How does everyone choose what digital camera they are gonna buy?

[Wingznut]

Originally posted by: Ornery

Originally posted by: coolred
Also can any of you canon owners out there show me some shots in low light situations.

Nobody here is going to show you pictures that didn't focus in low light.

Are you inferring that I wouldn't because I'm suggesting a Canon? Well pfft, I'll prove you wrong after I get home from work tonight. 😉

I'm not playing the Canon vs Sony game. Maybe the Sony does have better features, or maybe better quality. I've never used it, so I can't say. All that I am saying is that the Canon's smaller size makes it more attractive to me, and that I personally have no issues at all with the quality.

coolred, I'll post some pics late tonight.

 

[coolred]

Thanks wingznut, that would help out a lot.

Again I didn't mean to start a war here or anything, and I am not saying this camera is better then that camera. I don't really know which is better, thats what I am trying to find out. I do know I was considring a canon before I came in here and ornery suggested the Sony. I definately want to see your low light pics wigznut, since what Ornery shows in his look is just amazing. I didn't really realize what I was looking at at first. I was like man those pics look horrible, I can't believe he wants me to buy this camera. Then as I got to the last 2, I was like man these look a ton better. It wasn't until then I actually read the text under the pics, basically the saying the first several shots were a camera other then the V1 and the last 2 were the V1.

 

[Wingznut]

I have an S400... I don't really know the differences between that and the new S410, and last year's S50... Although the S50 isn't an Elph.

 

[Ornery]

I had been WONDERING FOR AGES why it wouldn't shoot without the flash on...

If I understand correctly, you're saying you push the shutter button, but it won't snap the image. Some point & shoot cameras are "fool proof" that way. If the exposure isn't right, shutter speed too slow, or not able to focus, it just won't snap the image. We've got P&S 35mm cameras like that, but the digital cameras I've used will warn you, but snap the image anyway. Your F100 may be an exception. Take it out of Auto mode, and try it in manual mode. I bet it will snap an image no matter what.

BTW, here is a "low light" shot. Of course, with the flash, you'd never know there wasn't any light to focus on the subjects with. Not sure what you're looking for as an example Mike, but if the room light is really low, and you don't use a flash, it would have to be a tripod mounted shot. This one, was a 2 second exposure using my F707, not the V1. Almost any camera could have shot it.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Here are two of the first pics I ever took with my Canon EOS-20D DSLR. Mind you, these are also some of the first pics I've taken with a SLR/DSLR period!

(I bought the EOS-20D with 17-85mm IS lens Kit from B&H for $1999.99.)

ISO 800
Shutter 1/6 sec (IS on!)
Aperature Value 7.6
F-Stop 14
Focal length 38mm

Test Shot 1
(Size reduction of original. No other alterations.)
Test Shot 1 Crop
(Crop of original. No other alterations.)

ISO 200
Shutter 1/13 sec (IS on!)
Aperature Value 5.0
F-Stop 5.6
Focal length 75mm

Test Shot 2
(Size reduction of original. No other alterations.)
Test Shot 2 Crop
(Crop of original. No other alterations.)


(Special thanks to DeviousTrap for making this picture hosting possible!)

you actually set up a test shot for shot number 1? hehehe
i was so eager to get my hands on my D70 that i just took a pic of the closest thing around once the battery charged

ISO 200 Full auto mode with auto flash

full size shot 1
1600*1200

No. I was at my grandmother's house over Thanksgiving and she has stuff like that lying around.

 

[Anubis]

about this low light Issue you are all on now....

EVERY GOD DAMN CAMERA I HAVE EVER USED HAS ISSUES WITH FOCUSING IN LOW LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

from a 2mp P&S 150$ camera up to and including Digital and Film SLRs that cost thosands of $$$$$, AF assist lamps "HELP" but they are Far from perfect,

solution?
Manual Focus!!!!!!!


Auto Focus basically works by finding the optimal contrast between light and dark areas,, useing a pattern type of evaulating area, now SLRs do the Much better then P&S digitals because they have a bigger area to work with basically, but even they have issues. with the exception of the Nikon F6 and its new crazy AF system, focusing in low light on Auto Focus is a pain in the ass

yes the sony will be better then other P&S cameras BECAUSE it has a AF assist lamp, but even it is not perfect
if you are gonna do a LOT of focusing in low light get a camera that can focus manually.

 

[coolred]

Well how exactly do you manual focus? I don't know much about cameras.

Like I said, Amazon has all canons on sale right now. Not sure how good thier sale prices are, will have to compare some places. But they also offer 100.00 visa gift card with a qualifying printer purchase. I kinda need a new printer, since my Lexmark Z52 is an ink eating monster. I wouldn't even want to print photos with it. So I may be able to get a deal there on a canon and printer.

 

[coolred]

The canons seem like top sellers almost everywhere, so they are very high up on my list. As I said, before I started this thread I was considering an A75(which my girlfriend said looked to be okay size wise, by her). But those shots Ornery linked to are making the canon look horible by comparison. I would just like to see some shots with other canons in low light, hopefully wingznut or others can provide some. This camera will usually be used in well lit rooms, but you never know when you might need to take a low light shot. So its not at the top of my list, but I think that a camera should be able to take a decent shot in most conditions.

 

[Anubis]

your camera has to have that ability for 1, you basically are manually moveing the focusing element back and forth till the image is in focus, usially by twisting a ring on the lens, not many P&S digitals have this feature and thoes that do sometimes do it with +/- buttons and not a ring

as for printers the Canon Pixma 3000 is a sweet deal right now, like 60$ for a sweet printer, photos and text,

 

[Ornery]

Ole' Adam doesn't understand the difference between an autofocus assist lamp, and Sony's Hologram Autofocus Assist. It actually paints the subject with an infrared pattern, and focuses on that. It just doesn't miss!

Manually focusing using the EVF or LCD is hard enough on a digital camera, let alone in low, or no light. If you know the distance to your subject, you can dial it in that way. Using a higher aperture will yield a deeper depth of field, but in low light, you'll probably want the aperture wide open to capture the whole scene using the flash, and to save the battery. The camera shuts the flash down as soon as the image has enough exposure. With the aperture closed down, the flash will be on longer, and take much longer to recycle.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Ornery
I had been WONDERING FOR AGES why it wouldn't shoot without the flash on...

If I understand correctly, you're saying you push the shutter button, but it won't snap the image. Some point & shoot cameras are "fool proof" that way. If the exposure isn't right, shutter speed too slow, or not able to focus, it just won't snap the image. We've got P&S 35mm cameras like that, but the digital cameras I've used will warn you, but snap the image anyway. Your F100 may be an exception. Take it out of Auto mode, and try it in manual mode. I bet it will snap an image no matter what.

BTW, here is a "low light" shot. Of course, with the flash, you'd never know there wasn't any light to focus on the subjects with. Not sure what you're looking for as an example Mike, but if the room light is really low, and you don't use a flash, it would have to be a tripod mounted shot. This one, was a 2 second exposure using my F707, not the V1. Almost any camera could have shot it.

It 'does' take the picture but the shot wasn't 'focus' like it is when the flash is used. So the pictures taken with my F100 with no flash are mostly out of focus.

Koing

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Ole' Adam doesn't understand the difference between an autofocus assist lamp, and Sony's Hologram Autofocus Assist. It actually paints the subject with an infrared pattern, and focuses on that. It just doesn't miss!

Manually focusing using the EVF or LCD is hard enough on a digital camera, let alone in low, or no light. If you know the distance to your subject, you can dial it in that way. Using a higher aperture will yield a deeper depth of field, but in low light, you'll probably want the aperture wide open to capture the whole scene using the flash, and to save the battery. The camera shuts the flash down as soon as the image has enough exposure. With the aperture closed down, the flash will be on longer, and take much longer to recycle.

ok thats kinda neat but im still gonna say its not perfect
nothing is perfect

and ive never dissagreed with you that the sony isnt a great camera, i just dont like Sony as a whole

 

[coolred]

Looks like I can get some discoutns on these Nikons, although not sure how good the prices are or the cameras for that matter, was just checking out all the places I can get a discount at.

Nikon Coolpix 3200 Digital Camera Price: $169.96
ID: CP3200 Click here to order

Nikon Coolpix 4100 Digital Camera Price: $239.96
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Nikon Coolpix 3700 Digital Camera Price: $339.96
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Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera Price: $339.96
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Nikon Coolpix 5200 Digital Camera Price: $339.96
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Nikon Coolpix 8700 Digital Camera Price: $674.96
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Nikon Coolpix 8400 Digital Camera Price: $759.96
ID: CP8400 Click here to order

Nikon Coolpix 8800 Digital Camera Price: $842.96
ID: CP8800 Click here to order

 

[coolred]

Panasonic discounts as well

DMC-LC1 MSRP: $1,599.99
Your Price: $1,071.20
Free UPS Ground Shipping

DMC-FZ20K MSRP: $599.99
Your Price: $494.40
Free UPS Ground Shipping


DMC-FZ20S MSRP: $599.99
Your Price: $494.40
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DMC-FX7 MSRP: $499.99
Your Price: $412.00
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DMC-FX7K MSRP: $499.99
Your Price: $412.00
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DMC-FZ15K MSRP: $499.99
Your Price: $412.00
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DMC-FZ3 MSRP: $399.99
Your Price: $329.60
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DMC-LC80 MSRP: $349.99
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[Ornery]

My main point, and rant, is that a simple "point & shoot" digital camera should not have to cost several hundred dollars to do the job. I like the idea of a camera that will fit in a shirt pocket, and take quality images when the need arises. Trouble is, too many shots are taken where light is an issue. Sometimes spending several hundred dollars on a full size camera still doesn't overcome that problem. I would think the technology has matured enough to have it all... small form factor, and quality images in a point and shoot camera in the $400.00 price range. But, so far only Sony gets the job done right. And, even that's more than I care to spend on a knock around camera.

Right now, the V1 is the one to beat feature-wise, price-wise and general bang for the buck. They have the only method available for the low light issue, which makes it truly point & shoot simple. Hey, I coughed up $450.00 for it, so I really don't feel too sorry for somebody having to spend $300.00 for it today. Freakin' bargain IMO!

 

[coolred]

Looks like it must have just sold out at cructhfield, so If I do get the sony, its probablly gonna have to be at sears. Ornery did I miss somehting with the sears product protection. I saw in anothe rpost form you that the 60.00 bucks is for 2 years, it looks to me like its 60 for 1 year and 170.00 for 3. Maybe they changed it?

 

[Ornery]

Go talk to a kid in their electronics department. I think it's for one year after the manufacturer's warranty expires, so that may very well put it in the two year range. Hey, see if he can cut you a deal for giving him the sale. If you buy it online, he loses out altogether, so see if he can sweeten the deal somehow.

 

[coolred]

Ah, I hadn't thought about it being after the manufacturers warranty expires, that makes sense, and I will check on it. Thanks for the advice if I go that route.

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Gawd, I think I'm going to vomit. Anybody care to show me which Canon (or any other camera for that matter) even comes close to matching these specs, at this price?

That's a hell of a deal. My wife has the last generation of that camera and she really likes it. I have the DSC-F707 and I absolutely love it. Two totally different cameras, but they essentially work the same.
The menus are very easy to navigate and the camera takes great pics via the Carl Zeiss optics. $299 for the DSC-V1 is awesome. I paid around $500 bucks for a lot less camera for the wife.

 

[flashbacck]

coolred

check out http://www.dcresource.com/

I really like the their reviews.

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: NFS4
I'm gonna have to side with Ornery. I LOVE my DSC-F717 and the image quality is top notch. And the low-light shooting opportunities afforded by Night-Framing and Night-Shot are unmatcheable.

As for MS, I used to be on the bash MS bandwagon, but I picked up my 512MB MS Pro for $70 shipped a month and a half ago. I got another 512MB MS Stick Pro on black Friday for $34 with no rebates from Circuit City (I also bought 8 more and hawked them on eBay for $40 profit a piece, but that's another story😛).

In fact, I love Sony's image quality and ease of use so much that I'm going to upgrade to a DSC-V3 as soon as I can find a hot deal on one

I'm holding out for the next generation of the .
DSC-F828. The F707 has been a true joy, I had upgraded from a Mavica FD73 floppy grinder. My love affair with Sony has long since died, mostly because of their service, support, and the fact that they'll assrape you on very short notice.
The memory stick argument doesn't hold water. A 128 mb stick can be had for sub-20 bucks. I can get 25ish max quality images on one stick. I can shoot all day, offload the pics onto my laptop, and go right back at it.
The dsc-f828 takes compactflash and will accept a 4gb microdrive.

 

[olds]

To choose a digital camera I look at what's on Gottadeal and in Hot Deals

 

[Martin]

I think the best way is first choose several models (but please, stick to the respectable brands - Canon, Sony etc.) whose specs and price you agree with then just watch Hot Deals/Gotta Deal/etc. and grab the first one that goes on sale.

That's what I did. Had several models in mind, saw a Canon on sale and brought it. Very happy with it.


edit: just to add, get one with a few extra features. You may think you will never use a manual mode, but its worth paying a bit extra and knowing that its there and you can use it.

 

[dr150]

Usually the latest models are better than older models, regardless of brands.........They'll have better video modes, more responsive, larger LCD screens, longer battery life, better CCD sensors for capturing detail and eliminating more of the dreadful noise that appears on consumer digicams.

That said, you need to address resolution issues, how much zoom you want, size and picture quality. Generally, the more expensive, the better the picture.

++ Canons and Olympuses are the best bang/buck. Consistent across the board.

++ Panasonic's new line are stealing thunder, however. GREAT digicams with Image Stabilization for increased sharpness. Great reviews. Lots of buzz.

++ Take into consideration the memory size and type. Opt for 512mb card for flexibility. Xd cards (found on Olympus and Fuji) are 2x more expensive than SD, Compact Flash found on other models. Sony's Memory Stick is markedly more $$ than SD/CF but markedly cheaper than Xd.

++ Small cams suffer more with dim/night pictures due to small CCD sensor, weaker battery, less sharp corner-to-corner pics. There are no free rides--portability is their trade-off and the pics will sere just fine for 95% of the population.

++ 3 megapixel cameras will suffice for up to 8x10 pics. Anything over is more overkill than having reall applications--unless you're a pro and crop a lot of pics which the GREAT MAJORITY don't.


3 good cams that do a lot with little compromise to their size are:
Sony L1===>Widest lens for close group pics and scenery at 32mm. Great video. Great pics. Small. My favorite compact.

Canon SD300===>Portable. Great video. Good pics--save for soft corners, some purple fringing. Rather expensive--especially considering the L1 is better.

Panasonic FX7===> Has image stabilization! A little overpriced at $500 retail. Weak battery. Great pics though. Large LCD! Video is subpar in size to above 2 competing cams.

Fuji E550===> Most versatile of the four cams listed here. Great pics and video. Larger than the rest. Kind of weak with night shots. Uses the dreadedly expensive Xd card. Not as sturdy as the cams above. Uses AA's which is a nice break from the proprietary batteries above. Has some purple fringing and dynamic contrast issues. Has a wide lens at 32.5mm.


You really can't go wrong with any of these cams. The best bang for buck awesome camera is the L1 IMHO. Sony really pulled a winner here with its features. Gotta love that 32mm goodness!! Really unique in this subcompact realm! 😉

 

[abaez]

Canons are great, I have taken some great pictures with my s30. One thing is that they are weak in is low light shots. Take a look at ornery's website. They are just bad no matter what people say at night. They are awesome for daylight though.

I'm in the same boat with NFS, that sony v3 looks very very sweet. The only downside is the memory sticks. I might go to the darkside soon enough.