What Kind of Camera

[Jordan]

Oddly enough I don't own a camera & my mom said she would buy me one for my trip to europe next summer. I have no knowledge of camers' AT ALL! I know nothing
So what kind should I get? Thoughts or suggestions for a 1st time camera owner? I don't want it to cost a ton just cuz it's my mom & stuff. Should I go digital or just a regular camera?
Any info anyone was is gonna be a giant help since i'm cluesless.

thanks!

[Eagle]

JORDAN, Rather than give you a specific suggestion on what type or brand of Camera to buy, I thought it might be better to mention the pros & cons of the two types to help you decide. A lot depends on the kind of photos you want to take and your preferences. Since you don't have a Camera at the moment, I assume you don't take a lot of pictures?
> FILM CAMERA:
PROS:
- relatively inexpensive compared to Digital
- 35 mm Film is easily obtained just about anywhere
- developing available in most places, although costs might be higher in Europe
- quality of images is usually excellent (depending on Film used -- something like the new Kodak High Definition type should provide good images), allowing good quality enlargements / reprints.
CONS:
- Quality issues with photos don't become apparent until after developing (ie: out of focus, exposure problems, etc.)
- Somewhat cumbersome to travel with a lot of Film, and expensive to buy in some places in Europe
- Some risk of exposed Film being lost or stolen during travel, with pictures being lost forever -- mailing film home also carries some risk, due to high power X-Rays being used by some postal services
- Inherent problems with unexposed Film going through high power Scanners at Airport and possibly being ruined (always carry Film in carry-on Luggage -- DO NOT place in checked Luggage!)
- Possibly more expensive per image over the long term
> DIGITAL CAMERA:
PROS:
- Initial cost is somewhat more expensive than a film camera, however this depends to a certain extent on the model & resolution of the Camera that is chosen. At least a few memory cards and an additional battery have to be purchased also, which add to the cost.
- No film or developing costs required
- Instant "feedback" on photos, allowing photos to be re-taken if the quality / exposure / focus is not perfect. Mistakes or photos which aren't desired can be erased easily.
- Image quality is excellent with newer Cameras having 3-4 MP image sensors or above (4-5 MP sensors allow for good 8 x 10 enlargements without excessive "pixellating").
CONS:
- No negatives with Digital, therefore images have to be stored on a DVD or Computer. If not backed-up in some way, the photos could be lost if the hard drive "crashes".
- Most digital Cameras use rechargeable LiIon or NiMH Batteries (depending on brand / model), so consideration must be given to how these are going to be charged during travel. Most chargers provided with Cameras allow multi-voltage input, but at the least a plug adapter will be required. At LEAST TWO (and preferably three) batteries might be needed, depending on how many photos you want to take during the day.
- Storage of images while travelling can be a problem. Unless one is prepared to buy enough memory cards to last the trip (a VERY expensive proposition!), some means must be used to store the images.
Downloading photos at Internet Cafes is not a realistic option, for a variety of reasons. Other options that can be considered include a portable CD/DVD Writer (such as the Apacer Disk Steno), however this means packing a bunch of blank DVD's on the trip and then mailing these home.
The other option is a Portable Hard Drive, which seems to be preferred by a lot of professionals. These are reasonably robust and resistant to damage, however a bit of care is needed. These also usually contain rechargeable Batteries, so will need to be recharged from time-to-time. Some PHD's have just a "status" display to show file transfer, space remaining etc. Others have a full LCD colour screen to allow the user to view the photos, and in some cases to display these on a TV (either PAL or NTSC format).
Of course, adding portable storage, memory cards, rechargers, batteries, etc. all adds to the "overall" cost of using a Digital Camera. However, while this makes the initial cost higher, the ultimate cost over a long period will undoubtedly be lower, given the cost of developing film.
You could consider a small "point & shoot" 35 mm Camera, such as the Pentio Espio 135 or similar if you choose a film camera. These can provide some excellent quality images, and the cost is quite reasonable. Also, probably a good idea to pack a few of the Lithium Batteries, as they might be difficult to find or VERY expensive in Europe. A larger 35 mm SLR would likely be too expensive and complicated for your needs.
In terms of Digital Cameras, have a look at the Canon line (I'm a big fan of the Canon cameras -- they will be introducing about 40 new models in 2004, so there should be lots to choose from!). A couple of models to consider: The A-70 is a 3.2 MP Camera, produces good images, has a good range of both auto & manual controls, and received some great reviews (check http://www.dpreview.com). The newer A-80 also looks good. The "A" line is their basic line, so this might be a good option to start with. If you want a model with a slightly smaller design (better ease of carrying), you could look at the S45, S50, S400, G3 or G5. The S45 / S50 / G3 / G5 also have a good range of controls -- leave in "auto" or get creative with shutter speeds, etc. as you become more proficient with the Camera.
Whichever Camera you choose BE SURE to read the manual BEFORE the trip and take some test photos, so that you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of the Camera.
For some more good opinions on the relative merits of the two types of Cameras, also post your question on the Lonely Planet / Thorn Tree / Computers, Cameras, Phones. There are a couple of "regulars" there that are able to provide very sound advice!
Sorry for such a long reply, however I felt this was the only way I could answer your question. Good luck with your Camera purchase. I'd be interested to know which option you choose?
Cheers!!!

[Jordan]

WOW!
You are such a wealth of knowledge! I'm very impressed....Thank you!
I will re-read all that & talk with my mom about it, shop around etc.
I proably won't buy one for a few months but I'll let everyone know.
Thanks for the info & thanks to anyone else who has some imput.

[Kim]

Amazing answer Eagle - that will come in handy for many people.

Thank you for posting all that!!

Kim

[Gurran]

I have heard it is expensive to develop film in Europe and I also will be printing my own film so i dont plan on developing over there.

1. How will the heat affect film in your backpack if you plan on carrying it around in the summer months?

2. If i do chose to mail home to U.S. is there a safe way to do it to avoid damaging x-rays?

3. If it is safe to carry around all summer in my bag it there a way to avoid all x-rays in airports for film only? Assuming it will be in carry on luggage can you request a bag inspection to get around the x-ray machine??

4. I will most likely be using 400 t-max black and white film, for anyone who is famliar with this film do you know how much heat it can withstand and are their places in Western Europe that develop only without providing prints (this tends to be much cheaper but you have to find a specialty shop which may prove to be difficult)

any info at all is greatly appreciated....
thanks

[Eagle]

Gurran,
I don't have all the answers to your questions, but will try to provide some information (in the same order as your list).
(1.) I believe all Film has maximum & minimum temperature limits. If you have Film stored in a Backpack during the summer and this is subjected to high heats, it may cause deterioration to some extent.
(2.) If you do mail Film home to the U.S., I don't know if there is any safe way to assure this won't be damaged by X-Rays. I've heard that some of the scanning machines now being used are capable of melting DEVELOPED Film. Whether the USPS scans all mail, or just scans random items, I don't know?
It might be safer to send this via FedEx or UPS, however you would have to check with them to find out whether they scan also?
(3.) I believe you can request hand inspection of carry on, however whether this is allowed seems to depend on the whims of the Inspectors, and how busy they are at the time. Perhaps someone else can comment on that point?
(4.) I'm not familiar with 400-T Max B&W Film (I haven't used B&W for many years, but have been thinking of trying this again). I would suspect this has similar temperature limits to other Films (check the package, or check with the manufacturer).
I don't know if it's possible to get film developed only, with no prints but I suspect this is possible. I imagine any photo processor would offer this option, similar to the services offered in North America. However, B&W film may be considered more "specialized" now. Most film processing seems to be automated now, so if the machines in use at a particular facility aren't able to process B&W film, you may have to look around to find a Lab that can process this.
Sorry I couldn't be more specific, however I wanted to try and provide some answers to your questions. Good luck, and have a great time in your travels!!!

[acefrehley76]

Okay..here we go...

<<1. How will the heat affect film in your backpack if you plan on carrying it around in the summer months?>>
As previously stated, all films have a minimum and maximum temperatures that are listed on the box. If you exceed the max temperature, you'll lose color and grain quality. However, I don't think that any temperature in Europe has ever risen high enough (even in the Mediterrenean parts during summer) to do that. To be on the safe side, try to keep your bag in the shade as often as possible .

<<2. If i do chose to mail home to U.S. is there a safe way to do it to avoid damaging x-rays?>>
The advice in several books for this is by writing on the package, " Do not X-ray, Exposed film enclosed".

<<3. If it is safe to carry around all summer in my bag it there a way to avoid all x-rays in airports for film only? Assuming it will be in carry on luggage can you request a bag inspection to get around the x-ray machine??>>
The only country so far that is required to comply with this is the US. You can ask for a hand-inspection of the film and hope they comply. A tip is to take the films out of their boxes (but not the canisters) and stick them in a zip-lock bag, in case they do insist on X-raying the bags. I've had film X-rayed before with no adverse effects so far. However, NEVER put film in your checked luggage. It will definatly be ruined then.

<<4. I will most likely be using 400 t-max black and white film, for anyone who is famliar with this film do you know how much heat it can withstand and are their places in Western Europe that develop only without providing prints (this tends to be much cheaper but you have to find a specialty shop which may prove to be difficult)>>
T-Max 400 is a pretty durable film. As long as you're not sitting it in the sun for hours, you should be allright. As for developing, I'd advise you wait until you get home to process just the negs. Processing color WITH prints is pretty expensive already. B&W is considered a specialty nowadays and it's probably more expensive even if you're just wanting to process film without prints.

Feel free to ask if you have any more questions ;D

Jenn

[LHR02]

>>>>T-Max 400 is a pretty durable film. As long as you're not sitting it in the sun for hours, you should be allright. As for developing, I'd advise you wait until you get home to process just the negs. Processing color WITH prints is pretty expensive already. B&W is considered a specialty nowadays and it's probably more expensive even if you're just wanting to process film without prints. <<<<<<


Agree....T-Max is plenty durable and should give you no problems unless it is directly in the sun. And I would never consider having any film developed overseas during travels from a pure cost consideration. While I have yet to find film 'significantly' higher anywhere outside of obvious tourist trap locations i.e. foot of the Eifel Tower, developing costs can bring you up short as can accessories of any kind. (dropped my lens cap in Venice and it promply rolled into the canal....cost to replace it-10 euros!!) Having just returned 2 weeks ago I can attest to no problems with film in carry on bags, and I just ran my pack through the screener with film inside. However....do NOT place in checked baggage as those scanners are much more powerful and destructive. (BTW, anything under 800 film is safe through the scanner or so they assured me). Eagle did a great job of listing the various pros and cons for each......thanks....and I confess to being a strictly film person who doesn't own/want a digtal so can't offer you any advice on which you should choose. But a mid price range point and shoot will offer excellent pictures nearly every time. One with some zoom to it will expand your options as well. Worries of film deterioration are for the most part needless......I carried 57 rolls around for 4 months and didn't have any go 'bad'.

ging