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Featuring CNET Editor Lori Grunin

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Cameras and camcorders Session has ended.

Currently there are no scheduled Ask the Editors Live events, but please do check out all the transcripts of past events here. Click here to enjoy!

Latest questions and answers

Q: Video editing software.

by apw76006 - 10/30/08 11:52 AM

Hey Lori. I hope that all is well. For home video editing, would your recommend Pinnacle Studio Plus v.12 or Adobe Premiere Elements? Thanks for all of the wonderful advice and reviews. Cheers!

A: I think Elements has a friendlier interface

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:56 AM

But I haven't looked at the final version. With video, I tend to recommend whichever is more stable on your system, unfortunately. I'd download trial versions, where available, and make sure you don't have any issues. They also have very different interfaces. Take a look at screenshots on the mfr sites if you can't get trial downloads, and see which looks more approachable to you. That seems to be the major stumbling block with video software--you won't use it if you can't figure it out.

Q: D90 Lens follow-up...

by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:49 AM

I didn't write the question but am interested in the answer. How about <$500 for a lens?

A: I'd probably go with the 24-120

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:52 AM

I guess :)

Q: Off-brand Lenses

by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:45 AM

Is there any off-brand lens manufacturers you tend to shy away from? Any that have been pleasant surprises? Thanks!

A: That's a tough question

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:48 AM

I don't think I could make a blanket statement about staying away from any particular lens mfr, if only because lens quality is relative to your budget. And even a lens mfr that produces generally middling products may have a couple of nice deals hidden in their product lines. I'd approach any purchase by finding lenses that have the specs I want and then Googling for any bad experiences people may have had with them. And making sure there's a good return policy :)

Q: What camera for a round the world trip?

by avrahamb - 10/30/08 11:24 AM

what camera would you suggest with the following specs (more or less):
high image quality (chip, not necessarily megapixels)
high quality video
image stabilization
lots of optical zoom
sd card
all this as small as possible with a price tag in the range of $200~250ish

A: Panasonic TZ5/TZ4

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:45 AM

I think that's the only one that meets your specs.

Q: Night Vision Follow Up

by BTJustice - 10/30/08 11:37 AM

I actually have been debating between the Sony HC52 and the Sony HC62. Is the HC62 that much better than the HC52? Thanks BTW.

A: I think the 62 should be visibly better

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:44 AM

we haven't tested it, but based on the specs I think it should be. plus, for your purposes, it has a video light I think.

Q: D90 Lens.

by germanster - 10/30/08 11:32 AM

Hi Lori, Just wanted to know what lens would you recommend over the 18-105 vr. kit lens. I just got this camera with kit, and the lens could be better. So what type of lens for wide range, and micro lens would you recommend? Thanks :)

A: Budget?

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:43 AM

That makes all the difference :)

Q: Best Waterproof Camera?

by hawaiiinsomniac - 10/30/08 11:30 AM

Aloha Lori,

I love the ocean and I love surfing. What would you recommend for a waterproof camera? I know there are too many choices; I've found the Pentax W series and the Olympus SW series, but the sales associates at Best Buy won't let me soak them in water.

Kokua (Help!)!

Mahalo in advance,
hawaiiinsomniac

A: mean sales people :(

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:42 AM

They all do well underwater. I think the Olympus 1030SW is probably the best choice.

Q: Optical/Mechanical Image Stabilization

by carguy622 - 10/30/08 11:27 AM

Lori: Do you find in-lens stabilizers and sensor shift stabilizers to be equal in effectiveness? Additionally, do you see Canon or Nikon making the shift to body-based stabilizers anytime soon? Thanks, Anthony

A: same effectiveness, different feel

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:41 AM

the main difference between OIS and sensor shift is the ability to preview the stabilized image (OIS). Some people like that better for very long focal lengths, where the shake can distract from the framing. But they seem to be equally effective for the final shot. And now, I don't see Canon and Nikon switching gears. too much invested in the OIS technology.

Q: Adding geo-tagging

by jepoy - 10/30/08 11:22 AM

Hi Lori, I'm looking to buy the Canon 50d, but I really want to be able to geotag my photos. Is there a way to add the geotag information automatically either through a Canon or third-party product?

A: Yes

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:39 AM

there are a variety of different types of add on geotag solutions. cheapest I think is the Sony GPS-CS1. ATP also has geotagging device, though I've heard mixed things about it.

Q: Problem

by haub123 - 10/30/08 11:21 AM

I have a Panasonic DVr-d230 camcorder, and when I plug it into my mac or PC it says there is a DVD drive connected and doesn't allow me to import anything onto the computer. Can you help?

A: wish I could...

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:36 AM

...but that requires a little more time and back and forth Q&A than I can do here :)

Q: Night Vision Camcorder

by BTJustice - 10/30/08 11:20 AM

What would be a excellent camcorder for no more than $350 that would record well in no light situations such as inside very dark buildings or outside at night? DV is preferred over DVD or HDD.

A: You only have one option

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:35 AM

The only way to do no light capture is with infrared, and Sony's the only one who offers IR (NightShot). Within your budget, that would be the HC62.

Q: Best SLR-like Camera?

by antcoh1791 - 10/30/08 11:19 AM

I was looking at the Canon Powershot SX10, I loved the zoom on it but it didn't do 720p recording, Whats your opinion on a 720p recording Cameras, and are their any that are a nice buy that is within the price of the Canon Powershot SX10?

A: Try the Panasonic TZ5

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:34 AM

Not as long a zoom (only 10X), but has better movie capture, is more compact and a wider angle lens. also a bit cheaper. I think all cameras should be doing 720p by now.

Q: Best overal pocket digital camera

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:18 AM

What is the best overall digital camera you've reviewed thus far? And is there an upcoming model to hold out for?

A: "Best" is relative :)

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:32 AM

Canon PowerShot SD790 IS has best image quality, but has a few performance issues. Sony Cyber-shot T700 is attractive with a great feature set and good photo quality. As for upcoming models, I think we've reviewed all the potentially "best" ultracompact models for 2008. But new ones will be announced in January/February, as usual, and the cycle will begin again.

Q: Chasing a 2Year Old

by blaine136 - 10/30/08 11:16 AM

Lori – I have a 2 year old and she is fast! I have a DSLR, but it’s too bulky to carry to most casual occasions. I am looking for a pocketable, compact camera to take with me most places that is fast enough to capture her antics in reasonably good quality. Also, I do not want to spend a mint to get it. I reviewed the “Small and Speedy” piece tat ypu put on the site, but that was last updated in March. Any new suggestions to add to the list? Thanks!

A: There's one camera that isn't in that story yet...

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:29 AM

...because I'm waiting for the review. but our test results show that the Casio Exilim EX-S10 is pretty fast as well.

Q: T100

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:14 AM

No that wasn't a typo, I just heard great things about its picture quality. I've heard mixed reviews though. The review on here says its has GREAT picture quality, but some people say its HORRIBLE indoors. Comments?

A: Well, I don't think you can get it anymore, but...

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:28 AM

The T100 was better than the T200, T300, and T500 but the T700 finally looks to be better than all of them. However, like most point and shoots, it still doesn't do very well indoors.

Q: Video Quality with a Digital Camera

by Relatively - 10/30/08 11:14 AM

Hi Lori - What Digital (still) Camera would give me the best motion Video? I have an Kodak Picture Frame and love the ability to mix Video with the Slide shows.

A: Interesting question

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:27 AM

Off the top of my head, I'm not sure. These days we're seeing more cameras support HD movie capture. OTOH, I think most cameras can capture movies that will look fine on your photo frame, since those tend to be fairly low resolution.

Q: Digital Camera Formats

by KendallCo - 10/30/08 11:13 AM

MiniDV is regarded as the highest quality format for recording digital video, though not the easiest. When can we expect to see HD or flash recorders with a similar level quality or data thru-put...or ever?

A: Actually, not quite true

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:25 AM

MiniDV is the highest consumer quality standard def format. HDV is the HD equivalent, and is higher quality than MIniDV (it's HD on MIniDV tapes). Most prosumer HD camcorders--flash, hard disk and tape--already provide higher quality than MiniDV.

Q: Folded optics lense vs Retractable zoom lense

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:12 AM

Hi, what's the difference in picture quality of these two different zoom lenses? And is there any talk of new dual lens cameras upcoming?

A: i think there's less to go wrong with the retractable

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:24 AM

folded optics are a compromise solution necessitated by ultra-ultracompact cameras. haven't heard anything about dual lens cameras, but we're seeing more ultrawide angle (24mm) models, so I think the dual lens' are probably dead.

Q: Nikon DSLR

by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:10 AM

Hey Lori, thanks for your time! I am looking into getting a Nikon DSLR and trying to decide between the D90 and D300. What do I get for the extra $600 with the D300? Do you have a lens to suggest with my purchase?

A: The extra $$ gives you

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:22 AM

A better constructed, with a dust-sealed body, delivers an extra stop (ISO 3200 versus ISO 1600) of latitude, and a provides a more sophisticated 51-point AF system. Its performance generally matches or outpaces the D90's as well.
But if you don't need those things, I'd get the D90 body and spend more on a really nice lens. which lens depends on what you like to shoot. Wide angle the 12-24 f/4 is really nice. I also really like the 24-70mm f2.8 for more standard zoom. We're testing the 18-105mm now, and should have a review up tomorrow (I didn't shoot it yet)

Q: Future of swivel/tilt digital cameras?

by cmcontre99 - 10/30/08 11:09 AM

I really love my admittedly old Canon PowerShot G2, and would love to purchase a new one with the same type of screen that tilts & swivels. All the high 10 megapixel range models now just have the flat non-moveable type of screen. Is this a trend, or do you think more movable screens will be released?

A: They're dying, unfortunately

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:19 AM

Although more dSLRs seem to be getting them (e.g., sony A300). I like them too.

Q: Compact HD camcorder for Macbook Pro/Final cut express

by dpers - 10/30/08 11:09 AM

Lori; I'm looking at Sony CX12 vs Canon HF11, to use with a new macbook pro/FCE. I like the camera/smile tech of the sony, but not the memory stick issue. Which is the best for MBP compatibility in your opininion? Thanks so much. Dan

A: Either one is perfectly compatible

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:18 AM

Since you're not relying on the mfr-supplied software (that's where the incompatibilities happen), and since the MBP hasn't yet dropped USB :) I'm not very fond of the memory stick issue either :(

Q: Optical View finders

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:08 AM

Would you recommend and optical view finder over anything else in a compact digital camera?

A: Do you mean as the most important feature?

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:16 AM

If so, probably not. On lots of ultracompacts, the OV isn't that useful because it's small, distorted, and doesn't accurately represent the framing. If the display is good enough to see in direct sunlight, you probably won't use the OV.

Q: tape versus hard drive camcorders

by kwhsy82 - 10/30/08 11:08 AM

Do you favor one? NY Times columnist favors tape (simplest backup, just put the tape in safe place). Any reason to prefer digital on the camcorder itself, as opposed to simply tape to PC hard drive?
Also, any benefit to HD camcorders if you think of your PC as primary play back device?

A: Tradeoffs everywhere :)

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:15 AM

I prefer digital (hard drive or flash) on the camcorder because it's easiest and fastest to transfer it to the PC. But he's right about tape for ease of storage and archiving. Files occupy *lots* of hard disk space. One of the benefits of HD, even if you don't need it now, is that it will look better on future playback devices than SD. And yes, HD still looks lots better than SD even on a PC monitor

Q: Camcorders

by HipHop4Prez - 10/30/08 11:05 AM

Hi Lori, What is the best pre-sumer camcorder to go with? I've looked at the Canon XH-A1 and others from Sony but I'm not sure which one to get.

Thank you.

A: So far, I like the XH

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:12 AM

Do you want HD or are you considering SD as well?

Q: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 & T100

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:06 AM

Hi, I've heard a lot about the Sony Cybershot DSC T100. Is it really as good as it is acclaimed to be? And how good is the picture quality on the T700?

A: T100? That's an old model

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:12 AM

Was that a typo?

Q: Lens suggestion

by BXiong - 10/30/08 11:05 AM

I am looking at getting a Rebel XSi or 50D and have heard a lot of people recommend getting a second lens to replace the one from the kit. What is a decent general use lens and a decent wide angle lens.

(I will be mainly taking pictures of cars lined up and in motion during the day and indoors).

A: The 18-55 kit lens isn't that bad

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:11 AM

And I find it a pretty good general purpose lens. The wide angle lenses are pretty pricey, but I *really* like the 16-35mm f2.8L. I think the 17-40mm f4L is cheaper, and might serve as both wide angle and kit for your purposes. If you get the 50D, you'll need a pretty sharp, expensive lens to get the most out of the resolution.

Q: sensors

by mrisrael87 - 10/30/08 11:04 AM

I know a camera sensor size is one of the most important things when it comes to picture quality. Is there anything elss about the sensor that determines quality?

Thanks,
Gary

A: That's not completely accurate

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:07 AM

First, it's the relationship between the sensor size and resolution (how many pixels crammed onto the sensor)--bigger *photosites* (aka pixels) generally deliver better dynamic range. But color quality is important too, and that is dependent upon the image processing firmware to a large extent as well.

Q: Best Compact Digital Camera

by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:03 AM

Hi Lori, I love your reviews. I just wanted to know, what compact digital camera out there has the BEST image quality?

A: Canon SD790 IS

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:05 AM

So far, that's the best I've seen in a compact/ultracompact.

Q: Lumix LX3

by carguy622 - 10/30/08 11:03 AM

Hi Lori: Are you going to be reviewing the Panasonic Lumix LX3? If you are currently reviewing it, do you have any initial impressions about the camera? How about its noise profile? Thanks, Anthony

A: We're getting it tomorrow

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:05 AM

I haven't gotten a chance to shoot with it yet, but, ironically, one of our freelancers (for audio) just bought one and came in here to discuss it, and he seems to like it a lot. If you can't wait, Serious Compacts has done some noise testing and links out to other sites info on it (seriouscompacts.com)

Q: EF vs EF-S

by BXiong - 10/30/08 11:02 AM

What's the difference between the two types of lenses?

I've heard people say EF-S lenses are better and that I should stick to those... is there any truth to this?

A: full frame vs. APS-C

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:04 AM

Canon's EF-S lenses were designed to enable a more compact design to fit on smaller dSLRs with APS-C size sensors. the regular EF lenses are for full-frame (35mm size) sensors. actually, the EF-S lenses are the cheaper ones. Canon's "L" series, which are EF lenses, are the best.

A: Welcome to our final ATE Live

by lgrunin - 10/30/08 11:00 AM

Hey folks! Welcome to the last Ask the Editor Live. I'm Lori, digital-imaging editor here at CNET, and I've got all my browser tabs loaded with reference materials to answer your questions about digital cameras. Shoot!

Incoming questions

Video editing software.
Hey Lori. I hope that all is well. For home video editing, would your recommend Pinnacle Studio Plus v.12 or Adobe Premiere Elements? Thanks for all of the wonderful advice and reviews. Cheers!
by apw76006 - 10/30/08 11:52 AM
D90 Lens follow-up...
I didn't write the question but am interested in the answer. How about <$500 for a lens?
by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:49 AM
Off-brand Lenses
Is there any off-brand lens manufacturers you tend to shy away from? Any that have been pleasant surprises? Thanks!
by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:45 AM
Night Vision Follow Up
I actually have been debating between the Sony HC52 and the Sony HC62. Is the HC62 that much better than the HC52? Thanks BTW.
by BTJustice - 10/30/08 11:37 AM
D90 Lens.
Hi Lori, Just wanted to know what lens would you recommend over the 18-105 vr. kit lens. I just got this camera with kit, and the lens could be better. So what type of lens for wide range, and micro lens would you recommend? Thanks :)
by germanster - 10/30/08 11:32 AM
Best Waterproof Camera?
Aloha Lori,

I love the ocean and I love surfing. What would you recommend for a waterproof camera? I know there are too many choices; I've found the Pentax W series and the Olympus SW series, but the sales associates at Best Buy won't let me soak them in water.

Kokua (Help!)!

Mahalo in advance,
hawaiiinsomniac
by hawaiiinsomniac - 10/30/08 11:30 AM
Optical/Mechanical Image Stabilization
Lori: Do you find in-lens stabilizers and sensor shift stabilizers to be equal in effectiveness? Additionally, do you see Canon or Nikon making the shift to body-based stabilizers anytime soon? Thanks, Anthony
by carguy622 - 10/30/08 11:27 AM
What camera for a round the world trip?
what camera would you suggest with the following specs (more or less):
high image quality (chip, not necessarily megapixels)
high quality video
image stabilization
lots of optical zoom
sd card
all this as small as possible with a price tag in the range of $200~250ish
by avrahamb - 10/30/08 11:24 AM
Adding geo-tagging
Hi Lori, I'm looking to buy the Canon 50d, but I really want to be able to geotag my photos. Is there a way to add the geotag information automatically either through a Canon or third-party product?
by jepoy - 10/30/08 11:22 AM
Problem
I have a Panasonic DVr-d230 camcorder, and when I plug it into my mac or PC it says there is a DVD drive connected and doesn't allow me to import anything onto the computer. Can you help?
by haub123 - 10/30/08 11:21 AM
Night Vision Camcorder
What would be a excellent camcorder for no more than $350 that would record well in no light situations such as inside very dark buildings or outside at night? DV is preferred over DVD or HDD.
by BTJustice - 10/30/08 11:20 AM
Best SLR-like Camera?
I was looking at the Canon Powershot SX10, I loved the zoom on it but it didn't do 720p recording, Whats your opinion on a 720p recording Cameras, and are their any that are a nice buy that is within the price of the Canon Powershot SX10?
by antcoh1791 - 10/30/08 11:19 AM
Best overal pocket digital camera
What is the best overall digital camera you've reviewed thus far? And is there an upcoming model to hold out for?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:18 AM
Chasing a 2Year Old
Lori – I have a 2 year old and she is fast! I have a DSLR, but it’s too bulky to carry to most casual occasions. I am looking for a pocketable, compact camera to take with me most places that is fast enough to capture her antics in reasonably good quality. Also, I do not want to spend a mint to get it. I reviewed the “Small and Speedy” piece tat ypu put on the site, but that was last updated in March. Any new suggestions to add to the list? Thanks!
by blaine136 - 10/30/08 11:16 AM
T100
No that wasn't a typo, I just heard great things about its picture quality. I've heard mixed reviews though. The review on here says its has GREAT picture quality, but some people say its HORRIBLE indoors. Comments?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:14 AM
Video Quality with a Digital Camera
Hi Lori - What Digital (still) Camera would give me the best motion Video? I have an Kodak Picture Frame and love the ability to mix Video with the Slide shows.
by Relatively - 10/30/08 11:14 AM
Digital Camera Formats
MiniDV is regarded as the highest quality format for recording digital video, though not the easiest. When can we expect to see HD or flash recorders with a similar level quality or data thru-put...or ever?
by KendallCo - 10/30/08 11:13 AM
Folded optics lense vs Retractable zoom lense
Hi, what's the difference in picture quality of these two different zoom lenses? And is there any talk of new dual lens cameras upcoming?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:12 AM
Nikon DSLR
Hey Lori, thanks for your time! I am looking into getting a Nikon DSLR and trying to decide between the D90 and D300. What do I get for the extra $600 with the D300? Do you have a lens to suggest with my purchase?
by KiddVid - 10/30/08 11:10 AM
Future of swivel/tilt digital cameras?
I really love my admittedly old Canon PowerShot G2, and would love to purchase a new one with the same type of screen that tilts & swivels. All the high 10 megapixel range models now just have the flat non-moveable type of screen. Is this a trend, or do you think more movable screens will be released?
by cmcontre99 - 10/30/08 11:09 AM
Compact HD camcorder for Macbook Pro/Final cut express
Lori; I'm looking at Sony CX12 vs Canon HF11, to use with a new macbook pro/FCE. I like the camera/smile tech of the sony, but not the memory stick issue. Which is the best for MBP compatibility in your opininion? Thanks so much. Dan
by dpers - 10/30/08 11:09 AM
Optical View finders
Would you recommend and optical view finder over anything else in a compact digital camera?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:08 AM
tape versus hard drive camcorders
Do you favor one? NY Times columnist favors tape (simplest backup, just put the tape in safe place). Any reason to prefer digital on the camcorder itself, as opposed to simply tape to PC hard drive?
Also, any benefit to HD camcorders if you think of your PC as primary play back device?
by kwhsy82 - 10/30/08 11:08 AM
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 & T100
Hi, I've heard a lot about the Sony Cybershot DSC T100. Is it really as good as it is acclaimed to be? And how good is the picture quality on the T700?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:06 AM
Lens suggestion
I am looking at getting a Rebel XSi or 50D and have heard a lot of people recommend getting a second lens to replace the one from the kit. What is a decent general use lens and a decent wide angle lens.

(I will be mainly taking pictures of cars lined up and in motion during the day and indoors).
by BXiong - 10/30/08 11:05 AM
Camcorders
Hi Lori, What is the best pre-sumer camcorder to go with? I've looked at the Canon XH-A1 and others from Sony but I'm not sure which one to get.

Thank you.
by HipHop4Prez - 10/30/08 11:05 AM
sensors
I know a camera sensor size is one of the most important things when it comes to picture quality. Is there anything elss about the sensor that determines quality?

Thanks,
Gary
by mrisrael87 - 10/30/08 11:04 AM
Best Compact Digital Camera
Hi Lori, I love your reviews. I just wanted to know, what compact digital camera out there has the BEST image quality?
by Smurf286 - 10/30/08 11:03 AM
Lumix LX3
Hi Lori: Are you going to be reviewing the Panasonic Lumix LX3? If you are currently reviewing it, do you have any initial impressions about the camera? How about its noise profile? Thanks, Anthony
by carguy622 - 10/30/08 11:03 AM
EF vs EF-S
What's the difference between the two types of lenses?

I've heard people say EF-S lenses are better and that I should stick to those... is there any truth to this?
by BXiong - 10/30/08 11:02 AM
Lori Grunin, CNET editor for digital cameras & camcorders li
Ask the Editors Live! event. Topic: Digital cameras and camcorders!

Got digital camera questions? Or how about camcorder questions? Need some buying advice on them?

Well, you've come to the right place. For one whole hour on Thursday, October 30, from 11 am to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET digital imaging guru, Lori Grunin will be here to answer all things digital camera and camcorder-related, from product recommendations to buying advice!

So if you got questions, Lori has answers! Don't miss out!
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 10/23/08 1:12 AM