Digital Cameras

[Lake Alice]

I did a search and found a post from about a month ago that talked about some good digital cameras for just general family use. People seemd to like the Sony Cybershot. Is any particular Cybershot that is good? I woud like to get one on hsolist. I have poked around a little, but what shoudl I be looking for? Any advice people have on digital cameras in general? I know nothing other than what I read in the post. Can I get a decent camera for under 150? Thanks in advance.

LA

[Finns]

Might want to look under the 'Photo Sharing' forum. Lot of good info there.

Finns.

[Bobb-o]

my g/f has the Nikon Coolpix 4600 and it is a great all around camera, got it and the entire setup: 1GB memory card, card reader, tripod, carrying case, rechargeable batteries and charger, all off of hsolist for $150. found a good reputable company on there (cameta camera) they have some pretty good prices on their cameras.

[Ralph Wiggum]

My Cybershot P72 just crapped out after 2 1/2 years. It was my fault (spilled on it) but I have heard of several people having some problems after a few years. I loved it while it worked, though! It took great shots.

[Powerstroke]

I personally have a Nikon. I really like them a lot. We bought the L1 last Christmas season for about $250. This is pretty good for the high optical zoom and the 6.2 megapixels. This camera is great on batteries. 2AA and you're set. It hasdifferernt power use settings if you're using lithium batteries or regualar alkaline. We use rechargeables and got over 100 pics out of one set of batteries in the BWCA.

One deciding factor for me is that the Nikon's also use SD memory cards which I can switch between other items I have that use the same media. Its great for finding extra picture space if a card gets full.

[countryboy9799]

I have the nikon 5600 and the only complaints I have is slow flash recovery, about 8 seconds which is to long when trying to take pics of a 3 YO and I wish the auto focus was a little faster but that doesnt bother me to much. Other than that it takes really good pics with the color being super.

How is the flash recovery time on that L1 powerstroke?

[jbb]

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.]

[castindad]

finepix a303 3.2mega pixels have had 4 years and just great castindad

[Powerstroke]

countryboy, the flash recovery is more like 3secs or less depending on the batteries and their condition. SOmetimes its even less. I use NiMH rechargeables and they last a long time. Like I said the L1 has 3 different settings for the type of batteries being used. If oyu are using alkalineabtteries it will have a less intense flash which easts less battery and offers faster flash recovery. I take 90% of my photos on the high resolution because we use them for blowing up and cropping and enlargements. My wife also scrapbooks so its nice to do photoediting and not sacrifice quality.

Another awesome feature of this camera is the Macro mode. You can photograph things from only an inch or two away creating amazing closeup and and detail on small objects. We have great flower and wildlife pics form the BWCA.

[Whoaru99]

I have a Canon A520 I use out at work and a Canon S70 for my personal camera.

Both take pretty good pictures, IMO.

The "dpreview" and "steves-digicams" websites are also good places to read reviews and owner comments.

[soldoncass]

Alice,

I got a Cybershot p71 several years ago(4-5 I think) for $350 and that was $50 off at the time. It still works fine, but my wife got nervous when I took it fishing etc., so I looked on hsolist last spring for one to take fishing. I got another p71 for about $85 with all the parts they come with originally. The prices of non-current cameras like that are cheap. The new models have more pixels and more features and people like to upgrade for newer, better ones often. If you would be happy with a camera that takes great pics, but is a non-current model, you would like them I think. They are "only" 3.2 megapixels, but on the biggest, best setting they are good enough for an 8x10 pic. That is good enough for me. My kids gave me a 16x20 pic of my personal best fish, and even that size looks fantastic with that camera. My son and his wife have a p72 and like it also, although they did have one of those go bad earlier. (the little screen went bad on it) Just remember they are electronic and they can go bad, but they have huge advantages over old 35mm point and shoot cameras. The last one of those I bought was about $100 and it can't compare to the digitals. My advice would be to try it, you'll like it, but be cautious on HSOList, Look at feedback history, and watch prices, the models you like, are going for before you jump in. Good luck with your search.

You will need several rechargeable batteries and memory sticks, cause you will take more pics than you do now. I would recommend 6-8 batteries and a 128mb memory stick (more if you go on on a trip). We used up 4 128mb memory in alaska, etc.

[Lake Alice]

Cass thanks for the post that's what I was looking for. I did an hsolist favorite search for cybershot and got an email this AM from hsolist listing 900+ items. Here we go.

What about rechargeable vs. regular batteries? People seem to shy away from rechargeable, at least in the photo sharing forum post I read. And what is the right number for optical zoom I should be looking for? Thanks everyone for the info.

Whoever leads me to my wife's Christmas present here is entitled to some free legal advice.

[DTro]

About the batteries....the new hippest thing on cameras is the big LCD size, yes the larger screens are flashy and look nice, but they SUCK up the batteries like no tomorrow. Even with a basic digital, don't expect to be able to use standard AA or AAA batteries. Yes they will work, but they will be dead in literally 20-30 pictures.

Rechargeable is nice because you don't need to keep buying. Here's the problem. If you don't keep them charged, they will slowly drain and just when you need them most......dead.

I try to keep mine fully charged (always on the dock) then grab it when I head out fishing, but I always have backup Lithium AA's just in case.

I was just reading somewhere that the experts have agreed that we have pretty much maxed out the battery technology and if the demand keeps going up we will have to develop some sort of other source. The mentioned fuel cells. Can you imagine have to "gas up" you camera

I would also buy one that charges the batteries internally or at least has an optional dock. Not much fun swapping batteries back and forth all the time.

As far as brands, I would say Sony or Canon. Also buy the largest memory card you can afford or that is available, you can never have enough, and if you decide to start taking video (which I've found I've been doing more and more) you eat up the memory fast.

I guess one reason I would shy away from Sony is because of the memory stick. I would prefer something that has an SD card that is a little more universal and can be used elsewhere.

I have a Kodak right now and after a couple of years, the lens shutter is now sticking, so the next one I buy I will consider that for sure. Maybe buying one with a simple cap instead. My theory is the less moving parts the better, and it came true on this Kodak.

So.....about that legal advice.......

Just kidding, hopefully I'll never need it.

Good Luck!

[BLACKJACK]

Good post, I've been thinking about getting a cheaper digital camera, something I can take into the boat and fishhouse!! Looks like hsolist is the way to go. Now just need to decide on which one...

[Whoaru99]

Quote:

---

Cass thanks for the post that's what I was looking for. I did an

hsolist

favorite search for cybershot and got an email this AM from

hsolist

listing 900+ items. Here we go.

What about rechargeable vs. regular batteries? People seem to shy away from rechargeable, at least in the photo sharing forum post I read. And what is the right number for optical zoom I should be looking for? Thanks everyone for the info.

Whoever leads me to my wife's Christmas present here is entitled to some free legal advice.

---

Do you think they meant rechargable vs. not rechargable, or more like the proprietary battery pack vs. standard AA rechargeable? I'm guessing it's the latter - people not liking to be tied to a proprietary battery pack...

The Canon S70 I have has a proprietary Li-I battery pack. I've never really counted how many pictures I can get, but it's quite a few. However, the problem is that if I want another battery pack, it's like $50 for a genuine Canon battery and my experience with cheaper "will fit" batteries is not good.

So, I typically recommend to my friends to look for cameras that will take AA batteries then get yourself a couple pairs of good NiMh batteries with a good charger. That way, if you do run out of juice, you can always find normal AA to use in a pinch even if they do go dead rather quickly. The NiMh rechargeables last for quite a number of pictures if you get the ones with 2500mAh or higher capacity.

Most of the itsy-bitsy cameras take the proprietary battery packs, but you don't have to go much larger to get into one that takes AA cells.

My vote all around is for Canon, probably something like the A530 or A630.

I've also noted that some people like the ones with really long zoom lenses. If you go that route seriously consider getting one with image stabilization. The long lens requires more light and thus the camera will correct with wide aperture and slow shutter. This often results in blurred pictures using the long telephoto settings unless you are on a tripod or using image stabilization. Outdoors usually not too bad unless it's early morning or late afternoon, more so an issue indoors, IMO.

[Lake Alice]

Ok, like when the batteries for your cordless drill go and it costs as much as a new drill to replace them.

What will a guy pay for a 128 MB memory card?

[Whoaru99]

Yeah, sort of.

With even entry level cameras sporting 4 megapixels these days, I probably wouldn't even mess with something less than 512MB. Have not checked prices recently, but I'd guess $30-$40 for one of those 512s, maybe less on sale.

[Lake Alice]

Thanks. I am looking at the sony cybershot p71, which is 3.2. The info I have gathered seems to say that if I'm not doing large pics 3.2 is enough for me.

[Ralph Wiggum]

3.2 MP is plenty. I've got 8x10"s from my old 3.2 (Cybershot P72) that look excellent.

[bode]

Seen the Pentax Optio 33WR on another fishing forum. I bought it 2+ years ago and love it. It's water proof, 3.2 meg, sd card, uses 2 standard AA ni-mh batteries, optical zoom (moves only on inside), easy to use and takes great pictures. The only neg is there is no len cover. Bode

[Ufatz]

Four years ago I sold $8000 worth Nikon gear. Bought SONY DSC-S85 on reccomendation of an old photo pro. Still have it and wouldn't part with it. Stick a 128m stick in it and away you go. Rechargeable battery. Check closely on cameras that use AA's etc. Many of them eat batts like crazy. Check reviews of the DSC-S85-I've never seen a bad one. They are not as slim and trim as the new little camera's, which is actually a benefit. Built lake a REAL camera. You probably didn't want to hear about used stuff,but I hate to see you miss a truly GREAT digital camera. Buy one on hsolist for $150. For what its worth from a photo guy who's been through the wars.

[DTro]

Just a heads up. I see Circuit City has the A540 for $199 and you get a free 1gig card with purchase.

Now here's the best part.....if you look on fat wallet there is a $40 off coupon floating around which would make this $149.

I don't think you can beat that for a 6mp 4x optical zoom camera....plus it's a Canon.

[PierBridge]

Ok I'm hung over....... how do I get that camera for $149?

Thanks Pier....

[DTro]

Sorry it's actually $159

I'll communicate specific details to you Pier

[DTro]

The above deal was so good IMO that I went bought one myself

It's a great camera, I would prefer a rechargeable battery that charges via USB, but I'll get over it.

I've listed my old one on hsolist if anyone is interested. It's a Kodak Easyshare DX6340. All the pics and videos I've posted here have been taken with that.

[Lake Alice]

I don't see it listed here on FM: what are the specs, and what's your price? I'm still shopping.

[email protected]