Buying a digital camera, any suggestions?

[Stan]

Hi,

What's your budget ?

Personally, I am a Kodak fan.
I had the DC265. I sold it 2 months ago and bought the DC4800 (http://www.kodak.com/US/en/digital/cameras/dc4800/) (3.1 Megapixels).

I am extremely pleased with it !

Stan

[fshanda]

I agree, price is a big factor and so are features and performance. I have an Olympus 3000 zoom and very pleased with its performance. A 32 mb chip can hold between 24 to 100+ pictures depending on the picture quality you set the camera at. Any camera over 2.1 mega pixels will give you great photos. I went to CNET.com and read a lot of user reviews before choosing the Olympus, had some good opinions. They have a lot of information on features and they have pricing information. Great site worth taking a look at.
I love digital cameras, just shoot pictures of anything all day long without a care of high priced developing. If the picture sucks just delete it and keep on shooting.

Fshanda

[Szech]

I have wanted a digital camera for a while now, but have not had the funding for it. Well, I just cashed my paycheck, and you know the saying about a fool and his money http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif. Anyway, this is what I need of it:
1) At least 20 picture capacity.
2) USB connection (my parallel is already too bogged).
3) At least 1280 X 1024 resolution.

Any suggestions or links to reviews? Thanks.

[Missing the point]

I am also in the market for a digi cam http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

I need help deciding, although I would like more than 20 pic capacity http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[RobRich]

I personally use an RCA CDS 4100 1.5MP digital camera. I like the features and options, but it is high priced for an 1.5Mp camera. Average list price is $400 US.

Since your in the market for a camera, make sure you know all the features available with today's equipment. Reading this recent AnandTech article could help:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1330

Also, don't forget about Sysopt.com's own User Review section. Here's a link for digital cameras:

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/userreviews/products/dcamera.html

Good Luck,
Robert Richmond

[Bleeding Edge]

Steve's (http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html)

MegaPixels (http://www.megapixel.net/html/issueindex.html)

dcResource (http://www.dcresource.com/)

Imaging Resource (http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM)

pcPhoto (http://www.pcphotoforum.com/reviews/digicams.cfm)

dpReview (http://www.dpreview.com/)

[Szech]

I'd say that I have about $140 to spend, although I just got another paycheck today, so I could probably push that figure up a bit.

fshanda: That's exactly what I like about Digital cameras! I'll check out CNET.com too, thanks. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[Szech]

Hey, how about this one?
http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10258309&loc=101

[CMonster]

RICOH RDC-5300

I never would have bought this camera because of the $600 price tag (at the time) but as a birthday gift from my son-in-law and daughter.... well let's just say I am happy with it. ..keep in mind that the following is highly compressed for posting on the web: <IMG SRC="http://personal.paclink.net/~cmonster/sncld.jpg" border=0> Depending on resolution and the size of my smart media card I can take hundreds of photos before downloading.

[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 10-14-2000).]

[Baldlygo]

I use a little Sanyo Digicam VCP-G250. ok it does not give me the higher resolutions you are after but with a 32M card I can take 250 pics - I can and do use the vid clips as well. I took all the ad pics here. (http://www.walnuts.demon.co.uk/cottage/)

I've just been enjoying playing with some old digital camera vid clips and Gif Construction Set (http://www.mindworkshop.com/alchemy/alchemy.html)

From that dome :eek: <IMG SRC="http://www.btinternet.com/~walnuts/Pictures/test4.gif" border=0>

Now if you don't mind waiting for a big gif download see what you think of this. (http://www.btinternet.com/~walnuts/Pictures/test_1.htm)

[Joel Kleppinger]

Your "amount of pictures" requirement is a misnomer. With an upgrade to the flash RAM on it, you can get whatever amount you want for whatever resolution you take at. I wouldn't judge any camera by that since you can simply go out and buy a bigger flash RAM card whenever you feel like it.

What you need to think about is how big of a resolution you want to take most of your pictures. When I had a Kodak DC240 (nice camera, btw), the only options were 640x480 and 1280x1024. Because of this and the fact that it comes with an 8MB smartmedia card (giving something like 16 pics at high res, high quality), I took most of my pics at 640x480, high quality. I really would've preferred 800x600 or 1024x768, but I didn't have that option.

After that camera wound up mysteriously missing, I decided to make the plunge for a Canon Powershot S20. Because the 3 resolution options are 2048x1536, 1024x768, and 640x480, I shoot mostly at 1024x768. On the included 16 MB card, I could get about 36 of these shots on there. I recently picked up a 64MB CompactFlash card (try to shop around and get it for about $60-80) and now can store over a hundred shots at that resolution.

Just look at www.imaging-resource.com (http://www.imaging-resource.com) and judge a camera by 4 things:
The features you want
The quality of the pics they took and their comments.
The manufacturer (will determine things like driver quality and features as well as lens quality)
And of course, price.

Oh, and BTW, Scott swears by Nikon cameras. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif If you get lucky, you might be able to find an Olympus 800 for $200-250.

[daveleau]

I have a Canon S20 and absolutely love it. It has USB, ised flash card/ Microdrive storage. It is 3.3Megapixel and takes superb pics. Comes witha 16MB card.
Dave

[Szech]

You all have really nice digital cameras, and I would greatly enjoy any of them. However, I'm afraid my pockets don't go that deep. If I were to purchase one of those, I'd have to give up food or electricity for a while http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif. Anyway, I've been researching from the pages you all gave me (Thanks, BTW http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif ), and I'm drawing to a conclusive decision.

What is interpolated? Because the camera has 1024 X 768 interpolated resolution. It doesn't sound good, and maybe I could reproduce the results by just going into Photoshop and resizing, but I don't have much choice.

[daveleau]

Sorry don't know what interpolated is, but thought I would say that in your choice, take into account the zoom. Alweays go for more optical zoom when possible as it gives a better pic. Digital zoom blows up pixels and decreases resolution to get the zoom.
Dave

[thekingofpain]

I use a 20 year old Pentax 35mm, 36 exposures cost me 5$ to process and 10$ to put on a Kodak photo Cd in 1 hour, I do it that way because im too lazy to fire up my negative scanner...its at least an alternative to an expensive digicam, you gotta make every shot count tho...

<IMG SRC="http://b.PostMyPic.com/b.nsf/Z/vcJUNT/$file/vc.jpg" border=0>




[This message has been edited by thekingofpain (edited 10-14-2000).]

[DrCorvette]

Szech
Note what ThinkingOfPain said, this is the cheapest way out.

Too bad about the serial port because the Polaroid "Fun Flash" has GREAT resolution for less than $100.

The AGFA ePhoto is an embarrassment to the photo industry, as Jed Clampett would say , "PITIFUL"

another thing, DON'T BELIEVE THE REVIEWS. PERIOD...

I read diligently prior to my first digital camera purchase, a Casio QV-5000SV, I'm still in mourning over the loss of so very much money.

Try the Fun Flash or its cousin available at K-Mart for $49-59.00.
The FF has GREAT resolution, not the BIG numbers you asked for,, but numbers often don't tell the whole story.

On Joels case of the missing Camera, I'd like to take WHOEVER stole it on a "little ride" , attitude adjustment.

The procedure involves the removal of all evil elements of the body,, BEAT THE HE** OUT OF HIM.

Then when you get done, BEAT HIM SOME MORE.
I hate a thief.

Sorry Joel.
My sympathies

DrVette

[otheos]

I use the Kodak DC290 and I am in love with it. 2.1Mpixel out of the highest quality CCD around, very pleased.

As an added bonus, as all DIGITA (not digital) cameras, I can run Doom and MAME on it while away, play MP3's etc. I agree these are by no means priorities, but I am sure my next Digital Camera will be DIGITA compatible.

For your budget I think the Creative has a very good offer, check their web page.

[jjbowden]

I recently got a Canon S100 Digital Elph at 2.1 MP. It's is limited by size to the controls, but other than that, I love it. The big plus is size, you can hide it behind a credit card. Because of it's size, I take it everywhere. I have an S20 at work which I can use anytime, but (even though it is the smallest 3.4 MP out) I still prefer the S100. About $490 on the web. Check PriceWatch.

[bdunn]

At my last job we had a few Sony Mavicas. I like them.

[mohand]

an excellent digicam and great price is the FujiFilm MX-1200...it's cheap and has a lot of features of high end cameras....kodak sucks for the money compared to what you get with this lil beauty....i bought an optional san disc drive that plugs into your usb ports the picture quality is great and on a 4 meg card you can get about 20-24 pics at 1280x960...for 238 bucks...plus another 34 for the sandisk usb adaptor...it's a great deal...even got one for my kid....btw this is my first cam....i highly recommend it you'll love this cam.

[Beemers]

The DC-265 is a very nice camera. Easier to use. Here is a site with lots of my outdoor shots done with the 265.
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Circuit/9147/gallery/volcanoe.htm

The digital camera is in its infantcy at the moment and future garbage is now being sold. With a little saving of money you can get a camera that has manual as well as idiot proof operations that will transend the test of time. I would suggest that you hide this paycheck and the next and buy what you want. You will have it for a long time. Here is my camera of choice. (if I could afford it as well)
http://64.14.40.97/product_info/html/product_DSCD770.html

Cheers!

If you are interested, here is my next system to go along with my DSCD770:
http://www.ugeek.com/htbc/glanin.htm

[Szech]

Hi everyone, thanks a lot for your input. You have all been really helpful http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif.

I have done plenty of research, and it all comes down to two cameras:

Contender 1: Olympus D-360L. I hear good things about Olympus, but it's connection is SERIAL! My parallel zip drive is SLOW, and I can't imagine how bad a serial connection would be. I don't have enough to buy the USB flash drive.

Contender 2: Fuji FinePix 1300. Its features are about the same as the Olympus, and its connection is USB. However, I don't know much about the quality.

I went to the digital imaging page, and it said good things about both. Anyone? Thanks http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[jweidner]

I got the Fuji MX-1200 and it's been great for me. I used to use disposable cams, get them developed, and scan them into my web page. I made my money back within a few months of using it. And uploading with the included serial cable is still a hell of a lot faster than getting film developed. You can sometimes find the camera for an even $200 at kmart or walmart. Note: I did return it under warranty because my pics were coming back dark; they had it back to me in &lt; 1 week. PS. Thomas-distributing.com has cheap NiMH battery/charger deals.

[This message has been edited by jweidner (edited 10-20-2000).]

[Joel Kleppinger]

Here's another one to consider: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=20373

The advantage of going with that is the 8MB included flash card and the option for using 37mm lenses for wide angle/telephoto shots. It's worth consideration, at least.

Keep in mind I've never used it... just going on what I've read and its features.

[awwall]

I've got the Sony Mavica FD83. Had it for about 9 months now. Have taken over 1000 photos and I love it. Little higher priced than what you are looking for though. Paid $500 for it back in February.

[RenaissanceMan]

I use a Sony digital Mavica quick access fd drive 2x
find it easy to use and have had no problems whatsoever.