Cell Phone Digital Camera

[foris2]

Have any of you ever used or use a cellphone digital camera to take and post pics of vehicles you've detailed? If so please share your results - pros and cons, Thanks.

[benhui86]

camara fones cannot really do good detail jobs justice b/c they have very low resolution so they cannot show the details, but i guess u can get the general idea if it was a major make over.

[scrub]

That's what I was thinkn too.

[gb387]

I agree as well.... I have/had one and not real impressed. Its good to take photos and set them as the back ground on you phones screen but I think thats about it.

I just changed to Nextel this weekend and ditched the camera phone just because I really have no use for it.

As the resolution gets better I am sure they will be a little more useful to me.

[foris2]

I get the picture guys - thanks a lot for your input. I guess I should concentrate on getting a true digital camera. Thanks again.

[SingingSabre]

For what you'd be using a digital camera for, I would say you could get one at a relatively inexpensive price.

If your main goal is to take pictures for the forum you're going to want a 640X480 pixel resolution and possibly a macro mode to be able to see details more clearly. Much else won't be necessary.

640X480 resolution cameras are almost unheard of, and also pretty bare-bones. I would suggest something like this to get you well on your way. It has a much larger resolution than what you'll be needing (resizing is a cinch!) and will be very versatile. You'll be able to produce photo quality prints up to 8X10".

A non-commision salesperson staffed store (i.e. Best Buy) should be able to help you out much more than I.

[foris2]

Originally posted by SingingSabre
For what you'd be using a digital camera for, I would say you could get one at a relatively inexpensive price.

If your main goal is to take pictures for the forum you're going to want a 640X480 pixel resolution and possibly a macro mode to be able to see details more clearly. Much else won't be necessary.

640X480 resolution cameras are almost unheard of, and also pretty bare-bones. I would suggest something like this to get you well on your way. It has a much larger resolution than what you'll be needing (resizing is a cinch!) and will be very versatile. You'll be able to produce photo quality prints up to 8X10".

A non-commision salesperson staffed store (i.e. Best Buy) should be able to help you out much more than I.

Yes, my main goal is to take pictures for the forum. Your input is very helpful.

[gb387]

Like SS said hit up Best Buy see some of their options... I addition to what SS sugested you may beable to sneek into a Canon or Sony for $150-200 both are very good quality cameras. Download all the photos to your computer and your ready... if you have windows XP its REALLY easy just plug it in.

Who knows you may just start using it as your main camera.

Here is a couple BB carries.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Having owned all kinds of digital cameras, from point-and shoot types to a digital SLR (all Canon's), I would suggest getting a decent Pn'S camera in the 4-5 MP range. While it will offer a far better resolution than needed for a website forum, it is still valuable having all those MP's. You can always resize the image with software. As a result, you get a high resolution photo in a smaller size. I find this very important when you want to show very small details in the paint's finish. Besides, once you start using a digital in the higher MP's you will be amazed at the picture quality!!

Tim

[foris2]

I was thinking about this Kodak DX7590 http://www.samsclub.com/eclub/main_s...cfkjdgoodfkf.0 - what do you think?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

That camera looks pretty good though I have a concern with it. The first is the zoom range. At the wide end it is only 38mm which is not very wide. If you plan on taking pictures within a garage or a more closed in area, you may have difficulty getting enough room to take the picture.

Though the 10X optical range is impressive, I would be worried about barrel distortion or pin-cushioning.

If you are thinking about that kind of price range, I think you would be better off moving into a 7.1 MP Canon G6. If you do a google search and read the reviews, you will see that the G6 has the best bang for the buck with an awesome digital sensor!

Just my $.02

Tim

[SingingSabre]

I have a Canon Digital Elph (dunno which specific model -- 5.5mp if I recall correctly) and have had no issues with it.

I would suggest avoiding Gateway cameras like the plague, or perhaps like automatic brush car washes -- their color software just seems off.

2hotford had some really good advice on his selection of cameras. I completely agree with him.

EDIT:
I think it's also worth spending a few extra dollars and getting a USB port for the memory card. It transfers faster to your computer than the camera and the hookup is much simpler. Also doesn't require any power from the camera.

It's basically like an external floppy drive for the memory card.

[foris2]

Tim - that Canon G6 seems like an awesome piece of equipment. The information you've provided have been very helpful (it seems like you know your cameras) Thanks again.

SingingSabre - Your suggestion makes sense. I will surely consider the Canon G-6!