S400 perfect fit for all

[olyman]

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those everyday shots that you never would have with any other type camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip (mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera, otherwise good guy)

olyman

 

[CHIA]

I agree for the most part, and am currently considering an S230 to compliment my G3 any day now....would rather have an S400, but by the time you add an extra battery and a bigger CF card, it's a pricey toy, considering I already have a G3 with accessories. If I could get the S400 for about 325-350, I'd probably take the leap, but being Canadian can be a real drawback when it comes to the almighty US dollar.

I used to have an S10, and must say that I truly miss having a small pocketable camera that I can ALWAYS have with me. The G3 is an amazing camera, and I would not consider replacing it, but a small camera will compliment the G3 perfectly!

CHIA

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

 

[graph (g3)]

i wonder if the s50 is a good g3 compliment. whenever im left with the s230 i feel so powerless. i need more mannual controls.

I used to have an S10, and must say that I truly miss having a
small pocketable camera that I can ALWAYS have with me. The G3 is
an amazing camera, and I would not consider replacing it, but a
small camera will compliment the G3 perfectly!

CHIA

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

--
[email protected]
(oly-340, S110, S330)
(currently s230 & G3 w/ two 420ex & St-e2)

 

[Stephen Kovac Jr]

The Pentax Optio S4 which has just been announced would also make a good carry always with you type camera.

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

 

[CHIA]

i wonder if the s50 is a good g3 compliment. whenever im left with
the s230 i feel so powerless. i need more mannual controls.

You're right ,in some respects it's really a closer fit, with all the manual controls, but it's quite a bit bigger, and enough to make the difference in my mind....wish there was an S400 body with S50 controls...the perfect side-kick!

CHIA

 

[Max@Home]

Afternoon Olyman

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera..... pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

Replace photography enthusiast with serious snapshooter and I totally agree ;-).

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time.

Speak for yourself, I take that consious effort, and carry my G3 all the time!

On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

So not only do I have to wear jeans under my smoking, but I also have to carry TWO cameras now? ;-)) OK, I see what you mean.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

What 'new element'? Do you mean the element of 'always with you, all the time'?

Before 'going digital', I used to carry a Rollei 35SE 35mm compact 'always with me, all the time', so I guess it's only a 'new element' to those who didn't use to take their camera's 'always with them, all the time' due to their camera's size.

I do admit that an S400 even beats the Rollei, when it comes to portability.

But however portable, where's the creative control? No Av or Tv (yes, they were both on the Rollei!) seriously limits your capability in taking these moments the way YOU want them (creative photography), although I admit you will capture the scene correctly (serious snapshot).

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

Huh? he has never ripped the S400, just explained and compared the feature-sets with the G3(G5). If you really take the time to read all his posts, you'll find he actually likes the S400 for what it is: a perfect small snapshooter, and this NOT ment to belittle in any way.

I understand your enthusiasm for the S400 and it's alike's, but (agreeing with Mike) NO camera is the perfect camera for EVERYBODY, ALL cameras are compromises, and you'll have to find yourself YOUR best compromise.

If you have found this to be a S400 in your case, and now own one, congratulations! It will allow YOU to indulge your passions the best way YOU see fit.

But... this DOES NOT necessarily has to apply to the rest of the world, and for sure does not apply to me!

Kindest regards,

Max@Home
--
Max@Home - G3 - 420ex, Castricum, Netherlands

http://www.pbase.com/max_at_home (mind you, use underscores!)

 

[Robert Deutsch]

i wonder if the s50 is a good g3 compliment. whenever im left with
the s230 i feel so powerless. i need more mannual controls.

The difference in size between S400/230 and the S50 is such that one is pocketable whereas the other is not. I had an S30 and liked it a lot, and I first thought I'd be able to carry it in my shirt pocket, but it's just too heavy and a bit too bulky for that, so I ended up buying a waist pouch to carry it. This is not as unobtrusive as being able to carry the camera in your pocket, which I can very easily with the S400. I don't really miss the extra manual features of the S30. In any case, this quote from Phil's review indicates that the S50 is not the best of this series of cameras:

"I simply don't feel it is as good at that as the S45 was with the four megapixel sensor. It seems to me that with these very small lens systems there is an optimum sensor resolution beyond which problems such as sharpness and chromatic aberrations increase. Add to this the fact that we are seeing more noise from the 1/1.8" type five megapixel CCD and you may begin to understand some of my reasoning." ( http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons50/page13.asp )

Bob

 

[olyman]

Replace photography enthusiast with serious snapshooter and I

totally agree ;-).

Max, I am a photo enthusiast, have been for 30yrs. Its just that when I didnt have my camera with me, I mean on me, I missed lots of great shots.

Speak for yourself, I take that consious effort, and carry my G3
all the time!

seriously?? wow thats dedication. obviously if i could stand it, i would love to have my g3 or my oly 2100 with me all the time. but its to often that a camera around my neck or a fanny pack would be out of place. not to mention uncomfortable 8hrs a day.

So not only do I have to wear jeans under my smoking,

huh?

have to carry TWO cameras now? ;-)) OK, I see what you mean.

No ,I seldom carry 2 cameras. I still take just as many pic's with my 2100, g3, e10(sold) as I allways did.

.

What 'new element'? Do you mean the element of 'always with you,
all the time'?
Before 'going digital', I used to carry a Rollei 35SE 35mm compact
'always with me, all the time', so I guess it's only a 'new
element' to those who didn't use to take their camera's 'always
with them, all the time' due to their camera's size.

Yes I mean allways with you, I carry my 400 as religous as I carry my wallet. And If you can say you do that with your g3, my hats off to you. also my condolences.

I do admit that an S400 even beats the Rollei, when it comes to
portability.

Actually the 400 is at my upper limit for pocketability. any thing bigger will definatly become a burden. The casio exilim series particurly the s2 is the most pocketable I've found, its less than a half inch thick. but it suffers in picture quality.

But however portable, where's the creative control? No Av or Tv
(yes, they were both on the Rollei!) seriously limits your
capability in taking these moments the way YOU want them (creative
photography), although I admit you will capture the scene correctly
(serious snapshot).

There is no(little) control, Your simply a snapshooter with these cameras, but the point is you still got a picture you never would have if it wasnt in your pocket. and I might add, in the hands of experienced enthusiasts you'll be pleasantly suprised at the results.

Huh? he has never ripped the S400, just explained and compared the
feature-sets with the G3(G5). If you really take the time to read
all his posts, you'll find he actually likes the S400 for what it
is: a perfect small snapshooter, and this NOT ment to belittle in
any way.

Actually I'm usually in agreement with mikes views I'm just saying Mike and others like yourself can benifit from adding this camera to your arsenal. its like adding a new tool for a different job. Most of the the pictures I get with my pocket cameras are a recording of everyday life, especially when you can go back and search by dates. Its like a diary.

I understand your enthusiasm for the S400 and it's alike's, but
(agreeing with Mike) NO camera is the perfect camera for EVERYBODY,
ALL cameras are compromises, and you'll have to find yourself YOUR
best compromise.

I agree ,there is no perfect camera thus the need for more than one.

cheers
olyman

 

[Helio Filho]

(....wish there was an S400 body with
S50 controls...the perfect side-kick!)

CHIA

Oh boy, I wish it too...
--
Helio
S30 Owner
http://www.pbase.com/helio_s30
http://www.pbase.com/helio_s30y

 

[Mike Hunt]

You must be reading someone else's interpretation of my comments because I have nothing against the S400. I think it's perhaps the best pocket digital camera on the market at the moment, provided you can afford its rather high price.

What I've said, and which any reasonable person would agree, is that as a single, primary camera, the S400 lacks many features and controls that are essential for serious and creative photography. While the S400 shines for its portability and quality, it is still a point and shoot camera. In my personal experience,

I have found that cameras like this, while easy to bring along everywhere I go, are sometimes ineffective because of the slow lens, shorter battery life, and lack of manual controls. For me, personally, I find that a camera like the G3 provides a sweet spot between portability and capabilities, and yields the most versatile and useful tool in general.

For some, nothing less than an SLR will do for their needs. For others, a small, quality point and shoot camera like the S400 is just the ticket. And for others still, the S400 provides an excellent second or backup camera.

All I've done is to try to clarify the pros and cons of each camera, to help the prospective buyer choose the one that best fits his needs. Smoe people here, however, insist on portraying the S400 or other cameras as a "perfect fit for all" which is clearly an inaccurate, misguided, and misleading statement.

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

 

[Mike Hunt]

The S50 has a large portion of the G5's features in a smaller package. For me, I think the S50/S45 are not quite small enough to compensate for their slower lens, short battery life, and lack of certain useful features such as the articulated LCD and wireless remote. Personally, I think if you have something like a G3 or G5, it seems a bit redundant to buy a second camera that is only marginally smaller.

On a side note, the upcoming A80 sounds like a very intersting alternative to the S45. It's not as slickly constructed and lacks certain things like custom modes and exposure bracketing, but it has the essential manual controls, better ergonomics, much better batter life and an articulated LCD, which could be very alluring to many people.

To me, the perfect compliment to the G3 would be an S400 but with a better selection of apertures and full manual controls.

I used to have an S10, and must say that I truly miss having a
small pocketable camera that I can ALWAYS have with me. The G3 is
an amazing camera, and I would not consider replacing it, but a
small camera will compliment the G3 perfectly!

CHIA

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

--
[email protected]
(oly-340, S110, S330)
(currently s230 & G3 w/ two 420ex & St-e2)

 

[Mike Hunt]

Actually I'm usually in agreement with mikes views I'm just
saying Mike and others like yourself can benifit from adding this
camera to your arsenal.

I think I speak for Max and many others here when I say that I would graciously accept any free donation or gift of this wonderful $400 pocket camera.

 

[CHIA]

I think I speak for Max and many others here when I say that I
would graciously accept any free donation or gift of this wonderful
$400 pocket camera.

Sign me up as well please!

 

[bauerman]

What I've said, and which any reasonable person would agree, is
that as a single, primary camera, the S400 lacks many features and
controls that are essential for serious and creative photography.
While the S400 shines for its portability and quality, it is still
a point and shoot camera. In my personal experience,

I have found that cameras like this, while easy to bring along
everywhere I go, are sometimes ineffective because of the slow
lens, shorter battery life, and lack of manual controls. For me,
personally, I find that a camera like the G3 provides a sweet spot
between portability and capabilities, and yields the most versatile
and useful tool in general.

For some, nothing less than an SLR will do for their needs. For
others, a small, quality point and shoot camera like the S400 is
just the ticket. And for others still, the S400 provides an
excellent second or backup camera.

All I've done is to try to clarify the pros and cons of each
camera, to help the prospective buyer choose the one that best fits
his needs. Smoe people here, however, insist on portraying the S400
or other cameras as a "perfect fit for all" which is clearly an
inaccurate, misguided, and misleading statement.

Actually what I've found is that the ultra compacts such as the
S400 or casio exilim, are a perfect fit for the true photography
enthusiast. You allways have a camera with you, and you get those
everyday shots that you never would have with any other type
camera. I'm not saying replace your favorite camera, I'm saying add
one of these .

Any one that takes an average of 200 pics a day whilel on a trip
(mike) obviously see's art , and pictures all around them , all the
time. Thats the way I am , allways thinking, that would make a
great shot, or if I just cross the street I can get a great shot of
that building siloetted against that dark sky, or just like this
evening ,I slide my 400 out of my pocket and pulled my wife up
tight and one handed a couple of nice pics of us under a neon
steak house sign. pictures that wont win a photo contest, but we
like em.

A camera such as the G3 , while it's nowhere near the size of a
dslr. It still requires a consious effort to carry it along. Even
if its in a small fanny pouch or backpack, you still dont carry it
all the time. On the other hand if youve got an empty jean pocket
thats where you'll find your S400.

My point is , these type's of camera's add a complete new element
of photography ,they're fast, fun, and the moments you'll capture
are priceless.

Mike, open your eyes this camera wheather you know it or not is for
you and everyone else that loves taking pictures and lots of them.

(picking on Mike because he's been known to rip this camera,
otherwise good guy)

olyman

Portability is way down on my list. I love my G2 and it fits in my wifes purse - so that works great - I get access to it in most places - and she gets to pack it!

Saying the S400 is perfect for everyone would be to broad of a statement. I personally cannot even stand the smallness of the S-series. i prefer someting substantial in my hands to shoot with. The G2 gives me that.
--
Bauerman
http://www.bauerman.Galleries.photoshare.co.nz

 

[olyman]

Sorry for not being clear enough, its the perfect second camera for many of us because we already own a great full feature camera. Is it the perfect stand alone camera, not for me , but for some it could be.

Are you telling me you see no benifit in owning a second camera which takes very acceptable pictures, and that your able to carry it comfortably in your pocket all day, and ready for any thing you may find interesting or memorable. And dont tell me you carry, on your person, your g3 all day everyday. because your nuts if you do.

As passionate as you and many others are about photography, I'm saying it's a great addition to your hobby, if you can afford it. put it this way I see far more value for my $1000.00 in owning 2 cameras ,such as a g3 and s400 than I do in one d300.

cheers
olyman

 

[olyman]

Portability is way down on my list. I love my G2 and it fits in my
wifes purse - so that works great - I get access to it in most
places - and she gets to pack it!

Ya thats real conveinient for those moments where youve got about 10 seconds to capture the picture,, hey honey would you come here... I need my camera. But , thats ok everyone's different ,my favorite subjects are people in everyday life and I try for candid shots, no time to set up and pose. So I need a camera thats there when I want it, when on trips , or occasions that means a g3 or 2100 on my belt. Everyday life a 400 in my pocket. It works for me.

cheers
olyman

 

[NormanAllen]

olyman-

I agree with you, but I also respect the opinions of everyone else. I have a s400 and I LOVE IT! It's by far the coolest camera I've ever owned (and I've owned many). I have taken more pictures with the s400 in a few months than I have with my D100 (which I've owned for almost a year). I got the underwater housing for the s400 and I take even more shots now. However, I do wish it had more manual features because I sometimes want more than just a point and shoot.

Norman

Sorry for not being clear enough, its the perfect second camera for
many of us because we already own a great full feature camera. Is
it the perfect stand alone camera, not for me , but for some it
could be.

Are you telling me you see no benifit in owning a second camera
which takes very acceptable pictures, and that your able to carry
it comfortably in your pocket all day, and ready for any thing
you may find interesting or memorable. And dont tell me you carry,
on your person, your g3 all day everyday. because your nuts if you
do.

As passionate as you and many others are about photography, I'm
saying it's a great addition to your hobby, if you can afford it.
put it this way I see far more value for my $1000.00 in owning 2
cameras ,such as a g3 and s400 than I do in one d300.

cheers
olyman

 

[olyman]

olyman-

I agree with you, but I also respect the opinions of everyone else.
I have a s400 and I LOVE IT! It's by far the coolest camera I've
ever owned (and I've owned many). I have taken more pictures with
the s400 in a few months than I have with my D100 (which I've owned
for almost a year). I got the underwater housing for the s400 and
I take even more shots now. However, I do wish it had more manual
features because I sometimes want more than just a point and shoot.

Same thing happened to me, the number of pictures I took increased 2 fold. I still love my other cameras but having one with you allways is a new ,fun experience. Cant describe it , just have to try it. Did you check out the new exilim z3 its smaller than the s400 and takes comparable pictures.

cheers
olyman

 

[bauerman]

Sorry for not being clear enough, its the perfect second camera for
many of us because we already own a great full feature camera. Is
it the perfect stand alone camera, not for me , but for some it
could be.

Are you telling me you see no benifit in owning a second camera
which takes very acceptable pictures, and that your able to carry
it comfortably in your pocket all day, and ready for any thing
you may find interesting or memorable. And dont tell me you carry,
on your person, your g3 all day everyday. because your nuts if you
do.

As passionate as you and many others are about photography, I'm
saying it's a great addition to your hobby, if you can afford it.
put it this way I see far more value for my $1000.00 in owning 2
cameras ,such as a g3 and s400 than I do in one d300.

cheers
olyman

I would actually love to have an S400 as a second camera - I, however, cannot afford two cameras at any given point in time. With that being said - and if I can only have one cam - it has got to be one that has full control - like my G2. I would not want the S400 to be my ONLY camera - for the reasons that have been explained so well in this and other threads.

--
Bauerman
http://www.bauerman.Galleries.photoshare.co.nz

 

[olyman]

Actually I'm usually in agreement with mikes views I'm just
saying Mike and others like yourself can benifit from adding this
camera to your arsenal.

I think I speak for Max and many others here when I say that I
would graciously accept any free donation or gift of this wonderful
$400 pocket camera.

Only if, you Mike write a 200 word essay on how the addition of an S400 will likely improve the quality of your life.

cheers
olyman