Digital camera question

[Rebel Gent]

Hi all,

Since this is one of the best forums I've found to have quesitons answered quickly and knowledgeably, I wanted to ask a couple of quick questions about digital cameras.

I've never owned one before and had gotten one as a gift recently. Unfortunately, I had to return it because it didn't work properly and now I'd like to replace it.

So I have two questions......

With a budget of around $150.00-$200.00, what are some digital camera models you might suggest for someone who hasn't owned one before.... ? (ease of use is an imporantant factor here.)

I rarely take any pictures and won't be taking many photos other than your typical "Stand right here and let me get the waterfall in the background" type of photograph.

and....

Do all digital cameras come with rechargeable batteries? If not, the camera I'd like to purchase would have rechargeable batteries.

Do all digital cameras come with a cord to interface with computers?

Thanks!

Rebel

[ProSpeeder]

Just to confirm, your asking about digital video cameras right?? Since you said you rarely take photos I'll assume you are.

I've got two DV cameras. A sony micro HD DV and a JVC DV. I use the JVC DV as my car cam because it was only $150 so if I lose it I'm not out a lot of money. This is the new version of my car camera. JVC GR-D350 Mini DV Camcorder.

My Sony HD is (what I use for special features but it has some serious drawbacks. For one, it eats power, eats tape and was expensive. However, the resulting video is extraordinary. It also has some interesting features like night vision and steady cam. Something my cheaper JVC does not have. My Sony is the Sony Handycam® HDR-HC3 HDV Camcorder.

Another important feature of DV cameras is tape. I know there are some cameras that code video straight into a AVI or MOV format on an internal hard drive but not either of mine. They use tape. So once you film what you want you have to plug it into a PC, download the video (old school style) and edit. PIA for sure, but hard drive cameras are expensive.

Whatever DV camera you get it will come with a charger and a PC cable. The batteries are rechargeable and need to be charged when you first get the camera up.

The PC cable is typically a standard DV hook up from the camera to a firewire or USB connection. This cable makes your camera accessible through whatever video application you use. If you use a Mac like I do, then iMovie will import (convert) your video as you select it while it's playing. I believe windows has a similar system.

Last but not least, video takes up mega space. So you need a separate hard-drive to store your video on. I use my camera for in car video records. Download anything interesting at night then rewind the tape for the next day. I keep two versions. A high res HD version, and a small web streaming version for my youTube channel. So far I have 190 Gigs of video on my external but that also includes some stuff I've downloaded off the internet. (insert joke here)

That's about all I know. Good luck with your search.

[cell21633]

If you're talking stills, I recommend these sites to help narrow your seach:

Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ
Digital Camera Resource Page - Unbiased Digital Camera Reviews

If you're looking for a quick point & shoot compact, you can't go wrong with any of the major names like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Kodak, Pentax, Fuji, Olympus. Sony does tend to be a bit overpriced for what they offer though.

Remember though, megapixels isn't everything. What use are pixels if the optics can't define the details? Optics are (nearly) everything. Of course, this is, among other things, why I shoot with a DSLR.

I work with a digital minilab. These printers print at a resolution of 300 pixels per inch. There is no halftoning or dithering in these printers, so the quality at 300ppi on these printers are leaps and bounds better than what you'll get with a home photo printer advertised at 1200dpi. Putting it that way, these are the maximum resolutions you can get out of a print until the pixels are just a waste of space (assuming no cropping):

4x6in @ 300ppi - 1200x1800 = 2.16MP
5x7in @ 300ppi - 1500x2100 = 3.15MP
8x10in @ 300ppi - 2400x3000 = 7.2MP

[Rebel Gent]

Thanks for you input guys. Just to clear up things, I'm looking for something really basic...pretty much just still shots when I go on vacation so I can store them on the computer and send to friends and family. That is the only purpose I'll have for this camera. I have seen a camera by Kodak (the M1033) that I am leaning towards....any reasons or concerns why I shouldn't get this camera would be more than welcome.

Rebel

for cameras would stay away from kodak... thinking sony and samsung cameras seem to be top dog if you are looking for quality...also for your price range can find some nice samsung cameras

[cell21633]

kodak's are good for those looking for an easy point & shoot. they're quality isn't subpar either. we use them to take passports at walgreens.

try those two websites above. they have reviews and comparisons to other cameras. ISO noise tests, RAW comparisons, sensor makers and sensor sizes, sample images, etc.

[Rebel Gent]

I did end up getting the Kodak M1033 camera. I've been very, very pleased with it. Two things I like best about it are:

#1 The very large 3.5 screen on the back. This makes it very easy to check to see if you've got what you want to photograph by looking a such a big screen.

#2 There is no button to have to turn on the top of the camera to choose what mode you're in. Everything is on a menu tab on the screen, which makes it very easy to choose what you want to do, even if it's dark out.

If someone who is a beginner at using a digita camera, this instrument is quite intuitive whithout having to read a 100 pages of manual. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone.

Rebel