I hope you guys can help me

[mieke]

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least 10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic, something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury, which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[Alan Sh]

I think the Fuji 5000 would make a good camera for you. It has a 10 x zoom, it is 3 mp and the images out of the camera look OK and do not require post processing.

I think the A2 is not for you because of the zoom. It is only a 7 x zoom (or 6.5 if you read some articles). It can give good pictures out of the camera - you just have to adjust the settings first and that may take some time.

What you have not done is to tell us what you do with the picures ? If it is printing to A4 size, then the Fuji is fine. If you want to go much bigger, then look at the A2 and learn its features.

Does this help ?

Alan

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[Alan Sh]

I should read before opeing my mouth....

The Z2 is a wonderful camera and will be great for you. It has, by all accounts, a great macro facility.

Alan

I think the A2 is not for you because of the zoom. It is only a 7 x
zoom (or 6.5 if you read some articles). It can give good pictures
out of the camera - you just have to adjust the settings first and
that may take some time.

What you have not done is to tell us what you do with the picures ?
If it is printing to A4 size, then the Fuji is fine. If you want to
go much bigger, then look at the A2 and learn its features.

Does this help ?

Alan

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[Suzy Q15]

Any of the cameras that you mention should give you excellent results. I just wondered if you would find the abillity to use a remote control useful. It seems to me that there are many occasions that you could find something to help support the camera and perhaps using a remote might be more convenient in some circumstances, relieving your hands of the greatest burden. I believe you can purchase an optional remote control for the Olympus C-750 or the C-770, as far as I know the 760.765 doesn't have that option.

I don't mention the other cameras because I don't think they have remote controls either, but I would be very happy to be proved wrong. I wish you the best in finding the right camera for you.

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[Robert Land]

Mieke,

From how you describe your circumstances, it seems that you need a good Point and Shoot camera (I could be wrong). There are some good ones out there at reasonable prices and I’m going to have to do some research on those since a family member does not in any way want to deal with PP. From what you are indicating, the A1 or A2 seems inappropriate. The only advantage I can see for you would be the Anti-Shake but from what you say, that feature isn’t enough to justify purchasing either one because of the weight and having to get out of the Auto or P mode and do PP which you don’t seem interested in as you have stated.

You’re having a problem with holding the camera for any length of time as well and possibly coordination with buttons and menus I would suspect (correct me if I’m wrong)?

You also need it to be lightweight? How lightweight? How small of a camera are you interested in? For instance, I can’t stand holding a camera the size of a pack of cigarettes but others think it’s cool.

I’ll keep you in mind when searching for a good P&S. Something easy to use, fast, gives good pics and doesn’t burn up batteries like they grow on trees, etc. (this may not exist). Believe me, I’ll be asking this forums advice while doing my research
Regards,
Robert

Mieke, this was my previous response in the Q&A Forum:

Mieke,

I think everyone could be of more help if you went into more detail > about your injuries or at least how they affect you and also your prior > experience in photography. The injuries alone could determine whether > or not you need any kind of Anti-shake or Image Stabilization. What do > you intend to do with the photographs you take? Enlarge? Crop? What > type of photographs do you anticipate shooting…..action, macro, family, > etc.? Do you want the camera to do the work for you or do you have an > interest in photo processing? Are you experienced at PP and if so, what > software are you using? What is your price range? The speed of the > camera does seem to be an issue for you though. Also, don’t be fooled > by the digital zoom as this is often a commercial ploy directed towards the > inexperienced and you can usually accomplish the same end result in most > any PP software. Optical zoom is what you should look at.

I may not be able to answer your questions directly but if you answer the > questions I asked you in an organized format, this may help you get good > responses. I mainly converse in the Minolta Forum and have little > experience in others but I can tell you from experience that if you ask > this question there with more detailed information, you will no doubt be > well advised. The Minolta Forum usually looks out for the person rather > than promoting a Minolta camera just for the sake of it. Many of the > regulars own an array of different brands. I’m sure other Forums on this > site are the same; I’m just not experienced with them. Good luck in your > search.

Regards,
Robert

All photos are taken with the A1 unless otherwise noted. Helpful critiques are always welcome.


A1/A2 facts and answers to frequently asked questions. Covers other helpful topics as well. http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies/mtf_faq
Using Pbase, Minolta FAx, MTF Faces, Challenge Rules, etc.
http://www.pbase.com/mtf_foto_studies

 

[vinc&t]

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

of course it is the right forum for this, no problem!

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

there are 3 kinds of time consuming moments when we talk about digital photograpy (4 if you include composing your shot, which usually is the longest)

1. startuptime of the camera. time from pressing the powerbutton to ready for focus.

2. focus time. generally depends on the scene you are shooting but also the quality of the Auto Focus of the camera determines the time it consumes. the more contrast and good lighting the better AF will work.

3. shutter lag. This means there is some time between the pressing the button and actually taking the picture. this usually is no longer then 2 seconds, in most situations faster though (check camera tests)

the first can be done while not holding the camera to your face.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

these are all good camera's and will suffice....
the newer camer's tend to have faster AF time end less shutter lag.

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera.

the correct englisch term is Single Lense Reflex and SLR in short, but since I am aso dutch nice translation! ;-)

I worked with three

different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures.

then you'll love digital photography, especially the "don't hesitate to shoot" thinking is nice and will not spil your roll of film.

I've never worked with a computer program

touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt.

I would recommend that you also look at the possibilities of a tripod to lessen the strain on your arms and also improve the shots at 10x zoom because form the hand these shots need very good lighting to have fast shutterspeeds to compensate for handshaking. There are quite nice and budget priced tripods available (from about 30 euro's) that are not much heavier than 1 kilogram and come in a carrybag.

My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good

camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

what weight are you looking for?

thank you for listening,

Mieke

you will find that every camera has its pro's and con's and will have enthousiastic owners who will share all their good experiences with you. but this will probably not make the choice much eassier.

check tests and sites on which they test and compare the models you are currently considering. making a list of demands will determine what camera you need in technical point of view, but picture quality (besides the professional tests) will be someting you have to explore yourself.

You probably know alot of sites already and if you don't check a dutch page: digitalefotografie.pagina.nl

tip. do not mistake serious tests from for example steves digicams and other professional testing with tests that come from computer magazines and consumermagazine testing in which they always seem to grade according to battery life or other specs that do not have anything to do with picture quality. (some exceptions of course)

good luck with your choice ank keep us posted on your results..

 

[Darrin Behm]

Hey Mieke,

Now that is different, my wife is from Indonesia and her name is spelled Meike. Indonesia was a Dutch Colony at one time right? Hmmmmm

Anyway, all those camera listed below would work for you. I looked at the Minolta Z1 and Fuji S5000 when I wanted a small digicam, but ended up getting the Fuji even though I had the Minolta flash unit. The Fuji just felt better in my hands and I like the AF speed as it seemed better than my friends Z1.

Only bad thing about the Fuji is that there is only one JPEG compression ratio and it is pretty harsh on the pictures. So going above a 5"x7" print is not adviseable. BUT you can get better. Setting the sharpening in the camera to soft makes a world of difference. Also there is a Wonderful RAW setting in the Fuji. So easy to work with in PS CS. The camera has limited ISO capabilities as you can only choose from ISO 200, 400 and ISO 800 only at 1MP (stupid feature).

The features otherwise on the Fuji are great, but if I were to do it again I would have gone up to the S7000 for about the same price with the rebate Fuji has on that one or have waited a bit and gotten the Z2.

Darrin

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

--
Remember, never eat more than you can lift.

 

[mieke]

Thanks,

it's not too heavy or slow? I think it's just within my price range, I was leaning towards the Fuji because it's cheaper

something I also noticed the all-star around the 37/38mm and none seem to go low like 24 mm why is that?

Mieke

The Z2 is a wonderful camera and will be great for you. It has, by
all accounts, a great macro facility.

Alan

I think the A2 is not for you because of the zoom. It is only a 7 x
zoom (or 6.5 if you read some articles). It can give good pictures
out of the camera - you just have to adjust the settings first and
that may take some time.

What you have not done is to tell us what you do with the picures ?
If it is printing to A4 size, then the Fuji is fine. If you want to
go much bigger, then look at the A2 and learn its features.

Does this help ?

Alan

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[mieke]

BTW I also keep my replies as short as possible, because typing is not the easiest thing for me either

of course it is the right forum for this, no problem!

thanks

there are 3 kinds of time consuming moments when we talk about
digital photograpy (4 if you include composing your shot, which
usually is the longest)

1. startuptime of the camera. time from pressing the powerbutton to
ready for focus.
2. focus time. generally depends on the scene you are shooting but
also the quality of the Auto Focus of the camera determines the
time it consumes. the more contrast and good lighting the better AF
will work.
3. shutter lag. This means there is some time between the pressing
the button and actually taking the picture. this usually is no
longer then 2 seconds, in most situations faster though (check
camera tests)

the first can be done while not holding the camera to your face.

and how bad is the time on the other two, and especially concerned about two and three. And something I cannot find in most camera tests, or I am on able to understand the information too technical

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

these are all good camera's and will suffice....
the newer camer's tend to have faster AF time end less shutter lag.

ok, which are the newer ones?

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera.

the correct englisch term is Single Lense Reflex and SLR in short,
but since I am aso dutch nice translation! ;-)

Aaaahhh, thanks.

I worked with three

different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures.

then you'll love digital photography, especially the "don't
hesitate to shoot" thinking is nice and will not spil your roll of
film.

I would love that!

I've never worked with a computer program

touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt.

I would recommend that you also look at the possibilities of a
tripod to lessen the strain on your arms and also improve the shots
at 10x zoom because form the hand these shots need very good
lighting to have fast shutterspeeds to compensate for handshaking.
There are quite nice and budget priced tripods available (from
about 30 euro's) that are not much heavier than 1 kilogram and come
in a carrybag.

some of the Internet shops I'm looking at have package deals which includes a tripod

My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good

camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

what weight are you looking for?

I have had the Fuji in my hands and that is about the limit, maybe a little bit more. I like that design as it gives a good grip.

Mieke

 

[mieke]

Hi,

how does that work exactly, I have never heard of remote controls with cameras

Mieke

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for a question like this, I
asked if on the Q&A forum and Robert land told me that I should ask
it here, because you guys know so much and are very nice

this was my original question

I want to buy my first digital camera, so far I have used a normal
one. Yet I find it very hard to decide. Due to some injuries I
cannot hold a camera for very long, and I have been told that some
digital cameras take a long time to actually shoot a photo.

as I am used to high-quality photos I would like to have at least
10x zoom and 3 mega pixels

I have narrowed it down to a few, if anybody knows them can they
give me advise, or if you know another one not too expensive let me
know please

fuji s5000
Minolta Dimage Z1
Konica Minolta Dimage Z2
Kodak DX 6490 UZ
Olympus C-760 UZ

thanks in advance

Robert told me to elaborate on it. I have worked with a Minolta
camera for 12 years, as I'm Dutch I don't know the exact term
translated we call it a mirror reflex camera. I worked with three
different lenses, yet I never got around to taking it of automatic,
something I do want to do in the future. I enjoy taking pictures
of landscapes and buildings and taking close-ups, just taking
special pictures. I've never worked with a computer program
touching up photos, something I probably wouldn't be able to do as
I cannot use my hands much. I have RSI, repetitive strain injury,
which means my arms and hands get tired very soon and start to
hurt. My old camera is too heavy. So what am looking for is a good
camera, that is also not too heavy, and that I don't have to hold
upright too long to take photos.

thank you for listening,

Mieke

 

[mieke]

Hi,

Mieke,
From how you describe your circumstances, it seems that you need a
good Point and Shoot camera (I could be wrong). There are some good
ones out there at reasonable prices and I’m going to have to do
some research on those since a family member does not in any way
want to deal with PP. From what you are indicating, the A1 or A2
seems inappropriate. The only advantage I can see for you would be
the Anti-Shake but from what you say, that feature isn’t enough to
justify purchasing either one because of the weight and having to
get out of the Auto or P mode and do PP which you don’t seem
interested in as you have stated.

my minimum requirements are at least 3 megapixels and 10 zoom. I would like a camera that started at something less than 37 mm, I haven't found those yet. As I sometimes like to take pictures of buildings from close distances.

You’re having a problem with holding the camera for any length of
time as well and possibly coordination with buttons and menus I
would suspect (correct me if I’m wrong)?

you're right, it helps if they are easy-to-use

You also need it to be lightweight? How lightweight? How small of a
camera are you interested in? For instance, I can’t stand holding a
camera the size of a pack of cigarettes but others think it’s cool.

I have seen those and I don't like them. Something like the S5000 that looks like a camera and has a good grip. For weight that's just about the maximum

Mieke

 

[mieke]

Hi,

Hey Mieke,

Now that is different, my wife is from Indonesia and her name is
spelled Meike. Indonesia was a Dutch Colony at one time right?
Hmmmmm

yes it was indeed until 1948 I think. Nice coincidence

Anyway, all those camera listed below would work for you. I looked
at the Minolta Z1 and Fuji S5000 when I wanted a small digicam, but
ended up getting the Fuji even though I had the Minolta flash unit.
The Fuji just felt better in my hands and I like the AF speed as
it seemed better than my friends Z1.

I have had the Fuji in my hands and I did like it

Only bad thing about the Fuji is that there is only one JPEG
compression ratio and it is pretty harsh on the pictures. So going
above a 5"x7" print is not adviseable. BUT you can get better.
Setting the sharpening in the camera to soft makes a world of
difference. Also there is a Wonderful RAW setting in the Fuji. So
easy to work with in PS CS. The camera has limited ISO capabilities
as you can only choose from ISO 200, 400 and ISO 800 only at 1MP
(stupid feature).

things like JPEG are completely new to me. With normal cameras you just get photos on one format, and I wasn't thinking of going much bigger

The features otherwise on the Fuji are great, but if I were to do
it again I would have gone up to the S7000 for about the same price
with the rebate Fuji has on that one or have waited a bit and
gotten the Z2.

it's so difficult to make a choice )

PS how much extra memory do you have to buy? For example how many photos can you make one 128 MB

Mieke

 

[Darrin Behm]

things like JPEG are completely new to me. With normal cameras you
just get photos on one format, and I wasn't thinking of going much
bigger

With 4"x6" prints you iwll be happy with the fuji and any other of those listed.

it's so difficult to make a choice )
PS how much extra memory do you have to buy? For example how many
photos can you make one 128 MB

With a 128MB card:
6MP: 86 pictures
3MP: 162
2MP: 204
1MP: 275

RAW: 18 Pictures

Darrin

--
Remember, never eat more than you can lift.

 

[mieke]

things like JPEG are completely new to me. With normal cameras you
just get photos on one format, and I wasn't thinking of going much
bigger

With 4"x6" prints you iwll be happy with the fuji and any other of
those listed.

that is the normal format? I am used to cm

it's so difficult to make a choice )
PS how much extra memory do you have to buy? For example how many
photos can you make one 128 MB

With a 128MB card:
6MP: 86 pictures
3MP: 162
2MP: 204
1MP: 275

RAW: 18 Pictures

what does RAW mean?

Mieke

 

[Dennis Phillips]

All these cameras weigh between 280 and 340 grams - not enough difference to sway the decision.

I recommend either a tripod (or a monopod) and a shutter cord regardless of which camera you select.

The pod will take the weight while you fiddle with the lens and other controls.

The shutter cord uses the thumb to activate the shutter. Repetitive stress syndrome often affects the fingers more than the thumbs, so you might find the shutter cord less painful for a longer period. Plus you can let your arms hang down while using the cord, a more restful blood-flow position.

I like using the shutter cord-tripod combination for landscapes because it allows me to walk around the shot, seeing if I've got the best angle, or ensuring that I don't have extra stuff in the picture that I'll have to post-process out later. If you want to avoid computer time, do consider using a tripod and shutter cord.

I've just recommended the Minolta Z1 to my wife. She's a point-and-shoot photographer at the moment, but I think she'll enjoy the hobby enough that she'll want to learn how to manually alter her pictures. The Z1 has a nice price point for a camera that can be a point-and-shoot, yet allows for progress as one's interest increases.

Another feature that my wife liked about the Z1 is its video capability. It's one of the few cameras in this price range that can take near TV quality images at 640x480 pixels at 30 frames per second.

Plus it uses readily available AA batteries, whereas the Kodak uses a proprietary battery.

Good luck with your decision.

Dennis

 

[Suzy Q15]

The remote will work similarly to your television remote. I gave posted some photos of the C750:







By the way, it should be able to set up your camera (any of the cameras that you have on your list) so that you have a few preset modes that work for special situations. Many of the perameters in the menu such as aperture, shutter speed, zoom, etc. can be set and saved and assigned to a certain button. It would be helpful for you if you have someone who can so some of the manual setup of the camera when you first start out as it can be somewhat tiresome.

On big difference that you will find is that digital cameras in general have much greater Deapth of Field, so an f stop of 8 will be roughly equivielent to f16 in the SLR, so you can keep this in mind when setting up your camera.
Again, good luck.

how does that work exactly, I have never heard of remote controls
with cameras

Mieke

 

[mieke]

Hi,

Thanks this looks really interresting. I had never heard of it, I will get into it.

Mieke

By the way, it should be able to set up your camera (any of the
cameras that you have on your list) so that you have a few preset
modes that work for special situations. Many of the perameters in
the menu such as aperture, shutter speed, zoom, etc. can be set and
saved and assigned to a certain button. It would be helpful for
you if you have someone who can so some of the manual setup of the
camera when you first start out as it can be somewhat tiresome.
On big difference that you will find is that digital cameras in
general have much greater Deapth of Field, so an f stop of 8 will
be roughly equivielent to f16 in the SLR, so you can keep this in
mind when setting up your camera.
Again, good luck.

how does that work exactly, I have never heard of remote controls
with cameras

Mieke

 

[mieke]

Hi,

I had never heard of the shutter cord, do photo shops sell them?

Thanks

Mieke

All these cameras weigh between 280 and 340 grams - not enough
difference to sway the decision.

I recommend either a tripod (or a monopod) and a shutter cord
regardless of which camera you select.

The pod will take the weight while you fiddle with the lens and
other controls.

The shutter cord uses the thumb to activate the shutter. Repetitive
stress syndrome often affects the fingers more than the thumbs, so
you might find the shutter cord less painful for a longer period.
Plus you can let your arms hang down while using the cord, a more
restful blood-flow position.

I like using the shutter cord-tripod combination for landscapes
because it allows me to walk around the shot, seeing if I've got
the best angle, or ensuring that I don't have extra stuff in the
picture that I'll have to post-process out later. If you want to
avoid computer time, do consider using a tripod and shutter cord.

I've just recommended the Minolta Z1 to my wife. She's a
point-and-shoot photographer at the moment, but I think she'll
enjoy the hobby enough that she'll want to learn how to manually
alter her pictures. The Z1 has a nice price point for a camera that
can be a point-and-shoot, yet allows for progress as one's interest
increases.

Another feature that my wife liked about the Z1 is its video
capability. It's one of the few cameras in this price range that
can take near TV quality images at 640x480 pixels at 30 frames per
second.

Plus it uses readily available AA batteries, whereas the Kodak uses
a proprietary battery.

Good luck with your decision.

Dennis

 

[Dennis Phillips]

Hi,

I had never heard of the shutter cord, do photo shops sell them?

Thanks

Mieke

Yes. But these cords often have specific connector interfaces for specific cameras. Some of them can be quite expensive, so shop around. Here's a link that shows a picture of the kind of remote shutter cord that I use on my Minolta 7Hi.

http://www.cameraworld.com/pr/pr0107.html

I can press down with my thumb on the black button to take a predetermined shutter speed, or slide it back for a manually timed speed.

Dennis

 

[Suzy Q15]

Since most of the cameras you mentioned don't have a way to use a traditional shutter release cable, I decided to post a link to a site that gives directions on building your own. If you know someone who likes do-it-yourself projects perhaps you can talk him into helping with such a project:
http://www.mediachance.com/digicam/cablerelease/index.htm

The shutter cord uses the thumb to activate the shutter. Repetitive
stress syndrome often affects the fingers more than the thumbs, so
you might find the shutter cord less painful for a longer period.
Plus you can let your arms hang down while using the cord, a more
restful blood-flow position.

I like using the shutter cord-tripod combination for landscapes
because it allows me to walk around the shot, seeing if I've got
the best angle, or ensuring that I don't have extra stuff in the
picture that I'll have to post-process out later. If you want to
avoid computer time, do consider using a tripod and shutter cord.

I've just recommended the Minolta Z1 to my wife. She's a
point-and-shoot photographer at the moment, but I think she'll
enjoy the hobby enough that she'll want to learn how to manually
alter her pictures. The Z1 has a nice price point for a camera that
can be a point-and-shoot, yet allows for progress as one's interest
increases.

Another feature that my wife liked about the Z1 is its video
capability. It's one of the few cameras in this price range that
can take near TV quality images at 640x480 pixels at 30 frames per
second.

Plus it uses readily available AA batteries, whereas the Kodak uses
a proprietary battery.

Good luck with your decision.

Dennis