Comments

snicholshms wrote on 11/5/2004, 8:07 PM
Define the picture quality you need. 2 megapixels? 3? 7? Will you only use the pics in Vegas or blow them up to poster size? Do you want a "point and shoot" or do you require more control?
JohnnyRoy wrote on 11/5/2004, 8:15 PM
The Minolta Z2 is an excellent camera for the price ($340 at Amazon.com). I bought one for my wife and she loves it. I have an Olympus 730, which is rather old now (the current model is the 770). Both of these cameras have full manual override, 3.2 MP and a 10x optical zoom. The Olympus is great if you don’t mind pre-focusing and changing the metering modes from ESP to Spot metering when you’re in difficult lighting, but the Minolta’s multi-metering mode just takes great pictures every time regardless of the lighting. I’m very impressed with it.

~jr
johnmeyer wrote on 11/5/2004, 11:38 PM
Some amazing resources for digital camera information (I wish there was something as good for video cameras):

Imaging Resource

Steve's Digicams
rs170a wrote on 11/6/2004, 8:56 AM
I wish there was something as good for video cameras

Have you tried Camcorder info?

To add to your digital camera suggestions, there's also Digital Photography Review.

Mike
PossibilityX wrote on 11/6/2004, 3:03 PM
Michael, I got a Canon PowerShot A80. 4 megapixels, 3X zoom, good manual override and options, intelligently laid-out controls. I've been very happy with this camera (it replaced my ancient Canon AE-1 35mm.)

One BIG consideration for me was that it operates on 4 AA batteries. I use rechargable nickle metal hydrides and they give a LOT of shooting time---plus, in a pinch, you can get spare batteries anywhere, probably even in 3rd World countries. Try that with proprietary batteries!

I think I paid about $270 for the camera from B & H.
JohnnyRoy wrote on 11/6/2004, 4:48 PM
> One BIG consideration for me was that it operates on 4 AA batteries

Excellent point and another is that it does NOT operate on 2 AA batteries. I have another Olympus camera that is worthless indoors because the 2 AA batteries can’t recharge the flash fast enough to take a second picture in any reasonable amount of time. I can’t tell you how many shots I missed before I ditched this camera. So not only make sure that it takes AA batteries but make sure it takes 4 of them.

~jr
musicvid10 wrote on 11/6/2004, 8:22 PM
As far as brand names, there are two that stand out in the price range you mention, Nikon and Olympus.
PossibilityX wrote on 11/7/2004, 5:43 AM
Something else I just remembered:

The display on the A80 can be manuevered much like displays on vidcams---tilted up or down, or flipped 180 degrees for self-portraits. This feature, especially the tilting, makes for some great low- or high-angle shots and helps viewing conditions in bright light. Try ultra-low angle shots with a non-swiveling display---you better be able to crawl like a worm! Not a problem with the A80.

You can also position the display so that it nests into the back of the camera, screen side out.
johnmeyer wrote on 11/7/2004, 11:46 AM
Have you tried Camcorder info?

No I hadn't, but I have now, and it is a very good site. Thanks!
OdieInAz wrote on 11/8/2004, 6:24 AM
I am well pleased with my 2 year old Canon S50. 5 MP, point and shoot with manual control too. Current equivalent is S60, $400 at B&H. I use the jpg pictures with lots of pan/zoom in Vegas.

However, I would like a camera with movable LCD display. Sometimes I reach up high or down low for different angle.

Using manual control, I came back with lots of nice pictures from Disney's Electric Parade - nightime, no flash. I also like to photograph in available light rather than flash, and manual white balance works good too.

Don't like the slide cover over the lens -- have to be careful when sliding into my pocket, else it will try to open, but I just tuck the right side fo the camera in first.