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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Noob needs some camera purchasing advice.
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07/04/2002 12:35:54 AM · #1
Hi. You guys come highly recommended from some of my compatriots over at <b>Worth1000</b>. They said you might be able to throw me some viable opinions on two upcoming purchases on my part. I'm getting ready to but two cameras, a digital still image camera and a digital-8 video camera.

First, the still camera. I was leaning towards the Canon G2. I've heard raves about it and the price was right. Then I met the <a href="//electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-6613935-1305-8917462.html?tag=dir-rev">Leica Digilux 1</a>. Sigh. Comparable price, but it's a Leica. Now mind you, this will be my first digital, after years of film shooting. But I want my first camera to be the best I can afford. Any thoughts? Canon? Leica? Other?

Second, the video. Here's where the confusion really sets in. Digital-8? Other digital format? Sony? Canon? Jeez, this really intimidates me. Price range I'm willing to spend is $1000 to $1200. Again, I want the best bang for the buck.

I hope I don't hit you with too much, too soon, but time is a factor here. I'm looking at purchasing these in about a month. Any input whatsoever will be greatly appreciated.

I hope my HTML comes through ok. If not, I apologize.
07/04/2002 12:47:42 AM · #2
Two pieces of advice

1 use "[" not "<"
2 the G2 is a great camera, but if you want a camera that can do both still and video, try the Sony Mavica CD400. It takes 4MP photos, has pretty much all the features you would want, uses mini CD's which are cheap, takes 90 min of email video with sound (you can check that out on my web page) or 10 min of high quality 16fps video that looks decent on a tv. (320x240). It is a very good one for all camera and is $700-$900.
07/04/2002 01:23:36 AM · #3
here''s my take--obviously i like the G2, cause I bought it(!), but had done lots of research first. That is going to be more personal preference as I have seen alot of great stuff come from alot of great cameras on this site. Where I will talk is the video. If you are looking to go ahead and invest a hefty base price then get your money''s worth in the long run. Digital 8 (super 8) to me is not worth it unless you plan on staying at that level(super 8 tapes are not compatible with any DV recorder)--I wouldn''t go lower than a Cannon GL1 or anything that uses a mini-DV tape. If you are going to get really into it and editing, then you need something that uses tapes that you can throw into a DVCPro or even get a reliable batch capture from your camera straight into your computer (using Premiere or Final Cut Pro as your editing software--i even have a friend who swears by Vegas Video). You can read all about all of these [url=//www.adamwilt.com/DV-FAQ-tech.html#DV formats]here[/url] just to give you an idea. I say this if you are looking into it say for a job, or even just professional quality home-type video--remember that while standard TV has an aspect ratio of 4:3, digital and HDTV (16:9) is becoming cheaper and you might want something that will accomodate that! Just stuff to think about!



* This message has been edited by the author on 7/4/2002 1:29:09 AM.
07/04/2002 02:27:03 AM · #4
Not to side track the question, but I'm also in the market for a new digital camera. I'm not interested in video though. The one I am using now is constantly disappointing me (borrowed from a relative for these challenges). I do better on a SLR camera but I know those cameras aren't allowed here. So here I'm in the market to buy my own instead of borrowing one. Could anyone sugguest a digital camera that can take really good micro photos?
07/04/2002 02:53:28 AM · #5
Originally posted by cvhs99:
I do better on a SLR camera but I know those cameras aren't allowed here.

Huh? Do you mean SLR FILM cameras aren't allowed. This is certainly true. However, nothing rules out a digital SLR (like the D1 you've used).

Based on a few things I've read and my own experience with a Coolpix 990 - Nikon are pretty much king of the hill when it comes to micro/macro photography. If you want my "advice" get the best Coolpix you can afford or (if you're _really_ into macro and money's no object) a Nikon fit SLR (D1*/D100/Fuji S1/2) and the Nikkor 105mm micro lens. There is very little (and probably nothing digital) better than this for macro.

07/04/2002 03:13:08 AM · #6
Thanks for the advise Johniboy; I'm taking note.
07/04/2002 07:15:07 AM · #7
Originally posted by cvhs99:
The one I am using now is constantly disappointing me (borrowed from a relative for these challenges).

Just curious. What are you finding dissappointing about the D1?

07/04/2002 09:34:34 AM · #8
Thanks everyone. This is what I'm looking for, some viable input from people who know. Great site by the way.

Oh, and I'll repeat my new mantra: [ not <, [ not <, [ not <.

One other thing. Has anyone had any input regarding the Leica Digilux 1?
07/04/2002 09:47:20 AM · #9
Not much, but I read that it can take video up to the capacity of the memory card like the Sony's if you're trying to get the best of both worlds in one camera.

Originally posted by bigpeeler:
Thanks everyone. This is what I'm looking for, some viable input from people who know. Great site by the way.

Oh, and I'll repeat my new mantra: [ not <, [ not <, [ not <.

One other thing. Has anyone had any input regarding the Leica Digilux 1?



07/04/2002 09:50:55 AM · #10
Originally posted by Karen Bryan:
Originally posted by cvhs99:
[i]The one I am using now is constantly disappointing me (borrowed from a relative for these challenges).


Just curious. What are you finding dissappointing about the D1?

[/i]
I hesitate to suggest this link if you find the D1 inadequate
//www.nikonusa.com/usa_product/product.jsp?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25206
07/04/2002 10:16:11 AM · #11
Originally posted by bigpeeler:
One other thing. Has anyone had any input regarding the Leica Digilux 1?

I'll need to ask him for further information, but a professional photographer friend of mine was waiting for this camera to make his step into the digital world... and he messaged me the other night asking for camera advice because he said it was "out of the picture due to poor image quality." That's all I know... :)

Drew
07/04/2002 10:50:48 AM · #12
Originally posted by cvhs99:
Not to side track the question, but I'm also in the market for a new digital camera. I'm not interested in video though. The one I am using now is constantly disappointing me (borrowed from a relative for these challenges). I do better on a SLR camera but I know those cameras aren't allowed here. So here I'm in the market to buy my own instead of borrowing one. Could anyone sugguest a digital camera that can take really good micro photos?


I have been really happy with the macro capabilities on my Sony F707. There are some examples in the link below to MY GALLERY. I am looking for ways to get better macros however. I have been cropping the subject out of a larger photo in most of these. What you see in most of my macro shots is part of a larger image. I purchased a set of close up rings that I thought may help but they are not working like I expected them to, so I have added them to my 35mm bag :) I believe that a teleconverter may be the answer... I'm looking for some feedback on that... :)

07/04/2002 12:51:57 PM · #13
Originally posted by bigpeeler:

[/i]One other thing. Has anyone had any input regarding the Leica Digilux 1?[/i]

The Leica Digilux 1 is the same camera as the Pansonic Lumix DMC-LC5. Pansonic makes the camera and Leica makes the lens. Check out this review at Steve's Digicams before you buy. Steve usually is pretty easy on the cameras with his reviews but this time he has some major issues with auto-focus and image processing, among other things. DPReview.com I think had a review but I think they pulled it. I've never seen such a negative review on that site. Get the G2. It's the best bang for your buck. One thing it has that most of it's competetors don't have is a raw (.CRW) mode. If you're shooting for quality that's a real plus.
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