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12/16/2003 02:12:48 PM · #1 |
What's good at the moment ?
A friend asked me and to quote
" I want a big zoom(7-10x) and features (ie, I actually use 2nd curtain shutter, multi-spot metering, etc.)."
He and his wife have quite a lot of real film camera experience - I'm wondering if the 300D is more what they are looking for in terms of responsivness |
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12/16/2003 02:29:30 PM · #2 |
The Nikon Coolpix 5700 is 4.92 MP, 8x zoom (35-280mm), tons of features. You can buy a wide angle that takes it to 28mm and a teleconverter that takes it to 420mm.
But if they want more versatility with interchangeable lenses, the 300D would be good, particularly if they already have the lenses and don't have to make the investment.
The Nikon Coolpix 5000, if you can still find it, is less expensive, also has the same feature set at the 5700, but the lens is only 3x zoom- but the nice thing is that it's already 28mm on the wide end. You can also buy additional lenses for it, but for both the 5000 and 5700 they're specific to the camera- you can't use film lenses.
Andi
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12/16/2003 02:31:09 PM · #3 |
Olympus has the new one with a 10X zoom.
Not sure how good it is I have not read any reviews for it yet.
My experience with my Oly C3030-Z is a good one.
I know quite a few others here like their Olympus cameras. |
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12/16/2003 02:35:09 PM · #4 |
I am happy with my G5, but it doesn't have the big zoom. I would suggest they look at the Nikon 5700 or possibly a Sony 717 or the forthcoming 828.
They may decide that a DSLR is really what they want. I always recommend that people shopping for a digital camera take a CF card, go to the camera store and play with several different models. They can then take the shots home and evaluate them at their leisure.
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12/16/2003 03:08:00 PM · #5 |
If I were buying now, looking for a 7x-10x optical zoom, I would think very hard about:
the Minolta Dimage A1;
the Sony F828 (not available until a few days from now);
for less cost, the Olympus C-750 (oh, wait, I've already got one!);
or the Minolta Dimage Z1.
I think Kodak and Nikon have entries into this area, too. For in-depth evaluations, see these websites:
Dave's Imaging Resource
Steve's Digicams
And to buy US-warranty, new equipment, no strings (i.e. mandatory to purchase accessories) attached, AT GOOD PRICES, try B&H, J&R, Adorama, and 17th Street Photo.
Actually, forget the Olympus and the Z-1, they are 4 MP.
Message edited by author 2003-12-16 15:31:02.
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12/16/2003 03:15:31 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
He and his wife have quite a lot of real film camera experience - I'm wondering if the 300D is more what they are looking for in terms of responsivness |
Definitely suggest a 300d... and then tell them any benefits to moving up to the 10d. Do you know if they have canon film stuff?
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12/16/2003 03:33:45 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
What's good at the moment ?
A friend asked me and to quote
" I want a big zoom(7-10x) and features (ie, I actually use 2nd curtain shutter, multi-spot metering, etc.)."
He and his wife have quite a lot of real film camera experience - I'm wondering if the 300D is more what they are looking for in terms of responsivness |
Minolta A1 or Nikon 5700,but I would definitely go for A1 !
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12/16/2003 04:41:27 PM · #8 |
I tend to agree with Kosta on the Minolta A1 or even the Z1 is a great choice for a first digital, however if they have a lot of real film experience are they using an SLR? If so they should look at the digital SLRs, that the lenses they have now might fit. Canon and Nikon both have excellent DSLRs.
Psst, leave the pc and go to an actual Ritz or Wolf Camera and try to talk to the store manager, that is the one person who is really up to date on the digital world! |
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12/16/2003 04:53:51 PM · #9 |
They sound like they are technically advanced enough to really appreciate the DSLR world. I would second the opinion posted above that if they decide DSLR is for them, have them look at the 10D or D100 as opposed to the 300D. The differences are significant for those looking for complete creative control.
Some things that may bug them about non-DSLR cams if they're used to film SLRs:
- Shutter delay
- LCD readability in bright light
- DoF differences
- Limited range of apertures
- Noise at high ISO
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12/16/2003 04:57:06 PM · #10 |
| They have an investment in Minolta SLR gear, but it isn't going to be useable with any Minolta digital products - so no ties, but a lot of SLR experience (his wife has a Photography/ fine art degree for example) |
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12/16/2003 04:59:12 PM · #11 |
They will fall in love with either the Nikon or Canon DSLRs if given half a chance, I predict.
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12/16/2003 05:01:57 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
They sound like they are technically advanced enough to really appreciate the DSLR world. I would second the opinion posted above that if they decide DSLR is for them, have them look at the 10D or D100 as opposed to the 300D. The differences are significant for those looking for complete creative control.
Some things that may bug them about non-DSLR cams if they're used to film SLRs:
- Shutter delay
- LCD readability in bright light
- DoF differences
- Limited range of apertures
- Noise at high ISO |
Yup - and my friend is aware of that - it was his main concern with going with something so restrictive like the 300D. But the cost of entry for decent DSLR is pretty significantly beyond the cost of something like the new Sony or Coolpix 5700 -probably realistically
you are looking a twice the price to get a decent SLR system, compared
to a high end prosumer camera. |
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12/16/2003 05:07:09 PM · #13 |
If cost of entry is really a problem, they probably will want to take the path I took, stay in the prosumer end and see if the bug bites hard, then decide whether to upgrade. I also came from a film background (though I certainly don't have anything like a photography degree!) I lasted close to three years with the Nikon 990 & 995, but the last 6 months was pure torture. Sooo glad I made the investment.
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12/16/2003 05:23:17 PM · #14 |
| Yeah, that's why the new Sony looks pretty good - avoids the only main issue with Sony that I've seen - it takes CF cards! |
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12/16/2003 05:42:35 PM · #15 |
| I can't believe no-one has suggested a Panasonic FZ10. That's my next camera as soon as I can get hold of one. |
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12/16/2003 06:00:24 PM · #16 |
Bobster... have you used one yet? I've read some of the user reviews on the FZ10 and it seems like there might be some need to be cautious with this new camera:
"I bought FZ10, now I am tremendously regret! The quality is the worst, the noise is so terrible. I mean the CCD quality is too bad, I will never buy Panasonic product again!"
"If picture quality is crucial ... get any other camera thats in the $250 to $400 range. A Canon would easily kill the FZ10 on image quality. But wow ... what features ! If the picture quality stood up to the feature set ... I would gladly pay more for this camera. Wow ! Love that 12X Zoom ! Aweful to use in low-light !"
"Fun to use, but colors disappointing. The camera hummed, too. If I pointed it up or down for a picture, it had this weird, irritating, constant hum."
"The physical camera seemed pretty good (except that the lense cover should be on a string). The photos presented the problem for me. 1. The images were as consistant as the weather here in the DC area (not at all). 2. Shots taken at the same time and settings often looked very different. 3. Many of the indoor shots came out very dark, even when using the flash. 4. Enlarging any of the images beyond 100% during a review of them revealed that many of the images were not actually in focus. 5. The focus on many of the photos was off. The subject would be out of focus while some object off to the side would appear much more clearly."
Seems like a mixed-bag... to me personally, image quality is a lot more important than features.
Message edited by author 2003-12-16 18:04:44. |
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12/16/2003 06:33:42 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Bobster... have you used one yet? I've read some of the user reviews on the FZ10 and it seems like there might be some need to be cautious with this new camera:
"I bought FZ10, now I am tremendously regret! The quality is the worst, the noise is so terrible. I mean the CCD quality is too bad, I will never buy Panasonic product again!"
"If picture quality is crucial ... get any other camera thats in the $250 to $400 range. A Canon would easily kill the FZ10 on image quality. But wow ... what features ! If the picture quality stood up to the feature set ... I would gladly pay more for this camera. Wow ! Love that 12X Zoom ! Aweful to use in low-light !"
"Fun to use, but colors disappointing. The camera hummed, too. If I pointed it up or down for a picture, it had this weird, irritating, constant hum."
"The physical camera seemed pretty good (except that the lense cover should be on a string). The photos presented the problem for me. 1. The images were as consistant as the weather here in the DC area (not at all). 2. Shots taken at the same time and settings often looked very different. 3. Many of the indoor shots came out very dark, even when using the flash. 4. Enlarging any of the images beyond 100% during a review of them revealed that many of the images were not actually in focus. 5. The focus on many of the photos was off. The subject would be out of focus while some object off to the side would appear much more clearly."
Seems like a mixed-bag... to me personally, image quality is a lot more important than features. |
Wow, well I've been following this forum, and the response has been mainly good. I think there are people on these forums who have totally unrealistic expectations... for example the Pentax forums are full of people who slag off my current camera the Optio S. Forums are full of far more (sensible) people who are saying that the Minolta has too many faults, or Sony, or Nikon, etc. etc. All forums are full of these complaining people. I still think the Panasonic will be the one for me, but I haven't used one yet. Anyone else?
Bob
Message edited by author 2003-12-16 18:34:28. |
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12/16/2003 09:12:53 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
They have an investment in Minolta SLR gear, but it isn't going to be useable with any Minolta digital products - so no ties, but a lot of SLR experience (his wife has a Photography/ fine art degree for example) |
Maybe they should get something usable, but cheaper. Based on reports, Minolta will have a dSLR come the new year. Or is there a different problem with some Minolta lenses and new(er) gear? |
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12/16/2003 09:49:57 PM · #19 |
| I have a Sony f717 and Im extremly happy with it. But you might want to also consider getting the f828. |
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12/17/2003 07:39:10 PM · #20 |
I went to Wolf Camera today and ask the salesperson to show me the Panasonic DMC FZ10.
Nice and heavy body with huge lens on it,very proffesional look!
I wish I could rent one for few days to see how it handles before spending $600 + tax on it! :-( |
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01/30/2004 06:42:26 AM · #21 |
| I've had my FZ10 for awhile now. Can't compete with film but still a good image in my book. Very happy with the purchase. |
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01/30/2004 06:54:22 AM · #22 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
Originally posted by kirbic:
They sound like they are technically advanced enough to really appreciate the DSLR world. I would second the opinion posted above that if they decide DSLR is for them, have them look at the 10D or D100 as opposed to the 300D. The differences are significant for those looking for complete creative control.
Some things that may bug them about non-DSLR cams if they're used to film SLRs:
- Shutter delay
- LCD readability in bright light
- DoF differences
- Limited range of apertures
- Noise at high ISO |
Yup - and my friend is aware of that - it was his main concern with going with something so restrictive like the 300D. But the cost of entry for decent DSLR is pretty significantly beyond the cost of something like the new Sony or Coolpix 5700 -probably realistically
you are looking a twice the price to get a decent SLR system, compared
to a high end prosumer camera. |
In no way am I suggesting I'm not biased, but calling the 300D "restrictive" seems very harsh.
My two friends both have 10Ds, we use our cameras in a wide variety of situations, and never has the 300D been any less useful than the 10D. Try and remember, the 300D is a slightly cut-down version of the 10D, nothing less.
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