Digital Camera Options

[Xsorovan]

Hey Everyone!
I'm looking for a reccomendation for a digital camera that has a manual zoom and focus option. I have had it with "point and shoot" auto-focus digital. Darn it, i'm an Artist! =)

Oh, yeah and I am trying to come in pretty cheap still. Most of my work ends up online or on not-so big works. 8x10 at max, so huge resolution isn't so much of an issue. But still, I want control and I would rather not pay an arm and a leg for it. (READ: digital SLR's over 1k)

Thanks...

 

[pyonir]

Canon G5

 

[Zenmervolt]

I know Sony's new 8MP camera has manual zoom and focus options. It's about $900 IIRC. I think Olympus' C-8080 does too, focus at least, I think the zoom is power.

ZV

 

[ultimatebob]

What's your budget for this camera? The cheapest GOOD camera that does what everything that you want is the Canon Powershot A70, which is under $250 now.

If you have more to spend, though, I'd upgrade to an A80 for under $350, or a G5 for under $500. You can even get a Digital Rebel kit with a decent lens and a CompactFlash card for under $1,000 now.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Olympus C-750

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
What's your budget for this camera? The cheapest GOOD camera that does what everything that you want is the Canon Powershot A70, which is under $250 now.

If you have more to spend, though, I'd upgrade to an A80 for under $350, or a G5 for under $500. You can even get a Digital Rebel kit with a decent lens and a CompactFlash card for under $1,000 now.

The powershot has manual focus and zoom? I didn't think so.

ZV

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: XsorovanBut still, I want control and I would rather not pay an arm and a leg for it. (READ: digital SLR's over 1k)

How about just a wee bit under 1k? Door #3 (Can be had for less if you look around).

 

[Freejack2]

Another vote for the Eos Digital Rebel. If you want the best you want one of those. $999 shipped from newegg.

If you want super e.i.s. zoom but only want 4mpixels and don't care if the lens is removable. The Panasonic DMC-FZ10 is an interesting choice for $532 shipped from newegg.

If you want an ultra tiny 4mp with manual focus, the Pentax Optio S4i is a sweet choice. Ritz has this for $349 shipped.

 

[codeyf]

If you're looking to spend < $1k TOTAL (lenses, etc), the Sony F717 can be had for roughly $500 these days (check the hot deals forum). Money to spare for xtra batts, a big ol' mem stick, case, lens filters, blah blah blah.....

 

[ElFenix]

the "manual focus" mode on most of the digicams sucks. it's almost impossible to focus using it

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: ultimatebob
What's your budget for this camera? The cheapest GOOD camera that does what everything that you want is the Canon Powershot A70, which is under $250 now.

If you have more to spend, though, I'd upgrade to an A80 for under $350, or a G5 for under $500. You can even get a Digital Rebel kit with a decent lens and a CompactFlash card for under $1,000 now.

The powershot has manual focus and zoom? I didn't think so.

ZV

The PowerShots do have manual focus. You're right it not having manual zoom, though, but the power zoom settings are fairly adjustable.

Of course, what this guy REALLY wants is a pro-level SLR like an EOS-1Ds. The Digital Rebel is a nice compromise, though.

 

[Xsorovan]

Well, I have been hearing good things left and right about the Rebel, it looks like I'll just bit the bullet and try to go that route. But honestly though what I have seen it do is quite amazing, and it looks to be the type of thing I want to do with it. So I'll suck it up and hope I can make some money off of it. =)

Thanks guys.

 

[Nocturnal]

Stay away from the F828. I hear there are nothing but problems with the camera. I'd like to suggest something Canon.

 

[gopunk]

yea i would go with an SLR like hte rebel if you manual focusing and stuff... you can do it with prosumer cameras but its not very convenient compared to an SLR

 

[Xsorovan]

The other question I had was speed. With the Canon c-8080 (which makes me drool BTW, I just don't think the focus is what I am looking for... but I could be wrong) everyone keeps remarking about how quick it is to take pictures. Anyone know how the rebel's response time is?

 

[glen]

What we all really want is the Canon EOS 10D that will fit in out pocket like the S400, and only cost about $200.

 

[przero]

Minolta DiMage 7i

 

[StraightPipe]

fuji makes some of the fastest cameras


but you shouldnt have to pay more than $500 to get a digicam in the 3-5megapixel range that has full manual options

 

[gangt]

How about Minolta Dimage Z1? Is that any good?

 

[Shortcut]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
the "manual focus" mode on most of the digicams sucks. it's almost impossible to focus using it

agreed - the lcd on a digicam just can't provide the same level of performance a focusing screen does on a SLR/old school camera. i tried using mf on a s45...and frankly gave up and let the camera do it's thing