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08/10/2004 06:44:44 PM · #1 |
Hello all,
I just signed up at the site and have been browsing pictures here all day. Im very impressed with what see. There are some very talented people here.
I got a camera for my bday a few months back and have become somewhat obsessed with taking pictures. I feel Ive outgrown my camera already. Id like some advice on what a good step up would be from the canon sd110 that I have.
I know there are sites that describe cameras the problem is I dont understand what alot of the features are. My basic understanding so far is optical zoom is better than digital. :)
Im interested in taking some close up pictures with high levels of detail, and am looking to also try some portraits.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me......
BTW my price range is up to about 1000 give or take |
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08/10/2004 06:51:28 PM · #2 |
Well, if you're willing to spend that much, I'd suggest taking a good look at the current crop of 8mp cameras out there. There's about five or six to choose from. Most, if not all, can be set for "auto" and serve as a Point and Shoot, but all have plenty of advanced features to grow into. These cameras are pretty easy to operate and yet quite sophisticated as well. My personal preference in the bunch is the Olympus 8080 followed closely by Canon's Pro1.
Most of these cameras can be had for well under $1,000 now, if you shop around.
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08/10/2004 07:01:32 PM · #3 |
I dont' know if this is helpful or not, but maybe you can learn from my expensive mistakes:
I bought a Kodak digital camera simply because the optical zoom (which is better than digital) was the equivalent of a 380mm lens in the 35mm world of cameras. What a mistake. I spent about the equivalent of $700 USD on the camera and the media only to find that the shutter reaction time was so slow I missed shots. The longest lens (in optical mode) length made all my pictures turn blue/purple. In the end, I was looking for the equivalent of a 35mm SLR system (with interchangable lenses - auto focus, manual and auto features) in a compact point and shoot.
I can't resell the thing for any equivalent value since it's used and the market has already changed.
Instead, I went with the Nikon D70 - an amazing DSLR with a beautiful lens (much better than my 35mm lenses) that sold for about $1300 USD (including the lens). I am so happy with it I could cry. I can do everything I ever wanted. (You can also get a Canon Rebel DSLR for about the same money).
I realize SLRs are a bit intimidating to people only experienced with point-and-shoot cameras. However, if you have the money I say spend it. If you really grow to love photography, you'll abandon your point-and-shoot soon enough. Plus, DSLRs really operate the exact same way (in terms of auto features, auto focus, etc.)- only you get better results. Plus, if you ever really get into photography, start to take courses, etc. you won't regret it. Plus, you can "grow" your system - so you can add extra lenses whenever youwant.
I've taken a few photography courses but still can't exactly explain the science behind lenses - however, there is a huge difference between optical and digital. Also, there is a huge difference in quality/science behind some of the SLR lenses - but even the worst SLR lens will be better or as good as the best optical lens on a point-and-shoot.
I hope this helps a bit. I wish I'd just spent the money and went with a DSLR to begin with. I used SLRs in the 35mm world and they are hands down more flexible to use. Plus, your DSLR probably won't go out of style as quickly.
Cheers!
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08/10/2004 07:27:26 PM · #4 |
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08/10/2004 07:34:36 PM · #5 |
| Buy my Minolta Diamge 7hi. lmao. |
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08/10/2004 08:36:26 PM · #6 |
A friend bought a Panasonic Z10 the other day, as light a walk-around camera. It's only 4 mp, but it has a very versatile Leica 35-420 mm lens and a spotmeter. The images I've seen did have some discernible noise at over 100 ISO, but there is a ISO 50 option as well.
The price is somewhere around CDN $ 800, which would be considerably less than you intended to invest.
Another camera I'd look at is the Sony F828.
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08/10/2004 08:38:33 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by zeuszen:
A friend bought a Panasonic Z10 the other day, as light a walk-around camera. It's only 4 mp, but it has a very versatile Leica 35-420 mm lens and a spotmeter. The images I've seen did have some discernible noise at over 100 ISO, but there is a ISO 50 option as well.
The price is somewhere around CDN $ 800, which would be considerably less than you intended to invest.
Another camera I'd look at is the Sony F828. |
The Panasonic Z10 is being replaced by the Z20 in late summer. Also, there is a new Kodak coming out in September replacing the 6490 that is looking very good.
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08/10/2004 08:39:43 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Kylie:
Also, there is a new Kodak coming out in September replacing the 6490 that is looking very good. |
...naturally... (grrr) 
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08/10/2004 08:46:03 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by laurielblack:
Originally posted by Kylie:
Also, there is a new Kodak coming out in September replacing the 6490 that is looking very good. |
...naturally... (grrr) |
Oh, and Laurie? It's probably going to cost less, too... <>
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08/10/2004 08:47:38 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by boomer:
Oh, and Laurie? It's probably going to cost less, too... <> |
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08/10/2004 08:49:25 PM · #11 |
Some of the advice is to go DSLR, and I will admit, I absolutely LOVE my Rebel, which you can get with a kit lens for less than $1,000. But I still think it might be prudent to start with a good P&S, which is so much more user-friendly (IMHO), before making the leap. DSLR is expensive without a doubt. And besides, most people I know with a DSLR have kept their simpler P&S for those times when they don't want to lug around a bigger, heavier, and more noticable camera.
A friend of mine has a D10 with a trunkful of lenses and yet he still gets lots of use from his Pentax Optio 550 (I think that's the name), which is the size of a pack of cigarettes, has 5 mp, and delivers wonderful images. Probably cost about $500.
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08/10/2004 08:50:33 PM · #12 |
LOL!
Well, buy what you need now. Keep in mind that there will always be something better and cheaper tomorrow but don;t sweat it or you won;t buy anything.
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08/10/2004 08:54:05 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by boomer:
Some of the advice is to go DSLR, and I will admit, I absolutely LOVE my Rebel, which you can get with a kit lens for less than $1,000. But I still think it might be prudent to start with a good P&S, which is so much more user-friendly (IMHO), before making the leap. DSLR is expensive without a doubt. And besides, most people I know with a DSLR have kept their simpler P&S for those times when they don't want to lug around a bigger, heavier, and more noticable camera.
A friend of mine has a D10 with a trunkful of lenses and yet he still gets lots of use from his Pentax Optio 550 (I think that's the name), which is the size of a pack of cigarettes, has 5 mp, and delivers wonderful images. Probably cost about $500. |
Very good points. I am only waiting because I was so close to the August releases anyway. And I will still carry my smaller one everywhere with me. I am holding off on a DSLR for now; I think the next step up to a really fine point-n-shoot will be the most appropriate for myself and might be for you,too. Have fun and enjoy, no matter what you decide!!
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08/10/2004 08:55:08 PM · #14 |
Canne
You might want to take a look at this free class on-line before deciding. It will at least give you an idea of what a DSLR can do.
//morguefile.com/ver3/classroom.php
BTW - my next cmaera will likely be the D70.
Good Luck!
J.B. |
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08/10/2004 08:59:32 PM · #15 |
Ill sell you my Sony 717 :)
/me salivates over the 828 |
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08/10/2004 09:00:46 PM · #16 |
How much for the 7Hi and the 717?
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08/10/2004 09:07:49 PM · #17 |
My two cents - don't buy two cameras like I did (waste of money) go for the gusto if you have the money.
And when you do decided to do more research - the best site (I've found anyway) is www.imaging-resource.com - you can compare cameras side-to-side, etc. It's pretty cool and covers every digital camera ever made. At the same time, I used it to buy my Kodak point-and-shoot and it performed well in their tests. Of course, they were comparing oranges to oranges and not to the performance and capabilities of DSLRs which are hands down better than even the highest end point-and-shoot. It can all be very confusing. I like that this site allows you to compare (generally anyway).
On the positive side... They also probably have a few tutorials about optical vs digital lenses, what to look for, etc.
Another one: www.epinions.com - for price comparisons and reviews by laymen like us. :)
Cheers! |
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08/10/2004 09:18:36 PM · #18 |
I upgraded from a two mega pixel Kodak point and shoot earlier this year and after doing my research decided on the Canon G5 and I am very happy with it. It cost me about 470 dollars including a 64mb cf card. So far ive also purchased a polarizing filter and a 256mb cf card and am looking into macro filters.
The biggest selling points of the G5 for me were the swivel lcd, imo one of the best inventions for the digital camera after the lcd itself... and the fact i can just carry my camera around my neck without the need for lens bags, etc.
The best suggestion I can give is that make sure you do your research thoroughly and that you have completely made up your mind on the camera you want. Also if you are buying online, check the reviews of the store and make sure that they arent selling you a black market camera or the camera without batteries, etc. Check the official packaging from the manufacturer for what should be included in the box and what you are getting. Best of luck!!!
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08/10/2004 09:42:56 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by MadMordegon:
Ill sell you my Sony 717 :)... |
There's a good camera. I'd investigate this.
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08/10/2004 09:45:45 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by MadMordegon:
Ill sell you my Sony 717 :)... |
There's a good camera. I'd investigate this. |
No doubt. My photography skills are way below the capabilities of what this camera can offer. |
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08/10/2004 09:51:48 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
How much for the 7Hi and the 717? |
the minolata dimage 7 hi, outstanding professional feauture and synchronozes with strobe or flash at any speed.
Comes with remote shutter, tele and wa adapters and UV filter and good charger. Bougth it last Sept , 2003. 90 percent of my port shot with monolta. 500.00 firm gets the whole package. |
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08/10/2004 09:53:09 PM · #22 |
My favorite site for camera advice is dcresource.com. The reviews are well-written and objective without getting too deep.
FWIW, I have a Canon PowerShot G5 that's virtually untouched (since I bought a Rebel at the same time), that I would sell for $450. |
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08/10/2004 09:56:45 PM · #23 |
Scalvert, do you mean dpreview.com? If not, there's another to add to the list. I think it's excellent.
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08/10/2004 10:16:39 PM · #24 |
| Nope. I meant dcresource. The site author, Jeff Keller, started the Powerwatch web site when he was in high school. It was THE source for PowerComputing (Macintosh clone) information back when they were hot, and his camera review site is just as excellent. Best of all, the site offers links to all the other big review sites, so it's a good starting point. |
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08/10/2004 10:52:20 PM · #25 |
| I actually dont have the skills for my camera either. But I want a Sony 828 because of the much better video quality and because it can use non Sony Mem sticks. (plus that black body.. sexy!) |
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