I am in dire need of a new camera. Anyone have a recommendation or warning to pass on?
My camera needs to be tough, easily portable, have both telephoto and macro capabilities, and not take a genius to operate. Plus, I do still have one child in college so I don't plan on spending more than $500.00 US.
Something in the 5 to 8 megapixel range, perhaps...
9 comments:
I am shopping too for the same qualities. I have yet to leave the film world behind, but I know it's past time for me to do so. The digital SLR's are out of my justification range...darn it. Some of the Fuji and Kodak cameras in that price range have 10-12x optical zoom...not sure on macro, but that's important to me also. I've just started looking. Please post your choice when you decide. Take care.
get a color one.
I don't know about these things, but my clever son in law does, and he cautions not to be impressed with digital zoom (different from optical zoom). Apparently, digital zoom is merely cropping and doesn't give you better detail. In fact, too much digital zoom can lead to less detail and more pixellation in the photo. Of course, under ideal conditions, such as good outdoor lighting and such, that may not be a serious problem. My worry is that I will meet some sleazy salesman who will wow me with such "features" that aren't really beneficial at all.
When you make your choice, please post it here so I can do the same thing.
Wish I could help. The ones I've been lusting after are all over $1000. :)
Here is a site with good reviews though.
Gee, thanks guys :)
SQ, I found your comment particularly helpful ;)
Rurality, we have a Nikon D70 at work. It takes great pictures. I thought I wanted one for a while, but you really need a camera bag to carry it and it's just too fragile for what I would put it through. Plus, changing lenses in the swamp can be a tricky proposition for a clutz like me!
The digital zoom is not important, and 10x would be the min. optical zoom. Look CLOSELY for GLASS lenses in which camera you choose. Even though most of your shots are outside, I'd look to see what the low light level recommendations are.
epinions.com is good source to check out.
I use a cheapy Kodak 5 megapixel, but would like more than the 3x zoom it offers.
Thanks Bloggy. I've been looking for something with 10x to 12x optical zoom -- no problem in finding that, it's the macro I'm having trouble finding :(
Thanks for mentioning the glass lenses, I hadn't even really considered that.
Swamp,
I was in a SAM'S CLUB tonight and they had the Nikon Coolpix 4800 for under $400. It was 5 mp and had a 8X optical zoom. It was intriguing and one I am going to learn more about. With 35mm, I have always figured each 50mm of lens focal length is a one X magnification. So this would seem to be equivalent to a 400mm tele. Plus it had digital zoom also. Hope this is helpful.
The photos from the camera that you have been using are wonderful.
That being said, I only know the camera that we have and I don't know how Canadian prices compare to U.S. prices. We paid a bit more than you want to, but in Canadian dollars.
We have the Fujifilm FinePix S7000. 6.3 Megapixel. 6 X optical zoom. Macro allows focus between 3.9 inches and 24.5 inches Super Macro allows focus between 0.4 inches and 7.9 inches. We bought the camera for the super macro ability and have been pleased with it.
The camera does come with an instruction booklet of over 100 pages and neither of us has used all the bells and whistles so it may be more complicated that you wish and I carry it in a camera case if I have anything else with me in the field.
Good luck in your search. Cameras, like computers, seem to be out of date about 5 minutes after you leave your money in the store.
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