Digital camera?

[frogfish]

You didn't say what you want to do with this camera, if you want quality pics you need to go with the DSLR (i shoot a Nikon D700) and the photos are great. Full size sensor and many lenses to shoose from. Make sure the camera will shoot RAW files for future editing ...If you just want a camera for snapshots, then pretty much any nikon, canon, sony... will suffice. Go hold them in your hand and see which feels better and has the feature you want. I have a little larger hand and prefer the point and shoots that are slightly larger (easier for me to hold), my wife likes the smaller cameras that fit in her purse easier. A great point and shoot is the Canon G10 or G11, nice controls (IMHO) and will also shoot a raw file which you don't see on many point and shoots.

Good luck and show us your pics

 

[CharlieR]

Another guys 2 cents worth to add to the already great advise you are getting.:thumbsup:
I'm currently using Cannon cameras because I was able to find models that use AA batteries (cheap and very available when the 'nuer hits the ventilator).
If you get rechargeable batteries be sure to get two sets 'cause you'll usually want to take photos when the ones in the camera are just about out.
I also prefer a camera with a viewfinder in addition to a good LCD screen 'cause you'll probably be shooting in bright sunlight when the LCD is impossible to see.
Also the viewfinder works best for following and photographing moving objects.

If you've never used a digital camera before, find a friend who has a camera they no longer use, borrow it for a while and learn what they're like before dumping money into an expensive camera that you may not really like.
Play with a camera, make mistakes and learn first!:confused2:

 

[jimmyj]

FWIW...my nephew is a professional photographer...
he is under contract with an (unamed) NFL franchise and is currently shooting their cheerleader calendar...(yeah I know...lucky him)...

He mostly uses a Cannon but he is also a big fan of Sony cameras... as "digital" cameras were just coming out when he was in college... the "MaViCa" line was one of the first on the retail market...

Sheesh, what a job!

We got a Canon T1i recently and it's awesome. I almost got a Nikon but the Canon won out. I too stick to the major brands, perhaps just because traditionally they have served us well.

 

[EddieWalker]

Before you say what you are going to use it for, you need to say what your budget is.

Like already mentioned. Stick with the name brands. There is a difference.

Optical zoom is all that matters. Digital zoom just magnifies the optical zoom like you would soom into a picture on your screen. You can make it bigger, but it keeps getting more and more blury the more you magnify the picture. No difference with digital zoom.

Sandard batteries. This used to be something to look for, but now most of the cameras all use AA batteries. Some of the ultra slim cameras use rechargable batteries, but it's become pretty standard for them to use AA. Never buy anything that does not use AA batteries, or something just as easy to buy.

The newer cameras are using SDHC cards. Mine is 16 gigs and I can buy 32 gig cards for it. I don't know if there are larger cards out there or not, but 16 gigs is just crazy as it is. I never EVER have to worry about filling it up and changing cards.

I own to Canon digital cameras. My cheapy, carry to work, keep in my truck and abuse camera cost $99 from walmart and has a 3x optical zoom. My better camera is a Canon SX20 with a 12x optical zoom that is equal to a 560mm lense. It cost $400 from Best Buy.

While you can always buy and put on a bigger lense, a faster lense or one with better glass, that's a HUGE investment in itself. Sometimes quite a bit more then the camera body. For that reason, and because I'm so completely satisfied with my SX20, I don't feel there is any need for a hobbiest to buy a SLR digital camera. If you are not sure if you are a hobbiest or not, the simple fact that you are asking the question on what to buy means that you are.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[nickel plate]

I hope this question isn't too off thread but does a digital camera operate with a similar shutter device as a conventional film camera or does it just electronically capture the triggered moment through a fixed opening? I have a friend who just purchased a pricey digital SLR camera and I swear the shutter click sound it makes seems to be of an artifical recording and not a true mechanical shutter opening and closing sound.

 

[RadarTech]

I hope this question isn't too off thread but does a digital camera operate with a similar shutter device as a conventional film camera or does it just electronically capture the triggered moment through a fixed opening? I have a friend who just purchased a pricey digital SLR camera and I swear the shutter click sound it makes seems to be of an artifical recording and not a true mechanical shutter opening and closing sound.

The click is a feel good add on....



J

 

[RadarTech]

A couple of thoughts..

1. I can't be sure.. BUT I believe some of the Panasonics and other lesser knowns are made by Cannon or Nikon......

2. Warranty---- I had an HP camera and had the extra warranty on it.. it broke twice the first year.. and I got a free replacement--- It was a $250 camera, and the warranty was $48 per year... I did that for 1 year, as I decided that it would only be good enough for what I wanted for a year.....


J

 

[mostly_gas]

Another reason to buy the SLR style is lack of delay when pushing the button. I like my Olympus for everything but action shots - the delay makes getting action shots near impossible.

 

[CurlyDave]

Never buy anything that does not use AA batteries, or something just as easy to buy.

Absolutely the best advice. I use a camera primarily for documenting things -- work in progress, current state of repair of rental properties, tractor work as it progresses, etc. being able to carry new batteries and "recharge" in an instant is wonderful.

The same camera will take decent snapshots.

The last time I went elk hunting, I didn't see an outlet for two weeks. Try a rechargeable under those conditions.

 

[mostly_gas]

CurlyDave, I go for extended trips all the time with rechargeable battery. Last year I spent 8 days on Colorado River rafter then 8 days on Bull Shoals lake with no recharge and power left over. My granddaughter has more problem with the AA batteries than I do.