Digital Camera Help

[Mindykins]

Hi Geeks, induct me into geekdom PLEASE!!

I am a long-time Atkineer, but maybe you don't know that I am also a fine artist. I never have owned a digital camera before (been on a REAL tight budget), but now I'm finally ready to buy my first one.

I would be forever grateful if a couple of you could give me some basic guidelines on what to look for. Here is what I intend to do with the camera: besides use it as my everyday camera, it is very important to me that I take great pictures for reference for my paintings. And I intend to take pics of my original art to print out and put on CD's. I have a very good photo printer so that end won't be a problem.

I don't know what features I *must* have and what features would be *nice* to have. Brand name suggestions with features to look for would be GREATLY appreciated. Also, pixels, the more the better, I know but what level pixels would you guys recommend for my useage?????

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sskyeye]

When looking at zoom, do not pay ANY attention whatsoever to digital zoom. All that does is make your picture look closer ie bigger by cropping out the edges. What matters is optical zoom. This really zooms in on your subject, and makes for better picture quality. For your purposes, I would call optical zoom a must have. So if you are choosing between a camera with say 3X optical zoom and 4X digital zoom for a total of 12X zoom, and one with 4X optical and 3X digital, still 12X total, take the one with 4X optical. What all that means is that your subject will appear 4X closer than it is. Here is a link to a site that might help you. There are lots more out there; PM if you want more.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/

[Mindykins]

Thanks so much sskyeye this is a great help! and yes I will look at this web site. I already added it to my favorites!

I'd still appreciate more comments from others too! Having a back ground in sales, I really appreciate input from actual camera owners. I like hearing their experiences. Your comments about the optical zoom is terrific.

Thanks.

[Perry]

I have a Canon Powershot A520. The one 'feature' of digital I always hated was the timelag between clicking the shutter and its actually capturing the image. This camera has literally no lag. Comes with rechargeable batteries but you should buy an additional memory card no matter which camera you choose. I found a 128MB card for $18.99.

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=2460

Optical zoom of 4x by the way!

[Mindykins]

Thanks Perry, I was JUST looking at that one on an online digital camera site! Timing is everything.

[Mindykins]

Couple of questions about your camera:

Would it be fairly easy for a beginner to use?

Do you think 4 mp are enough if I am interested in very fine quality pics? Besides using for fun, I will mostly be printing 4x6 art photos, but may occasionally print 8x10 and possibly 11x14 and all need to be very fine quality. I have a good quality photoprinter (1 picoliters print).

I find when I go to the 5 mp range, the prices go way up if I want an optical zoom of 4x+

Thanks Perry

[Perry]

Couple of questions about your camera:

Would it be fairly easy for a beginner to use?

My 14yo. daughter picked it right up and started shooting! It has an auto mode and a very intuitive menu.

Do you think 4 mp are enough if I am interested in very fine quality pics? Besides using for fun, I will mostly be printing 4x6 art photos, but may occasionally print 8x10 and possibly 11x14 and all need to be very fine quality. I have a good quality photoprinter (1 picoliters print).

Funny. There was a time when 3mp was enough for folks and printed with extraordinary quality. Best bet.. take a card with you and go to a place that sells cameras. Shoot some pics, take the card home and see how 4mp looks at 8x10. If you need to go higher, Canon has 5-7mp cameras but they are 'what the consumer demands' so they are higher in price.

I find when I go to the 5 mp range, the prices go way up if I want an optical zoom of 4x+

True. But if you're shooting close ups you don't need the zoom, you need the macro feature.

Thanks Perry

[Richt]

I got a decent 5mp kodak for just £179. Does everything I have ever wanted really.

Its a kodac cx7525 if you want to look it up anywhere.

I think the £179 roughly translates to $360 (in your money)

Rich

[Mindykins]

Thanks Richt. I read your thread and see that you got a good deal too!

Perry, one more question for you. Yes I will be taking close ups, as well as zooming out for distance. Doesn't the 4x optical allow for macro as well as zooming out? I thought that's what optical was. I've got a lot to learn here!

[Perry]

Perry, one more question for you. Yes I will be taking close ups, as well as zooming out for distance. Doesn't the 4x optical allow for macro as well as zooming out? I thought that's what optical was. I've got a lot to learn here!

Yes. The lens on this Canon has a dual purpose. Zooming for distance and Macro "mode" for focusing on close images. It shouldn't be confused with a true macro or zoom lens, though. Also, I'm not sure if the Canon would get you more than 2x magnification in 'macro' mode.

Good time to take some 'test drives' at Circuit City!

[Mindykins]

Going there this weekend. I've already printed out a list of cameras to compare from the link you gave me and I'll be reading those this evening, as well as some from another site.

I really appreciate your input, as even though I do a lot of research once I decide to purchase something I don't know much about, responses from end users like you help me put things in perspective better. Sorta like "hands on" vs "theory"!!

THANKS!

[Perry]

Good luck!

Remember, knowledge is power! And so is buying the camera you decide on over the Internet and saving up to 30%.

[Elleth Faewen]

I've found that a megapixel is not a megapixel. I have an old camera whose best mode is 1 mp. I have a newer camera that I usually take pictures in 1 mp mode, but the pictures in the newer camera look a lot better, and print fine for my use, even at 8 x 10. This is because all pixels aren't created equal, some are larger and some smaller. The smaller the pixel size, the sharper your picture.

This page will give you an idea of what you need to look for.

http://www.net-comber.com/dc2.html

[Mindykins]

Thanks Elleth, or is it Jackye???????!!!!!!!!!!!

[Elleth Faewen]

I'll answer to either name. Did you decide on a camera?