Digital Cameras?

[Old Mooner]

I asked the question in another area of the message board and it was suggested that this be a new thread. So here goes--What digital camera do you suggest I purchase to record my projects, take photos to convert to patterns, and to upload into my computer? I have shopped around, but I'm sure some of you make good use of a digital camera in your crafts businesses and hobbies. Any suggestions? I want one that is easy to use and that I do not have to have an engineering degree to operate.

[Neal Moore]

Good Camera

Moon...there are lots of good cameras out there and the prices are directly proportional to the quality. Walmart had the Kodak 6490 on sale a while back for $299.00. It's a 4 mega pixel with a 10x zoom and built in flash. It has an "auto" function which allows you to just point and shoot for most photo applications inside or out. It also has a PASM mode for manual settings much like a standard 35mm single lens reflex camera. The instruction book is easy to understand (not a lot of geek speak) and you get everything you need to upload photos to your computer in one purchase. The control buttons are easy to locate and operate even for someone with large hands, which is important!! Whatever you decide on, get at least a 4 mega pixel camera for good quality pictures. I bought the 6490 and I'm really pleased with it. You can take about 10 pictures using only internal memory if you don't want to buy a memory card right away. The price of the memory cards increases according to capacity or the number of photos that it will store. The included rechargeable battery also seems to last a good while between chargings with the 6490. I also have a little FUJIFILM camera which seems to drain the batteries quickly but it takes good pictures and is also simple to operate. It's only 3 mega pixels so I don't use it for article photos etc. I guess the best rule of thumb would be to buy the most memory capacity (mega pixels) you can for the least dollars while considering ease of overall operation. Truth is, it's just like buying anything else. You're only going to get the quality you pay for. I recommend the 6490 simply because I've used it to take a couple hundred photos for my book and am well pleased with the results. Other folks will probably recommend something different that is just as good or better. Hope this has helped a little. Consider the input from other replies and then based on that, buy the best your budget will allow.

[Forester21]

I got a Kodak Easy Share about a year or so ago and love it. I got the docking station (not the printer) along with it - set the camera in the dock and it will charge the batteries for you. Push a button and it will upload the pictures onto your computer.
Theresa

[heavykevy]

I have a Canon Power shot Pro 1 it's 8 megapixel. I wanted it when I went to Fla last spring so I could zoom in on the gators that we went and saw in the EverGlades.It is easy to use.

[Old Mooner]

Well, I broke down and bought one today. It is the Kodak Z700. 4.0 magapixels and 5X optical zoom. It has a recharging/transfer dock and 16 megs internal memory. It is an "easy share" like the one mentioned by Theresa. I like the simplicity. It will do all I need it to do and more. In fact, it has too many "bells and whistles" for me--a movie mode, etc. Anyway, it should do to get some pictures of my projects posted and to use for pattern making. Thanks for the input.

[Rivari]

Disk Space

Mooner I'm not familiar with that camera but I will mention one thing that I finally learned on my Cannon.

When taking pictures have them formatted into a JPG, if you don't have it set to that it will use up your disk space rapidly.

[Old Mooner]

Looks like this thread has kinda played out, but I wanted to thank everyone for their help and to suggest that anyone looking for a digital camera that is easy to use (especially for the technologically backward) the one I bought, the Kodak EasyShare Z700, is great. It does all I need and more. As you see, I have been able to photograph some of my work and upload the pics to this site. And yes, I do use .jpg files to save my photos.

[Neal Moore]

Pattern

Hey Moon.....did you get the pattern I sent you??

[Old Mooner]

Yes. Thanks for the pattern Neal. I am a little burnt out on tigers for now, but would like to use it in future. I get bored easily. I guess I will never make any money from my crafts because I can't seem to do more than one of anything. I have to go on to something else. I suspect it is the challenge. Just like to say "been there, done that" and press on. I do, however, look forward to your book with the animals.

Moon

[oaklysawyer]

If you havn't bought your camera yet then I would suggest the same as buying a saw. Get the best one you can afford. Anything 5 megapixels or more will be a bonus in the long run if you ever want to do cropping small portions out of a picture and make a sizeable good print.
If it is just for putting pictures on the computer and not interested in reproducing 8x11 photo quality pictures then a lower megapixel one will work fine for you.
Fred.

[Hoover]

I have an older Olympus digital camera being that I've sold them back when I know they have all glass lenses that to me means a lot when taking pictures, like others have said get the best you can afford for the funds available is a good choice.