Need input from digital camera guru's

[Green Horn]

I am looking at buying a digital camera. Never owned one before. I'd like to find something that takes decent pics, is decent in price, and will last as long as I need it. I don't need the top of the line camera, but yet I don't want something too cheap that will wind up as a dissappointment. I am hoping that some (or alot) of you could give me some feedback as to what I should look for and what NOT to look for. Any brands that are a definate plus in your opinion? Any brands that I should definately stay away from? Can I expect to get a decent camera for around the $100-$150 range, or do I need to save a few more pennies? My wife and I are going on a weekend trip for our anniversary this weekend and I was thinking a digital camera would be a cool gift for US plus we could use it on our trip. :) Thanks in advance for any help ya'll can provide.

 

[Okiewan]

Do a search in the off-topic forum, pretty sure there was a big thread on it. Kinda hard to go wrong with a medium quality camera these days, they are all pretty good.

 

[Smit-Dog]

http://dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=77893&highlight=digital+web+site

http://www.dpreview.com/

 

[Green Horn]

Thanks guys. That thread is exactly what I was wanting. :thumb: Imma checkout dpreview.com too.

 

[Green Horn]

Did some reading today on dpreview and went and talked to a guy at Circuit City. I found one I like and think it will do what I want it to. Gonna check a few other stores for best price. http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-8025&qp=0&oid=78421

For around 50 bucks more I can upgrade the memory which I am pretty sure I am going to do ASAP.

I also looked at a few HP cameras but the guy told me he didn't like them and said they've been known to have "problems". Not quite sure though. I don't always trust the 40 yr old guy on the Circuit City Salesman career path. :)

 

[oldguy]

That will be sufficient for still, fairly close photos but not for anything with movement. I have a 2.2 megapixel and wish I had waited a bit and gotten higher. As I said if you just want pics of you and the wife relaxing it will do a good job but for those anniversary action shots get a faster lens and more megapixels.
Be sure whatever you get to pay the extra to get the rechargable batteries- digital cameras eat duracells faster then a 4stroke can bury a 2 stroke in roost :laugh:

 

[Smit-Dog]

I agree with OldGuy... I'd keep looking. Unless you only take a few dozen photos a year, get one with more features and better resolution/performance. And a rechargeable battery pack is the only way to go.

JMO, and all that.

 

[Chili]

I personally try to avoid any camera that uses a proprietary battery pack. I always try to find a model that uses rechargeable AA's Those proprietary battery packs can be very expensive to replace or to have an extra battery for extended days or trips.

 

[Green Horn]

Well I did the worst thing any consumer can ever do. I read a few things online, made some quick decisions and bought the Kodak camera last night. :ohmy:

I did see some other cameras for similar prices yet with more mp's but was informed that more mp's isn't always a good thing. There was a 3.2 mp HP camera but a couple of people told me that when using the zoom on that particular camera, you loose alot of quality. Most of my pics I plan to take should be stiils or "low action" shots. (even when I ride :laugh: ) The biggest things I knew I wanted were to be able to take quick little video if I wanted, and be able to add memory to the camera. Imma keep playing with it, but so far it does more than what I'll ever use it for. :thumb:

Who's this guy?? :laugh: (Yes, the pic has been photoshopped to take away some of the ugliness )

 

[Green Horn]

get one with more features and better resolution/performance.

...And I totally agree with that. The thing is, this camera fits my budget perfectly. I did see some really cool cameras in the 300 and up range. I'm figgering I atleast got a good starter camera and if'n I need more later on, I can always go get some more toys. :thumb:

 

[Smit-Dog]

I personally try to avoid any camera that uses a proprietary battery pack. I always try to find a model that uses rechargeable AA's Those proprietary battery packs can be very expensive to replace or to have an extra battery for extended days or trips.

I did buy an extra battery for $30. The charger is very compact, so no problems taking it along on extended trips.

 

[Green Horn]

This Kodak camera uses two AA's, and I plan to stick some rechargeable's in there when these die. Luckily enough I've got rechargeable batteries out the whazoo from my RC car days. :) If I remember correctly I've got a box out in the garage with 16 AA batteries. Should be enough to hold me providing they still hold a charge.

 

[Smit-Dog]

Have fun with the camera.... you'll soon be a picture-posting madman.

And I thought I recognized you from CNN the other day...

 

[Green Horn]

LOL, I figured it wouldn't take long for someone to hack up my pic even more than I did. :laugh: It was actually a pic my wife took of me last night while I was installing the software on our 'puter. I took a few more pics just a bit ago and yes I can see where action shots will have a little more haze in them. Took a couple of the wife's aquarium to see how the fish show up. I can adjust shutter speeds and other things to compensate somewhat. Taking pics of aquariums are tough to pull off anyways. Still like it though...

you'll soon be a picture-posting madman.

Nah, what makes ya think that? :joke:

 

[Green Horn]

Had to crop the f outta the pic since it was such a huge file (lots o' pretty colors). :)

Okie, Lemme know if I gotta front some more fundage to DRN till the newness wears off for this camera. LOL

 

[Green Horn]

Well heck, I guess I'll just use this thread for my own personal amusement. :) Sure like the res on the outdoor pics I took. Nice sunny day for 'em too. :thumb:

Beagles Gone Wild...

 

[Smit-Dog]

FWIW, Microsoft has a free utility in their pack of XP PowerToys goodies that allows you to quickly and easily resize pictures. Check it out... ImageResizer...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

 

[Green Horn]

C'mon now. I'm the type of guy that buy a $150 digital camera. What makes you think I run XP or even own a system capable running XP. :laugh: Thanks anyways...

I have a NewInBox version of XP Professional, but my system is so old that XP doesn't recognize my hardware. :( Manually installed the drivers and still got all f'ed up. Gave up on it and went back to (gasp) ME. :) Luckily the XP was a freebee from a friend w/ connections so all it cost me was the time working on it.

I use Photoshop to resize and compress. It's ok for now...