need new digital camera, what is a good choice?

[lorlabnew]

Originally posted by: Macro2
You could always get a Foveon based camera. SImply the best.

Thanks, didn't know about this technology ... it's funny, since their Santa Clara HQ are only about 10 miles from where I live - but the SigmaSD9 is too expensive for me

FrustratedUser,
the OlympusC720UZ, while it has the params I like, seems to be otherwise somehow problematic.

I kept reading a whole day yesterday all reviews and customer evals I could find, and everything points to Canons so far. While my second choice (the Sony CDXXX ) cameras are interesting as well, they definitely have a few disadvantages too.

I'll go to visit RitzCamera, BestBuy and Fry's today to check out G2/G3's and maybe buy something. From the online companies, only buydig.com seems to have significantly lower prices and satisfying resellerrating as well. Anyone purchased from them lately?

dave

 

[Mem]

the OlympusC720UZ, while it has the params I like, seems to be otherwise somehow problematic.

What about the Olympus C-730 UZ
here ? Btw the new Olympus C-740 UZ is due in April and C-750 UZ in May.

Canon wise, my favourite for performance and price would be the new Canon A70.

 

[Wingznut]

lorlabnew... If you do some checking around, you should be able to find online coupons for $50 off or so to either Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, etc.

 

[lorlabnew]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
lorlabnew... If you do some checking around, you should be able to find online coupons for $50 off or so to either Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, etc.

Thnks; yeah I'm going to OfficeDepot as well today (have it 5 min. away only), I'll check their MIR's before I'll go.

 

[LeeTJ]

YO Dude

check out this deal in FS/FT forums. You can't pass this up if you want a good Sony camera.

Link to Sony DSC 75

 

[rbV5]

I finally aquired my Sony DSC-85. Totally impressive camera, beautiful color and plenty of manual adjustments. The battery life is a real strong point, I shot 400+ shots on a single charge..mostly using flash and using the LCD. More than makes up for the extra cost of Sony's memory stick. It has an excellent lens, and it feels like a real camera in my hands. I also researched Canon, Nikon and Olympus models primarily for the last several months and went for the Sony. ~$470 shipped at Newegg(when they're in stock).

 

[Slowpc]

I grabbed a mint nikon 990 after i broke my olympus 2040 , and been loving it.
Grabbed it on ebay with a bunch of extras for around 300 and been very happy.
Great pictures, good opitions, has everything i need for when i shoot.

 

[lorlabnew]

Well, I finally ended up with 5MP Sony CyberShot DSC-F717; I realized that I wanted a bit more features, and better performance & built quality then the $400-600 models were offering...

This is an absolutely awesome camera. I ended up paying almost a $1000 (incl. tax plus extended extra warranty on everything ), but so far, I don't regret this choice. I did a few test pics; the image quality is impressive as well as the features this model offers. Takes a few moments to get used to the somehow unusual design. Recommending to everyone who is looking for an affordable semi-pro digital still camera..

If I would mail order and didn't get the extra warranty, the price would be under $800, what I 'd say is pretty acceptable ....

thanks again to everyone for suggestions and recommendation. I , contrary to my original plan to buy fast, did some more research instead before purchase, and followed the tips, ideas and various links to review sites to get better understanding what's on the market.

cheers
dave

 

[Wingznut]

Wow... Kind of threw the "What is a good choice under $400-500 ?" right out the window!

Do we get to see some sample pics?

 

[lorlabnew]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
Wow... Kind of threw the "What is a good choice under $400-500 ?" right out the window!

Do we get to see some sample pics?

yeah, I know.... I just couldn't resist !!! I told you; if I'd go down the store the same day, I'd end up getting a decent, compact size Canon or similar for cheap, and be happy as well ... instead of that I've got this toy now.

If you wish, I can post some pics. I'll drop an url when ready.

dave

 

[GTaudiophile]

Nice camera, nice optics. Like I said, I would personally strongly consider Sony if it weren't for their Memory Stick stuff.

Anyway, welcome to the wonderful world of digital photography. There's no going back to film!

 

[mroptimistic]

I didn't know memory type made that much of a difference. I mean sure you can have a gig of CF, but for how much. And why do you even need 1 gig sticks. I plan on picking up the Olympus C-4000 which uses smart memory, and while there may have been some formats i would rather have, like those tiny xD photo ones which are unbelievably small (my friend just picked up a fuji 3800 which uses xD) i was looking more at the camera then the memory type. I can pick up a 128mb for 26 bucks and it has space for the equivalant of a whole roll of normal film at highest quality, do you really need more? Just grab a couple of em and take the few seconds to pop one out and replace with a new one.

 

[K-squared]

So, does anyone have any comments on the Olympus C-730????

Originally posted by: Mem
What about the Olympus C-730 UZ
here ? Btw the new Olympus C-740 UZ is due in April and C-750 UZ in May.

Canon wise, my favourite for performance and price would be the new Canon A70.

the OlympusC720UZ, while it has the params I like, seems to be otherwise somehow problematic.

 

[PrineFan]

am considering this fuji camera over the canon s40 or s230 or any of their compact ones, or the olympus 300 -- i think i got the model numbers right there, but could be wrong..they're the small compact cameras-- fit in shirt pocket....

fuji310

just realeased march 12, 2003

replaces the fuji 303.

any advice appreciated.

 

[RossMAN]

Nice choice, I would also consider a Sony if they only dropped their stupid Memory Stick media and switched to Compact Flash.

HP and Kodak digicams suck period.

 

[Sid59]

if i were to spend the money you have on a canon digital and knowing i'd do some nice serious landscape, i'd skip the elph serious and here are the cameras that are worth it and have excellent manual controls (apeture and shutter)

G3, G2
A70 (shoots apeture and shutter priority) A40

G3 and G2 are the higher ends
A70 is the rehashed A40 with better optics and the mentioned apeture and shutter priority.