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Post by Eagle on May 3, 2006 10:08:00 GMT -5
kiwichick, based on the criteria you listed, it sounds like one of the "monster zoom" Cameras might be what you're looking for? I tend to agree with Ashley's uncle and favour Canon Cameras, so two models you could look at would be the S2-IS or the S3-IS. The S2 (5 MP) is a slightly older model (released mid-2005 from what I remember?) but has now been replaced by the S3 (6 MP), which could mean that you'll find some "deals" on the older model. The S3 will be released to the market some time in May, so it's brand new! I believe the initial price is US$449.00 (not sure what the equivalent UKĀ£ is?), but I'm sure this will be discounted within a few months. Both models feature the articulating LCD display which is a nice feature to have, and the 6 MP model especially should provide excellent enlargements. Nikon also makes an excellent product, but I'm not too familiar with their line so don't know if they have an equivalent model to the S2/S3 series? A couple of similar models are the Panasonic DMC-FZ7 or Sony DSC-H1, but again I don't know a lot about them as both are relatively new. I've used one of the newer Sony models recently, but much prefer the user interface of the Canon. To help you in choosing a Camera, you might check www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com as their reviews and Forums have lots of very useful information. At the dpreview site, look for the coveted "Highly Recommended" rating on the "conclusion" page; be sure to read the "Pros & Cons" also as this might provide some insight in terms of how suitable the Camera will be for your intended use. The "monster zoom" Cameras are not quite as small as the standard "point & shoot" variety, so you'll also have to consider whether you can work with the increased size and weight. They are certainly not "pocket size" but will fit in a Daypack or similar bag quite nicely. I don't have any experience with the Camera shops in London, but hopefully Muvver will see this post as I'm sure he will have some information on the best spots. I can appreciate your frustration with the sales people, as it seems that each shop tends to have their own preferences for brand or model of Camera. Perhaps they get a better commission on one brand, so "push" these more? I've also found that Camera sales people are not the most knowledgeable. Their expertise is often limited to some extent, so it's a good idea for most consumers to obtain information from several different sources. Your best option is probably to check out the various shops so that you can actually have a look at the various Camera models and try these out. Once you've narrowed down your selection, do some checking on the Reviews and Forums at the sites I mentioned (there probably won't be a review on the S3 yet, as it's so new, but there might be a few useful comments in the Forums from people that have handled that model at the PMA show or whatever). Hope this has helped. Good luck and let us know what you decide!
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Post by Eagle on May 1, 2006 13:46:29 GMT -5
artvandelay, I'm not too familiar with the equipment used in European photo shops as I've never used this option, however the "normal" capacities for storage medium are: > CD's - 650 MB / 850 MB > DVD's - 4.7 GB As you're using 1 MB SD Cards, it will therefore be better to find a shop which offers DVD capability. I don't know how prevalent they are at the present time, but I suspect there will be a fair number of shops offering these. You could also look at a product such as the www.apacer.com/en/products/Disc_Steno_CP300.htm if you wanted to take the storage unit along with you on the trip. That way you wouldn't have to worry about finding shops at all, but you'd also have to pack a bunch of blank DVD's with you as well. Most of the "experts" seem to recommend burning two copies of each card, and mailing one home for "safety". On the topic of the Bean Bags, I've never used these so don't have any comments. You might post that question on www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com or one of the other Forums. Good luck, happy travels and good "shooting"!!!
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Apr 17, 2006 18:22:26 GMT -5
Post by Eagle on Apr 17, 2006 18:22:26 GMT -5
bruney4, first of all, welcome to the Board. You might want to send a PM to Kim to have this post moved to the "Cameras" section, as you'll probably get more replies. It's difficult to answer your questions without having some further information on your circumstances. Which type of Camera you bring will be somewhat determined by what you're presently using, and what type of budget you have for Camera equipment? If you presently have a large investment in film gear and a limited travel budget, you might be better to stay with that format. If you also have a digital Camera (with all the accessories needed to travel with these, such as spare batteries, lots of memory cards, etc.), this would probably be your best option. Of course, it's important to consider the capabilties and features of the Cameras, in terms of which type will be most flexible and provide the best record of your travels. Some of our members here really prefer travelling with film and don't foresee ever changing, while others have firmly made the switch to digital with no intention of ever returning to film (that's probably a good description my situation). As far as the charging issue, this is not an insurmountable problem. Many of the newer rechargeable Batteries are equipped with "rapid chargers" which will fully charge the batteries in about three hours (or less!). I would also be uncomfortable with leaving the charger connected while sleeping, as theft could occur. However, I've found that even with a very busy travel schedule I'm usually in the Hostel for at least three hours so charging is not a problem. I've never botthered asking the front desk staff to charge batteries, although from my experience I don't think this would be a problem. Still on the subject of charging, make sure you read some of the other Posts in the "Cameras" section with regards to the types of batteries to use and the voltage requirements of the Chargers (if your Camera doesn't have a "world charger", you'll need a Voltage Converter). You will undoubtedly need Plug Adapters as well, if you're travelling with a North American charger (I'm assuming you're from N.A., I couldn't tell from your Profile? ). I usually travel with at least three batteries for each Camera, so always have lots of capacity for day touring. Also, have you considered how you will transfer photos once your memory cards are full? There are a range of options to consider for this as well. If you could provide some further information on what you're using now, it would be a big help. Happy travels!!!
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Post by Eagle on Apr 9, 2006 13:38:27 GMT -5
I've also got a few relevant comments on the subject of using I-Pods for photo storage. First, regarding the Belkin Photo Adapter - I've seen a LOT of comments on this on various photo forums, as this is generally not considered the best option. The device is larger than the I-Pod, and requires it's own batteries. The transfer speed is also reported to be very slow (2GB transfer might take a while, and if the batteries in either the I-Pod or the Belkin device go flat in the middle of the transfer, it's a pain in the a**!). The Apple supplied Camera connector is probably an easier solution, as it's simply a Cable that connects the Camera to the I-Pod (again, it's important that the I-Pod is fully charged when doing photo transfers). As Muvver mentioned, the risk of theft is an important consideration as well. I've read a few reports on the web about "gangs" in the vicinity of the Eiffel Tower watching for people with the "signature" white Earphones, and then swarming them and taking the I-Pod. I'm not sure I want to risk my vacation pictures by "advertising" that I have an I-Pod. Using "other" Earphones such as the Shure E2C might minimize this somewhat? If you're looking for other types of Earphones, have a look at www.headphone.com for a good selection. I've found their prices and service to be quite good. I've been using a pair of the www.headphone.com/products/headphones/in-ear-monitor/ultimate-ears-superfi-3-studio-white.php for a few months, and they've been awesome! Finally, the MOST important point to consider if planning to use an I-Pod for photo storage is the reliability of the device! There have been numerous posts on various I-Pod forums concerning the units "freezing" or whatever; this seems to affect ALL generations of I-Pods. According to what I learned in a LONG conversation with the Apple service people yesterday, this can occur due to either a hardware problem or a software problem (or perhaps both?). If this does happen after you've loaded your photos, and it's necessary to do a "restore", then all data (including photos) on the I-Pod hard drive will be lost!!! The exact scenario mentioned above occurred with my Son's I-Pod, so I can tell you from personal experience that this DOES OCCUR! It was a later generation I-Pod photo, so I had assumed that most of the "bugs" had been worked out of the product (apparently not yet???). I won't know until later this month whether we'll be able to recover the several months worth of photos that he has stored on it? I'm still debating which option to use for photo storage on my next trip, but highly doubt that I will use an I-Pod. I'm "leaning" towards the 80 GB FlashTrax XT, but will wait until seeing the reviews on the new Epson P-4500 before making a decision. I'm also considering just travelling with several 2 / 4 GB CF Cards, and getting DVD's burned at local photo shops. Hope this has been some help? Good luck with your decision!
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Post by Eagle on Apr 3, 2006 13:41:46 GMT -5
evan, It looks like your questions have been answered. However, a few additional points.
As Muvver indicated, quite often digital Cameras deplete alkaline AA batteries fairly quckly. In many cases, when the the "low battery" warning appears this doesn't mean the battery is depleted. There's usually lots of power left, and these can be used to power flashlights, Walkmans, etc. quite nicely (keep in mind that the battery voltage might be too low at this point to operate the Camera properly). The discharge curve is different for alkalines than for rechargeable batteries, so this "fools" the Camera into displaying the low battery warning early.
The "Lithium" batteries that Jules referred to are a disposable Lithium battery, not to be confused with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. They do indeed last longer than an alkaline battery, however when they're depleted they go into the land fill. They're also more expensive than a standard alkaline battery.
If you do want to check out the rechargeable option, many Camera stores sell rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries with "international" chargers that will operate on 100-240 VAC (look for batteries with a capacity of 2400 mAH or above). The only other accessory that is needed to use these while travelling is Plug Adaptors to fit the electrical system of the country you're travelling to (usually one U.K. and one Euro adapter are quite adequate). The Chargers are very light and compact, and I don't have a problem in travelling with these. My Camera uses Li-Ion rechargeables, and was supplied with a "travel" charger with folding pins. It only weighs a few ounces and fits into my Daypack easily. Using rechargeables is likely the most "cost effective" option.
One point to mention though, Ni-MH Batteries are reported to have a higher "self discharge" rate than Li-Ion. That means these will dischage a certain amount each day, even if they're just sitting in a drawer. It's a good idea to top these up before going out for the day, especially if they haven't been used for a while.
Good luck and happy travels!!!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 10, 2006 19:37:47 GMT -5
Michelle, I'll try to answer some of your questions. Keep in mind that my suggestions might reflect the way I would do things when travelling, and there will undoubtedly be different methods.
> I don't understand the difficulty in transporting your SLR in your Pack when not using it, as I don't know what type of Pack you're using? Are you referring to your Day pack while touring around, or leaving this in your main pack back at the Hostel (or whatever)? In my case, although my Daypack is fairly small, I have room to carry my dSLR and a few accessories, in addition to water, snacks and other kit. It's not likely I will keep the Camera in the Daypack while touring, as it would be a nuisance to have to dig it out every time I want to take a photo.
> I don't know whether carrying the Camera with the strap around your neck is any worse than carrying it in your hand (it does tend to "mark" one as a tourist though)? Dustoffmom would be the best one to comment on this, as she also uses a film SLR (from what I recall) and having just returned from Europe should have a good idea on the best way to carry this. In the past (with my old Canon AE-1) I tended to carry it kind of "diagonally" when not taking photos, around my neck but tucked to one side. I don't worry too much about theft around home, so haven't given the matter much thought yet with respect to my dSLR. I'm sure you'll develop a method that feels comfortable for you when you begin your trip. As far as someone wanting to steal your Camera, that's certainly something you should be concerned about. However, I imagine thieves are more interested in the expensive digital kit these days.
> Yes, some Museums and other locations prohibit Cameras, while others allow handheld Cameras but prohibit tripods and/or flash units. It's difficult to give you an indication of which Museums have restrictions on this, without knowing which places you plan to visit? Most Guidebooks have information on Camera restrictions.
Hope this has been of some help. Hopefully you'll get a few more replies.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Apr 17, 2006 18:53:33 GMT -5
commie, to add to Muvver's comments, people who are now travelling with digital Cameras invariably seem to find that they are taking far more photos than they ever did with film. Consequently, even if the images are reviewed at the end of the day and the "less than perfect" photos are deleted, it's still quite possible to return home with a thousand or more images. Many people don't consider the travel aspect (and need for lots of memory) when they purchase a digital Camera.
Although one could use only Memory Cards during travel, this could become expensive for "high volume" Photographers. This is especially problematic for those using dSLR's and shooting RAW. The 350d / Rebel XT that Muvver mentioned produces RAW files of about 8 MB, which (if my math is correct?) would only allow about 125 images on a 1 GB CF Card. For a long trip, this is simply not enough capacity. Of course, one could purchase larger Cards (I believe CF Cards are up to 8 GB now?) but many people are reluctant to "put all their eggs in one basket" and store a huge amount of photos on one card, in case this malfunctions and they lose the whole lot. Although prices for memory cards have dropped quite a lot in the past few months, a 4 GB CF Card is still about CDN$ 350.00 (whereas a 80 GB PSD (Portable Storage Device) can be purchased for about $700.00).
In my own case, I'm going to "gamble" a bit and travel with 2 GB & 4 GB Cards, but will not use anything larger. I'm hoping that with a high-quality CF Card such as the Extreme III cards, there won't be any problems. However, I've learned over many years of working with electronics that any product can develop problems, regardless of how good the quality is.
I've also considered the portable storage option and still might use something like the Epson P4000 or FlashTrax XT. However, I would much rather travel on the "lighter" side without a lot of extra kit, so I'm still deciding whether I can function without a PSD, just using a few high capacity CF Cards. I usually shoot JPEG images (about 3.3 MB per image at highest quality), so can fit a fair number of images on the Cards; I don't have a lot of time for post-processing, so only use RAW in special circumstances). If I decide to take a PSD on my next trip, my personal preference is to have a product with a screen so that I can verify that the photos have transferred properly. Some of the "experts" on dpreview (and others) are quite comfortable with just a status display; I guess this is mostly a matter of personal choice.
Muvver, I'm also using the 350d / Rebel XT, and really pleased with it so far. I had thought about waiting for the 30D as I knew there would be an upgrade for the 20D at the PMA show, but for a variety of reasons I felt the 350d was the best model for my needs. I was looking at a 30D yesterday, and while it's an awesome Camera, it's considerably larger and heavier than the 350D (not to mention quite a bit MORE expensive!). I do like that wonderful large LCD though!!! I still need to buy a wide angle (probably the 10-22 as it has received some excellent ratings) and also a Zoom (probably the new 70-300IS, which is not "L" quality but has received some very favourable reviews on Fred Miranda).
Interesting discussion.......
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 6, 2006 2:54:15 GMT -5
Nicstar, sorry to hear that not all is well at the moment. Hopefully the "not so good" in your family will be very temporary. Unfortunately, the "bad times" that often follow the "good times" seem to be an unfortunate part of life. I've been having a few problems lately as well (see "I'm depressed too!" on page 2 of "The Living Room" for further information). The injury occurred fairly soon after a fantastic weekend attending an Andre Rieu concert, so it was quite a "letdown". My much anticipated next trip to Europe is somewhat uncertain until I recover.
Good luck with your Camera shopping. Check the PMA Report at dpreview for a list of all the new models that have just been introduced (the new Canon SD-700 IS looks interesting, and also the S3-IS in the "monster zoom" category).
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 5, 2006 15:40:58 GMT -5
NICSTAR! Long time no see! I've been wondering about your abscence from the Boards? I hope the fact that "life has been hectic" is a good thing?
Regarding the delay you've experienced when taking photos, I'm assuming you're referring to "shutter lag". This was quite common with some of the earlier digital Cameras, but has been less of a problem with newer models. What "vintage" was the Camera you were using? In many cases, shutter lag can be minimized by depressing the button halfway so that focusing and exposure calculations are completed first; when the button is depressed all the way, there's usually much less of delay in actually taking the photo.
As far as whether you should "switch brands" and buy a different brand of Camera, you'll probably find the answer to that when you start visiting Camera shops. Since you're shopping for a Camera anyway, it's a good idea to look at a variety of models to get some idea which might be "right" for you. I imagine your capabilities have improved since you bought your last Camera, so perhaps you want a model with improved capabilities and control?
You'll know from reading my Posts that I tend to favour Canon models over others. I started using Canon back in the '70s and have always liked the "feel" and design of these, so this is pretty much just a matter of personal preference. However, I also have a Pentax P&S (film) Camera and bought a Sony DSC-W5 for my Son a few months ago. The Sony is well built and seems to have very little (if any) shutter lag, however I wasn't impressed when the stupid thing went into "brain lock" due to a static zap. It had some good design features not included with many other Cameras such as accessory lens extenders, wide angle adapters, etc. (although as with any Sony products, I don't imagine these are inexpensive!).
The other thing that really bugs me about Sony is their insistence in using those goofy Memory Sticks, which are (in some cases) substiantially more expensive than other formats! Just to confuse things, they have to add several different versions of these - original Memory Sticks, Memory Stick Pro, etc. As I mentioned in a previous post, they obviously haven't learned anything from their experience with Beta VCR's! I have a sense of "deja vu" with respect to this and the new Hi-Def DVD standards, as Sony can't reach an agreement with the other "players" with regard to a universal standard for these. Consequently, they're going to let the market decide -- in other words, consumers will pay!!! This sort of nonsense gives me a bit of a "negative perception" of Sony, although I have been looking at their new SXRD TV's (no way I can afford one though - as usual, they're priced way too high for the average person). Sorry for the rant, I know it's a bit "off topic".
You'll have to decide whether you want to stay with the same type and brand of Camera (I don't remember what model you were using?) or move to a more advanced P&S or perhaps a "monster zoom". As you've stated that you are "camera illiterate", I'm assuming you might still want just a basic P&S with limited manual controls, something you can throw in a pocket or purse when you go out? However, now that you've had some experience with a digital Camera for work / travel / play, perhaps you want something with better capabilities, more zoom or whatever? Be sure that whatever you buy has a "world charger" with it, as it sounds like you're getting set for another trip.
It might be beneficial to start looking now, but wait a month or two to actually purchase something. There were lots of new models introduced at the PMA show, which just wrapped up in Orlando. These probably won't be in shops for a month or so, but there were some very capable Cameras in the lot. There will probably be reviews appearing for some of these models very shortly at dpreview or other sites. This will be a good source of information to help you make an informed purchase decision.
Good luck and hope this has been some help.
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Post by Eagle on Mar 3, 2006 19:29:58 GMT -5
Auntiejo, your best bet might be to make a short list of Cameras that you might be interested in, and then pay a visit to your local Black's store and talk to the (hopefully) knowledgeable sales people. You might find that speaking with someone in person helps to clear things up somewhat, and help you to find the best Camera for your needs. I'm sure the SD-450 would be a good Camera, if you want a Camera in that size and form factor (ie: VERY small!). The pros & cons are well described at www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd450/page13.asp. As with most Cameras in this class, it has 3x optical zoom, which is equivalent to about 35-105 mm in 35mm terms. For travel purposes you might find that a bit "limiting"? I noticed that Black's has the Sony DSC-W7 priced the same as the SD-450; both Cameras received the "Recommended" rating at dpreview. Again, I found the menu system of the Sony a bit confusing; I find the Canon menus much more straightforward! Also, my Son's DSC-W5 went into "brain lock" one night and to be "reset" (most likely due to a static zap), so I'm not totally impressed with Sony models. When at the store, also have a look at the S-80 if you don't mind a slightly larger Camera, however I doubt you'll find any "sale" prices on that model. However, they might still have an S-70 available as it's very similar and might be priced very attractively? The summary for the S-70 is very favourable - www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons70/page9.asp - it received the "Highly Recommended" rating! Also have a look at the A-620 which is again slightly larger, but it received the highest rating at dpreview - check www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona620/page14.asp. This also has a slightly longer zoom range than the other models (4x optical or 35-140mm in 35mm terms), which might be beneficial in some situations, and also the "vari-angle" display. NONE of the Cameras I've listed, or indeed any of the Cameras on the market are perfect! They always seem to have "issues" in one way or another - poor focusing, "purple fringing", etc. Some of these issues are more serious than others, which is the "key" to finding an acceptable Camera. You'll have to decide which combination of features, ratings and size fits your preferences the best. The folks at Black's (or other photo stores in your area) might help you to get this sorted. A few other things to watch for in addition to having an optical viewfinder, is the performance of the Camera in low light conditions (some models have an AF light) and the visibility of the LCD in bright conditions. One final point...... Whichever Camera you buy, it's probably a good idea to think about a screen protector for the LCD display. Some of these displays use very soft plastic so they scratch very easily. For travel purposes some sort of lens cleaners would be good too. Also, don't forget to check that the Battery Charger supplied with the Camera is a "world model". Again, Good Luck and hope you find a Camera soon!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 2, 2006 15:31:48 GMT -5
Jules & Tony, I only suggested Future Shop as I've never been to "central Canada" so have no idea what Camera stores are available in that area? In my experience with FS outlets here in the west, I've found that some of the sales people are fairly knowledgeable, and some don't have a clue at all regarding the products they're selling; unfortunately this is not limited to FS, the same conditions exist at other electronics retailers. Some of the "misinformation I've been subjected to when shopping for PDA's and Cell Phones really ticks me off!!! Among the worst offenders are the CDMA Cell Phone sales people (won't mention any names here!) who continually give customers the terribly outdated line that "Rogers has terrible coverage". I've used cell phones on both networks since 1992, and in my experience this is quite simply a load of crap!
From what I gather in talking to FS staff, they do get some degree of training but this is somewhat "general" in nature and doesn't go too much into detail (just enough info to sell the product). Most of the staff seem to specialize in certain product lines, as it would be very difficult to become an expert on their entire product line. In all fairness though, given the rapidly changing product lines and technology innovations, even I have a difficult time keeping up with it!
I certainly agree if there's a Black's outlet in that area, that would be a perfect place to shop for a Camera. As they specialize in Cameras and related products, I'm sure the staff will be much better educated on the products than a "big box" store. Therefore they will be better able to provide good information for Auntiejo to make an educated decision on the best Camera for her needs.
Given the time factor with Auntiejo's purchase, they will most likely also have a good range of accessories on hand, so it will be a "one stop shopping" experience. That was one point that I found really helpful when I bought my dSLR -- my very unique choice of accessories, lenses, filters, cases and batteries wasn't a problem for the store -- they had the whole works "in stock" and gave me exactly what I wanted.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 2, 2006 4:32:01 GMT -5
Auntiejo, again, it's difficult to recommend a Camera for someone else, but I'll try and provide a few thoughts on some of the Canon models so that you can have a look at these at photo shops in your area. I'm not too familiar with the Camera shops in your part of the world, but Future Shop outlets are one place you could look. I would have suggested London Drugs, as they have fairly knowledgeable staff and a good selection but unfortunately they don't have any stores east of Winnipeg. There's an excellent store here in the Okanagan called Photography West (1-800-663-3563) that specializes in both Canon and Nikon, and the staff there are outstanding (they're also excellent sales people, according to my last credit card statement!). However, that isn't much help to you at the moment. Here is a brief summary of some of the models you can check out: > Canon S-80: this is an updated model of the earlier S50 / 60 / 70 models, all of which have a slightly larger "form factor" than many of the typical "point & shoot" models, so it's not really pocket sized. It has 3.6x optical zoom (which is slightly better than most), a lens which provides some wide angle capabillity (better for "travel" purposes) and a full range of auto and manual controls. It has the sliding "lens door" which some people like and others don't. Canon deleted the ability to shoot RAW on this model, however this isn't too much of a concern with most people (those that are shooting RAW or TIFF probably have a dSLR anyway). I've never used the RAW feature on my S-50, as it produces much larger file sizes (and therefore fewer images will fit on each memory card). Still, it's nice to have "just in case". The S-80 received the coveted "Highly Recommended" rating on dpreview. > Canon A-620: this Camera is from the more economical "A" series and has a 4x optical zoom, which again is slightly better than most. It is a bit larger than the S-80, but smaller than the S2-IS you were looking at. The ergonomics appear to be well designed, as I've always felt these models were easy to hold whenever I've tried them in the stores. I believe it has the "vari-angle" LCD which is a nice feature in to have in some situations. These models use "AA" batteries (Ni-MH rechargeables recommended) rather than the Li-Ion batteries as used in most of the Canon line. I'm not sure if a Charger is supplied with these, but if a separate Charger is needed, you would have to make sure that it was a "world" model. All of the "A" series seem to have an excellent range of both auto and manual controls. > Canon SD-550: this is one of the models from the ultra compact Ixus line and has the 3x optical zoom that is typical of the small P & S Cameras. Many people find the small size very beneficial, as these models are so easy to carry in pockets; however I find them a bit difficult to hold. You'll have to decide if this size feels right for you? These models usually only have a very limited range of manual controls, so they're more "P & S" models. I've spoken with a few "professional" Photographers, and some of them carry the small models such as the SD-550 when they're just going out for the evening or whatever, as they're so easy to carry compared to the usual gear they haul around. A small "easy to carry" Camera is more likely to be on hand when it's needed! Although I really like the Canon line, I did buy a Sony DSC-W5 (DSC-W7 is similar) for my Son about a month ago, as it received some excellent reviews. These seem to be a well made Camera with a good design, including capability for extra lens extenders, etc., excellent large LCD and fast start-up time. However, I found the menu system to be a bit confusing, and it would take a Rocket Scientist to figure out some of the features IMO. I find the menu system on the Canon models so much easier to understand. Also, buying a Sony means using those goofy Memory Sticks (which are among the most expensive format), as opposed to the less expensive Compact Flash or Secure Digital. Sony obviously hasn't learned anything from their Beta experience (a situation that might occur again soon with respect to the new Blue-Ray vs. High-Def DVD competition!). If you buy a model that has a 7-8 MP Sensor, this should be perfectly adequate for enlargements or cropping, should you decide to do this with some photos. This resolution should also produce excellent images in the 4" x 6" size. As far as the zoom range, I found on my last trip to the U.K. with my S-50 that the 3x zoom is a bit limited at times, so that's why I'll be taking a dSLR on my next trip. However, most of the P & S Cameras only have 3x optical zoom so the only way to overcome this is with either a dSLR and interchangeable lenses, or one of the "monster zoom" models such as the S2-IS. Finally, many of the newer models have a 2" or 2.5" LCD, which is a nice feature to have!!! Some interesting new models were introduced at the PMA show in the past week, such as the A-700 and SD-700 IS (which has an image stabilized lens!), but unfortunately these probably won't be on store shelves until April. While I'm sure there are also good Cameras from other manufacturers, such as the Nikon models that Tony mentioned, I'm not as familiar with the others so it's difficult to comment on them. Given the "time pressure" of your situation, I wanted to provide you with a few things to think about ASAP.One final point to mention that doesn't seem to show up in reviews too often, is the matter of the optical viewfinder. IMHO it's extremely important to have a Camera which has an optical viewfinder. Unfortunately, it seems some manufacturers these days have started to delete this from their designs, leaving only the LCD to use when taking photos. I've found that especially in bright, sunny conditions it's very difficult to see the LCD, regardless of how well this usually performs under "inside" conditions. Even though the optical viewfinder might only provide about 85%-90% accuracy in terms of the field of view it's still a very beneficial feature to have. Regarding the Camera models I've listed above, be sure to check the reviews and forum comments at www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com to see what the "experts" think about these models. I often go directly to the "conclusion" section at dpreview to get a quick summary of the "pros & cons" of a particular Camera. Hopefully you can find a Camera that feels "right" for you within the next few days, so that you can become somewhat familiar with it before you leave on your trip (there IS a bit of a learning curve with digital Cameras!). It might be a good idea to pack the Manual along on your trip (the manuals aren't usually too large or heavy)? Possibly I'll think of a few more comments and will add to this thread if I think of anything. However, it's almost 01:30 (am!) and I'm starting to see two monitors in front of me, so that's all for tonight! Have fun shopping for a Camera!
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Post by Eagle on Mar 1, 2006 20:19:28 GMT -5
Auntiejo, it's difficult to recommend a Camera for another person, as everyone's needs and preferences are different. However, I'll do my best to provide you with some information that will help you to decide on a Camera. Unfortunately, with only two weeks to go there's a bit of "time pressure" to deal with as well. Ideally, it's best to buy a new Camera a month or so before leaving, so that one has an opportunity to become familiar with it. Also, if any "defects" appear it's best these happen at home rather than while away in some foreign land.
It would help if you could provide some details on what type of Camera you have in mind? Anything with 5 or 6 MP or above will be more than adequate, but more importantly what size and "form factor" of Camera are you most comfortable with, what degree of optical zoom do you want, do you have any brand preferences and finally do you prefer to just "point & shoot" or do you want some degree of manual controls? One other factor that should be considered is whether you plan to enlarge or crop images, or just print 4" x 6" prints most of the time? I'm most familiar with Canon products, so will focus on those especially given the short time frame (not much time to research other brands).
The Canon S2-IS that I mentioned in previous posts has now been replaced by the newer S3-IS, but it looks like the size is very close. If this is too big for your preferences, I'll suggest a few smaller models. There are LOTS of new models out this week, due to the PMA show being held in Orlando at the moment. Some of the new models look great, but unfortunately there's often a bit of a delay until these actually appear on store shelves. BTW, What Camera stores do you have available in your area?
Keep in mind that when you buy the Camera, you also need to budget for some accessories. You will need at least one (and preferably two) spare Batteries, at least two Memory Cards (as many of the new Cameras are 6-8 MP, it would probably be prudent to buy at least 512 MB or perhaps 1 GB memory cards-your choice?) and finally a good quality Case (I use LowePro) to protect the Camera. All Canon models that I've seen so far are equipped with a "world charger" so that won't be a problem while you're travelling, but you will need Plug Adaptors.
I'm sure you've read some of the previous Posts with regard to travelling with a digital Camera (burning CD's at local photo shops when the memory cards become full is probably the easiest solution).
Anyway, have to head out to Subway to grab dinner right now. I'll check later to watch for your reply.
Cheers!!!
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Cameras
Mar 6, 2006 13:56:05 GMT -5
Post by Eagle on Mar 6, 2006 13:56:05 GMT -5
rchua, in some cases it's worthwhile to have a "faster" Memory Card, however this depends to a large extent on file sizes (dictated by the MP size of the sensor and user settings), the Camera and what speed it's capable of "writing" to the Card. I believe the S2 IS is 5 MP, but can't recall if it's equipped with a "burst" mode?
If you plan on taking pictures rapidly (ie: sports or action photos), then the high speed cards are definitely a good idea, as this will eliminate any "bottleneck" in saving photos from the Camera buffer to the card. If you're mostly taking "general purpose" photos (family, travel, scenery, etc.) where you can afford to wait a second or two between shots, then the normal speed cards should be sufficient.
The speed issue is more critical with dSLR's as they have the ability to take 12-14 photos (or more) at 3-5 FPS in rapid succesion. Therefore these have to be written to the cards quickly to clear the memory buffer in the Camera. With other types of Cameras, I'm not sure this is much of a problem, as most are not capable of high burst rates.
If I find any additional information that might help shed more light on this subject, I'll post another reply. Congratulations on "winning" the bid on E-Bay (no doubt the seller was going to upgrade to the S3?).
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Cameras
Mar 5, 2006 14:58:45 GMT -5
Post by Eagle on Mar 5, 2006 14:58:45 GMT -5
rchua, The Canon S2-IS received some excellent ratings in some of the photo sites. With regards to cost, you might find some attractive deals on this model, now that the S3-IS has been introduced.
It's still a bit early for reviews on the S3-IS as it was only introduced last week and probably won't be on store shelves until some time in April. However, this will probably be rated very highly. The S3 features the "pro" black colour, as well as some performance enhancements and a 6 MP sensor.
Good luck!
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