Hey ATers, help me find a new camera

[JungleMan1]

I'm in the market for a new one digital of course. This is mostly for my review site www.fastlanehw.com where I need to do close-ups of computer hardware and most work is done inside.

Maybe some of you can help me choose what camera I need.

Things I DO need:
- great picture quality, this is probably my number one priority.
- great focus and depth perception, especially macros. I am leaning towards a Nikon camera since those are the best for macro shots
- ability to take CF or SD media, prefer CF. I can't do Sony since I'm not spending more money on Memory Sticks + reading equipment (camera hookups are always crap)
- ability to hook up to an AC adapter would be really nice, just in case I run out of battery life
- at least 3mpx, prefer 4 though
- NEEDS TO SHOOT WELL AND FOCUS WELL IN LOW LIGHT! I don't always have professional lighting and I need something that won't come up grainy when I'm shooting inside a computer case (which is dark)
- plenty of manual settings to tinker with, a stupidly high amount is not required, but enough to set shutter speed, aperture, etc

Things that are not as important:
- size, but I don't want something gargantuan either
- battery life, I don't mind proprietary batteries either
- looks, it can be a little ugly, if it takes good pics
- price, as long as it's under $500
- extreme zoom. I want at least 3x though

The camera I am looking at is the Nikon CoolPix 4500. I hear the swivel-body Nikons are the cameras of choice for many photographers doing what I'm doing, they take CF, have many accessories available, and fit my range. It also helps that Steve at www.steves-digicams.com uses that model for his own product shots for his reviews.

I would just like to know if there are others you guys would recommend, and if so why.

Cheers

 

[imported_Mike]

Edit that: Based on your needs, $500 budget is too high. I would go with the A70, or the s400 if you want 4 MP, but b/c you're just posting online and the photo will be saturated anyways, $500 ~ 5 MP will be overkill. Both only have 3x zoom, but take nice pictures.

 

[JungleMan1]

The S500 looks pretty nice, anyone here own it or anything? CF, 5MP, small, attractive, just in my range

How does it compare to the 4500 quality-wise? As that is my main priority. Specifically macros and low-light shooting. I know Canon cameras are good but I was a bit less than impressed with my neighbor's G3 doing extreme close ups (other than that, awesome cam)

 

[Linflas]

I got a Coolpix 5700 for Christmas and I am real happy with it so far. I am new to digital photography and have not really scratched the surface of all the things it can do.

 

[DaWhim]

A70

 

[TitanDiddly]

Canon A70.

 

[JungleMan1]

Most of you seem to recommend the A70...can you give me some good reasons to go with the A70? Or link me up to a few good reviews?

BTW, I am not ONLY going to be using this camera for my review site, but primarily.

 

[Nocturnal]

Canon. If you want Sony, F717 would also be a good choice.

 

[JungleMan1]

So nobody is going to give any reasons for their choices?

I am open to everyone's suggestions, but I just can't blindly buy a camera because User X said I should buy it. I know Canon is highly recommended on this forum, but this is a big purchase for me, so I need to know everything I can. I've bought stuff because "everyone said it was good" and sometimes it turns out to be junk, so make sure you're all going to be as specific as you can.

Be anal retentive if you want, just let me know all the details! Thanks

 

[GonzoCircus]

A70? I suggest the A80. If you're taking macro shots the A80's swivel LCD is fantastic and allows you to do the coolest things, but you don't really realize it until you start using it. I bought an A80 a few weeks ago, couldn't be happier with it. Spent a lot of time researching and it is at the top of its class. Talked to a few professional photo journalists and they said Canon is the way to go most of the time because they use such high quality lenses. From what you said, the A80 is what you're looking for.

dcresource.com review

dcviews.com review

steves-digicams.com review

 

[ultimatebob]

Go to dpreview.comfor the best digital camera reviews.

Anyway, I'll agree that the Canon A70 or A80 would work well in this situation. Just don't try taking pictures inside those computer cases without a flash, though, because those cameras don't focus very well in low light without a flash.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: JungleMan1
So nobody is going to give any reasons for their choices?

I am open to everyone's suggestions, but I just can't blindly buy a camera because User X said I should buy it. I know Canon is highly recommended on this forum, but this is a big purchase for me, so I need to know everything I can. I've bought stuff because "everyone said it was good" and sometimes it turns out to be junk, so make sure you're all going to be as specific as you can.

Be anal retentive if you want, just let me know all the details! Thanks

I too would suggest the Sony F717 like Nocturnal did, but you specifically said no Sony b/c of the media. Consdiering what the 717 can do and the media $60 for 256mb PRO(pro reads & writes faster than normal sony media) The 717 has 5x zoom, manual/auto focus and can be had for under $500. It is IMO the best 5mp out on the market if you don't mind the size. It will have the manual features you want, plus extra goodies like nightshot and burst mode.

The G5 is also I very very nice 5mp camera that takes CF with a swivel screen. It too has many manual features and will take awsome pictures. IMO the lens isn't as good as the sony's. CF is cheaper, but not by much & its slower(than the MS PRO).

Card Readers are going to be the same price(mainly free after rebates) with any media type you go with.

The a80 is a nice 4mp camera, but IMO the screen, although swivel, is too small. The A70 is a nice camera, but it is only 3mp.

One other thing about the a70/a80 is that they take AA batteries...Sony makes the best batteries on the market IMO which tell you down, to the minute, how much of a charge you have left. If you change your mind about sony, stay away from the P series. I may be an advocate of Sony's cameras, but I hate the P series cameras...all of them.

 

[JungleMan1]

Why should I get those cameras if they won't focus in low light without flash? I have 500 bucks to spend, I'm not going to settle unless I absolutely have to. Anyway, some photos require me to not have the flash on (especially lighted equipment) so I need something that'll do well in such a situation. If A70/A80 cannot deliver then they are out.

What cameras *WOULD* focus very well in low light without a flash, if any? If there is not a single cam in my range that can deliver what I'm looking for + ability to do well in low light, then I'll settle, but I'm not going to settle unless I must...

 

[JungleMan1]

I'll consider the F717 if it can do the best job for the range I'm looking at, but I'm looking to avoid Sony if possible. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my short list of cameras to consider.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: JungleMan1
I'll consider the F717 if it can do the best job for the range I'm looking at, but I'm looking to avoid Sony if possible. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my short list of cameras to consider.

I think it can and will do the best job in your range. I presonally would go down to an actual store, once you have narrowed the list some, and pick up/play with the cameras on your list. This will get you an idea of the size, the looks(this is somehow a factor for you ) and get you another opinion from the sales guy. Even if you don't plan to buy from them, its a good way to compare. Pardon the members who give lack of detail in their response as your question as been asked over...and over...and over...and over...and over again.

 

[JungleMan1]

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: JungleMan1 I'll consider the F717 if it can do the best job for the range I'm looking at, but I'm looking to avoid Sony if possible. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my short list of cameras to consider.

I think it can and will do the best job in your range. I presonally would go down to an actual store, once you have narrowed the list some, and pick up/play with the cameras on your list. This will get you an idea of the size, the looks(this is somehow a factor for you ) and get you another opinion from the sales guy. Even if you don't plan to buy from them, its a good way to compare. Pardon the members who give lack of detail in their response as your question as been asked over...and over...and over...and over...and over again.

Heh, well you've been the most helpful in this thread by far

I know the A70/A80 recommendation is thrown around a lot, but you guys all have to consider my special uses and requirements, before recommending something. If you feel it fits what I need, recommend away, but the part about it not focusing well in low light concerns me.

That being said...what size memory does the F717 come with? I am sure finding a reader won't be a huge issue, but I need a decent memory card included. Also, how does the F717 do with low light?

Thanks...

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: JungleMan1

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: JungleMan1 I'll consider the F717 if it can do the best job for the range I'm looking at, but I'm looking to avoid Sony if possible. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my short list of cameras to consider.

I think it can and will do the best job in your range. I presonally would go down to an actual store, once you have narrowed the list some, and pick up/play with the cameras on your list. This will get you an idea of the size, the looks(this is somehow a factor for you ) and get you another opinion from the sales guy. Even if you don't plan to buy from them, its a good way to compare. Pardon the members who give lack of detail in their response as your question as been asked over...and over...and over...and over...and over again.

Heh, well you've been the most helpful in this thread by far

I know the A70/A80 recommendation is thrown around a lot, but you guys all have to consider my special uses and requirements, before recommending something. If you feel it fits what I need, recommend away, but the part about it not focusing well in low light concerns me.

That being said...what size memory does the F717 come with? I am sure finding a reader won't be a huge issue, but I need a decent memory card included. Also, how does the F717 do with low light?

Thanks...

The f717 does well in low light situations...heck, you could take a picture in the complete dark without the flash . It only comes with 32mb, but so does the G5. A70/80 will only throw in a 16mb, s400 will give you 32mb. Pretty much any camera you go with, it would be almost impossible to use without getting another memory card...unless you don't take alot of pictures.

 

[JungleMan1]

F717 looks damn attractive, I like that hologram focus thing, but $500 for the cam + $60 for memory + $10 for a reader = me going way over budget. Even $500 was kind of pushing it, I was originally going to spend about $400. If I went with a camera that accepted CF memory, I could use the 256 meg card currently in my PDA for photos, which would save me some instant dough.

Are there perhaps any other cameras that are at least comparable to the F717 for less money, and that accept CF? How about the F707 (I know it's memory stick but it is probably cheaper)? I don't think I'll be able to afford the G5, the G3 was a nice cam but I don't think the macro is good enough.

Also, no love for Nikon? They're very popular at Steve's Forums (and most of the guys there are pros) especially with macros, which is why I was originally looking at the 4500 (As Steve himself uses it). Yet at AT I've barely seen them mentioned but once. Wondering why they aren't popular here...

Just curious, I wanna explore all my options before I buy.

 

[KokomoGST]

Hmm... the swivel LCD helps that much on the A80? I don't think it's worth the price premium though. A lot of photographers have done fine without a swivel LCD for years now. The extra megapixel I'm not sure if it's worth it.

It's too bad that you can't look at an Olympus with a big zoom as well because of the xD format of the cards.

You also may want to look at the Canon S45 if you want a bit more than what the A70 provides rather than the A80.
EDIT: btw, my friend owns the Nikon and loves it... there are a few areas where it is better. But he paid a lot more than me for a camera (I own an A70).

 

[imported_Mike]

What about the FS/FT forum? Some people only trust certain stores, or don't want something used which is COMPLETELY understandable. I did see some nice deals on some G5s. Since you mentioned the 707, which is discontineued perhaps a used camera would be OK. If so, also check out Sony's S85. Also discontinued, but IMO one of the 2 best 4MP cameras out there(that and the G4).

I lost a lot of respect...and "love" for nikon with their digitals. Their higher end digitals are pretty darn good, but they don't beat out canon IMO. If you want to stay with CF, Canons my #1 favorite CF camera manufacture.

You can find a 128mb ms stick for ~$30 which will hold 51 pictures with the 717 @ 5mp in normal quality(basically not a tiff). Or you can find a deal on a used 707/s85/G5.

 

[GonzoCircus]

Originally posted by: CheapArse
The f717 does well in low light situations...heck, you could take a picture in the complete dark without the flash . It only comes with 32mb, but so does the G5. A70/80 will only throw in a 16mb, s400 will give you 32mb. Pretty much any camera you go with, it would be almost impossible to use without getting another memory card...unless you don't take alot of pictures.

A80 comes with 32mb CF.

About low light...the A80 can focus fine in low light just so long as you slow down the shutter speed and hold the camera still (tripod works best), none the reviews I read said the camera has a problem with low light situations.

 

[nitsuj3580]

I love my Nikon 4500. Just went to the Botanical Gardens and took some great pics upclose of different flowers using the macro mode.

Have also brought it to several Syracuse basketball games and got some great action shots.

I'm not that knowledgable in digital photography but I've loved my Nikon 4500 for the year and a half I've owned it.

 

[JungleMan1]

Nothing wrong with FS/FT, but rarely do I find many cameras there, as opposed to eBay.

I was looking at the S45. Where exactly does the S45 fit in the realm of things? Is it just an A80 + couple of things? Is it a downgraded S400? Basically where does it fit in, and how would it do for my uses (better than G3)?

OK, glad to see at least a few people like Nikons. So many choices though! Nikon, Sony, Canon, etc...

 

[FleshLight]

You can get the F717 for $480 or $430 at Circuit City if you can find it.

Otherwise, it's $~550 at reliable non-Manhattan internet retailers.

 

[imported_Mike]

Ebay is fine too. I would rate the canons this way. No way a S45 beats out a G3...the lense, that control, the features...G3>S45. Based on what you have said so far, An a80 would be better than say a s400 or s45 and I would rate the G3 above the A80. All this is just my opinion of course....