Mac iBook traveling

[Melanie]

i forgot - i think i have narrowed down which camera i want to get based on several websites i went to and reviews i read, along with prices to:
nikon coolpix 8800 (8 megapixels)
canon powershot S2 IS (5 megapixels)
konica minolta DiMage A200 (8 megapixels)

melanie

[Eagle]

Melanie, all the Cameras you listed look excellent! You might also add the Panasonic FZ-5 to the list, as it is the same "type" of Camera as the others. I checked dpreview, and the S2-IS & FZ5 came with the "Highly Recommended" rating, while the 8800 & A200 were given the "Recommended" rating.

It's difficult to recommend a Camera for someone else, as everyone's needs and preferences are so different. Not sure which web sites you've looked at, but I usually check www.dpreview.com , www.steves-digicams.com and www.imaging-resource.com (be sure to check the "Dave's Picks" section). Make sure you check the Forums for whichever Cameras you're considering also, as there is LOTS of great information there from others who have bought the same Cameras.

You might also enjoy having a look at www.luminous-landscape.com and www.fredmiranda.com, as they have some excellent examples of what some Photographers are doing these days.

Good luck with your Camera purchase!

[Melanie]

Eagle -- ok i promise this will be my last question here in regards to digital cameras.
it seems that the Canon Powershot S2 IS(5 megapixels) is being recommended for me. but i also came across the Canon Powershot SD500 (7 megapixels)
i'm having a difficult time deciding which to go for. I'll be traveling around all over western europe, australia and new zealand. i've opted to not go with the bigger, heavier SLR type cameras because besides the weight, they seem to take up much space. As well the pictures I will be taking will range from pictures of people, buildings, tourist attrations and anything that draws my eye.
I also noticed that price wise they are a bit similar, at least the places I have looked up. Any suggestons/recommendations? I know its quite difficult to help someone which digital cameras as everyone has a different preferences.

melanie

[MuvverRussia]

If you really want to go pro then avoid the SD500. It just seems pretty limiting, with few manual controls.

A camera's resolution isn't the most important thing. Anything above 4 or 5 megapixels should be ok. Instead you're better off looking at the full package, especially the lens (this is crucial for point and shoot/'monster' zooms).

The DMC-FZ5 really is a small camera. It weighs about 300g (about 100g more than the Ixus) and really isn't very big. If you're willing to settle for a pretty mediocre point and shoot over something as trivial as 100g (about the same as a bar of chocolate) then maybe pro photography isn't your thing?

[Eagle]

Melanie, this doesn't have to be your "last question" regarding digital Cameras. Ask more if you want.

To add to what Muvver wrote, anything above 5 MP should be quite adequate, however this will depend on whether you intend on enlarging or cropping your images on a regular basis.

Based on your last post, I'm a bit confused on whether you're looking for a more "capable" Camera such as a "Monster Zoom" model, or whether you want a newer, more flexible and up-to-date Point & Shoot model? As it's your intention to become a "pro" Photographer, I wouldn't recommend something like the SD-500, due to the limited range of controls and "short" zoom.

If you want a compact and easily carried Camera with a good range of both auto and manual controls, you might have a look at either the Canon S-70 or the new S-80. These both provide 3.6x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (which is a gimmick and should be used sparingly), and somewhat of a wide angle Lens. More importantly these have an excellent range of both "scene" and "creative" modes, selection of Aperture or Shutter speed priority, etc. The newer S-80 has a beautiful large LCD screen on the back, but Canon has removed the capability for RAW files on this model, for some reason. You will probably just be shooting JPEG, so this might not be a concern for you? The S-80 will be hitting store shelves in October, but you can look at the S-70 now.

Again, to reiterate what Muvver wrote, you might find that having the long "reach" with a 12x zoom is something you will find is really useful during travel. The best way to find out which Camera will be best for your needs, would be to visit one of your local stores that carries a good selection of these. You might want to visit a couple of different stores, as I've found that some "sales associates" tend to push whichever model they're getting the best commission on, regardless of whether it's "right" for the buyer. Look at a variety of Cameras, and get a variety of opinions. Don't forget to "double check" any models you're considering on dpreview.

When you buy you will also have to budget for at least one extra battery / sets of batteries (depending on model), extra memory cards and a good robust Case is also a good idea. I bought a LowePro for my S-50 and it seems to be excellent quality -- I'm looking at another LowePro for my new dSLR (when I finally getting around to buying it), hoping to find one that will fit inside my Daypack so I can use the "stealth" approach; I like this better than wearing a Backpack that sticks out like a beacon because it looks like a Camera pack!

I've concentrated mostly on the features of Canon models, as that's what I'm most familiar with. By all means, check out whichever brands you like.

Hope this helps.

[Melanie]

thank you everyone for youre help and imput. i think i am going to opt for the panasonic luimix dmc fz5, based on its features and what i need along with the price.
although im sure i will have some questions before i leave in november...

thanx again!!
melanie

[Eagle]

Melanie, glad you found a Camera for your trip. Happy shooting!!! We'll expect to see some photos here!!!

[guest]

you can alway opt for the previous model from canon. the S1is. basically the same camera with a few less feature and lower megapixel. you should be able to find one fairly cheap now that the S2is is out.

[nordictraveller]

You can pick up cd burners that are handheld and you put your card in the available slot and it burns directly to the cd. You can pick one of these up for about $400 or less CDN.

As for the camera, going with a Digital SLR, I would highly reccomend the Nikon D70s or the Canon 20D. Both are similiar in quality and price (ranging from $1200-$1850 CDN with a lens kit and without).

The Canon Rebel XLT is a cheaper DSLR, comparing to the Nikon D50, which both come under $1000 CDN.

Depending on where you are, you could always pick one up through ebay (Just remember if buying out of the US from a seller on Ebay, your warranty most likely won't be covered in your country through your Nikon/Canon dealer and will haved to be shipped to the US to be serviced.)

I'm also thinking of bringing a laptop with me when I travel to Norway next year since I am a graphic designer/photographer and plan on going there for 2-4 weeks to shoot photos to work on an upcoming project.

I would rather not rely on other people's computers because of software conflicts and other things which will not guarantee you being able to save your photos.

Having a laptop is an extra worry, but you can shoot from several digital cameras (not just DSLR, but gives you more options) straight to your computer with the right software.
This would be great to edit on the spot, or when you go back to your hostel or wherever for the night a chance to review and edit.

If you have a home computer you could always set it up as an FTP server so you could log into your computer and upload files to it when on the road. It may take a while, but if you're serious about your work, you're going to want to save a copy to your computer you have with you, as well as burn dvds to either hold onto or send home, and upload somewhere else for safekeeping.


Just a few thoughts. =)