Cameras

[jttheclockman]

This maybe a little off topic but I have been checking the galleries and have noticed some nice picture taking. I am looking to upgrade my old fuji camera which is a 1.3 mega-pixel camera. In order for me to shoot decent photos I have to shoot outdoors. I was wondering if some can suggest what to look for in a camera and maybe tell us what camera you are using. Ifg you had to upgrade what would you go to. I know there are 7 or 8 megapixel cameras out there but I am not looking for the latest and greatest just a camera that takes decent photos indoor and outdoors. without spending a fortune. Thanks in advance.

[GrayBeard Phil]

Not a direct answer to your question

John:

Just before I recently got my Kodak DX7440, my 27 year old nephew offered me the following advise which I pass on to you:

Go to any store that sells digital cameras. Look at the selection, because before you get into any technical details, be aware that the latest selection of cameras are specifically made for people who do not have bi-focal or tri-focal glasses and have fingers only as wide as an unsharpened wooden pencil.

To my suprise, I found my nephew's comment very generously charitable. About 50% of the cameras I would need a jewelers loupe on my glasses, and a wooden tooth pick to operate the camera.

I selected based on my vision and my finger size. Then I looked for the best price.

I know this is not what you asked, but I wanted to pass along the advise anyway.

Phil

[jttheclockman]

Phil
That is good advice and will keep in mind when I do make the venture out. I am also of the hate too many gagets mind. I like things simple point and shoot and come up with a good picture. I am still learning about this thing they call a computer. I only wish I paid more attention in the typing class. This one finger pecking is not cutting it and then my big fingers are forever hitting 2 keys at once. That is a topic for another day.

[CanadianScroller]

Resolution

Something to be aware of is the resolution of the camera. On a compter monitor we get less than 100 dots per inch (usually 72 DPI). No matter how good the camera is thats is all we see.
If you are printing a photo up to 8x10 then a 3 megapixel cam will do fine, if you are intending on printing larger than that, think of how many times you will print and the cost of printing. I know you can always crop the best view from a large picture, I just dont like to see people buy more than they need. I guess thats because of my limited budget
If all you are going to do is share photos online, don't sell the farm.
I know others will disagree with me but thats what the forum is all about.

[BobD]

I don't necessarily disagree, but from our perspective at SSW, the larger the photosize, the better. If you have any interest at all in submitting something to be published, go for at least a 3 megapixel camera--5 is even better. That way, we you can blow the photo up to almost anysize and still see detail! For publication, figure 300 DPI, at least 7 inches long on the long side (across for horizontal photos and up and down for vertical photos).

Just a different perspective!

Bob

[CanadianScroller]

Looking good in print

I don't necessarily disagree, but from our perspective at SSW, the larger the photosize, the better. If you have any interest at all in submitting something to be published, go for at least a 3 megapixel camera--5 is even better. That way, we you can blow the photo up to almost anysize and still see detail! For publication, figure 300 DPI, at least 7 inches long on the long side (across for horizontal photos and up and down for vertical photos).

Just a different perspective!

Bob

I knew I lov ed this forum I guess I just cant afford the printing process the Magazine has
Good point Bob!!

[DaddyCakes]

click-click

OK..........

As most of you by now know, I'm a bit of a ........well........ "skin-flint" when it comes to shelling out big bucks.

But, my daughter's point and shoot 2 mega-pixel camera that came with a printer just won't cut it.

Canon has a very good reputation and the comments about picture size for publishing is a great comment. I've been looking at the Canon A-95.

Perhaps the buy the best you can afford applies here too. This is one area I won't recommend buying a used tool.

DaddyCakes

[Nancy_G]

Remember -- whatever you buy, you have to be smart enough to learn to use it. . Last Christmas husband bought me a fancy 5 mega pixel camera and I never did master it. His solution was to buy me a fancier, more complicated one this Christmas. I have tiny fingers which match my tiny brain.
Can Fox use Polarioids?

[Grizz]

...That way, we you can blow the photo up to almost anysize and still see detail! ...
Bob

ROTFL - Sorry, that sentence just really caught my giggle bone! Blow something up (BOOM)... and see it better? LOL

I know, it is probably just me! I've played too much HALO with my sons on Saturday.

[DaddyCakes]

Boom!

Hey Grizz!

Usually I am the one who gets the funny thought. I went back and read, and read, and read that passage from Bob. I knnew it read funny I just missed it till you said it! Boom! I guess you would see the pic. there.. and over there... and over there..........................................

[will8989]

Love my DX7440 hubby/kids got for me a year ago at christmas. It is SO EASY to use. Aim, shoot. Also, read directions first, helps immensley!! I usually take 100 pictures before I realize it. I love the action shot! Took some pics of a most beautiful blue eggert at the shore last year. I even got it in flight. The point is it is very easy to use. The window (or whatever it is called) is 2 1/2" x 2" and even I can see it without my glasses. I can d/l pictures directly to the computer, enhance them and forward them to a show jury for judging. Nothing could be easier. And if you don't like the pic, presto! delete on the spot! I didn't get the printer doc as when I went to get it the salesman informed me it was VERY EXPENSIVE to print your own pics. If it said you got 24 pics in the package, you had just enough ink & paper for 24 pics, no more, no less. It's cheaper to take to Costco and get prints for .19 each. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with whatever you get, just research like you would anything you are spending alot of $$$ on. Worth the time in the long run. Just remember, most come only with a 8 pic memory card, a card for 250+ costs approx $80-100 extra, depending on what one you get and where you get it. HAVE FUN! It is another hobby waiting to be explored. (Oh yeah, when hubby takes car apart to fix, he takes pics FIRST and after each step of removing something that way he knows how it goes back together - most times!!)

[jttheclockman]

Will

What is a DX 7440??? I do know about the cards costing more because I did this with the one I am using now because the one you get is way too small. I am still processing the info I am getting and checking some of the web sites that were suggested. Thanks for the info.

[Neal Moore]

Cameras

John.....I've been using a little Fujifilm Finepix 2650 for a couple years now. It's comparatively inexpensive and takes great photos indoors or out. it also gives me a lot longer battery life than my last camera. It's only 2 megapixel but the picture quality is fine. I also like the viewfinder window because I can frame a shot wearing bifocals and the shutter button is big enough and located in a handy place on the camera. One thing you might consider regardless of what you buy. Purchase two sets of rechargeable batterys and a charger. Those batterys seem to last a lot longer and you will always have a set of charged batterys in your camera bag when you need them most!! The camera also comes with a patch cord and a CD ROM to download pics. to your computer. I guess I like it because one doesn't have to study rocket science to operate it.

[will8989]

The DX7440 is a Kodak camera. I would to go a camera store like Ritz, in this area, and just tell them you are interested in getting a camera but have no idea what you want. They will be more than happy to ask you a few questions, and then point you to the right camera that would best fit your use. They will explain all the differences, megapixels, clarity of photo, if you can take action shots, movies, etc, and they won't rush you either!! THey will usually have samples of pictures from different cameras for you to look at. And some even offer a few free classes to learn to use the camera. Then go home process all the information and then make your choice. That's what I did, then informed everyone they could "surprise" me with the Kodak for Christmas! LOL They listened well!!