Digital Camera Gurus I need your advice

[Ronstang]

I really don't know too much about currently available digital cameras so I really don't know what to do here. My dad bought me a Samsung Digimax S1000 10.1 Megapixel digital camera for Christmas with all the necessary accesories. I am not sure if I should keep this camera or get something else. The biggest problem for me is it has no view finder and I prefer not to waste battery on a LCD display for most pictures but I am not sure how many cameras actually have them these days. I just don't have the time or knowledge to do the research and I know there are many here with a great deal of experience in this department so I figured I should get your advice before I make a decision.

I kind of like the fact that this camera takes AA batteries because I can use rechargeable ones or in a pinch pick up a pack at any store. But once again I don't know enough to know if this is actually the preferred battery type or not. I'm not even sure if a 10,1 Megapixel camera is even necessary for basic photos. Seems a little overkill to me but I really am not sure. I just want the best quality pictures I can get for the money is all. My dad even said if I needed to spend some more money to get what I wanted it was OK. I don't want to abuse that so please no suggestions for cameras costing a bunch more.

Thanks

 

[ghostman]

Many of the ultra-compacts no longer come with viewfinders anymore. It seems many people like to compose their pictures through the LCD exclusively. Having said that, most lithium batteries that come with these cameras can shoot hundreds of shots before it runs dry, even if you use the LCD a lot. Although AA batteries are convenient and cheap, they drain faster. Add to the fact that you will be composing on LCD, and it may run out faster than you may expect. Of course, I have no experience with your particular camera. And yes, 10.1MP is probably more than you need for a basic camera. As a side note, also think about memory. SD tends to be very cheap now.

I ended up getting a Sony DSC-W70 for my gf recently. I haven't played with it yet, but it was rated well. I may get myself one when the DSLR is too much. I know it'll be more than enough for 4x6 photos, because my 2.1MP Canon S100 is more than capable of that.

 

[Mermaidman]

I no longer use the viewfinder for various reasons, so I don't think you should be concerned about its absence. Also, i haven't noticed that using the LCD seriously depleting battery life. Being that your digicam uses regular AA batteries, you can always have a spare set of fully charged ones in case you are THAT worried.

So if those are your only concerns--keep the gift! Also check Steve's Digicams for an in-depth review--it might talk about battery life.

 

[tfinch2]

Don't worry about battery life. Get rechargeables. I've read somewhere that the battery life on the S1000 with two AA is ~3 hours.

 

[KK]

If the view finder is the only reason you think you want to trade it in, then keep it. I'd be more concerned about the battery situation. Yes AA is convenient, but if you take alot of pictures it's not practical.

 

[Ronstang]

Well, if I should get something with a proprietary rechargeable battery any suggestions on a good camera in the same price range? I am open to suggestions. Just trying to see what my options are before I commit. I have heard great things about the Fugi cameras but was unsure if I was going to get much better quality than the Samsung. I usually prefer Samsung as a brand over most other companies but I have no experience or knowledge about them with cameras.

 

[KK]

what's more important to you, portability or features? My wife is want something tiny with a big viewfinder, something along the lines of the nikon S5-S9 series. But we haven't purchased one yet because I'm not sure how the picture quality is, along with the battery life. Canon makes a few good lines, you can't ever go wrong with canon. I haven't heard anything, good or bad, about samsung.

As far as the AA batteries goes, I forgot they have rechargable AAs, so that's I guess would be the same thing.

I say, if the pictures are good from the camera, and it does what you want, keep it.