Digital Camera for the Newbie

[ScottM]

Any of you guys have suggestions regarding a first-time digital camera purchase? I'm in the market for one in the under $300 range, but there is so much out there I'm getting confused to say the least. What should I look for? I'm definitely an amateur with no aspirations of it becoming a hobby, I just want a way to take decent pics and be able to post them and email them (and maybe print some out on my HP printer).

[Ed]

Hey Scott-

Not sure about prices....but look at the Sony's with the "Carl Zeiss" lens. Zeiss is one of the world's premier optics manufacturers. As with any camera, the lens is the most important piece of equipment.

How do I know all of this? My dad has been working at Carl Zeiss for 15 years and as a result, either he or I have several of their products including 2 Yashica cameras with Zeiss lens, Zeiss armored binoculars and Sony digital camera with Zeiss zoom lens. And no, not all were freebies.

Good luck. Try best buy or one of those places. One other thing...be sure to get one with as much memory as possible.

-Ed-

[Mark]

Megapixels determine how large a decent print you can enlarge the maximum file size to. Decide how large you may want to print (3x5? 4x6? 5x7, etc) and then go shopping. A 4.0 megapixel camera will yield a very acceptable 8x10 print. If you are only trying to duplicate the size that the one hour labs provide, any 2.0 megapixel camera can capture that much information on the chip.

One feature that you definitely want is adjustable sensitivity (what was called ASA back in the analog days). If you get a camera without this feature, plan on a goodly number of your shots being blurred, as they usually set the equivalent to ISO 100 which most people simply can't hold still enough (I can't on a digital, and I shoot over 6,000 rolls of analog film a year).

Another highly desirable feature if you are not adept at Adobe Photoshop is "white balance" - this will help deal with odd light that is rendered colors not visible to our eyes: flourescent goes green, those sodium vapor lights at the boat dock go a rusty orange, etc.

Most of the 2-3 megapixel cameras are pretty inexpensive now. Range of zoom on a camera in this class is more important than brand. If you think you may want to take it out around/in water, do a bit of research as to which models have affordable water housings at www.digideep.com

Be sure to use the same brand of paper as your printer. Yes, the printer will work with anything you stuff through it but the results will be best with the manufacturers own paper. If you have not bought the printer or are in the market for a new one - Epson, period.

As with anything digital, whatever you buy this afternoon will be substantially cheaper tomorrow morning [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[ August 07, 2003, 01:16 PM: Message edited by: Mark ]

[ScottM]

Guys - thanks for the helpful info (I was hoping Mark would offer his $0.02 on this subject [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ).

Ed,
That camera you have just SOUNDS expensive!

Hooper,
What you're doing with yours is exactly what I want to do. I'll look into the Kodak.

Mark,
I've started to learn some of the terminology you mention, and I'm glad you've pointed out/explained the important stuff. Thank you.

[Ed]

Listen to what Mark says....he is the resident photography expert!

[Hooper]

Hi Scott-

I have wanted a digital for a long time and I finally make the move after agonizing over it for a long time. Several times I went to Best buy with cash in hand and balked only to go back online to do more research!

I finally decided on the Kodak Easy Share DX 6340 after reading countless reviews that praised it. All I want it for is to get pictures on my charters and be able to post them without a lot of hassels. I think I made a good move. I ended up buying it frombuydig.com for $255. Best Buy wanted $329. I was not harrassed on the phone to buy more stuff that I didn't want and best of all, I got it in three days with the normal shipping. I have only had it for a few days, but wow. I am having a blast and have to get more charters quick so I can get new pics to post!!!

i hope this helps, I would say shop around, there are some deals to be had out there! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

-Hooper

www.stripersandblues.com