puckhead193 said:
Wow... 1MP EVF...impressive! I'm still not sure how well you could use that for focusing without zooming in, but hmmm...nice!
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looking for a new digital camera
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Wow... 1MP EVF...impressive! I'm still not sure how well you could use that for focusing without zooming in, but hmmm...nice!
That sounds really good!atari1356 said:The 'Canon PowerShot S2 IS' is coming out in June and it's a bit more affordable than iGary's suggestion.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042201canons2is.asp
I'm seriously considering getting one, but am going to wait for a couple of professional reviews first. It replaces the PowerShot S1, which is also a good camera - except for some complaints about slow autofocus, and a crappy lens cap. In the U.S., Sears is selling the S1 for $249 which is a steal... but I'm holding out for the S2.
A quick summary of it's main features:
- 5 megapixel
- 12x optical zoom (36mm - 432mm)
- Image stabilization
- Various shooting modes that include Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual mode
- 2.4fps continuous shooting (take 2.4 full resolution pictures per second)
- 640x480 video mode (can shoot very high quality video, and is only limited to the size of your SD memory card)
I've used the Canon S50 (bought them for others twice) and I can say from my experience that it's a very good combination of point & shoot and manual controls. It's not too big in size and provides wonderful 5MP pictures. The manual controls would help in learning more and getting more out of your photography. I guess this model has been superseded by S60 and later ones with higher resolutions.
The only gripe that I've seen people have with Canon cameras is poor low light shooting. I myself own a Sony prosumer camera, but there are many who feel Sony is generally expensive compared to other manufacturers (added to this is the cost of memory sticks, the proprietary memory media used by Sony).
If you can overcome the problems associated with low light, the Canon S series is very good for the price.
While reviewing cameras, just keep your preference of batteries in mind. With digital cameras, using the LCD is the most common way of framing and taking pictures (instead of using the tiny viewfinder). And the LCD does draw a lot of power! You can either get cameras that use AA batteries or proprietary Lithium Ion batteries. Some people prefer AA batteries for the convenience in obtaining them. Others (like me) prefer not to have the hassle of carrying strings of AA batteries like soldiers carrying machine gun bullets.
Lithium Ion batteries tend to have a very long "uptime" and last for a few years even with continuous use - in my opinion they're worth the price.
Since deals on the Digital Rebel XT came up a few times in this thread, the following was in today's Dealnews...and it *is* a reputable store....
Thanks all for the inputs. I have decided and ordered a Canon PowerShot S1. The main factors that made me choose this when comparing to others was the Image Stabilization, high powered zoon, and the tilt and swivel lcd. All for $250. I also like the fact that it uses AA batteries, which I will be rechargeable ones. If I rechargeable ones run out of steam, I can always pick up some standard alkaline AAs. I am sure I will like this camera. I had debated whether to wait for the S2, which has the same features and more. However, the S2 will be twice as much and since I'm a novice, I probably won't be using most of the new S2 features.
mkrishnan said:
Got to wonder about Dell at times.
How can they continue to afford selling at prices that even the biggest of stores can't even fathom to buy at? I know what the listed dealer price is, and I know what deals that can be worked "behind closed doors" between vendors and dealers; but this price really blows everything else out of the water. If you have been looking for an Rebel XT, and you are among the lucky 2000 - I say milk Dell for every penny. Just don't use your local dealer as a pawn to decide if the camera is for you.
chibianh said:
Congrats on the choice.
The big question is what is the largest size print that you will print? 3mp is enough for up to 5x7 and depending on your quality standards enough for 8x10's.
With any camera that uses disposable batteries, I suggest a set of disposable lithium batteries. they have a long shelf life, and will insure that at a moments notice your camera is ready for you.
I cant believe this deal either. If I hadn't bought a PM last week, I would've jumped on this deal. My friend has an dSLR and I have a Canon A95. While the A95 is a great camera, the difference between his pictures and mine is like night and day or maybe I dont know how to use the A95 properly. Anyway, great find mkrishnan...
Chip NoVaMac said:
I hardly ever print any pictures, but when I do, it's usually 4x6, so 3mp is more than enough. If I do seriously get into photography, I will probably want to upgrade, but I think it'll be a while when that happens. In the meantime, as a beginner, I think I will enjoy playing with this camera.
I will definately be getting rechargeable AAs.
Chip NoVaMac said:
Not to go too far off-topic, but Chip, what are your recommendations for this? 3MP at 8x10 is about 180DPI, AFAICS, and at 5x7 is closer to 300DPI. Or are you taking into account some cropping? I haven't really been able to find good guidelines as to what will usually produce visually pleasing results, and I am getting ready to start experimenting with doing prints of some of mine.
Zigster said:Wow! Just got a digital rebel xt for 759.00 from El Dell-o. This forum rocks!
<devil sign here!>
I know, right? Actually, my Rebel (300D) came from the Dell store, although not directly from there to my hands. I got it used with some extras from someone who bought it from the Dell store and then got a good deal on a 10D.
cgratti said:
Nah, get a Nikon D70 with the 18-70 kit lens. It's a far better lens than the Canon kit lens. Dunno about the sort of pices you'd pay, but if you're going to spend $500 on a camera you want flexibility with, you should really consider making the jump to dSLR. It will have a longer lifespan for you, and give you the flexibility you seem to want.
If you are going for a dSLR, go for the Nikon.
<cue Canon fanboy -v- Nikon fanboy bunfight>
Wow, that's an AMAZING deal. I'm in the market for a camera myself, so, I just bought that one! So much for doing more market research.mkrishnan said:
I thought for sure it was the old Rebel on sale, but, sure enough, it's the newer one with 8 megapixels.
Thanks for posting that!!
mkrishnan said:
It varies on whom you talk to. 180dpi is the least that in order to have an enjoyable print. I have read that popular opinion is that with inkjets, that 240dpi is all that really gets used by the printer.
Thanks! I guess that makes sense, since at 300DPI, you would be hard pressed to go much beyond 8x10 with even an uncropped 8MP picture....
chibianh said:
Congrats on your camera. Here's a nice Sony charger and batteries set if you haven't already purchased some.
Don't be discouraged by the people saying you should buy a $750 or more dSLR... sure, the expensive cameras have better image quality and interchangeable lenses... but for $250 you got a great camera that produces good pictures. Plus it's fairly compact with a 10x optical zoom, and takes great video. To get a dSLR with a 10x optical zoom you'd be shelling out serious cash, and the zoom lens would be huge.
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atari1356 said:Don't be discouraged by the people saying you should buy a $750 or more dSLR... sure, the expensive cameras have better image quality and interchangeable lenses... but for $250 you got a great camera that produces good pictures. Plus it's fairly compact with a 10x optical zoom, and takes great video. To get a dSLR with a 10x optical zoom you'd be shelling out serious cash, and the zoom lens would be huge.
Yeah, I totally agree. Enjoy it!
It sounds like a very nice camera. And if the day ever comes when you really want a DSLR, you'll know you want one, because you'll want to do the sort of things you can't do without one. Until then, something like the S1 is much less of a hassle. And even then, you'll probably still want to have a P&S around. I haven't really used my S50 since I got my 300D, but I do plan on using it. There are definitely situations in which I don't want to have to worry about have $1000 in gear with me.... EDIT: And make sure you post some pics!!!!
Tried out the new camera... I posted a couple of pics over at https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1479904#post1479904
