Digital Camera Questions

[Pete-FWA]

Since I don't have a digital camera yet, I feel like someone stuck in the past...35mm film is getting scarce

The primary reason I'd get one is to use it for pics on this forum and of my cars in general. Sure, I'd find other uses, but if my primary focus is detailed shots of the cars, which one is a good one to buy?

Some people have recommended Kodak because they have the "Easy Share" system for uploading to my PC. Just because they're under $150, I worry. Anyone have one? Are they just not feature laden, or will shots come out fuzzy or discolored because they're of lower quallity? Any other model or feature recommendations? I've intentionally avoided such a purchase until prices came down and features count went up.

Hey, I don't HAVE to spend $450, I just don't want to go "cheap" and get something that's a beginner model and be sorry 2 mos later.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Kodak has a very bad reputation from what I've heard in terms of picture quality and camera functionality. Personally, I'd very highly recommend Canon. I've always shot cannon, all the way back to a 35mm SLR "TL-b," an "AE-1 Program," and a couple point-shoot 35mms, and now I have a PowerShot A-75. Right now it's in for service since I accidentally dropped it from a rather tall spot and misaligned a lens, but while I had it I was able to do some cool things with it.

I'd recommend this model (the newest iteration of that series of cameras): http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1099394447284

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by Shiny Lil Detlr
Kodak has a very bad reputation from what I've heard in terms of picture quality and camera functionality. Personally, I'd very highly recommend Canon. I've always shot cannon, all the way back to a 35mm SLR "TL-b," an "AE-1 Program," and a couple point-shoot 35mms, and now I have a PowerShot A-75. Right now it's in for service since I accidentally dropped it from a rather tall spot and misaligned a lens, but while I had it I was able to do some cool things with it.

I'd recommend this model (the newest iteration of that series of cameras): http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1099394447284

I have Kodak. I forget the Model. I do find it lacking. I have played with all the features to try to get good pics out of it. It is fine for quick snapshots but if you are looking for a sharp image, I would steer away from kodak. At least the low cost ones. I paid about $250 or so for mine about 2 years ago. Maybe the newer ones do better or even the high end models. But I won't be going back to Kodak anytime on the near future. They are good cameras but don't seem to compare to alot of the others on the market today.

[thejazzguy]

Originally posted by Shiny Lil Detlr
Kodak has a very bad reputation from what I've heard in terms of picture quality and camera functionality.

I find this statement odd....I've always heard that the Kodak cameras are easy to use. I've had good experience with one of the cheap Kodak models. It's not my camera (which is why I don't know the model), but I've used it a couple of times and have seen many of the (hundreds of) photos that the owner has taken. They've been sharp and richly coloured. I would recommend at least trying out a Kodak. After all, like with car care products, if it works for you then that's all that counts no matter what name is on the bottle. (For us that means Meguiar's! )

[Five Star]

pick up a Canon A series, you'll be happy you did

as far as loading into the computer, just pick up a USB Card Reader. it is the cheapest, easiest and quickest way to transfer images

[Jeff Smith]

Originally posted by thejazzguy
I find this statement odd....I've always heard that the Kodak cameras are easy to use. I've had good experience with one of the cheap Kodak models. It's not my camera (which is why I don't know the model), but I've used it a couple of times and have seen many of the (hundreds of) photos that the owner has taken. They've been sharp and richly coloured. I would recommend at least trying out a Kodak. After all, like with car care products, if it works for you then that's all that counts no matter what name is on the bottle. (For us that means Meguiar's! )

This could be true. I wouldn't want to cut Kodak short. I am unhappy with my Kodak but that doesn't mean another model wouldn't be better. But for me, having owned one I am ready to try something else. Get something with cool buttons and such that I won't know how to use.

[Five Star]

Canon S400

http://www.pbase.com/stevem319/image/25396083

http://www.pbase.com/stevem319/image/25396091

http://www.pbase.com/stevem319/image/25396126

http://www.pbase.com/stevem319/image/25475784

http://www.pbase.com/stevem319/image/30316218

[Jeff Smith]

Yep, Fine pics there

[Five Star]

ya they have special link coding

grrr


I didnt renew my membership, so cant hotlink anymore

the links work now

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by thejazzguy
I find this statement odd....I've always heard that the Kodak cameras are easy to use.

Well, yes, that much is true. However, again to use the detailing products analogy, does "the easiest to use" always give the best results? I don't think so. If that were the case then none of us would spend the countless hours we do rubbing, buffing, and polishing the paint with various harsh and professional use chemicals.

As I said, the Canon has been great to me, and it's great because once you understand one of the A-series cameras (or the SD, for that matter) you also basically understand the DSLR cameras they offer. All of the controls mimmic each other.

I'd say the best "first look" for reviews and information is http://dpreview.com/ -- their resources are awesome.

[Desertdawg]

New product suggestion......

[kpagel]

Re: Digital Camera Questions

Originally posted by Pete-FWA
Since I don't have a digital camera yet, I feel like someone stuck in the past...35mm film is getting scarce

Aww come on, its not that scarce. You can still pick up a roll of C-41 color film at any supermarket or drug store. The real challenge is trying to find a roll of slide or black and white film.

BTW, lots of good advice in this thread. I generally say to avoid Sony, mainly because of their use of the "memory stick" which only they use. If you compare prices of a Sony memory stick to comparable (same size, speed, etc) SD or CF card, you'll find that you'll spend more on the Sony memory. I'll second the Canon A-series suggestion, or the Canon SD-series if you need something more sleek and compact. I have to admit, I am bias towards the brand. All my gear is Canon (I don't recommend looking into digital SLR photography, unless you'd like to spend all of your extra 'detail supply' cash on camera stuff).

[jchetty]

i have a sony and a nikon..personally save the money to get a good camera...if i was you i would wait a little because now the higher end cameras are coming with anti shake technology..if you have ever used a camcorder you know the difference it makes..the one thing i hate about digital cameras that i own is to get a truely clear image, i often resort to a tripod...wait for antishake...one camera im looking at is the casio ex-500 which has antishake, 5 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom (go by optical zoom, not digital zoom) and a 2.2" lcd, and its small enought to wear on your belt everyday this camera is 350, when it get to like 275 its mine

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by jchetty
i have a sony and a nikon..personally save the money to get a good camera...if i was you i would wait a little because now the higher end cameras are coming with anti shake technology..if you have ever used a camcorder you know the difference it makes..the one thing i hate about digital cameras that i own is to get a truely clear image, i often resort to a tripod...wait for antishake...one camera im looking at is the casio ex-500 which has antishake, 5 mega pixel, 3x optical zoom (go by optical zoom, not digital zoom) and a 2.2" lcd, and its small enought to wear on your belt everyday this camera is 350, when it get to like 275 its mine

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-WAY-PAN-HEAD-MONOPOD-72-QUICK-RELEASE-apm_W0QQitemZ7567102315QQcategoryZ30092QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sounds like you could benefit from a monopod. I find that if they collapse small enough, they're easier to carry with your camera for taking "better" shots. I always carry one with me if I'm in a trade-show or car-show, it really helps if I want a bit of a different angle on something.

[jchetty]

never even knew that existed...pretty cool