requesting digital camera update
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StoneHeartFarm
Veteran Member
Bird,
If I got the skinny on the pixels thing right, the more pixels the camera has, the better it will do in low light situations. With my 35mm and a 30-70 zoom, I can go out in the evening and take pretty good pictures, I just have to slow down the shutter speed to allow more time for the light to impact the film. With the digital camera, there is no way to slow down the shutter. Hence, the advent of mega pixel cameras. The additional pixels allow the camera to pick out more detail in the shadows. So, if you take a picture of a tree line, you may be able to see things in the shadows with greater detail.
Have you noticed a problem with your flashpath? Mine seems real sensitive about the smart media being pushed in too far. Every now and then explorer tells me it can't read the card and I have to back the smart card out of the flashpath. Usually just a hair. Always seems to wind up working though, I've used it enough that I've changed the batteries twice.
If I got the skinny on the pixels thing right, the more pixels the camera has, the better it will do in low light situations. With my 35mm and a 30-70 zoom, I can go out in the evening and take pretty good pictures, I just have to slow down the shutter speed to allow more time for the light to impact the film. With the digital camera, there is no way to slow down the shutter. Hence, the advent of mega pixel cameras. The additional pixels allow the camera to pick out more detail in the shadows. So, if you take a picture of a tree line, you may be able to see things in the shadows with greater detail.
Have you noticed a problem with your flashpath? Mine seems real sensitive about the smart media being pushed in too far. Every now and then explorer tells me it can't read the card and I have to back the smart card out of the flashpath. Usually just a hair. Always seems to wind up working though, I've used it enough that I've changed the batteries twice.
Bird
Rest in Peace
SHF, I assume you're right about the more megapixels, the better, but my Olympus is only 1.3 megapixels and I've been surprised at how well it does. I guess those with more are really great.
And, no, I've had no problem at all so far with my flashpath. In fact, I've been wondering if I'm not getting close to time to change the batteries in it, but I've had it over a year now and haven't even done that yet.
And, no, I've had no problem at all so far with my flashpath. In fact, I've been wondering if I'm not getting close to time to change the batteries in it, but I've had it over a year now and haven't even done that yet.
I have a Nikon 900 Coolpix. At the time, most sources considered it the best. I went with it vs. upgrading in a couple of years & you can get zoom lenses for it - which I have not done yet. When they come out with one that you can get lenzes for like the good 35mm, then I may look at upgrading, but for now, this takes as high of quality as I could imagine.
2.1 megapixels
$800 - 3 yrs ago (sale price)
Takes great pictures & is as easy or as complicated as you want with the auto or manual settings.
Fron what I;ve seen...
Nikon
Olympus
Kodak
2.1 megapixels
$800 - 3 yrs ago (sale price)
Takes great pictures & is as easy or as complicated as you want with the auto or manual settings.
Fron what I;ve seen...
Nikon
Olympus
Kodak
I want to thank everyone that replied and John for the additional links(guess I wasn't so hot on my searches before I posted, I only found 1 of those links). I think I will give a little more info that might help out. I presently have(had) a Largan dsc camera that was around $95.00 at Walmart while this used to take decent shot for web delivery I just want more especially in the software functions and in the resolution. The Largan had 2 batteries, a very short lived battery that could not be recharged(not cheap) and a daily rechargable battery. This worked really good for standard shots that did not require any detail but occasionally I need the better resolution for power point presentations , pictures of equipment for training manuals(fiber optics and DSL) and those all to important hunting and fishing pictures. When using my camera I will not be in a position for changing the lighting or angle of a shot, this seem to be a problem for several cameras that I have tried. My Largan met an unfortunate demise last week in the mouth of the sister-inlaws new puppy(MUTT). Since he also chewed several cables and software CD's I figure my replacment budget at around $400 this should get me in the mega-pixel with plenty of memory(removable or non-removeable) I do have a lap-tap and access to a CD burner which should help for storage. Battery life must be good and be replaceable(for vacation) and rechargable for home use. Anyway please keep the suggestions coming and thanks everyone for reponding
Wingnut
Veteran Member
I have several older digitals gathering dust ... bought one of the first I ever saw ... long before I saw anything from Kodak ... adn that was the original (and an upgraded) Logitech Fotoman) ... as well as a couple of cheapo less-than-mega-pixel cameras. I was taking pictures for newsletters and sending over the net back in the bad old days.
Finally decided to upgrade and did lots and lots of research last spring and early summer. Just to buck the trend, I guess, I picked what I thought had the best specs at that time ... other than the 5 mp cameras that were just being released ... surprised ven me because I'd leaned towards the Nikons just on principal ... all my SLR's are Nikons.
Anyway ... to avoid further delay, I bought an Epson 3.3 mp over the 'net and haven't regretted it at all. It doesn't have the 10x optical lens that the Sony my boss bought has ... but it appears, to me at least, to take much better pictures, is ectremely easy to use ... goes forever on a set of batteries and takes flash cards. I like the fact that 1 can store 130 hi-def pictures on a flash card .... where those Sony's with their "store it on a diskette" idea couldn't save one.
Paid $509 in July.
Finally decided to upgrade and did lots and lots of research last spring and early summer. Just to buck the trend, I guess, I picked what I thought had the best specs at that time ... other than the 5 mp cameras that were just being released ... surprised ven me because I'd leaned towards the Nikons just on principal ... all my SLR's are Nikons.
Anyway ... to avoid further delay, I bought an Epson 3.3 mp over the 'net and haven't regretted it at all. It doesn't have the 10x optical lens that the Sony my boss bought has ... but it appears, to me at least, to take much better pictures, is ectremely easy to use ... goes forever on a set of batteries and takes flash cards. I like the fact that 1 can store 130 hi-def pictures on a flash card .... where those Sony's with their "store it on a diskette" idea couldn't save one.
Paid $509 in July.
Robert_in_NY
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Only certain sony cameras use diskettes and those are only for the people who don't want to use memory sticks. I can store around 130 high quality pics on a 32meg stick and I know there are 128meg sticks out now also. Sony also has a cd media for some of their cameras.
GlueGuy
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SHF & Bird,
The number of pixels does not help in low-light conditions, but adds detail. Digital cameras (most of them anyway) use a technology called CCD (charge coupled detector) to "catch" the light. They act a lot like film, and can "pick up more" if the shutter is open longer. In other words, they work a lot like film in that regard.
So the best way to interpret the specs:
1. Number of pixels contols the amount of detail. 1MP is good enough for a snapshot (3x5), 2MP is good enough of 5x7, and 3MP is good enough for an 8x10. To equal a 35mm film camera they will have to do 8MP. Beyond that, film loses.
2. Check the "speed" of the camera to get an idea of how it will work in low light. Also, get reputable reviews to see comparative specs.
3. Optical zoom is the only zoom you should use. Digital zoom can be done with your photo editor, and is useless on the camera.
I got our Kodak DC4800 last year (3.1MP), and have been very pleased with the results. A 128MB compact flash holds a little over 100 shots at high resolution, and I've taken almost 100 shots on a single battery charge.
I prefer compact flash to smart media, memory sticks and other storage media. It comes in the highest capacities, is the cheapest around, and is non-proprietary. I got my last compact flash at Fry's: $40 for 128MB.
The number of pixels does not help in low-light conditions, but adds detail. Digital cameras (most of them anyway) use a technology called CCD (charge coupled detector) to "catch" the light. They act a lot like film, and can "pick up more" if the shutter is open longer. In other words, they work a lot like film in that regard.
So the best way to interpret the specs:
1. Number of pixels contols the amount of detail. 1MP is good enough for a snapshot (3x5), 2MP is good enough of 5x7, and 3MP is good enough for an 8x10. To equal a 35mm film camera they will have to do 8MP. Beyond that, film loses.
2. Check the "speed" of the camera to get an idea of how it will work in low light. Also, get reputable reviews to see comparative specs.
3. Optical zoom is the only zoom you should use. Digital zoom can be done with your photo editor, and is useless on the camera.
I got our Kodak DC4800 last year (3.1MP), and have been very pleased with the results. A 128MB compact flash holds a little over 100 shots at high resolution, and I've taken almost 100 shots on a single battery charge.
I prefer compact flash to smart media, memory sticks and other storage media. It comes in the highest capacities, is the cheapest around, and is non-proprietary. I got my last compact flash at Fry's: $40 for 128MB.
StoneHeartFarm
Veteran Member
Glueguy
Thanks for the heads up on pixels. The greater number of pixels then wouldn't allow the camera to be used in a lower light situation, but might pull out more detail in shadowy area?
SHF
Thanks for the heads up on pixels. The greater number of pixels then wouldn't allow the camera to be used in a lower light situation, but might pull out more detail in shadowy area?
SHF
Robert_in_NY
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You can get cameras with shutter speed control, my Sony DSC-D770 has quite a few shutter settings that help when it is extremly bright or if it is quite dark. The more options a camera has the better as it allows you to take shots in all different situations, however it does get more complicated but you will get the hang of it.
GlueGuy
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<font color=blue>The greater number of pixels then wouldn't allow the camera to be used in a lower light situation, but might pull out more detail in shadowy area?</font color=blue>
That is mostly correct. If there is sufficient light for the CCD, then more pixels will pull out more detail in all situations. If the CCD's aren't sensitive enough, then no number of pixels will help (sorta like 1,000 x 0 is still zero).
That is mostly correct. If there is sufficient light for the CCD, then more pixels will pull out more detail in all situations. If the CCD's aren't sensitive enough, then no number of pixels will help (sorta like 1,000 x 0 is still zero).
MikePA
Super Moderator
To echo GlueGuys remarks...
Do not be seduced by a cameras pixel count. I supposed manufacturers use pixel count because it's easy to quantify just as tractor manufacturers use horsepower ratings. There's so much more that goes into getting a good picture. For first time digital camera buyers my advice is, absent a specific intended use, e.g., sports, wildlife, which can imply the need for specific features.
1. Buy an inexpensive digital camera. It almost doesn't matter what brand or kind or what features it has. All the major brands will be able to take a good picture.
2. Use the camera. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif This is kind of obvious, but some people only take pictures at birthdays and holidays which really isn't enough opportunity to get to know what you like and dont like. Take indoor pictures, outdoor pictures, action pictures, stills.
3. In addition to not being seduced by pixel count, also determine which features can be duplicated in software, e.g., sepia tone.
4. Once you've used a camera for a while you will be in a much better position, assuming you've kept track of your likes and dislikes, for purchasing your second digital camera (yes, there will be a second camera for most of us!).
Some other observations;
Distant wildlife - High optical zoom
High optical zoom - Image stabilization or the use of a monopod/tripod
Stop action - fast shutter speed and buffering of pictures
Low light - High ASA speed (800 and above), image stabilization, monopod/tripod
Lots of flash photo - Good battery life and recovery of battery/flash
Do not be seduced by a cameras pixel count. I supposed manufacturers use pixel count because it's easy to quantify just as tractor manufacturers use horsepower ratings. There's so much more that goes into getting a good picture. For first time digital camera buyers my advice is, absent a specific intended use, e.g., sports, wildlife, which can imply the need for specific features.
1. Buy an inexpensive digital camera. It almost doesn't matter what brand or kind or what features it has. All the major brands will be able to take a good picture.
2. Use the camera. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif This is kind of obvious, but some people only take pictures at birthdays and holidays which really isn't enough opportunity to get to know what you like and dont like. Take indoor pictures, outdoor pictures, action pictures, stills.
3. In addition to not being seduced by pixel count, also determine which features can be duplicated in software, e.g., sepia tone.
4. Once you've used a camera for a while you will be in a much better position, assuming you've kept track of your likes and dislikes, for purchasing your second digital camera (yes, there will be a second camera for most of us!).
Some other observations;
Distant wildlife - High optical zoom
High optical zoom - Image stabilization or the use of a monopod/tripod
Stop action - fast shutter speed and buffering of pictures
Low light - High ASA speed (800 and above), image stabilization, monopod/tripod
Lots of flash photo - Good battery life and recovery of battery/flash
