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Topic High-tech/green cars
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=256779&messageID=2542044
Thanks all for your questions.
are there going to be any new sont dsc models coming out? if they are is there a date?
What is the best video camera that give the best audio & video quality that also has the features of a digital camera?
The Sanyo Xachti series?
I will be using it for video blogs.
thanks,
Nick Schmidt
a good still camera that shoots standard 640x480 30fps videos, like the Canon PowerShot S5 IS. It has stereo audio with separated mics, and it shoots MJPEG video (saved as an AVI) that's pretty good.
I'm looking for a very good Point & Shoot camera with a 10X or more zoom lens...I have a Nikon 7900, but want something with more zoom, which should include some kind of anti-shake mechanism. I would prefer one that used an SD card. Any good recommendations?
Or the S3 IS, if the resolution doesn't matter to you.
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s5-is/4505-6501_7-32441341.html
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-s3-is/4505-6501_7-31740582.html
I am looking at buying a video camera mainly ti capture that still shot that I really want. Is there a PC program that you can suggest for taking video from my z612 and capturing that one special shot from the video as a still? Any editing programms that you fancy more than others?
iMovie HD is easy; low-end software like Premiere Elements and Video Studio are also nice.
What is your suggestion for the best unit to fit the following criteria.
Best Picture
10MP
Price
Here's the review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d80/4505-6501_7-32004258.html
Hi Lori
I am looking for an easy to manage, small digital camera. Do you have suggestions for me? I was thinking about Nikon Coolpix but are there any other good ones out there? Something with a decent resolution and zoom. [I am tired of carrying my big dSLR and its big bag wherever I go]. Thanks
the Canon SD750 seems to be pretty popular
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sd750/4505-6501_7-32314640.html
I got a D50 with the 18-55 and 50 mm f/1.8 lens. I am thinking about to buy a speed light which is SB-800. Do I really need it? Since I found out that the 50 mm is nice but sometime I want to enhance the lighting of the picture. Do you have any comment on this? Thx
While I really hate on-camera flash, I've become a big fan of off-camera flash. It can make a huge difference in borderline lighting situations, where you'd have to boost the ISO to get a decent exposure.
Are there any digital cameras (still or video) that capture video footage at a higher than normal speed, similar to a high-speed film camera that rockets the film past the lens in order to produce clear, smooth slow-motion shots?
Or is there some form of technology out there for simulating the effect of non-choppy, slow motion video?
Several of Sony's tapeless camcorders have a Smooth Slow Record mode that's exactly what you're talking about
Do you know any up-coming lens from Nikon?
Just wondering... ^^"
how do I best learn how to use the f-stop feature and the shutter speed? I have a camera that has all the options I could everwant (I think) But Idontknow how to use them.
Local camera stores and community colleges often offer classes that teach fundamentals of photography (it doesn't need to be digital specific for exposure features). Plus there are tons of books for beginners, if you can learn that way--not everyone can. Just plunk yourself down in the local borders and start skimming to find the teaching style you best relate to.
I have zoom and wide-angle lenses for my old Minolta SLR. Are there any dSLR bodies that would accept these lenses?
and with it comes lens support on its Alpha dSLR cameras. You do lose some capabilities with older lenses, but that differs from model to model. Your best bet is to check the documentation for the Alphas (available on Sony's web site). It should tell you exactly what features you lose for your specific lenses.
I am planning to buy this one any suggestions
and lower-end models (under glass) at PMA this year, so you might want to wait a bit and see if they release one more in line with your needs...
Crave blog: Sony shows new SLRs, expands lens range
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9695954-1.html
Hi,
I've got a D50 and am also in the market for some lenses. Is it a no-brainer that I should be getting filters to protect the lens? Any recommendations on good ones to look at?
is usually a good idea, since it protects the glass underneath. That much hasn't changed from film photography. 
I'd start with a moderately inexpensive one, like a Tiffen, but if you find it's somehow decreasing your exposure or distorting the photos, then I'd opt for something a bit more expensive.
Tiffen UV filters
http://reviews.cnet.com/4244-5_7-0.html?query=tiffen+uv+filter&tag=srch&target=
Hi Lori
I got a new Nikon d50 last year. But not too sure on how to clean the lens and the other parts. Should i get it done professionally (and pay huge bucks for it) or do it myself?
Unless you've gotten something particularly heinous on it, a lens-cleaning kit should be fine. However, unless you've seen dust spots on your photos, I'd leave the sensor alone for now.
Thanks for the suggestion!
But what I have in mind was this one:
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 12-24mm f/4G IF DX
What do you think about this lens? Will it be a good choice for me?
George
but keep in mind that you might have annoying distortion throughout the entire zoom range--a fact of life with really wide angle lenses. That's why I generally prefer something that starts wide but ends normal. In case I don't want the distortion.
Dear Lori:
I just bought my first dSLR and it is a Canon Rebel XTi. A friend of mine suggested a 50/1.8 lens and he told me that's it's great for still object. I think I'm going to get one of that. What do you think of that? And what other lens would you suggest for a beginner?
but if you're used to shooting a snapshot camera, you may get frustrated with the fixed focal length. The 18-55mm kit lens that comes with the XTi is pretty good, and I think you'd be fine with that as a second lens.
Hi Lori-
I currently have a Canon Powershot S-70 that's near death's door (or rather, the S70's lens door is dying and will not function properly). I would like to move into SLR territory for all the obvious reasons, and have a few "must have's" for my upgrade:
-Better at low light shots
-Faster high-speed burst shots per second
-Would like a flip-out/rotating viewfinder screen
-As inexpensive as possible (of course)
I would imagine any digital SLR will be an improvement over the S-70, but can you steer me towards any particular models that are particularly good at the items in my wish list?
Thanks!
pretty much narrows your list down to the Olympus E-330 and one other model which is escaping me at the moment. It may not be out yet
Olympus E-330
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/olympus-evolt-e-330/4505-6501_7-32204854.html
Now that we have dSLRs with live-preview LCDs like the Olympus E-330, any idea when we might see video recording capabilities?
Mostly shooting kids and landscape... I guess I can use my Nikon 1.8 normal lens to make up the slowness of the 18-200 lens. Right?
Dear Lori:
I want to get a new wide angle lens for my Nikon D40, could you give me some advice? I mostly use it in indoor with low night, (Close Range I rarely need more than 55mm, No Flash, mostly are people at a party with my friends at a restaurant) So, what do you think I should get?
Thanks
George
(and assuming you mean 55mm in 35mm equivalent) my suggestions would be
17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom-Nikkor
18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF AF Zoom-Nikkor
24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF AF Zoom-Nikkor
I think the two f/2.8s are probably expensive, but for low-light it will give you some extra exposure range. You might also want to check out the 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor; it's slower, but the VR will buy you some extra latitude.
I'm mostly looking to take photo of my kids in action.
I've been looking at a Nikon D40 but there are 2 different ones. One is a 6MP and the other is a 10MP -- Is 6MP enough?
Thanks
unless you plan on printing some *really* big shots of your kids. But if you're just looking for a step-up from a snapshot camera, 6mp is fine.
Is the possibility of getting dust on the sensor by changing lenses a big concern?
If you switch lenses frequently, or shoot in debris-loaded locations (deserts, polluted cities), then it's a valid worry. It's certainly a worry for professionals, who swap lenses constantly. But if you're a typical user who swaps lenses only now and then, and you're careful not to leave the innards exposed, then it shouldn't arise within the lifespan of your camera.
I am thinking to buy one... Can you come up a couple of reasons for NOT buying a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR lens for a Nikon D80? Thanks.
Unless you need something with a wider aperture. I'm not sure what you're planning on shooting, and f/3.5-5.6 can be a little slow for some things.
Thanks for the 18-200 answer. Now let me pose this. Insted of spending $750 on a all-in-one 18-200 VR lense, what about use the 18-55 lense that came with my D50 and buying the new Nikkor 55-200 VR for $250?
I generally like to carry a medium zoom and a long zoom lens with me rather than a single all-purpose. Splitting the zoom range should also (theoretically) result in better photo quality. You're not forcing the optical system to its limits.
My son plays soccer and I have been looking for a dSLR to take photos from the sidelines.
What features should I rank highest, can't do without?
..it's a performance issue. I'd say you want a camera that can shoot at least 3fps, but you'd have to check our (and other sites) performance test results to make sure the camera actually hits its rated numbers at the best-quality settings.
I currently have a Nikon D70 I have had this camera for for 3 years now and I am looking on upgrading. I orginally bought this camera to take vacation pictures and similar things. I've recently started taking professional product shots and have considered upgrading. Do you think its necessary.
should be fine. I'd spend the money on a better lens and studio lighting instead.
D70
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d70s/4505-6501_7-31341794.html
Hello, when I turn the flash off on my camera, the pictures seems to be always blurry. Is there a reason why its like that only when the flash is not on? What can I do to prevent this from happening?
And throws everything into high-contrast relief. The result is higher apparent sharpness. It's a fact of light. You're only options for improving the sharpness of the rest of the photos are higher shutter speed and controlling your breathing to minimize even the smallest camera movements.
The Nikkor; if you can find one, retails at $750. Ebay around $850. Tamron is $360.
I'd go for the Nikkor. I think you'd appreciate the extra latitude from the VR, and the photos will probably be sharper.
Whats the best choice if you want a small, compact camera that doesn't cost a lot and performs well?
The most compact you can find is the Olympus E-410. The price is right but it's got some exposure problems. I'd probably go a little bigger to the Rebel XTi. Not extremely compact, but very light.
Is the Nikkor 18-200 VR worth the premium price (assuming you can find one)? Or would the 18-200 from Tamron suffice?
I don't know the prices of the respective lenses--I can look them up and get back--but I'd probably pay at least a 50-75% premium for the Nikkor. The VR is certainly worth it.
Hi Lori,
I just got a Sony DSC-T100, and I've taken a bunch of pictures with it to test it out. I noticed when I look at them on my computer at 100%, they are very distorted and unclear. However when I zoom out a bit, they look fine. Is this normal?
What are the best batteries for a flash..
I have a D50 with a sb-600 flash..
Seems like the flash loose power to early.
Thanks
Erik
Whenever possible, I use the Energizer e^2 AA lithium batteries for flash. They last longer and provide some noticeable extra oomph on the recycle times. Still, I find the flash has problems keeping up with me
Hi Laurie,
What would you consider the best all-around lens for my camera, a Canon 30D? I know one lens can't "do it all" but what would you recommend?
Thanks,
Alan Bone
That really depends on what you like to shoot. Some people rely on a good "prime" lens--say, a 50mm--but I know I'd be lost without a flexible zoom. The 18mm-55mm I find to be a good, all-around option.
But be gentle with me. How about starting with some softballs?
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