Discussion
We've got a few special occasions coming up next year and are seriously thinking about investing in a digital camera. Problem is I don't know which one to go for. The Old man has got a Sony Cyber Shot and is v pleased with it, however I am quite impressed with the Canon's. I've got the website thing sorted....they are so so cheap compared to retail outlets just can't decide which one to go for. Also need some advice on the Optical/Digital zoom malarky...which to look at etc.
This is the short list.
HP Photosmart R707
Canon IXUS 500
Sony Cyber Shot DSC T1
Sony Cyber Shot DSC P100
Has anyone had any experience of the above, or recommend any alternatives. All advice greatly accepted.
P.S. Compact, lightweight and robust order of the day
This is the short list.
HP Photosmart R707
Canon IXUS 500
Sony Cyber Shot DSC T1
Sony Cyber Shot DSC P100
Has anyone had any experience of the above, or recommend any alternatives. All advice greatly accepted.
P.S. Compact, lightweight and robust order of the day
www.steves-digicams.com - the best, most objective independent review site - this guy is amazingly anal.
Here is the only place you will get a fair and balanced opinion.
If you wanted a biased opinion - the Canon - outstanding !
Here is the only place you will get a fair and balanced opinion.
If you wanted a biased opinion - the Canon - outstanding !
RobDickinson said:
Basicaly IGNORE digital zoom completly.
Its nothing you cant do much better yourself in photoshop or whatever later.
Very true.
You may want to have a look at the Konica cameras which are slightly higher spec than the Canons. They are similar in size & sexiness, and slightly cheaper to buy.
Good luck
SP
Depending on budget/size this thread might be of interest
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=128363&f=109&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=128363&f=109&h=0
sixpot said:
Realy depends on what you want out of the camera - what are you going to ise it for mainly, holiday snaps, landscape?
Bit of everything really.......Work use, holidays, weddings, etc etc General all purpose camera required
Ok - do you want some sort of manual control (of apature/shutter speed/focus) or happy with auto everything all the time?
Are you going to print out pics, if so how big would you want - or are you going to post process or crop on PC (relates to mp/resolution)
RobDickinson said:
Ok - do you want some sort of manual control (of apature/shutter speed/focus) or happy with auto everything all the time?
Are you going to print out pics, if so how big would you want - or are you going to post process or crop on PC (relates to mp/resolution)
I don't think he's looking for 'seat of the pants' stuff. One thing that might be handy is a big zoom.
Re printing, 4Mp is fine for A4 prints - and how many people make A3 prints anyway? I think resolution is now so high that it's not really an issue.
RobDickinson said:
RobDickinson said:
Realy depends on what you want out of the camera - what are you going to ise it for mainly, holiday snaps, landscape?
Bit of everything really.......Work use, holidays, weddings, etc etc General all purpose camera required
Ok - do you want some sort of manual control (of apature/shutter speed/focus) or happy with auto everything all the time?
Are you going to print out pics, if so how big would you want - or are you going to post process or crop on PC (relates to mp/resolution)
Before I answer....any chance of explaining the manual shutter thing a little more?
sixpot said:
Before I answer....any chance of explaining the manual shutter thing a little more?
To take a photo your working with light, and primarily your 'low level' controls over this are the appature of the lense and the speed of the shutter.
Auto mode works this all out for you, given averages in what it thinks you want. And is fine for landscape/snaps etc.
But sometimes you'll want something different. A long exposure for waterfall or fast exposure for motor racing. Without some sort of manual override the camera will just go on doing what it thinks is best.
For 95% of photo's any camera will do with auto mode, unless you 'get arty' or want something specialised (like sports photograpy).
Your looking at tiny point and shoots, I guess most of these only work in full auto mode.
RobDickinson said:
Before I answer....any chance of explaining the manual shutter thing a little more?
To take a photo your working with light, and primarily your 'low level' controls over this are the appature of the lense and the speed of the shutter.
Auto mode works this all out for you, given averages in what it thinks you want. And is fine for landscape/snaps etc.
But sometimes you'll want something different. A long exposure for waterfall or fast exposure for motor racing. Without some sort of manual override the camera will just go on doing what it thinks is best.
For 95% of photo's any camera will do with auto mode, unless you 'get arty' or want something specialised (like sports photograpy).
Your looking at tiny point and shoots, I guess most of these only work in full auto mode.
Ok...thanks....yeah point and shoot sums me up exactly...on a serious note though....auto will do me fine.
Pretty much made my mind up now (Canon it is I think)...but have one final question......consumables......Are the Canon or Sony consumables cheaper, and I guess you don't get cases for the kinda money being asked for on the Net
Cannon review :
www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/s500.html
Has custom battery and charger.
manual exposure so you can faff a bit
AF assist light
Comes with a 32mb compact flash card (CF).
CF cards are the biggest (physicaly) but the cheapest memory cards, 512mb will be around £35-50 online.
www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/s500.html
Has custom battery and charger.
manual exposure so you can faff a bit
AF assist light
Comes with a 32mb compact flash card (CF).
CF cards are the biggest (physicaly) but the cheapest memory cards, 512mb will be around £35-50 online.
sixpot said:
but have one final question......consumables......Are the Canon or Sony consumables cheaper
Consumables: none!
But you should get an extra battery, because if you're away from the charger and the battery dies, you're buggered. You don't need a branded battery; eBay is fine.
You'll also need a bigger memory card than the one the camera will come with. 256Mb should be plenty, and that won't be Sony or Canon anyway.
Bee_Jay said:
<a href="http://www.steves-digicams.com">www.steves-digicams.com</a> - the best, most objective independent review site - this guy is amazingly anal.
Here is the only place you will get a fair and balanced opinion.
If you wanted a biased opinion - the Canon - outstanding !
Unfortunately, no sign of the IXUS 500 on it.
That's because it's in as an S500!
>> Edited by mrmaggit on Tuesday 19th October 13:10
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