(130.00 at worst buy(lol) and she loves it. You will have to buy a larger card to take the high rez. photos. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novadose71 Posted September 17, 2007 Author Share Posted September 17, 2007 Just wanted to thank all who gave me their input on this, at times, mind numbing purchase. I narrowed it down to the Panasonic Lumix FZ7 and Canon S3is. The AA batteries in the Canon were the deciding factor. Bought one Sunday, and am now trying to make sense of the manuals. Hope to post some pics by next weekend. maybe in the Big Boyz section since I feel like one now . Thanks again and Happy Photographin'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novadose71 Posted September 17, 2007 Author Share Posted September 17, 2007 DOH! Forgot to mention. The camera review sites recommended were very helpful, and I don't think they have anything to do with the sales sites, besides listing them, but beware of some of the lower priced sales sites they all recommend. Apparently, they give themselves good sales reviews, and if you go back a few pages in the customer reviews, you find bad reviews and some pretty shady sales tactics. The site below also had some insight into this. Maybe it's all BS but it was enough to make me lose the nerve to send them $200-$300 and my personal information. There were at least four sites that were probably run by the same company, all were "closed for vacation" at the same time, all said they would resume shipping on the same date, and all had the same type of complaints. FYI ,buyer beware, and check customer complaints/reviews. UUUHHH ........that's all folks http://ripoffreport.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaronw Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 DOH! Forgot to mention. The camera review sites recommended were very helpful, and I don't think they have anything to do with the sales sites, besides listing them, but beware of some of the lower priced sales sites they all recommend. Apparently, they give themselves good sales reviews, and if you go back a few pages in the customer reviews, you find bad reviews and some pretty shady sales tactics. The site below also had some insight into this. Maybe it's all BS but it was enough to make me lose the nerve to send them $200-$300 and my personal information. There were at least four sites that were probably run by the same company, all were "closed for vacation" at the same time, all said they would resume shipping on the same date, and all had the same type of complaints. FYI ,buyer beware, and check customer complaints/reviews. UUUHHH ........that's all folks http://ripoffreport.com/ I have the Cannon S3IS, I paid $390 last december but now that Cannon has released the 8mp S5IS (the S3 is 6mp) I'm sure the price has come down. I primarily use it to shoot fire ground photos but it works great for the small stuff too. Gregg used mine at the IPMS Nats last month and his reaction certainly did make me feel good about the choice I made in cameras, and I now have to accept the fact that any bad photos are the fault of the operator not the camera. It also takes good video too, so if you want a digital video camera it will do double duty. It is rather large for the term pocket camera but once you get used to lugging a camera bag around with you its not bad. I went with the rechargable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and they last a long time, I recently shot 2.5 gigs worth of photos and video on one set of batteries. Also a plug for Gregg, if you ever get a chance to sit in on one of his photo seminars it is well worth it, I sat through it twice and learned something new each time. Very low key, just a guy and his camera playing with the settings to explain what they do. I tried reading the manual but in a little less than an hour I learned a lot about how to operate my camera. Oh, and Gregg and Jarious really are just as nice in person. Here are some examples of the photos I've taken with it IPMS room light only An outside shot of the full size stuff (I shot this 2 weeks ago in Santa Clarita, CA) and an example of the video quality (I shot this at the Zaca fire back in August) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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