Photographers please...

[Platypus]

I refuse to enter the world of digital until someone can show me a picture taken with a digital camera that is superior to film, and that doesnt cost thousands of dollars for what my camera can do just as well.
However, a friend of mine has been hassling me to help him buy a digital camera. I know from what little experience I have with digitals, that Nikon makes a damn fine one. I use Nikon for all my SLR and lenses and I have yet to find a better camera.
What do you think a good digital camera should be at the 3 megapixel range? What kind of camera would you recommend? He is talking up this canon, which in my opinion isn't that great because I've used Canon SLR's and they are not as good. But that is SLR not digital so it is a totally different ballgame.

Would anyone care to shed some light on this mystery? He would like to keep it cheap, but not inhibitingly cheap.

Thanks for your help.

 

[pulse8]

<< I refuse to enter the world of digital until someone can show me a picture taken with a digital camera that is superior to film >>

Unless it's for pictures taken at a party that are to be e-mailed the next day, I completely agree.

 

[Lucky]

I refuse to enter the world of digital until someone can show me a picture taken with a digital camera that is superior to film, and that doesnt cost thousands of dollars for what my camera can do just as well.


Then dont. You wont find a camera that can produce quality on par with film until you spend over 5K. However, if you normally only print 4x6's, and dont need 16x20 enlargements, then digicams in the 2-300 range will appear to be the same quality.

I too use a Nikon system for both my personal and my pro work. (Nikon digital work, Nikon n90 personal) However, I increasingly use my Canon G2 digicam for personal stuff-its much much easier than taking the time to scan negs and develop. The G2 is probably one of the best digicams out there right now in terms of quality, capability, and features. Its about $800 or so, 4.1 Megapixels. I dont keep up much on other digicams anymore since I got out of retail stores...but check out steves-digicams.com for more info on other ones.

 

[Platypus]

Thanks luckster, however it isn't for me, so ..

Is the G2 superior to a Nikon?

 

[Lucky]

Canon G2 example pictures- (all taken by me. Handheld on aperture priority mode)


Flag- 1600x1200 (I think), high compression
Harley- 2200x1800 (?) high compression
Lock-2200x1800 (?) high comnpression, OOF areas are simply limited DOF

 

[Lucky]

Believe me Im a nikon guy so I looked really hard before deciding whether I wanted a Canon G2 or something like a Nikon Coolpix 995. In the end the G2 was just so much smaller, more ergonomic, better LCD screen, easier to use. more features, etc...in every category the canon just seemed to be better. It has a few flaws, including some inconsistency with indoor flash, but they really arent that major.

Whats your price range?

 

[Platypus]

How does the "S30" compare?
He thinks this is as good as G2.. do you have further info.

 

[Lucky]

yeah, just hold on a second...i'll get you a comparison.

 

[Platypus]

He is looking for a small 3 megapixel camera

 

[Rallispec]

nikon coolpix 775 2.1 megapixel camera example at highest quality
Crikey
croc hunter
my tv
desktop workspace (college dorm room-- i know its a mess )

maybe tomorrow when the sun is out i can go take some other pictures the show the cameras ability a little better... I jus took these now to give you an example. 2.1 megapixel is pretty much enough to get some really good quality pictures. i cant imagine needing anything better.

 

[Lucky]

the CCD is 3.2 compared to 4.1 on the G2
The G2 (i think) can do up to about 4.5 Frames per second, compared to 3, for sports and high speed shooting
lens cannot accept standard filters or add-on lenses (like the wide angle I got for my G2)
LCD screen doesnt move (G2's pivot and swing out)
not sure if it has the G2's industry leading battery (Li-on rechargable that seems to last forever, 500+ shots and 2+ hours screen viewing)



seems like a good camera, slightly quality-wise below the G2....See review and pictures here.. Looks to be smaller than the G2 and would be nice except im just the kind who like to have pro features only the G2 has like a hotshoe (so you can add an external flash). Seems like a very capable camera though. No hands on experience here.

 

[duke]

What don't you like about Canon SLRs as compared to Nikon?

 

[Platypus]

Thank you very much for your help Luckster, he seems to be sold on the s30 or the G2 now.
Hopefully he can make a better guess now.

Thanks again.

 

[flot]

Corporate, your arguments are all wrong. You can't judge digicams by brand alone. That sort of works for SLRs, in that a particular manufacturer often uses similar construction techniques, etc, in their various models.. but for digicams, often each individual camera is a totally different piece of hardware than the model higher or lower.

Obviously there are exceptions and cameras that used shared parts - or maybe you like the user interface on a particular brand - but you should be comparing specific cameras, not specific brands. I second the vote for steve's digicams, good resource.

 

[Platypus]

*Sigh*

Like I said that is my experience with SLRs, but this isn't for me, nor are any of my opinions effecting this decision at all.
Why don't you re-read my post again. I am simply the vehicle for my friend.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Tell me what you think of these pics!

*GTa <-- Also a Canon G2 Owner (and still learning how to use the thing)

 

[Gunbuster]

If you already have current Nikon lenses the D1X is a nobrainer

Yea it costs a ton but what do you expect for a Nikon Pro grade digital SLR

 

[sirpado]

i would recommend the olympus c-3040 zoom. or any of the olympus'

check out:
dpreview.com
steves-digicams.com
imaging-resource.com

 

[Antoneo]

Check this place out for lots of in depth camera reviews:Digital Photography Review

 

[RJ45]

Try this link!
Lot's of photos all taken with a digital camera.

 

[Murphyrulez]

I am also a Canon G2 owner, and I couldn't be happier. This camera is far superior to my old Sony DSC-F505 that I had before. I haven't taken any great pictures yet, just some snapshots of my son mostly... But you won't be dissapointed if you go with the G2. MANY controls, great menus, easy to use. The rotating screen is excellent...
Check it out

 

[dew042]

canon SLR are 'not as good'..... you mind qualifying that statement????

......nikon users.... (mutters to himself in disbelief) ....

canon makes a fine line of cameras. nikon makes a fine line of cameras. you pick and choose what features are important, but the actual SLR bodies are so very, very minor in getting good pictures. yes, they get more and more idiot proof, but frankly the only thing that matters is the glass in between the subject and the film....

if you want good pictures you have to have good lenses. nikon is renown for their lenses, but canon has a good line of professional lenses as well. if you pay $100 for a lense, you get what you pay for. i love folks who buy a $500 camera body and put a cheap, low-contrast, slow, crappy zoom on it and expect to take good photographs.

i feel like nikon users are just snobs. that's how most folks i talk to come off. so get off it.

with that said.... the best lens out their for consumer digital cameras hands down is canon's lense on the G2. unless you wish to pay a couple grand the G2 is the best digital on the market. It has true color reproduction, excellent sharpness, good contrast and its quite fast at f2-2.5.

granted - digitals have more to making a good picture than just the lens, but its vital and the G2 comes through.

but considering that you are highly canon-phobic, i highly suggest you buy a nikon and then you can have an inferior camera, but hey it'll say 'nikon' on it and that means everything right?

dew.