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07/14/2003 05:31:04 PM · #1
Some friends of mine asked me to help them pick out a digital camera. Myself, I'm leaning in the direction of the Olympus C-5050Z. I am pretty impressed with the results I've seen on this site, especially those straight from the camera. The thing is this camera may be a little advanced for my friends. Any suggestions and maybe some straight from the camera results?
07/14/2003 07:02:06 PM · #2
My favourite was my very first digital camera, a Sony DSC-S85. I loved it, because of the incredible calibration in auto and program modes at the time. I still have to match some of the shots I landed with this jewel via my present and a little more feature-rich F717. The S85 is the predecessor of Sony's new model DSC-V1. This (Sony DSC-V1) would be my present recommendation for a (serious) novice/intermediate or advanced photographer, who wld have use for a somewhat lighter second camera.

When the advanced camera options are not yet fully used, calibration is a major condideration, IMO. Additionally, Sony's (albeit expensive) proprietary batteries and memory sticks (the V1 also accepts Memory Stick Pro) are the best I know of. The battery charger is built into the camera, eliminating the need and expense for an external one, especially one which works as well as Sony's. The battery lasts me approximately 3.5 to 3.75 hrs of more or less continuous shooting!
07/14/2003 07:19:23 PM · #3
I would recommend something in the Sony Mavica line. I love my CD400. They don't make it anymore, because they now have the CD500 which includes a few of the favorite features of the F717 (such as the histogram display) and a 5MP image. The best part is it writes straight to mini-CD-R's or CD-RW's, so the media is almost free, and you can hold 60 full resolution high-quality images on one single CD that you paid 15 cents for, or that you paid a dollar for if it's CD-RW, and you can use it again and again with no problems.

If you want something without quite so many features (as it sounds like you do for your friends), the mavica line has the more economical CD300 (or is it CD350, I can't remember). Also a great cam, pretty good imaga size (3+ megapixels), and quite a few features if you want 'em. The best part is not having to spend tons of money on memory sticks and stuff. CD's are the best!
07/14/2003 08:11:58 PM · #4
for basic picture taking ,those little Sony's are awesome (DSC P-72),have red beam for night focusing and can be set completelly on auto,pocket size and easy to use!
My Girlfriend have one,I like her snapshots!
07/14/2003 08:39:39 PM · #5
Here is the link DSC-P72
07/14/2003 09:49:52 PM · #6
I was looking a few days ago for my mother-in-law who made the classic mistake of not consulting me first about it. She bought some no-name brand on-line for the heavily discounted price of $100. And paid too much. There is simple, and then there is simple-for-my-six-yr-old. So I went shopping so she could give that little piece of crap to someone who will abuse it, take a lot of pictures, and not care how they look, namely, my Sister-in-law. Anyway, to make a short story long, I looked at the Pentax Optios. There was a 3MP with 3x opt. for about $320. Then there was a 4MP with 3x opt. for $500. They are really compact and sleek looking. Pretty simple to use with decent features. Hard to say how the pics look without a computer handy. They take normal batteries and CF cards. THey have built in memory too, like 11Meg or something like that. I'll look at them closer when the time comes. But it was nice to go to Ritz Camera and talk to someone who actually knew something about cameras since my guy at Circuit City quit and the guy selling them now pretty much is basing his customers' decisions on how cool things look with 16x digital zoom.

Bob
07/14/2003 09:57:46 PM · #7
Originally posted by orussell:

Some friends of mine asked me to help them pick out a digital camera. Myself, I'm leaning in the direction of the Olympus C-5050Z. I am pretty impressed with the results I've seen on this site, especially those straight from the camera. The thing is this camera may be a little advanced for my friends. Any suggestions and maybe some straight from the camera results?


I think it depends on what sort of photographer your friend is. If they are basic users, I would suggest point-and-shoot cameras rather than those larger/advanced onces with many custom settings. Have you seen the Sony U-series? They are very cool and portable. Very suitable for those at-the-moment shots.
07/14/2003 10:04:42 PM · #8
My Optio S is pretty good... needs a bit of post-adjustment in PS for my taste, but excellent for the beginner as well, it's so darned small! I ALWAYS have it on me, I barely notice it. Excellent macro mode, pretty good quality, reasonable amount of user control, but no manual modes. Although I would really like a camera with more advanced features, I think I'm going to keep on trying to get the most out of this one for a while, because I hate carrying large cameras with me anywhere. My wife just got a Fuji 602, so it'll be interesting to see how we compete against each other in the challenges here!
07/14/2003 10:13:03 PM · #9
I'd reccommend one of the olympus 720 UZ it's about half the cost of the 5050z if you shop around and has a nice 8x optical zoom and a large aperature lens and it's a little less complex than the 5050
07/14/2003 10:14:51 PM · #10
I was thinking about a 720... one of the 720 owners here told me not to bother, and I've read some pretty bad reviews since. The af is REALLY bad in low light apparently, and you don't have as much control of shutter speeds as they make out.
Isn't the C-4000 1/2 the price of the 5050, but with very similar features? What's that like?

Message edited by author 2003-07-14 22:15:34.
07/14/2003 10:24:05 PM · #11
Don't get the 720.
Don't get the 720.
Don't get the 720.
Don't get the 720.
Don't get the 720.

Look into a 740, MAYBE. But yes, it sucks in low light totally. The shutter speeds are at my control, not sure what you meant about that. Um...the zoom rocks, but you can't focus at the very longest focal length (have to come back to maybe 7.5 or 7.75x instead of 8).

The 740 has noise reduction for long shutters, 10x optical zoom and 4MP. I would look into that, but no way the 720. S602 before the 720 EASILY.

M

07/14/2003 10:24:56 PM · #12
Sometimes I find myself wishing more controls over my camera settings. But then at the same time, I know I wont be shooting as many photos as I'm now if the camera is large and heavy. I've always preferred form over factor. The reason is I'm more of a hobbyist when it comes to photography. I dont lug my camera along if it's cumbersome. It's like having a full-powered notebook which I wont carry along - I'd prefer a pocket-sized PDA. I guess I might be sticking to the ixus family for awhile and wait for something revolutionary to come along.

EDIT: added a sentence

Message edited by author 2003-07-14 22:27:42.
07/14/2003 10:31:07 PM · #13
hmm didn't know that about the 720 maybe the 4000 would be better
07/14/2003 10:34:26 PM · #14
Originally posted by macox:

hmm didn't know that about the 720 maybe the 4000 would be better


I know one thing,my next camera will certanly have EVF (Electronic View Finder),My Fuji3800 has it and makes life much easier outside on the sun!
07/14/2003 10:40:04 PM · #15
Shadow... I'm exactly the same, I have an O2 XDA (PDA and mobile phone in one) and Pentax Optio S (which shares the same SD cards, so I can email people my pictures immediately should I wish to do so...).
I love the smallness of it all (although my wife laughs at how big my mobile phone is. Women... tsk...).

Message edited by author 2003-07-14 22:40:28.
07/14/2003 11:57:25 PM · #16
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
07/15/2003 02:10:50 AM · #17
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Shadow... I'm exactly the same, I have an O2 XDA (PDA and mobile phone in one) and Pentax Optio S (which shares the same SD cards, so I can email people my pictures immediately should I wish to do so...). I love the smallness of it all (although my wife laughs at how big my mobile phone is. Women... tsk...).


Oh the O2 XDA, I'm also a self-proclaimed gadget freak! I've just ordered the HP H2210 and is pretty excited about it, due to the dual-expansion slots (has a built-in CF-II slot) and so I can immediately load the photos from my Canon into the PDA and check it out, light editing... I havent got GPRS or else I would also be able to send out my photos instantly (I envy you!)

BTW, in case you're interested. I read that they have released Windows Mobile 2003 upgrade for the XDA. You might want to check it out.
07/15/2003 05:32:59 AM · #18
as someone else said on another thread today, "its not the camera"... so don't fuss too much about the photos from the other people who have the same camera
07/15/2003 09:14:39 AM · #19
I would suggest the olympus c-4000z, I bought that camera for my 5 year old and he is doing wonderful with it. I am also using it as a second camera when my hubby is using the g2. I ended up buying a refurbished model which I have had absolutly no problems with and at half the cost. The 3rd place photo on unanswered questions was taken with this camera
07/15/2003 10:26:50 AM · #20
I think it's real important to understand their likely eventual use before you make any recommendations.. If they are likely to expand their use into a hobby not just a holiday/kids snapper then IMHO they should buy the best they can afford now rather than having to re-invest later..

I'm pleased with my canon as it's fully auto, fully manual and pretty small which means I take more pictures as I have it with me more often..
07/16/2003 09:31:07 PM · #21
I finally picked out the Olympus C730-UZ for my friends. I think they're going to enjoy their investment. I set up the software and helped them figure out the basics tonight. It's a really nice cam. I've since developed a bad case of lens envy. lol Thanks to all who made suggestions.

Owen
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