Digital cameras: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it ''
Great camera for most users
by TBN511 - 7/28/06 6:43 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI have a Kodak EasyShare DX7590 - they don't make this model anymore (best I can tell), but the newer version that looks just like it is the Z7590. I have recommended this camera to 5 or 6 of my friends and they all love it. My 15 year old just got the Z7590 and she and my 9 yr. old use it. It is VERY user friendly. All of the menus and functions are easy to use. I ordered mine about a year and a half ago and the terrible company I ordered from didn't even include a manual for the camera! Fortunately, it is so easy to use, I have been able to figure out everything without one!
As to the features you are wanting, there is a button (it is small) that you can push that allows you to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen on the back of the camera. I use this feature in bright sunlight because it is easier to see. The camera does have a large screen (2") on the back, so you might even like it if you get used to it.
It has a lot more zoom than the really compact digital cameras and therefore, is larger than the little tiny ones. I like this much better and you probably will too because it feels more like what you are used to when you are holding it.
I think it takes great pictures and has a very fast reaction time (our first digital camera had about a 3 second delay from when you pushed the button and it actually took the picture which was AWFUL -- not at all a problem with this camera).
I am not sure if this camera has the image stabilization that you inquired about. I think I remember reading that it has it when I was researching which camera to buy, but I'm not positive. I have had mine for a yr. and a half, so I really don't remember -- it is not a feature that I really needed.
Like I said, I have had 5 or 6 other people buy this camera based on my referral and all were very pleased. My teenager absolutely loves hers, even though she initially wanted a really tiny "cute" camera. She has decided that all the features of this camera are definitely worth the trade off in size to her. She has also told me that all of her friends love it too.
Hope this helps. I really love my camera! It runs just under $300 and has some internal memory too (which has come in handy for my when I have gone out without putting a memory card in it!)
Tahnya
Bells and Whistles Galore
by BTT41 - 7/28/06 7:38 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysAt 72, I can relate to this issue. I've long since given up trying to purchase anything that doesn't have more bells and whistles than I really need. To say nothing about the size (TINY!) of the buttons, wheels, etc. that you need to manipulate to get the item to do your bidding.
This works for me: bought a Canon Power Shot S30, set it to AUTO (read: point and shoot) and take all my pictures that way. Do some come out blurred or shaky? Yeah. So I just delete them and get on with it and take another. There are 12 more symbols on the wheel that will I presume do magnificent things for me and I just ignore them.
Nearly 60 digital camera user
by georgey12345 - 7/28/06 9:27 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysOverwhelming choices for us older people with little tolerance for making digital decisions!
Four years ago I faced my first decision to buy a digital camera. I had to make it quickly as I was to meet my future wife and I wanted to record our first meeting. My purchase was a Kodak as it was not too expensive and had 4 megapixels which was tops at that time. I read the instruction manual as a flew to Texas from Maryland. I found then as today that taking a simple picture is pretty easy with a digital camera and learning the extras is something it just takes time with after the purchase. I always have used the view finder as in "regular" cameras. I find that it is easier for me to get my target in focus and I am able to hold the camera steadier. This camera took very good pictures and I was impressed. It was lacking in quality of indoor pictures without much light, those were quite grainy.
As a beginner, I would suggest that one should purchase something simple and with at least 4 megapixels, learn that, learn what you like and dislike about your camera and the next purchase will be just as difficult because now you know stuff!
I recently purchased a Canon Powershot S2 IS for stability and I really wanted a lot of optical zoom as I have found digital zoom to be totally worthless. The problem with a lot of optical zoom is you have to be absolutely still to get a great picture at 12X. A tripod would be handy, but who carries one of them for the spur of the moment. All in all this is a great camera, 5 megapixes and it takes excellent photos both outside and indoors. It has both a view finder and an open up door display which is reversable.
I might suggest at that the camera is just the beginning. I've received in email, pictures of 1-2 mb and blury? Some people just can't take pictures and sending photos this size is just plain impolite. One needs to learn how to use photo editing software to make the pictures a more manageable in size and sometimes to improve the quality. There are a lot of software packages that can do this and one probably will come with the camera. The nice thing with a digital camera is you can take many shots and you don't waste paper getting those you don't like developed. Also, there are many ways to get your photos of choice printed or displayed on the internet for selected peoples to see.
Your next purchase might be the decision to buy a photo printer. They now have excellent quality prints but beware, these prints are not cheap and in fact you might be wiser to print your photos at CVS, Walmart or any photo store. The main thing about a photo printer is convenience.
Good luck.
First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it ''
by Quiglyalso - 7/28/06 9:47 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysHi, At 70 I might not be as old as the writer but I find this mind set annoying. I bought my wife a Pentax D camera because of its point and shoot simplicity, she never used it because it had further capabilities. My present digital camera is a Pentax *ist D which I use as a point and shoot 99% of the time. If you want a cheap camera buy a phone with one. Otherwise take any digital camera then SET IT AND FORGET IT. If you think these are complicated try taking photos with a 1950's camera. D.D.
point and shoot
by adnakarivach - 8/1/06 3:01 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by QuiglyalsoI agree with DD
You can buy most any good digital camera and set it and forget it.
I have an old kodak that I bought used. When I got it I set the flash to auto, selected good or best quality and a few other simple settings, I zoom in and out sometimes, but mostly point and shoot.
I use the viewfinder most of the time now because it uses the batteries so fast, it was fine when I got it I used rechargable batteries and they lasted, it's time to replace it.
I'm still a kid, I'm only 66.
HFP
Do your homework before you buy
by eopensesame01 - 7/28/06 9:49 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI'm with you Mike. I'm 80 and have owned my Nikon 5600 Coolpix for a year after lengthy consideration of vendors, product reviews and comparative shopping on the web. I waited for a sale, ordered on the web, and picked up the camera at Circuit City where I had inspected and handled it earlier. Can't be too cautious, I thought. Saved $50, too. Pretty cagey for an old timer, eh?
After using the camera for a spell, I can tell you what I need that I didn't get: a bigger camera, a bigger viewing screen (mine is 1.5''), a motion stabilizer, and a cable release option to trip the shutter.
The 5600 will take fine pictures outdoors where the shutter speed is automatically fast. Indoors, it's another story. Slow shutter speed in low light is controlled internally and the camera must be absolutely motionless to avoid blurred pictures.
I use a small, folding tripod and also own one of those telescoping alpine walking sticks ($25 at Target). Unscrewing the handle reveals a threaded stud on which you can mount the camera rock solid for posed shots.
But tripods aren't worth a warm bucket of spit for a candid, once-in-a-lifetime shot of a 9-year-old grandson making his first two rbi's on a double in a Little League game.
Size is important. Handle the camera before buying. Make sure you can get a firm grip and, especially, that the controls are big enough for ancient, gnarled fingers. Leave the teeny weeny models for the ladies unless camera size and weight are extremely important to you.
And be sure to collect a variety of sizes of memory cards from 128 megs to one gig or so. Frankly, I think I would be happier, when starting out, with two or three small capacity memory cards than one big one. You can be ready to shoot while one card is in an independent viewer or your wife has taken a card to the drug store for prints or is processing prints at home.
Paul
Portland, OR
Great post!
by gravrdr - 7/28/06 9:57 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysExcellent idea. Not just for the older folks either.
Think about how you use it
by lancekoz - 7/28/06 10:04 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI sold cameras for a while, and helped many "chronologically gifted" new users. My acid test for a camera's ease of use was to think about the several basic things that you always do when shooting, and then ask if that camera made those basics easy. First, was the shutter and zoom control easy to reach and operate? Then, was there a clear button to access the "review" function, where the pictures that are in the camera's memory can be viewed. And thirdly, is there a clear button to press to discard a picture you don't want? Those are the main things you are doing out "in the field": shooting, evaluating what has been shot, and discarding. If a camera makes those basice hard to find or activate, avoid it.
Other than that, it is nice to have a camera where the flash operates automatically without having to rely on pressing a button to make it pop up. Also, having a camera that uses AA batteries makes long-term use easier and cheaper.
I would not worry too much about image stabilization. Sure, it's a nice feature, but if you are shooting in adequate light, the shutter speed should be high enough to compensate for most common hand motion. If there is any question if there is enough light, use the camera's flash for anything in close range. That will cover you about 95% of the time. Dimly lit landscapes are a problem; try to find a tree or post to rest the camera against. Generally, develop a practice of briefly bracing your elbows against your body and momentarily holdong your breath while pressing the shutter. That may help.
Image stabilization is most helpful for cameras with a long zoom range (140mm equivalent, or more). I found that long zoom was an oversold feature....mainly helpful for concerts or sports events, not generally helpful for pictures of groups or scenery.....which is what the common user photographs most.
After shooting, the Google-designed freeware "Picasa" makes getting the pictures into the computer a snap, and is a godsend. The interface is truly, brilliantly easy to use.
Finally, I want to say that almost any camera will give you good results with a little practice, and that the main beauty of digital photography is that you can shoot as much as you want, and it does not cost you any more! So go crazy out there, and have fun, just print the ones you like!
I hope that helps...
Lance Kozlowski
lancekoz@gmail.com
I'm an Old Dude Too !
by duderama - 7/28/06 11:13 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI don't have a newer Digital camera but have a 4 yr. old dinosaur that still is fine. I do however suggest buying something '' entry level '' & cheap for 2 reasons. 1. You'll need to get used to the new Technology . 2. The Technology changes so fast it may be out dated by the time you get used to it.
After this ''entry level'' experience you will then have a better idea of what features you want most.
Finally it makes sense to me to go to a camera shop/store that sells cameras as their main business. I've found they usually have a bit more knowledge that your ordinary electronics superstore.
I hope this helps .
I get It, I get IT!!!
by dragonbiker - 7/28/06 2:09 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysBeing 51 years of age, and a PHotography Instructor, I can share your frustration.
First off, determine what you would like to use the camera for...
Posting on the web, prints, posters, etc.
Use it occaisionally?, Holidays, Inside, outside?
Sounds like my wife, who has a simple "Point and Shoot", it turns on, off, and has a automatic flash.
Period, And she gets great shots with it.
First rule of thumb, SEE ABOVE.
The go hold one in your hands. Can you find the buttons? Is it comfortable? Can you afford it?
The best bet, ASK...Freinds, Co-Workers, Folks you trust their opinions of.
Hav Fun
re: First Digital for Us Older Folks? None of you "get it"
by villandra - 7/28/06 7:30 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI recommend the Kodak Easyshare cameras. They have some bells and whistles, but you can just do point and shoot, and the lighting and exposure options resemble those of a traditional camera. It uses a traditional viewfinder, and takes excellent pictures, I don't know about the image stabilization, which normally comes with the super zoom cameras. I'd recommend getting one with 3X optical zoom in addition to digital zoom.
The models of this camera seem to change constantly, but they are all very similar.
The EasyShare cameras also come with extremely user friendly software that will do wonders with lighting mistakes and red eye.
First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it.''
by jam4201 - 7/29/06 12:52 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysMike, unless you have Parkinsons go with the Canon A95. It has a viewfinder and if you shake some it doesn't care. I'm 74 and I can't hold it perfectly still. And if you think digital cameras for older folks are hard to find...go shopping for clothes! lolol
recommendation...
by shockinglyneon - 7/30/06 5:08 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI understand where you're coming from! I'm not in the over 40 crowd (I'm 19) but I have a nervous system disorder that causes me to shake and I am almost blind from it and I have a lot of trouble finding products especially phones and cameras that I can use. About a year ago I found my Kodak Easy Share DX7440. I love it! It has a viewfinder and a LCD screen, which you can easily turn off, and even though I dont know of it having any stabilization software on it, I get really good results even when I'm shaking and take a picture. The battery life is good. It also has manual modes for when I want to control the settings. I've tried other Easy Share cameras and I love them! I hope you find what you're looking for!:)
Tabitha
Simple camera
by truckfixersandy - 7/31/06 11:41 PM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysI have purchased a first digital camera that I think is fairly simple. It is an HP Photosmart M22. Cost me around $123 at K-mart. Its easy to use, and the part I really like is that I plugged it into my computer (I'm running windows XP) and it instantly recognized it and installed its own software. Pictures are real easy to manage once transferred to the computer. Send them, print them whatever you wanna do.
truckfixer
''Old f*rt'' proof cameras...........suggestions
by BigRInOz - 8/1/06 3:43 AM In reply to: First Digital For Us Older Folks? None of you ''get it '' by wahmof2boysMike....I'm 59 (although I've used e-mail since before the first PC was built.. 
) so I guess i fit into your ''old f*rt'' demographic!
We have 2 digital cameras in the house (both of which I suspect you can get for close to USD 300 these days with a bit of searching).
Mine is a Canon S2 IS (I think has now been superceded by the S3 IS -- but that means great deals on the 12 months older S2 IS). It's 5 MegaPixel, has a 12x optical zoom, a VIEWFINDER (and a screen), has antishake (believe me you NEED it with 12x zoom -- that's the equivalent of about a 400mm zoom lens in 35mm style). I run it in purely automatic mode, and because the flash is manual (ie you have to make a conscious effort to use it) you get some great low-light shots without the flash clicking in automatically (you ever notice all those flashes going off at the evening sessions of the Olympics where result will show about 3 rows of heads in front of the camera and nothing else???).
The 12x zoom is great for wild-life and for taking good distance shots of camera-shy grandkids. I've recently even learned (after about 6 minths) to take a short movie (45-60 secs) with it !! Bottom line is you can start simple and slowly explore the features over time. Certainly works for this old f*rt!
My wife has the slightly more expensive (USD 400? -- maybe less) Canon IXUS 60 (maybe called Canon Elf in USA for some unknown reason?). You could easily put 2 of these in pocket of a business shirt and it is GREAT for social events, travelling etc. Has 3x optical zoom and apart from that has similar functions to the S2 IS that I use. The ladies love them beacuse of small size.
Hope this helps
Richard
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