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Community Newsletter: Q&A: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice!
- 11/19/07 6:16 AM
Digital Camera's
by mudhawaii - 10/27/07 7:03 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walter, your doing just what a lot of people do. Just because it's new technology you are unsure of your capability to use it. Believe me if you can use a 35mm SLR (single lens reflex) you can use any of the newer cameras.
Now, for the recommendations:
Do not buy a brand new unit unless you have a great deal (discount). Places like Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit City have fantastic deals on units that are last years model. I purchased a Kodak 7.1 megapix with a 10X zoom for $125.00. The only differance between it and the current year model was a redesigned case and oh yeah $200+.
Buy the highest megapix you can. These are the light recepticles inside the camera that turn the light into electrical signals to be recorded. Simular to the different ASA films. An ASA of 100 is slow but has great detail. Where as an ASA of 400 is faster and requires less light but is grainer when printed (especially when blown up). A camera with 7 megapix will make a great 5X7 and can be pushed to 11X14 with the right software and printing equipment. I would recommend haveing them printed at a photo center for the best quality - but do your own editing first.
Zoom - One with a 3x lens and 10x digital will give you the greatest range. Any more than and you'll need tripod (I would recommend a tripod or monopod when you go past 7x anyway). The do have SLR digitals if you want to buy extra lens (mostly professional units of 10+ megapix).
The newer series of cameras come fully automatic (controlling shutter speed, exposer time, etc.) or you can manually control each seperatly or together. Some (my Kodak does) have a control dial so you can do everything auto or with the flick of a thumb close to within 2 inches of a subject (closer if you use the zoom), flick over to action, then to any one of the seven differnt settings. Other cameras (mine included) have a real nice feature not only can you flick around with a thumb wheel but they have a toggle that will allow the same functions and more and quick function button up by the shutter button for a quick on/off.
Always (most have) get a video mode with mic and sequence (multiple shoots with one press of the button) capability.
The screens. The larger the veiw screen the better your compensation of the picture and faster you'll be able to align and shoot. Make sure you get one with an eye veiw screen also, they work best in bright sun or whrn you don't want backwash in you photo.
Lastly, memory - More is better. The finer picture you take the more memory and longer it take to record. A two gig chip will gove you in the area of 900 pictures at 7.1 megapix (finest) to 2800+ at 1.9 megapix (coursest). (These are general numbers yours might vary due to camera and other functions used.)
All-in-all the present generation of digital cameras are faster, easier and can take way more photos than any 110 or 35 mm.
Grandpas and Digital Photography
by gov50 - 10/27/07 7:37 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walt-- Good for you! As a grandpa you have the right to love the heck out of the grandkids and photographing them. You also have the right to not be overwhelmed to the point of not being able to enjoy a great and rewarding hobby.
I'm going to presume that at grandpa status you have shot some film and have some basic understanding of photography. If you were buying a car we can presume that you understand enough about how they work to develop some criteria that are important considerations for your happy use of that car after the purchase. Same goes for a digital camera. The appropriate application of knowlege can be powerful and enable you to achieve the results you desire on a budget. Acquiring that knowlege about digital photography takes a little research. Do your homework up front and enjoy yourself and your new hobby and your growing ability to share meaningful moments with friends and family with impressive quality--effort in=quality out.
Cnet has some great stuff on digital photography, About.com, Stevesdigicams.com and dpreview.com are sites i would recommend you poke around in for a while before you even start thinking camera, so you don't get shamboozled by a sales person. Both in regard to your selection process of a camera and perhaps in selection of a photo quality printer ( if that's the way you will go). Take human bites. This is a sliding $$$ scale that requires consideration of whether you may only always be a casual snap shooter or you may want to explore the creative side and "photography" and grow into camera features and capabilities initially unexplored but purchased in a " better than you need right now" camera (auto, program, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, presets, white balance adjustments, flash and exposure compensation adjustments, .tiff or raw formats, selectable ISO really important). I have rescued in Photoshop Elements (sadly only as much as was possible given what i had to start with) friend's baby pix that were mangled by an" affordable" point and shoot underfeatured, marginal quality docking station combo. The quality that could have been achieved of that moment, and that look, is gone forever.
"Point and Shoot" versus Digital Single Lens Reflex.
Up to your creative and quality ($$$) considerations. You can get good to great 8x10 photo's out of either of reasonable quality at around 6 megapixels in AUTO mode. DSLR-- you're not just going to to be buying the camera, but the limitations ($$$) and or benefits($$$) of the lenses available by and for that maker.
Point and shoot--do you want to be able to enhance wide angle or telephoto properties by being able to screw an add on converter lens to the camera or will you live with the focal length ranges built into the "zoom" lens on the camera. If you want the big honkin zoom so you can capture that bird over there look for a mechanical image stabilization system (not iso boost) (Don't even consider using digital zoom for important keepsakes or as a criteria for purchase if consistent print quality is your aim).
The quality of the glass is more important than the number of pixels ( assuming a good quality sensor and image processor). I have found 6 mp to be the sweet spot for good all around quality from bright daylight to post horizon sunsets ( don't take my word--go to dp review and look at the ISO comparison shots for different cameras of either type and the sample pictures, particularly iso 400 and up). The manufacturers megapixel wars are cramming more and more pixels onto the same size sensor chip resulting in more digital noise ( digital film grain) at mid to higher (200-400 is your most useable ISO).
Resolution--dp review provides line pairs per inch evaluations of the different cameras--grandkids eyelashes, iris colorations, that lock of hair on the forehead, that autumn tree with distinct leaves or a colored q-tip?
Media and storage--more magapixels means bigger flash card and where are you going to store all those pictures for posterity?. Plug in hard drive, or develop at a shop (not***mart and have cd's burned ( take and save .tiff's for best quality).
Hope that helped more than it confused. I tried to provide you with some quality scale assesments based on the clues you provided in your question. Whichever camera system you decide on i would highly recommend Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" to enhance your photography and your camera selection criteria.
Last but not least--when you have finally gotten ready to purchase, try to find your model (s) in a big box store or local camera shop and HANDLE the camera, try to get them to let you put your flash card in and take a few shots at different ISO and take them home and look at them--like what you see? then it comes down to who will get you the best price/services package.
Geezercam
by Fred1942 - 10/27/07 8:03 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
GREAT question Walter!! I am of the same ilk....aka, "crankeegeezer" and have been looking for a very simple good digicamera also. I'll bet these "young whipersnappers" will have the answers too!! Thanks for letting me know that there is at least one other geez out there that has the guts to tackle this "tech stuff". BTW, I just switched from PC to the iMac and have many questions, so hang in there Walt!!
Digital camera opnion
by butt1 - 10/27/07 8:07 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
To Walter H.:
I'm also into the past half-century age, and do own a couple Canon digital cameras. I'm not a pro photographer - just your average lay-person that enjoys taking pictures. At the present time so many brands perform nearly equally that picking any particular one is an individual choice. My original is a 3.2Mp, which gave beautiful pics until the CCD chip became defective. That's one point of potential weakness. A replacement was bought, but now it's an 8Mp model. This level is more common today, typically in a 7-10Mp range. The megapixel(Mp)level is a measure of resolution, or detail seen in prints. And the pictures are stored on memory chips, vs. film. I had an older SLR-35mm which provided manual exposure adjustments. Both Canons offer this capability, but again it's a personal choice. You probably want fully automatic, which is common in most moderately priced models. ALways stay with the better name-brands, and research them on CNET. That's a valuable source for ratings, plus owner's/user's comments. Higher pixel levels (>7-8Mp) usually are best if enlargements are wanted (e.g. 8x10 and larger). So, you may want to stay with a lower Mp level and thus save dollars. Other than brand, Mp level and auto features, there's not much more to suggest. Most have built-in flash, and your choice of model size is strictly personal. You also have a choice in memory chip size, depending on quantity of pictures wanted, but the 1-2Gb (gigabyte) are now common. My digitals are sized similar to a 35mm, but smaller models are available. Also, these use AA batteries, but others have rechargeables built-in. So, search and find a suitable digital and enjoy taking dozens of pics. Hope these points help.
First Digital Camera
by ayoungblood - 10/27/07 8:17 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Walter,
While my job as a photo editor and photojournalist at a daily newspaper requires me to keep up with emerging technologies, there is no way to keep up with every single model of digital camera available. Let me just give you some general camera buying advice and explain a couple of things.
First, I think if you stick with a major manufacturer such as Canon or Nikon you will get "a good reliable camera". Personally, I LOVE the Canon point and shoots in the Powershot series. Nikon coolpix, not so much. We have gotten several Powershot G series cameras for reporters and they produce stunning images and are very easy to use.
The main thing in choosing a camera is getting one that you like the feel of and can understand how it works. Even as a professional, there are a lot of these little cameras that I can't even understand how they work. Go to your local store. Pick the camera up, play with it. Ask a knowledgeable sales person to show you how it works. See if the features and menus makes sense to you. That doesn't mean try to find one that you can work without reading the manual. You should read the manual on whatever you buy.
Megapixels are easy. That number represents the amount of digital information in each photo. The more data, the larger the image can ultimately be printed. Fear not though, anything 4 megapixels or larger with be fine for what it sounds like you ultimately want to do - in print or on-line. Almost more important for good pictures then the amount of megapixels is good quality optics. Again, stick with a quality manufacturer.
You didn't mention a budget but I think it's worth talking about camera types.
-The all in one point and shoot.
Small and convenient. Totally automatic, most have settings for specfic scenes, sports, landscape, etc. Many have the ability to shoot short videos. They have little built in flashes. There is virtually no user control beyond the scenes and flash options. Models that list "manual' settings make this feature impossibly complicated to use. Almost all have shutter lag. This is a delay from the time you press the shutter until the image is actually taken. This is a real problem when trying to shoot things that move like children, pets, parties, etc. Very difficult to catch the "Decisive Moment".
Advanced Amateur
There are some pretty pricey advanced amateur point and shoot type cameras but most suffer from the same problems listed about.
Both Nikon and Canon put out some pretty nice amateur SLR digital cameras. Models such as the Nikon D40 and D80 and Canon Digital Rebel XT, EOS 30D and EOS 40D (NEW) are examples. There can be no shutter lag (depending on how you set the camera up). These are cameras that look and work like traditional 35mm cameras. Some have pop up flashes. They have interchangable lenses. However, most come in a kit with a zoom lens that will cover many common shooting situations. Some are under $1000. The advantages are many. All can be shot in total point and shot automatic but offer easy use in manual or semi manual modes. They are capable of accepting most, if not all, of the lenses the company makes so where ever you interest goes there is gear to support it.
The downside to these cameras is that they are more expensive and physically larger then the point and shoots. You can't slip one in your shirt pocket.
Pro Digital cameras
Today's pro SLR's are absolutely fabulous. Canon's EOS 1D mark III, and 40D (I mentioned this one above but many pros are carrying this camera) Nikon's D3, and D300. They focus fast, shoot fast, are really easy to use and produce huge beautiful images. There are tons of accessories to support whatever you want to shoot. You may be surprised to hear this but pro SLRs, both Nikon and Canon, are far easier to use than any amateur point and shoot I've ever touched. Prices range from about $1500 to $8,000 for camera without a lens (body only).
Again the downside is larger and heavier in size and more expensive. They do not have pop up flashes.
One other thing to consider when choosing a camera is service from the company. I'm in the process of switching my staff from Nikon to Canon gear. While the factors are many, one main one is service. Every single repair we send to Nikon takes anywhere from a month to 9 months to return. This is through their pro service division which is supposed to be expedited. I would expect Nikon consumer returns would take longer. Canon gets repairs back to us in less then a week. I have no experience with their consumer repair program.
Hope this helps. The bottom line to picking the right camera is to get one that you like. If you don't like it, you won't use it.
Alan Youngblood
alan.youngblood@mac.com
First digital camera
by jstrom1 - 10/27/07 8:40 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Walter H. - Do you remember the old Kodak motto, "Point and shoot - we do the rest"? Well those clever Kodak people are still at it. Their Easy Share cameras really are the most for the dollar. They have camera packages that include all the software and and docking station that allow you to download your photos directly to your pc for a most reasonable cost. I bought one of their earliest Easy Share models about 6 or 7 years ago. It had 3.2 megapixals, not much today, but at the time it was great. The only drawback was that the rechargeable batteries (included) didn't last long after charging. However, you could use 2 double As, and keep right on shooting photos. This was the least expensive and most versatile camera that I have ever owned. Of course Kodak has really improved a lot since those early models, but they also keep the cost down. And the photos are top notch. Best of luck.
Digital camera selection
by arnold88 - 10/27/07 8:41 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Walter, you're absolutely right about megapixels. As a fellow geezer/grandpa, I wanted to get a very good camera and was overwhelmed by sticker shock. My solution was found initially at Consumer Reports, which suggested an Olympus 765 Ultra Zoom. The validity of this was confirmed by going through through product reviews at CNET.
This camera is 4 megapixels, with an optical zoom feature. It seems that as with any camera good glass is the key to good picture quality. The settings should allow the user to make selections to allow for available light and motion of the subject. As this camera is now 4 years old I'd say that it was a good choice.
Memory cards and rechargeable batteries are readily available, and inexpensive. I ran out of memory and drained the battery on a number of occasions when this camera was first pressed into service. This has been remedied by using a 128mb card in the camera, and keeping a spare 128mb memory card, and 2 batteries in the bag.
On a trip last weekend to the local pumpkin patch, 1 battery and a 128mb memory card yielded 83 pictures. Greg Arnold
Go with Casio Exilim ex-z70
by MSilverghost - 10/27/07 9:10 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have bought over the past year 3 of them. I sent 2 of these cameras to my son's in Iraq. they are working great. I kept one for myself since they are easy to use and small (fit in my pocket so I always have a camera non) but the quality of the picture is great for e-mails, printing, everything I have needed a piture for this camera has done the job.
It is a point and shoot but you can do video with sound (not the best) but it works. You can change filter settings. you can do anything you want with out the extra stuff (extra lens) the higher end cameras can do.
I love mine and am glad my brother gave another son one for Christmas last year. That is what started us on loking for this camera. So we really have 4 of them between all of us.
good luck on your choice:
Michele E.
Picking out your 1st digital camera...
by Mark0 - Technologist - 10/27/07 9:33 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm sure plenty of people will be all over the map on this one, but I hope to bring up some of the finer points:
1. Set a price range.
A modern "point and shoot" digital camera that takes decent photos can be had (BEFORE DISCOUNT) for $199 or less.
You can surely spend much much more on a camera and get much much more. However, you might not want or need all the extra features/expense that a high end camera provides.
2. Narrow your list down further by considering only cameras that can use standard AA batteries.
Anyone new with a camera (or with a new camera in the house) is going to be scrolling through the menus and looking at the LCD screen on the camera A LOT. The screen (as well as the flash) "eats" batterys.
Instead of going through the frustration of having to initially charge that expensive custom battery that many cameras come with, or having to RECHARGE it when you've barely started taking pictures and having fun with the camera, pick a camera that uses AA or AAA batteries that you might already have laying about the house.
I'd recommend getting 3 sets of batteries: 1 for in the camera and two spare sets that you can swap in when needed. (and you don't have to carry a charger around with you)
If you do go with a camera that takes a custom battery, get two extra ones when you get the camera. That way you can have one on the charger while you are using your camera.
3. Get some buying ideas from CNET and other consumer sites that review cameras.
Look for simple "point and shoot" cameras that are 1) in the price range you selected and 2) use standard batteries.
While reading the reviews, check for "fast response" and "quality photos".
While most modern cameras are ready to shoot fairly quickly, some models have a long delay after turning the camera on before you can take your 1st shot. Some cameras have a long delay BETWEEN shots that make them less usable.
You'll have to take some of the "picture quality" comments with a grain of salt. While its rare that reviewers will overstate a cameras ABILITY to take a good photo, some comments border on "nitpicky" to the point of complaining of picture issues that actual camera owners never will notice. (or care about)
4. Consider getting a camera with some sort of "image stableization" technology built in.
It might cost a bit more, but if you take many of your photos indoors or tend to jiggle or shake a bit while taking shots, this feature will help compensate for it a bit.
5. Lastly, HOLD a few of your choices in your hands.
After narrowing down your list to 5 or so cameras, goto one of your local retailers armed with model numbers and average pricing information. The "best bang for the buck" won't do you much good if your fingers can't operate the controls or you don't feel comfortable taking pictures with the camera in your hand.
I'll leave it to others to debate the other finer points but these are the basics that I always recommend to friends and family that are considering buying a camera.
Start with simple cameras
by mjd420nova - 10/27/07 9:45 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There are some very capable cameras on the market with full functionality and easy to use. Most digital cameras in the 5 Megapixel range are quite inexpensive and take very good photos. Pentax and Canon make some very easy to use units. One thing I've found is to use the flash on all shots, that's because it will fill in the shadows and allow you to get those all important shots the first time around. Even when the camera is in automatic mode, letting the camera decide if the flash is neccesary, adding the flash function won't hurt anything but will give better shots over all. The other important thing is to use good batteries, I use the Energizer E2 batteries, they cost a little more but will last much longer than any other type. One big advantage is the size of the display on the back of the unit. This is a subjective choice based upon your own preferences. Larger displays, bigger than two inches are easy to see but will add to the overall price. One disadvantage is how difficult some displays are to see in bright sunlight and this applies to all units on the market. One common difficulty is being sure to center the object of desire in the middle of the display before taking the shot. Failure to do so will result in poor focus and the neccesity to repeat shots until you get it right and you acquire an acceptable photo. Good luck and happy shooting.
$0.02
by santuccie - 10/27/07 9:50 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Walter,
No dumb questions here. I learned most of what I know in technology by asking others (and not believing the answers I got).
In my opinion, megapixels matter more or less depending on you, and what you intend to use the camera for. Here's an article that ought to make your decision easy: http://cameras.about.com/cs/choosingacamera/a/megapixels.htm
The thing I pay the most attention to when selecting a camera is optical zoom. When you look at a digital camera's specs, what you might not know is that total zoom is a combination of two technologies. Digital zoom, in my opinion, is all but useless; it's just computerized enhancement. Optical zoom, on the other hand, has to do with the telescoping capability of the lens itself. That's what makes for a crisp, focused image.
While not of utmost importance, I really do recommend you pay some heed to brand name. Any manufacturer can say their product gives you 10X optical zoom, but only those with a rep to protect will actually count on someone verifying their claims. Also, companies with money to spend on research tend to do better with enhancements such as digital image stabilization and red eye removal. You don't have to pay $400+ for a quality camera, but you should be wary of the off-brand loss leader that promises lab-quality pictures for only $59.99.
My grandma recently bought a Kodak EasyShare camera with 8.1 megapixels and 5X optical zoom for about $180. That's not a bad deal for a name-brand product you can use for poster images, and it does everything I'd expected it to do. I'm certainly not the utmost authority in cameras or photography, but I think these guidelines should be about enough to help you select a camera you won't be disappointed with. Good luck!
Excellent choice of a starter digital camera
by bonniesue826 - 10/27/07 9:57 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi, My name is Bonnie, and I am proud to say everything I have learned about anything digital has been right here on this forum. I am not a geek, by any stretch of the imagination. Here's what I did:
I was looking for both a camera for still photographs and also a camcorder as well. I have a black and white cat and also a black and white small Boston Terrier. They each weigh 10 lbs. The cat was already full-grown when I got the puppy. I'd also purchased an older home with a huge yard, and soon after, I could put my Liza Jane out to play in a safe, fenced yard. Jack the cat cautiously eyed the situation, and decided there were any number of trees and cool places for him to hide, if she got too rough with him.
I must interject here that up until that time I used those throw-away cameras. I was getting much better at catching true "snapshots" that actually looked the way I intended them to be--suitable for framing. I decided it was time to get serious about my newly developing hobby. I went to Best Buy. I usually go there for electronic equipment. As of this writing, the sales staff are NOT paid on a commission basis, just an hourly salary based on experience. This is important. You won't have to be afraid they are helping you to get your sale. Start in the camera department. If the salesperson isn't busy, he will come and ask you what you are looking for. Don't start talking models and names at this point. Tell him what you hope to do with the camera. He should be able to offer several models/manufacturers, and each one has highlights of that model on it's descriptive tag. See which components are included WITH the camera (i.e., is a USB cord FOR CAMERA included with the camera? Is the owner's manual included, or a brief synopsis? (I bought a computer recently and it had a VERY abbreviated form of an owner's manual; I had to download the entire manual and print nearly 100 pages myself.) Is the language easy-to-understand? When I first purchased my camera, the manufacturer assumed I had a healthy working knowledge of my computer already. I did, sort of. I knew what cables went where and what they were for, but had no idea the names of each type. THIS IS CRUCIAL, especially where you are doing things on a computer you may have never done before.
I wanted a camera that was comfortable in my hands (I'm a leftie) and could auto adjust as default. Learning as I was, I knew I wanted to have the ability later to adjust myself for the best picture. I wanted something that required the least amount of my time. I figured I was doing the most important work in taking good pictures. Please know that YOUR CAMERA IS ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU PLAN TO UPLOAD YOUR PICS AND PRINT AND ENLARGE THEM YOURSELF.
My choice, finally, was the Kodak Easy-Share DX7590 with 10x digital zoom. I bought the base and all, and it includes software which installs a program on your computer where all pics taken with the camera are uploaded. You go through after doing this, and choose which pics to keep. Others who know you have this account can go into it directly and order your pictures. This is great if you have family who are not in your area. It saves a lot on postage, and they have only the pics THEY want. Two points I need to make here, though. First, this CD program takes up an incredible amount of memory space on your computer, not even including the pictures. Secondly, you can use any part of the camera's abilities (including the base with the provided AC adapter, and USB connector port with the cable) to upload pictures. Most computer operating systems have a default media player, and you can view your pictures, download them to a CD and take to Walmart to reproduce or enlarge very cheaply, especially if you don't have a printer optimized for pics. The camera also has the ability to use the memory stick (different storage amounts) and again you can take the memory stick to Walmart. It is re-usable. Those things are tiny, so keep them in a safe place. Don't lose the tiny plastic case it comes in. And it's important to know that you can (and will) lose anything stored on a memory device (CD,floppy,or stick) if it is exposed to a magnetic field. I lost all of my 2006 tax files stored on CD this way. Then I was audited! Thank God I had all the paperwork to prove my case--they ended up owing ME money!
Let me stress here that the base is unnecessary. I didn't know that when I bought it, but there are several reasons I like and use it. The most obvious is that my camera is at the ready, charged to go on a moment's notice. You can push a button on the base and it will upload all of the pics on the memory stick. If you can afford it, get an extra battery for your camera. It is worth it if you plan to take a lot of pictures in a day. Purchase a cigarette-lighter type plug so that you can keep your camera charged while traveling. Change out the batteries frequently so both are charged. I love having my camera right there on my desk on it's designated spot. Plug the base into a power strip specific for electronic equipment. Then you can run the camera's USB cable from the base to the computer if you use it to upload as well. I use it only for charging, but I always know where it is.
Some special features I LOVE about this camera: I have a 15 yr. old daughter who loves to dress in old costumes. She is an aspiring model. There are buttons right on the camera that you can push that will take the pics in B and W or sepia tones--and they are wonderful and make for beautiful stills. This camera also records short video scenes, but is a real drain on the battery. I ended up buying a separate camcorder for video, and it takes stills!But make no mistake about this, each one does what it is intended to do with the best results. You can go over each pic on your computer to color it how you choose, but having the camera do it for you is without parallel.
Another feature is that all types of pictures can be taken by adjusting a single circular knob on the back of the camera. You don't have to know speed settings, etc. It will show you an example of the kind of pic each setting is best for (sports, pic taken while driving, stills for any kind of project,etc.) and you just turn the knob and look at the view finder. Presto! Push the button after you look at the real-time screen and you can see exactly what you are going to photograph. In the case of Liza Jane and Jack, sometimes I set it to default, then they bolt and run. A quick turn of the knob while looking at the screen saves a great deal of time taking a lot of pics hoping they will come out clear. There is even a button with a big red heart on the knob. This is for favorites, and if you take one you don't want to accidentally delete, immediately add it to this on-camera file.
I could go on and on, but I have found that for the money, it is exactly what a not-yet-professional photographer needs, but my advice is to be serious before even spending this money. There are many cameras out there much fancier and more expensive, but this will meet all of your needs, impress your already-literate grandkids, and if you run into a problem, post your question on CNET and the very helpful gentlemen geeks can solve most any problem.
One last word: I have learned that the more I learn about my computer itself, the easier it is to understand some of those more obscure geek-speak terms that many manufacturers assume we all know. Read through the owner's manual every couple months, and you will be amazed at new tricks and shortcuts you will learn, just because your knowledge of all things computer has increased! I hope this has helped someone; an article like this would've helped me tremendously.
Digital Progress
by clarity55 - 10/27/07 10:03 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The greatest advantage of a digital camera is that you have instant replay of the photo you have just taken.
The next great advantage is that you do not have to look through a view-finder and instead have a large screen to look at. This gives every single digital camera benefits similar to what the SLR (single lens reflex) camera had for film - what you saw (as you zoomed in or out) was what you got.
So the "professional" style digital cameras (which are the size and shape of the old SLR) have lost one of their main advantages. There is one advantage that they do retain. Size does matter in one particular - indoor flash photography of people.
The closer the flash to the lens the more red eye in the subjects. And the further the flash from the lens - as would be the case with a bigger camera (SLR style) with a detachable flash - the less red eye. A professional photographer friend assures me that it is better to eliminate red eye in photoshop than to have a camera that purportedly has red eye reduction in the camera. But this is an area you should discuss with friends.
Further, as digital cameras need less light, it is really no longer the case that you need that big professional looking lens. Small lenses work great.
The big brand names are associated with great lens makers and you can buy a stunning camera for a few hundred bucks. Plus some more bucks for a bigger (essential) memory card and perhaps the manufacturers case (cheaper if bought at the time of the camera) so you can wear the camera on your belt - and be photo ready and really suprise them!
The only area of disappointment that I see would be failure to download the images onto your computer and then to ALSO burn them onto a CD-Rom. I meet too many people who have made that mistake.
Finally I would not get talked into a photo-printer and spend more money on the camera as the printing can be achieved on-line at costs which are comparable to the cost of buying paper and ink for the photo printer.
And yes you are absolutely correct 12 megapixels is not twice as good as 6 megapixels - but it could be 3 times the price and 4 times the physical size! 5 to 6 megapixels is easily enough. As most camera's have more megapixels than this now, you will be looking to ease of use. Read reviews and discuss with friends
Incidentally, I have one of the smallest digital cameras available - it slides in my pocket - and still use my SLR film camera occasionally.
Digital Camera - which one
by peterpedro - 10/27/07 10:22 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I want to mention two things only - that I feel are important.
This will not determine the make but I feel will help you with your choice.
When I chose my first digital camera I wanted zoom power. Nothing really special but enough to get the detail of far off mountains, views etc. I found a store with trained staff and got the camera with the best zoom range.
Fine, but the key is also to ask what do you want to use the camera for. ANYTHING with an above average zoom for example will be bigger, fatter than the smallest slimline model. WIll you therefore always have it with you, Will your choice be too big. Do you want something small that slips into a pocket easily.
The second point is also a question. Nothing beats my old (it is broken now 
Pentax Spotmatic as I could focus in a spot and adjust the focus for THE spot I was focussing upon. Yes digital cameras can do it but of course the controls are so multi functional, that unless using it all the time, I forget. Why do I need this - well taking a boat picture into the sunset.
So ask yourself, what am I using this camera for. Then see what ranges suit you and your pocket.
Good luck. Metmarine
digital cameras
by Richard E. Napper - 10/27/07 10:30 AM In reply to: I'm ready to purchase my first digital camera. Need advice! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There are basically two types of digital cameras, what I would call point and shoot and digital signle lens reflex cameras. Just about any name brand cmera maker makes both types. If you want to print 8 x 10 color prints, I would recommend you get a camera with at least 5 megapicel minumum. If not then you could go with a 3 or 4 megapicel camera. The lower value cameras will only print 4 x 6 prints. The point and shoot type of camera will have only one built in lens that you can not change, usually it will be something like a 28-200mm with 6x optical zoom you do not care about the digital zoom. Most digital camera now have auto focus. The point and shoot types will cost less, the digital SLR cameras are much more expensive but you can change lens on them to for lens range, telephoto, wide angle,etc. There are two types on sensor, full size 35 mm and type C which take a less than full size 35 mm image. The type C sensor changes the focal length of the lens, for emaple the 28-200 mm on a 35 mm camera would become a 35-300mm lens on a type C sensor. All digital cameras use some type of memory card usually a Compact Flash. I would suggest you purchase a usb card reader for your computer. It lets you put the memory card from your camers directly into your computer without having to use your camera and worn down the batterie to tasfer the pictures.
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