5-6MP digicam confusion

[Kstylz]

Well, back to the Canon S60....seems you get the most for the $$ there. Still not decided, but it seems like a logical choice...though fair barrel distortion...I can't win...

megapixel.net...thx...did not find that one!! Even @ 5:30AM (EST)
I am getting great help!! What a resource!!

megapixel is quite a good site. not as detailed as others in their
reviews, but consistent.

--
Regards
Lawrence

 

[Glen Lee]

Why bother with choosing a digicam? Just buy a high quality SLR film camera. Digicam's images of skin tone can never achieve the same quality of film ones. Digicams are waste of money. I have recently come back to Film camera as my Minolta 7Hi could not meet my expectation.

 

[Kstylz]

You know, I've considerd this as well...Can u give me some ex. of high quality SLR film cameras? or review sites,etc?

I imagine they would be cheaper...and not have all the issues that even the 8MP digicams have.

Why bother with choosing a digicam? Just buy a high quality SLR
film camera. Digicam's images of skin tone can never achieve the
same quality of film ones. Digicams are waste of money. I have
recently come back to Film camera as my Minolta 7Hi could not meet
my expectation.

 

[Glen Lee]

Why bother with choosing a digicam? Just buy a high quality SLR
film camera. Digicam's images of skin tone can never achieve the
same quality of film ones. Digicams are waste of money. I have
recently come back to Film camera as my Minolta 7Hi could not meet
my expectation.

Canon EOS 30(this model outdated one in Australia) would be recommended. It is very cheap and I don't know the American version. You can buy it at 1/3 the price of Digital SLR. We are actually fooled by media and digicam mfrs that digicams produce better quality and economical. How many rolls of film do we shoot in a year? Maybe 3-7 rolls.

Then, Why digicams are economical with such exorbitant price? According to DPREVIEW Camera review Nikon D70 is tuned more closer to natural skin tone, but it is not cheap. Digital SLR camera's other problem is when dust is stuck on the surface of the sensor it cost 100-200 A$ to clean up.

Actually A$150 Canon Sureshot compact cameras produce far better skin tone than A$1700 Canon 8m digicams. As new digicams are released every 6 months the lifespan of digicams are said to be 3 years. We live in a throw-away era, computers 3 years maximum, mobile phones 2 years lifespan.

 

[Kstylz]

thx for the input...I assume that the SLR film cameras have an "auto" mode as well? Curious, do u own any digicams at all? thx again.

Why bother with choosing a digicam? Just buy a high quality SLR
film camera. Digicam's images of skin tone can never achieve the
same quality of film ones. Digicams are waste of money. I have
recently come back to Film camera as my Minolta 7Hi could not meet
my expectation.

Canon EOS 30(this model outdated one in Australia) would be
recommended. It is very cheap and I don't know the American
version. You can buy it at 1/3 the price of Digital SLR. We are
actually fooled by media and digicam mfrs that digicams produce
better quality and economical. How many rolls of film do we shoot
in a year? Maybe 3-7 rolls.
Then, Why digicams are economical with such exorbitant price?
According to DPREVIEW Camera review Nikon D70 is tuned more closer
to natural skin tone, but it is not cheap. Digital SLR camera's
other problem is when dust is stuck on the surface of the sensor it
cost 100-200 A$ to clean up.

Actually A$150 Canon Sureshot compact cameras produce far better
skin tone than A$1700 Canon 8m digicams. As new digicams are
released every 6 months the lifespan of digicams are said to be 3
years. We live in a throw-away era, computers 3 years maximum,
mobile phones 2 years lifespan.

 

[Theresa K]

There is nothing like getting the pics back from your baby's first birthday only to discover that the lighting and exposure was all wrong, or that they weren't focused clearly. UGH!

My boys are 15 and 13. I wish I had the camera then that I have now. I have learned so much due to the instant feedback of digital that you just can't get on film. You can instantly tweak your settings to get it just right. No more missed shots or half-baked photos.
--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Kstylz]

ahh yes, the baby...the whole "reason" to get a camera. That's a great point...let me ask you, TheresaK, do u also use regular film cameras with the digicams u have? If so, what kind? thx.

There is nothing like getting the pics back from your baby's first
birthday only to discover that the lighting and exposure was all
wrong, or that they weren't focused clearly. UGH!

My boys are 15 and 13. I wish I had the camera then that I have
now. I have learned so much due to the instant feedback of digital
that you just can't get on film. You can instantly tweak your
settings to get it just right. No more missed shots or half-baked
photos.
--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Theresa K]

I used to use them but since 'going digital' two years ago they collect dust. I like the immediate feedback and feel that my photography has improved 100% since then. It gives me the opportunity to reshoot anything that didn't turn out like I wanted it. I also find that I shoot many more pics than I used to because I can get them printed as I need them.

No more boxes of negatives and ugly prints sitting around! I hated shooting a roll of 24 and only having a handful that I REALLY liked. I hated throwing the others away so I stockpiled them. Another UGH!
--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Kstylz]

It is sad though that u buy a digicam and 2-3 years later it is obsolete. Think the Canon s60 may be the most logical ( features, price, etc.)
appreciate the input!

I used to use them but since 'going digital' two years ago they
collect dust. I like the immediate feedback and feel that my
photography has improved 100% since then. It gives me the
opportunity to reshoot anything that didn't turn out like I wanted
it. I also find that I shoot many more pics than I used to because
I can get them printed as I need them.

No more boxes of negatives and ugly prints sitting around! I hated
shooting a roll of 24 and only having a handful that I REALLY
liked. I hated throwing the others away so I stockpiled them.
Another UGH!
--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Theresa K]

It is sad though that u buy a digicam and 2-3 years later it is
obsolete. Think the Canon s60 may be the most logical ( features,
price, etc.)
appreciate the input!

I don't think it has to be obsolete. I don't know the specs on the Canon but I think that if you go with 4 mp or more and a decent zoom you will have a camera that gets great pics for many years. Have fun taking pics of your little one! It goes by all too fast.

--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Theresa K]

It's very similar to my first digital, 5 mp but no lens threads and no hotshoe. I upgraded a year later as I felt too limited by that camera. I would encourage you to look at cameras with both.

You may want to check out the Oly C-5050, which is about the same price but has an AWESOME lens, going all the way down to F1.8, something you don't see very often. It's great in low-light situations, you would be able to take lots of baby pics without a flash.

--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash

 

[Lucem]

I think your choice for a S60 is good.
But have you consider Canon G5 or Olympus C5060.
Both are great cameras and support RAW.

Both cameras have Wireless remotes and flipout LCD that will allow you to be part of the picture too.
Beteen the two I prefer G5 (the one I have)

Both have incredible battery perfromance the lens is not being compromised by size and also you can plug a Flash that is a must for interior shots. For your baby you just can bounce the flash off the ceiling and the your baby will be safe.

The only problem with c-5060 Theresa's camera is that RAW is too slow to be considered practical.
But don't worry if you finally buy s-60 it will be a good option.
Don't know too much about Casio one, so I can't comment on that.

The comment of film cameras have some valitdity specially for focus speed and low light situations.

But you have to know what you are doing since there is no inmediate feed back. If you had some film experience I will go for that. Film digital scannig servive for the pro-labs looks amazing.

Bottom line Check G5, specially if you want to explore the world of photography as well.
Good look with your baby.
Pay us back with some pictures.

 

[Kstylz]

The Olypmus 5060W and the Canon G5 are both nice cameras, seem beefier than the Canon S60. TheresaK, have any of the NOISE problems at default setting (I saw in review) and How slow is the actaul time between shots for a RAW file? Lucem, With the G5, do you get the purple fringing and dark corners in your shots?

I am now including these 2 cameras on my "shortlist"....which keeps changing...getin' close now though.... thx again for helping me sort it out.

I think your choice for a S60 is good.
But have you consider Canon G5 or Olympus C5060.
Both are great cameras and support RAW.
Both cameras have Wireless remotes and flipout LCD that will allow
you to be part of the picture too.
Beteen the two I prefer G5 (the one I have)
Both have incredible battery perfromance the lens is not being
compromised by size and also you can plug a Flash that is a must
for interior shots. For your baby you just can bounce the flash off
the ceiling and the your baby will be safe.
The only problem with c-5060 Theresa's camera is that RAW is too
slow to be considered practical.
But don't worry if you finally buy s-60 it will be a good option.
Don't know too much about Casio one, so I can't comment on that.
The comment of film cameras have some valitdity specially for focus
speed and low light situations.
But you have to know what you are doing since there is no inmediate
feed back. If you had some film experience I will go for that. Film
digital scannig servive for the pro-labs looks amazing.
Bottom line Check G5, specially if you want to explore the world of
photography as well.
Good look with your baby.
Pay us back with some pictures.

 

[Lucem]

The Olypmus 5060W and the Canon G5 are both nice cameras, seem
beefier than the Canon S60. TheresaK, have any of the NOISE
problems at default setting (I saw in review) and How slow is the
actaul time between shots for a RAW file? Lucem, With the G5, do
you get the purple fringing and dark corners in your shots?

Yes I got PF sometimes in certain conditions. But are not so anoying that will distract from the picture. Most of the cameras have this PF effect that is an optic phenomena. If you are looking for it you will find it in most cameras.

Whith dark corners I assume you are talking about when the internal flash is fired?

I actually almost never use the internal flash. All cameras internal flash will give you horrible exposed pictures. Unless you are using it as a filler.

If I have to use the flash I use an external one. Most of the time bouncing it to the ceiling or a wall.
If you take my word blindly.
I will suggest a G5 definetly with an external flash unit.
Don't let RAW be your main concern though.
It all comes down to the uses for your camera.

A C5060 will be better for instance if you are shooting buildings or interiors spaces that require a wide angle.
The S-60 will be better if you want to take your camera everywhere you go.

For the ultimate quality and if money is no object you can get a Digital Rebel for $900. it is going to give you better results in low light inside the house with no flash. But it is so big that you will not take it to much places, don't have a live viewfinder, and not flip-out LCD either.

If you are looking for value, I will go for a Canon A80. Small, 4MP, flip-out LCD, plenty of manual options but not flash hotshoe.
I don't want to sound like a Canon loyalist for my recommendations.

But It just happens that they have done an incredible job whith almost all their models.
I will put Olympus after canon in my personal preference.
Now, I have a homework for you.
Take your camera short list and go to pbase.com.

There is a search buttom there and you will see real world examples of this cameras. All that you have to do is search by brand then models. The pictures you will see are the one you mus likely will achieve with your selected camera.

Hasta luego.

--
..it's all about EVOLUTION.

 

[Richard Katris]

The older S30 Canon ....has gotten some VERY good reviews based upon Noise, and higher ISO capability than it's newer versions with larger pixel counts....reason is simple....larger photo sites same size sensor....

You may note that the 800 ISO is available on the S30, but not any of the similar cameras made since it was made....as those cameras with smaller photosites had unacceptable noise .....at higher ISOs, they just didn't allow the camera to do higher ISOs.

If you are going to get a unit that will NOT accept ext flash....you should consider the S30 for the higher ISO, the VERY short shutter lag (after focus), and the compact take it anywhere size and shape (fits pocket well...no protruding lens when off).....and it would probably be cheaper....oh by the way it will accept compact flash 1 or 2...which Canon doesn't even mention in their instuctions for the camera.....

My current lineup.....G2...tilt screen has it's moments...
FZ10...got to love the range of zoom, and the IS, Leica lens.....

s7000....actually pretty good camera...now down under $400...and a native 6 meg sensor.....outputs 73.9 meg 48 bit tifs...if you want to use them.....Have shot professionally with it....but shutter lag can't touch my
10D.......

None are perfect....and no matter which one you have...it will fail you some of the time....

Most important issues for babies......fast turn on, fast focus...pixels don't matter near as much if the camera isn't ready when the picture is ready to be taken.

--
Richard Katris aka Chanan

 

[Kstylz]

I did look at the Fuji S7000, but stopped once the rebate expired....I've been looking at the pics from pbase.com ( thx Lucem!) and it is interesting to see actual shots....even the Minolta A2 had these dark corners, etc. in some pics. I want something that will perform well on an auto setting (so wife can pull out and use with ease), as well as giving me the manual controls and programs to experiment and learn from. Today's shortlist includes..
Canon s60
Oly 5060W
Canon G5
Panasonic FZ10
Fuji S7000 (still need to view pics from pbase)
(and becasue I love the menus)...the Casio P600.

...this i like my second job, fun though...take care

PS...if u have a 8MP camera, and u want to print a 4x6 or 5x7, does the resolution drop when cropping the image? Is there anything that would make the 8MP shots look better than 5 megapixels when printing out these dimensions?

K

The older S30 Canon ....has gotten some VERY good reviews based
upon Noise, and higher ISO capability than it's newer versions with
larger pixel counts....reason is simple....larger photo sites same
size sensor....

You may note that the 800 ISO is available on the S30, but not any
of the similar cameras made since it was made....as those cameras
with smaller photosites had unacceptable noise .....at higher ISOs,
they just didn't allow the camera to do higher ISOs.

If you are going to get a unit that will NOT accept ext
flash....you should consider the S30 for the higher ISO, the VERY
short shutter lag (after focus), and the compact take it anywhere
size and shape (fits pocket well...no protruding lens when
off).....and it would probably be cheaper....oh by the way it will
accept compact flash 1 or 2...which Canon doesn't even mention in
their instuctions for the camera.....

My current lineup.....G2...tilt screen has it's moments...
FZ10...got to love the range of zoom, and the IS, Leica lens.....
s7000....actually pretty good camera...now down under $400...and a
native 6 meg sensor.....outputs 73.9 meg 48 bit tifs...if you want
to use them.....Have shot professionally with it....but shutter lag
can't touch my
10D.......

None are perfect....and no matter which one you have...it will fail
you some of the time....

Most important issues for babies......fast turn on, fast
focus...pixels don't matter near as much if the camera isn't ready
when the picture is ready to be taken.

--
Richard Katris aka Chanan

 

[Lawrencew]

If you look in the panasonic forum you will see that some news of panasonic's new models has leaked out
--
Regards
Lawrence

 

[Kstylz]

good call Lawrencew. So the FZ20 will prolly have a tag of 1k or higher? I have to keep checking back on this!!

If you look in the panasonic forum you will see that some news of
panasonic's new models has leaked out
--
Regards
Lawrence

 

[David Hughes124436]

It is sad though that u buy a digicam and 2-3 years later it is
obsolete.

My friend, I think you are confusing obsolete with "no longer being sold", which is not the same thing.

I have boxes of photo's taken before the great war of 1914-18 and the pictures vary a lot from snapshots to superb. So the camera that took them in 1910 would still be capable of a good photograph these days. And have you seen all the colour photo's and slides in museums, some of them going back to the early days of colour? And there's all those famous pictures of the American Civil War.. Not exactly obsolete equipment.

I think that I am like a lot of photographers because once I have found a camera that works for me (and that is important - you need one that works the way you expect it to) I keep it for as long as possible and the pictures get better and better because there is less to worry about as time goes by.

More to the point, you meet others with the same camera and swop ideas and techniques - like we do on the forum.

Lastly, beware of brand new cameras. They need to be out and tried and tested by a lot of people before they can be evaluated. Again, that's something this forum is good for. And, of course, last year's camera will probably be a lot cheaper, have the "sorted" version of the firmware and there will be lots of comments and samples on the i-net, which makes choosing very easy.

Don't forget that the acid test is a photograph. It will be remembered and admired long after the camera is forgotten.

Regards, David

 

[Theresa K]

I have not had problems with noise but honestly, I don't shoot in RAW. I tried it and was very unhappy with the fact that is was slow and required being turned into a jpeg anyway to make it a useful file. You see, RAW format varies between camera makers but jpeg is a consistant, standardized file format. You can't email them to other people or they won't be able to view the file. If you use on-line printing, they will only accept jpegs.

I find it to be a VERY versatile camera, great outdoors, with macros, shooting my kids and dogs as well as larger groups of people. If you want to see what I have done with it, visit my pbase site and look at my pics.
--
Theresa
The Digital Junkie! Constructive criticism always welcome!
http://www.pbase.com/theresa_k
Oly C-5O6O, WC0N-.7C, TC0N-1.7C & FL-4O
+1, +2, +4, +10 diopters, RF-5O ring flash