Which Point & Shoot Digital Camera to buy?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which Point & Shoot Digital Camera to buy?

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:17:24 AM EDT

I'm looking for my first Digital-Cam and was checking out the Nikon CoolPix 3100
3.2 Megapixel

Any suggestions for this digi-cam newbie?

Not looking to break the bank...figure $350 range or so.

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:41:06 AM EDT

[#1]

some things to consider before you buy...

What kind of pics do you plan on taking?

Optical zoom good.... digital zoom sucks

Higher megapixels give you truer color reporduction and better detail. It also means DRASTICALLY bigger files. For the average joe anything around 2mp or better is typically fine.

Digital cameras suck batteries dry. If it is for frequent use a rechargeable system might be a good thought.

What tpye of flash media does it use. Ensure you can find upgrade cards locally and resonably priced. Some low end cameras use proprietary cards that are twice the price of standard cards.

At a bare minimum you want 32mb of storage memmory.

Look at features carefully. for normal people 2/3rd's of the crap on the camera you may never use.

Let me say this again.... OPTICAL ZOOM GOOD!!

For lack of the correct term... write speed is also a consideration. I have seen some low end cameras that were so slow the pictures were always blurred because the camera could not write the image fast enough. Try it before you buy it.

i am by no means an expert but these were some of the main things i looked into before i bought my camera last year.

I settled on a kodak 2MP 3x optical zoom that was on closeout for 120.00. The pics are everybit as good as my wifes advantix camera with the slight advantage of true colors on film. But for me it is close enough.

mike

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:47:58 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
some things to consider before you buy...

What kind of pics do you plan on taking?

View Quote

[red]PORN![/red], just kidding, basically just general photos. I often see some of the craziest stuff at work and many times wish I had a camera with me.

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:51:24 AM EDT

[#3]

Listen to Mike!
Remember the two I had at Gunstock?
The little $169 no frills Sony worked just as well as the $500 one.

I seldom take the big one out of its case anymore. Hey want to buy it?

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:53:37 AM EDT

[#4]

I am [u]highly[/u] impressed with mine.

[img]http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/4/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/677576[/img]
Fuji Finepix 2800

6x optical zoom (good)

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:54:07 AM EDT

[#5]

unless you're a photography geek, you may want to give the nikons a pass. For ease of use, a sony like the dsc-p72, followed by a canon powershot sd100 are better. You're in NYC already, so go to Adorama or B&H Photo to buy. Either way, those are about the only reputable big vendors in the city. I've been buying camera gear for a long time and they're the only ones I deal with.

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:55:46 AM EDT

[#6]

I bought the Canon Powershot S400 about a year ago when it was $500. Now it is down to $399.

It's a 4 megpixel camera that takes great pictures in a controlled environment. However, the slight shutter delay when snapping the picture is frustrating because you tend to miss capturing some "on the fly" photos.

YMMV.

Panzer Out

Posted: 1/1/2004 10:57:19 AM EDT

[#7]

Why give the Nikons a pass? I read up on the reviews on cnet.com and other places and [/b]ease of use[/b] seems to be a big positive in regards to the model I'm looking at.

Also, you guys think I live in NYC for some odd reason. I just work there on the midnight shift when everything is closed, I hate the city when it's all busy and crazy.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:00:52 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
I often see some of the craziest stuff at work and many times wish I had a camera with me.

View Quote

I carry a Canon S100 with me all the time. Take a look at the various cameras that are cigarette pack size and smaller. That way you'll alway have it with you without having to make a special effort to carry it.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:03:39 AM EDT

[#9]

Exactly what I mean DavidC...smaller is better but I don't really want to sacrifice the quality of photos either.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:05:06 AM EDT

[#10]

[url]http://www.digital-camera-online.com/dsc-p32.html[/url]
[img]http://store2.yimg.com/I/digital--camera_1754_116687[/img]

[edited] It takes up to 3 minutes of MPEG movie as well.(using a 64mb memory stick)

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:06:17 AM EDT

[#11]

Wave,
What's up bro. Check out the Olympus Stylus Digital camera. Compact, weatherproof, and takes excellent pics. Mine spent six months in my cargo pocket in Iraq and came through with flying colors. Couldn't ask for a better torture test for a camera.....Follow the link:

[url]http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital_stylus.asp[/url]

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:09:41 AM EDT

[#12]

Kodak Easyshare something or other 4900.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:11:33 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Exactly what I mean DavidC...smaller is better but I don't really want to sacrifice the quality of photos either.

View Quote

Take at look at the PowerShot S400:

[url]http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons400/[/url]

[url]http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=canon_s400[/url]

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:12:34 AM EDT

[#14]

here's the one I use. It goes everywhere I go and takes amazing pictures!
You want to borrow it for a test drive?

[IMG]www.dcviews.com/press/images/Sony_DSC-U20.jpg[/IMG]

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:15:05 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
Exactly what I mean DavidC...smaller is better but I don't really want to sacrifice the quality of photos either.

View Quote

You will sacrifice NOTHING if you go with one of the Canon's. Be sure to get an extra, big memory card. Also consider the batteries. Rechargable is the best, but you might just prefer 2 AA's. You need to decide.

ByteTheBullet (-:

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:15:20 AM EDT

[#16]

[url]www.dpreview.com[/url]

Has a comparison database that allows you to pick what you want and they find the camera that meets those requirements.

Size does matter. For small point and shoots I like the Olympus 300 and 400 cameras and the Canon Elphs. They're small enough that you can throw them in a shirt pocket - a nice (big) camera that you leave at home is worthless.

You'll not go far wrong with any of the name brand equipment manufactures.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:30:03 AM EDT

[#17]

[b]The_Beer_Slayer[/b] hit all the important points.

Optical zoom, memory card format and batteries are the most important choices, IMO. I'm a huge fan of CompactFlash memory, 'cause it generally costs less per MB, is available in larger sizes than most other formats, and you can buy it just about anywhere. Also, virtually all of the professional digital cameras use it.

Batteries - If you rely on just the battery that came with the camera, it's going to let you down some day. A spare set of batteries is ESENTIAL! Proprietary batteries are expensive; AA NiMh cells are not – you can afford to buy as many of them as you want. Plus, they're also handy for powering other devices.

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:38:17 AM EDT

[#18]

Agree with Skibane. AA batts and compact flash cards. Also be sure has autofocus and optical zoom of some size.

M4-AK

Posted: 1/1/2004 11:46:15 AM EDT

[#19]

While I agree that in most cases AA battery support is a good thing (my main camera is an Olympus C5050), for the puropse that Wave seems to want, which is to always have a camera with him when he is working, he will have to go with a proprietary battery format in order to get the small size that makes carrying a camera all the time practical.

I've alternated between two batteries for the S100 for the lastthree years, and they still hold a charge. Carrying a spare Li battery isn't a hardship.

Posted: 1/1/2004 12:22:09 PM EDT

[#20]

my kodak cx4230 is pocket sized and uses a crv lithium battery or AA's. if you opt for the optional docking station it has a built in recharger and comes with rechargeable batteries. I typically use NiMh AA's and keep a crv3 in the bag for emergencies.

mike

Posted: 1/1/2004 12:44:50 PM EDT

[#21]

Point and shoot ??
I prefer the spray and pray type. [:D]

Posted: 1/1/2004 12:47:45 PM EDT

[#22]

I use a Sony Cybershot P71 (older model). Uses 2 AA's at a time - gets great battery life. I'm very satisfied with image quality. Intuitive-ness of the menu system is top-notch. I'd buy it again without a second thought. Only place it's lacking is macro ability to document small items for insurance purposes (watches, jewelry, coins) where the Nikon would kick anything else's butt.

Posted: 1/1/2004 1:52:53 PM EDT

[#23]

I don't know a whole lot about photography. I went to DPreview.com (thanks Paul) but I don't know what criteria corresponds to the speed of picture taking. I will be taking pictures in the desert of races and off roading (besides normal everyday stuff) so I need a fast response once I push the button. I would also like one that has a fast follow up shot capability.

Ideally it would also have a 5x or better optical zoom and be somewhat compact and rugged.

I know I'm asking a lot and it probably doesn't exist. I figured I'd ask anyway. [:D]

Thanks

Posted: 1/1/2004 3:00:55 PM EDT

[#24]

Macro feature is useful for those very close up shots. I find it VERY useful for things like: serial numbers of guns and detail photos of jewelry for insurance, snapping photos of bugs, Individual fish in my fish tank. Anything where you want to get "very" close up. Without macro and no interchangeable lens, you can only get about 14-18" away which sucks for details on small things.

Posted: 1/1/2004 3:11:44 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
Why give the Nikons a pass? I read up on the reviews on cnet.com and other places and [/b]ease of use[/b] seems to be a big positive in regards to the model I'm looking at.

Also, you guys think I live in NYC for some odd reason. I just work there on the midnight shift when everything is closed, I hate the city when it's all busy and crazy.

View Quote

In terms of slrs, I only have and like nikon. I've had canons, and pentax, but love the nikon slrs. But I think that sony has the best P&S digicams, with canon a close second.

BTW, I thought you nypd types had to live in the city? are you a transit cop?

Posted: 1/1/2004 3:12:01 PM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
Why give the Nikons a pass? I read up on the reviews on cnet.com and other places and [/b]ease of use[/b] seems to be a big positive in regards to the model I'm looking at.

Also, you guys think I live in NYC for some odd reason. I just work there on the midnight shift when everything is closed, I hate the city when it's all busy and crazy.

View Quote

Nikons ROCK! And the Coolpix 3100 is nice and compact...I'd get it in a heartbeat.

Posted: 1/1/2004 3:43:18 PM EDT

[#27]

I have the COOLPIX 3100.
It is easy to use and the pics look good.

ARH

Posted: 1/1/2004 4:14:37 PM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:
I bought the Canon Powershot S400 about a year ago when it was $500. Now it is down to $399.

View Quote

Second the Cannon S400 as a recommendation.

Posted: 1/1/2004 4:31:58 PM EDT

[#29]

HP Photosmart 320. Inexpensive, easy to use, and good quality photos.

Posted: 1/1/2004 7:42:46 PM EDT

[#30]

I'm off to BestBuy tomorrow(got a $75.00 gift card to kill off) to pick up that Nikon.
But I'm flaky anyhow, I may see something else there that catches my eye.

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:18:37 PM EDT

[#31]

Don't buy the Nikon!

Get the Canon A70. It's 3 MP, at $299, and has a VERY good movie mode, better than most at this level or better, you know, for your porn.

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:22:07 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
Don't buy the Nikon!

Get the Canon A70. It's 3 MP, at $299, and has a VERY good movie mode, better than most at this level or better, you know, for your porn.

View Quote

Aaaaarrrggghhh! You're killing me. I will check out the Canon A70 as well.

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:31:42 PM EDT

[#33]

I have 40 sales reps that use the Coolpix 2100 (2.1 MP) every day. That camera is a workhorse and is easy to use. It is the same camera with a smaller CCD.

I highly recommend the Nikon. They are the best camera that we have found for the money.

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:36:18 PM EDT

[#34]

------------------------------------------------
Photo quality on the PowerShot A70 was very good in my opinion. Exposures were good, as was the color. The only two issues that I noticed were occasional purple fringing, and image softness that kind of "muddied up" the details of things like grass and trees. This photo is a good example of both issues. Neither of these are deal breakers for me though, as they were pretty rare in my experience.

Don't just take my word for it though -- have a look at the photo gallery and let your own eyes be the judge!

Movie Mode

The A70 has a very nice movie mode. You can record at three resolutions: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. You can record for up to 30 seconds at the highest resolution, and 3 minutes at the two smaller sizes. Do note that the included 16MB memory card can't actually hold 30 seconds of 640 x 480 video -- you'll need a larger card.

Movies are saved in AVI format, using the M-JPEG codec. Sound is recorded along with the video.

You cannot use the zoom lens during filming. As I mentioned earlier, you can use the Photo Effects feature, so you can make a black and white movie if you desire.
------------------------------------------------

Taken from [url]http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a70-review/index.shtml[/url]

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:40:26 PM EDT

[#35]

------------------------------------------------
Outdoors and in good lighting, I thought that the Coolpix 3100's photo quality was very good. Colors were accurate, exposures were well-done, and the camera was responsive enough for action photos. There was more noise than I'd prefer in everyday shots, but it was in lower light levels that the noise really stood out. One thing I didn't notice was any purple fringing.

Don't just take my word for it though -- have a look at the photo gallery and let your own eyes be the judge!

Movie Mode

The Coolpix 3100 has a lot more movie mode options than the average camera. You can record at 640 x 480 or 320 x 240, for a maximum of 20 and 40 seconds respectively. At the lower resolution, you can record in color, black & white, or sepia tone.

One catch about the 640 x 480 movie mode (called "TV Movie" by Nikon) though: it's not a true VGA movie mode. The camera is capturing the video at 320 x 240, but using vertical interlacing to get to the higher resolution. As a result it doesn't look as nice as a true VGA movie mode.

Sound is not recorded with movies. You can use the zoom lens during filming.
------------------------------------------------

Taken from [url]http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix3100-review/[/url]

Posted: 1/1/2004 8:52:17 PM EDT

[#36]

Just remember that with a smaller size there are sacrifices, as mentioned the more expensive proprietary batteries and they are hard to grip, especially on the left side. Digital cameras have to be held perfectly still for a couple seconds to get a clear picture I've found and the subject should too as there is a delay, especially when shooting at night with a pre-flash (red eye reduction) which you should also look for. By the time you push for focus, have the preflash happen and then the flash and pic taken a couple seconds may have elapsed.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Which Point & Shoot Digital Camera to buy?

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