BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Starting Out

To love this question, log in above
April 14, 2006

To love this comment, log in above
April 14, 2006

To love this comment, log in above
April 14, 2006

For just general shooting and travelling I would look for a good quality point & shoot camera.
If you don't plan on doing action or sports photography, then the slow response of many P&S camera shouldn't be a problem. One of the biggest nags I read about concerning them is slow focus and shutter lag.
My first digital was a Kodak Easy share camera.
I chose this particular camera because of it's 10X optical zoom and it does give you some basic over rides for creativity. It's offers full auto, shutter priority, aperature priority, manual and exposure compensation. It also has macro mode which is pretty good.
I'm not say you should buy this camera as it is slow to focus. But it has been an all around great little camera and even at only 4 megapixels, I've gotten some nice 11x14" prints from it.
The lens is going to be the most important part of any camera, as it's the lens that makes the picture.
Get one with a hefty optical zoom. Don't be swayed by digital zooms as all they do is magnify the image and also the pixels. Get one that's easy to understand so you don't have to keep the users manual with you whenever you shoot.
The Kodak was truthfully my second. The first was a little Canon. Everything was displayed as an icon and by the end of the evening I had about had it haveing to thumb through the book, which was about the size of a 707 pilots guide. The next day I took it back and exchanged it for the Kodak.
So, quality lens, good zoom, easy to use and understand. That would be three things to look for. Since you are just starting out, I wouldn't bother looking for bells and whistles as most of your shooting will probably be done in auto mode anyway, until you learn more and discover for yourself if it's something you really enjoy and are interested in. then start looking at more seriouse equipment.

For additional help and info, try going through this sites camera calculator. On the left of your screen click on 'Reviews' then click on the top most selection. Answer the questions as best you can and it will give you a list of cameras that fall under that criteria.

Good luck!

Bob

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

Please don't misunderstand, but your question is similar to asking "which car is the best car."

In my opinion, there is no "best." There are cameras that do certain jobs better than others.

"...more like just trying to preserve a special moment for me."

"preservation" of your photos is a subject as long as the camera's themselves! Preserving photos as well as cataloging them is hardly a simple task, so a good understanding of the plethora of software out there is essential, not to mention post processing; which by the way, can be quite an addiction to many. LOL

Back to your question: Just starting out, the cost of the camera IS an object. I would not lay out thousands of dollars if I were just starting out..if you find out you really don't like photography, at least you're not stuck with a camera you now want to sell.
Look for a camera where you have SOME creative control. (i.e)...The modes should include the ability to control shutter speed and aperture..as well as fully automatic where you make no decisions.
Bob's advice is good on zoom..Get as much "optical" zoom as you can.

Make sure whatever you get, feels good in your hands.

Now, after you shoot a few million shots, come on back..by that time you'll be able to ask some more direct questions; like "which is better, digital or film." JUST KIDDING ALL! LOL

All the best,

Pete

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

You are welcome. And you are on the right track, for the most part.
One thing though, a faster shutter speed has nothing to do with how long the camera takes to write the image to the memory card. Probably a lot of your Point & Shoot cameras are lacking in this department. Especially the cheaper models.
That is more or less in the technology the camera uses. And unless the manufacturer specifically states a picture latency time in thier specs, it's really hard to know which camera is faster than another except for going to a store and trying it yourself.
Basically, the only advice I can give as far as quality optics, would be to stick with brand name cameras. Casio is not one of them.
Stick with brands like Canon, Nikon etc..
The Kodak cameras that incorporate Schneider lenses are superb also, although they have a long latency.
Here again, going on the info you shared in your opening comments, I would suggest a high quality point & shoot for the type of shooting you said you would be doing.
Again, I would suggest going through the camera calculator and narrow your search down to just three manufacturers. Read whatever specs the sight gives for each model and then read the reviews. If you want to know the real scoop on a product, don't go by what the manufacture says or even by magazine reviews. Instead, get it from the people who have bought and are actually using the camera. Then you'll know the true pros and cons.

Bob

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

Bob

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

Chelsea

To love this comment, log in above
April 15, 2006

A great website to research digital cameras is www.dpreview.com. There's a lot of information there, but I've found it really helpful. Just be prepared to do some reading!!

To love this comment, log in above
April 16, 2006