Community Newsletter: Q&A: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice!
- 11/19/07 6:16 AM
Walter did well in his explanation
by Jim F - 11/11/07 7:35 AM In reply to: Figure out what you want out of a camera by jlgallacherDigital cameras these days can do lots of things, and you need to figure out what you want your camera to do before you go shopping for it. To help, I'll define each term before I address it and how it relates to your usage of the camera.
I thought Walter did well in explaining what he wanted the camera to do for him. But wiredone's approach did give him a good reason to exhibit his knowledge of digital cameras, but overlooked Walter's desire to have things put simply, due to his retention.
How to start in digital photography
by tickytouse - 10/27/07 12:56 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi, Walter. What kind of regular film camera do you own? Is it one of those point and shoot types (also called idiot-proof models)? If it is then your digital camera should be no different.
For digital point and shoot, you can't go wrong with Kodak. I suggest you go to the Kodak website and see their line up. In particular, the Kodak Easy Share C875 gives you good resolution and features for about $199. The dials are easy to read (very important for those like us who don't no longer have 20-20 vision).
Some manufacturers build too many bells and whistles into their point and shoot cameras and many of them have forgotten the very basics: leisure photography should be fun and spontaneous and therefore, the camera should do all the thinking while being simple to operate.
The best of health to you!
Digital Cameras.
by timgrupp - 10/27/07 2:06 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I am not an expert, a salesman or a techie. There are, in my opinion, only 3 things that you need to look out for in a new digital camera.
Number one, for you and me is the simplicity of the thing. There are loads of cameras on the market that have loads of functions. Big deal. I very rarely use any setting other than the automatic one, so why bother with all of the others. If there are thousands of buttons and dials and bits to fiddle with, don't bother. The more things there are to fiddle with, the more things there are that can go wrong. Keep it simple and make sure that the buttons are clear and easy to use.
Number two is the size of the viewing screen. You want to see exactly what it is that you are taking a picture of. The screen on my camera is 3.5 inches and this is a good size. You don't want the camera to come with tiny squares that you can hardly make out the image on.
Number three, despite what you may have heard, Megapixels are still important. I do realise that there is some debate about how much benefit you gain with some of the cameras with higher numbers of megapixels and that the higher the number of megapixels then the higher the printing costs and the memory costs, but at the end of the day you need to remember what megapixels are and think about what you want your camera to do.
A megapixel is a way to describe the amount of colours and details in each standard image. I amsure that someone will disagree with me, but my understanding is this. Your digital camera image is made up of thousands and thousands of dots of colour that are too tiny for you to see. The closer the dots are together the finer the detail and the better the picture. Megapixels is a measure of the number of dots in the picture. The higher the number of megapixels the more dots there are. The more dots there are the better the definition and detail in the picture. Any digital camera that has less than about 4 megapixels is really not worth bothering with because, although it may be cheaper, the quality of each of the photos will be worse.
Hope this helps.
Tim
From one Grandpa to another
by ArthurWebster - 10/27/07 2:31 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi, Walter,
Don't the nerds love to make everything complicated for us old guys?
For the likes of us, price is as good a guide as anything since, like me, you probably only want the simplicity of point and shoot with a fair degree of zoom.
Pixels? Forget them. You know what size you are likely to want to print any special photographs so ask for confirmation that you will get a good print at that size from the maximum picture size your camera will deliver. Be like me - ask for a demonstration!
Most camaras will produce a very acceptable print, whatever the reolution.
Ask for a glass lens for the best definition and a flash, built in or not, will be a good accessory.
One point, many cameras have little widgets which may be of benefit to people who are into photography in a big way but one of the things I notice - all my friends and all my kids (all 11 of them) only ever 'point and shoot' - all the knobs and buttons simply make the camera look impressive for the day to day amateur.
A viewfinder is a must for me. Many digital cameras have pathetic view finders but, in the sun of Spain, those silly little screens are useless outdoors in daytime.
To sum up, go to a reputable supplier, see what fits your budget and see which fits most easily into your pocket and hand while providing ease of use.
Simple.
The techies out there will be groaning at my ignorance but I've been using cameras all my life but still only use them like the average guy - point and shoot. The picture would be lost if I had to set all the gizmoes properly!
Digital Camera for Walter
by Bijoux - 10/27/07 3:21 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walter,
One of the main things to look for in a digital camera when you are the age we are is the weight and size of the camera... seriously, I have a Pentax that has a large screen plus viewfinder (which is great when you can't see the screen in bright light) that fits into my jeans pocket so I can take it with me whenever and whereever. My husband has a new Nikon D80 that he even admits now is too darn heavy to carry all over so it gets used rarely. And when we go for a bike ride or walk, guess what camera we take!!!
So, look for weight and size of camera, view finder (the thing you look thru in a regular camera), largest size screen for seeing the picture you want to take, and then you can go to the fancy features like auto programming, presets for different situations (I love the Museum and Marine settings which are perfect for inside aquariums with kids, and taking pictures of fish in ponds etc.
Signed,
Grandma
Your First Digital Camera
by Ben Croft - 10/27/07 4:45 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your First Digital Camera?
Walter, it’s a good idea to do a little research along with chats with friends who already have experience with a variety of digital cameras before taking the plunge. But don’t be swayed too easily, make up your own mind what you want the camera to do for you. Do you want to create poster-size prints? Probably not, so 4 megapixels will still be ample. Do you want to take close-ups in macro? Make sure of a camera that gets down to focus at 6cm or even less and use the LCD display to frame your shot and ensure focus. Maybe you would prefer to look through an optical viewfinder for more distant subjects, I do. How about optical zoom, you might find something like 10x or more pretty useful. An SLR? - so you want to run before you can walk? Now we come to memory, built in? or Memory stick, SD, Compact flash or any of the rest? I don’t print photos off at home, what I do is upload my chosen pics to compact flash from my PC through my card reader to a Compact Flash card and take them to Boots the Chemist with instructions as to the required size of photo. They download my card and hand it back, I collect the photos in due course, quality far superior to what I can do at home. I clear my card by re-formatting , not deleting, it in the camera. So Walter, if you get the right camera first time, you may confound the industry and make it your last!
choosing a digital camera
by pmttd - 10/27/07 5:01 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have just been doing a beginners class, and one thing that everyone, (who didn't have one) wished they had was not only a digital screen view but also the old fashioned view finder. Other things found to be important is the ability to have re-chargable batteries that also have a comparable normal type as a backup.
If you are going overseas, then see if you can find one with museum mode (although you still can't photograph paintings due to copyright-at least here).
Mine is a Canon IXUS 60(old now), even just leaving it on automatic produces adequate pictures.
A mini tripod (not too flimsy) may be useful to take with you.
Test the feel of the camera in your hand, can you take pictures one handed? there may be a time when you can't put down what is in the other hand.
Megapixels define how clear the picture will be if you blow it up, don't go less than 4, 6-8 is adequate I think you can get 10+, but see what the difference in the price is.
In brief look at: view finder, screen view, battery options, pixels, weight and comfort in hand and of course price - I would alos stick with a reputable brand in case of camera faults.
For the newbee
by mnboy - 10/27/07 5:07 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walt, First, first, first, pick a camera you want for you: fast moving grandkids, some sports or low light inside photos will drive you to a DSLR (keep reading). But mostly a point and shoot will do the trick. Digital point and shoot (P&S) cameras are different than your old 35mm film camera in size and weight (you can put it in your pocket), are completely dependent on batteries (as all digitals are), usually slow to start up, don't have a detachable lens, have a small on-board flash, use a media card instead of a film roll canister, and a couple other important ways: they take movies; you can see if you got the shot by the LCD (liquid crystal display) on the back, and most importantly, all digital cameras use a two-step shutter button -- you must allow the camera a slight amount of time to adjust white balance, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus in the first step (holding the shutter 1/2 way down), then when it "tells" you (beeps or lights flash) it is ready, then take the picture by pushing the shutter all the way down. This takes some getting used to for new-to-digital camera buffs. It also has another name: "shutter lag", common to P&S cameras. If it sounds a bit much, it isn't actually: just "point and shoot". My pick for you is the Canon Power Shot SD870 IS (image stabilization -- keeps down camera shake in the pictures) or Canon A550. The DSLRs (digital single lens reflex) cameras are a direct replacement for the old 35mm cameras. They don't have the "digital lag" expierenced by the P&S cameras, don't do movies, but have changeable lenses, have a multi-frame per second speed (usually 3 FPS), and have an "auto" selection that makes them easy to shoot like a P&S, but are faster to take the picture. Just a couple years ago a decent DSLR was in the thousands of dollars, but today, Popular Photography's 2007 best DSLR is around $650 with a lens: the Nikon D40 or slightly more expensive Nikon D40x. Not compact but small, light to carry, almost instant start up, a long-life rechargeable battery, fast to the shot (takes a picture quickly), better in low light and fast moving objects, and very fast focus make this my pick for you.
Also, the rest of digital is a good computer, and that is another page, but if you just want simple: go to your local store and plug in your media card to a photo kiosk machine, select your photos to print and away you go. For a few cents, your done!
Have fun!
Purchasing a Digital Camera
by Bruce51 - 10/27/07 5:51 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I had the same problem a few years back, and what i discovered is pretty straightforward. If you want your camera for just putting them on your computer, sharing on the internet or printing out regular size photos to share with friend you can pick up just about any brand because the price has come down considerably. My first camera was an HP 812 4mp. It takes excellent photos, is easy to load on the computer with the software that came with it, and the photos print out fabulous with the same software. You can purchase a 6-8 mega pixel camera and I guarantee you will be absolutely satisfied. I prefer HP products, but forget about all the sport shots, and the audio features, ETC, All cameras today offer basic features that will more than amply supply you with exactly what you desire and all come with software that will ease your worries about , unloading the pictures, filing them, sharing on the internet, and printing to share with your friends. I would reccomend , HP,Sony,Canon, Kodak, depends on your wallet and your preference of namebrands you are familiar with. Good Luck you should be able to buy a superb camera for Between $150-$300.
Digital Cameras
by elainecleo - 10/27/07 5:51 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I am 69 and on my third digital camera, but I will NEVER buy one that does not have a swivel lens, like the older Casio or a screen that will turn. I don't want to have to get down on the ground when taking pictures of my small dogs or a flower, just rotate the lens to any angle, look at the screen and shot. Way to hard for these old knees to get back up.<g> I bought my last Casio, QV 800SX, off eBay and love it. I am a squirrel rehabber and can stick the lens in a nest box, turn the body of the camera and see on the screen if anything is in it. As far as I am concerned that is the only way to go.
Sony or Nicon Coolpix
by sauna6 - 10/27/07 5:56 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walter,
As many of us, I too have paid hundreds of dollars and too much time to figure out which one is a reasonably simple and useful digital camera.
Two of them have performed well: a simple Nicon Coolpix, and a cheap Sony (with memory stick). All in the family have quickly learned to make great photos with them.
Both use two standard or rechargeable AA batteries that last a long time, have enough megapixels (3-4Mp), and can record movie with sound, if the situation demands.
Both use a memory chip, so transferring photos to PC is a snap.
I would not recommend something like an Olympus SP-350, due to poor logic and very short battery life. Its 8 Mp do not compensate for the shortcomings.
A little HP Photosmart or similar 4x6 printer complements your camera nicely - it accepts the same memory card.
Happy snapshooting!
Digital camera
by Dublinvet - 10/27/07 6:01 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've been using digital cameras for years, some are more complex than others. I think a newer Kodak with a nice Kodak docking station with Kodak printer would be the way to go. I have 2 Kodaks with reasonable megapixels that can print beautiful 8x10 high quality pictures. When I want the best I use my Sony 8megapixel, but really cannot tell the difference in quality on up to 4x6 pictures. The nice thing about the Kodak or most cameras today is that you don't have to use all the bells and whistles to get a great picture. Most complex cameras can be used as a point and shoot.
From a Grandma
by twin90s - 10/27/07 6:10 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Start out small. The less gadgets on your camera the better. These are the basics I recommend: Image Stabilization is necessary, a good-sized viewing screen, at least 4 MP because that makes the quality of your printed picture very good, at least a 3X zoom and of course a built in flash.
You should get a product the manufacturer will stand behind. My first was an Olympus and it fit right into my pocket I loved it. But when the automatic opening broke, they said it was unfixable. Next was a Canon and when that had a problem, Canon replaced my camera. Both times the cameras were out of warranty but by following thru, Canon made me a loyal fan. I don't have a neighborhood camera store anymore and because of that I am encouraging you to get a well known brand. Good luck...it's really easy and tons of fun!
first digital camera
by msbeckie - 10/27/07 6:18 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hey Walter -- the digital age for cameras is exciting and one that makes you want to take pictures like never before. First of all you need to decide how much you want to spend. Second of all you need to go to a camera store and spend time holding and getting the feel of any camera you might be interested in. I believe from your letter than one of the most important things your camera should have is image stabilization. I have also found that if the camera is too light weight that it is harder to hold in a stable manner. I have been thru four of the smaller cameras and my favorite so far is the Canon G7 -- it is powerful enough for almost any task and yet simple to use. The different scene modes are easy to figure out -- it has a great zoom -- and has enough power to do almost anything you can do with a larger camera. But remember -- it is like buying a mattress -- it needs to work for you -- you need to feel comfortable with it and you need to like it no matter what others say. So take all of the answers you get and remember in the long run, buy the one you like.
Answers for Walter H.
by edwinalewis - 10/27/07 6:37 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Walter. I don't think your question is too simple, at all. With all the promotions and claims, it isn't easy to know what to buy when you simply want a camera that will just take a nice picture.
I have been a photographer for 20 some-odd years, and most photographers I know tend to stick with one brand of camera or other. Just personal preference. My brother buys Nikon; I usually buy Canon; my photography instructor used Minolta. You can easily go between those three and be safe in your choice. The Panasonic Lumix and Olympus are also good. Just go into any photo shop (Ritz, Wolf, etc.)and check them out. Tell the salesperson what you are looking for, then enjoy holding the different cameras, playing with them and experimenting a bit. My first digital camera was a Nikon Coolpix 3100, and lately, I've been using a Canon PowerShot A560 (and it appears someone liked it enough to steal it). Both took excellent photos and are easy to use. I will admit,though, that I still prefer the feel of the SLR.
For your purposes, I agree that megapixels are not a huge concern. As long as you get 3mp or better, your pictures should be good. However, resolution IS important. I suggest that you not go below 1600x1200, and depending on preference (and how well you see), consider the size of the LCD (the screen that shows what you are shooting). The camera qualities you want to look for include: a high-quality lens, preferably optical, and definitely autofocus; a zoom feature, for closeups (which most have); it should be easy to hold and understand; preferably, have a flash you can turn off and on; and for goodness sakes, make sure it shoots as fast as you want it to and doesn't have a long delay. It's really frustrating when you have an opportunity to get that perfect, once-in-a-lifetime picture and lose it while the camera adjusts itself.
Although you want "easy," don't rule out SLRs. They can give you the same ease and auto-everything, but be easier to hold, and give you expanded abilities should you decide you want to do more than point and shoot.
Doing a search for "rate cameras," I looked at one site, BetterPhoto.com which has an extensive comparison chart, including sample photos from each camera. I selected "Auto Only," and it brought up 143 cameras. After briefly scanning the user rating column, I looked at the Canon PowerShot 400 (IXUS400). With 4mp, 3 resolution settings, starting with 1600x1200 (you can set it lower to save memory space), a stainless steel body (I particularly like the metal bodies), and good pictures, you couldn't go wrong. Amazon.com has the camera for $139.95, and gives some great reviews. It also shows some other suggested cameras. Personally, The Elph cameras are a bit small for what I like (about cigarette case size), but they are excellent cameras. I would probably go with the Canon PowerShot A550 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom at $149.95, or the Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom for $164.
There are a number of professional sites that give camera comparisons, so I would just do a little homework before you buy, and you'll do great. You can often decide what you want before you walk out the door -- or, even just buy it online.
Well, Walter, I hope this has helped a bit and not muddied the waters even more. I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever you get, and I know you'll get great joy from sharing your pictures.
Happy Shooting!
Edwina
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