Digital Cameras - Recommendations and Tips

phule · 12-27-2001, 04:15 PM

I've been thinking more and more about purchasing a digital camera, especially for my upcoming travel in March.

I'm curious what others here use, what advantages and disadvantages they have for traveling (i.e. battery life) or storage limitations (pacing one's self, etc).

phule · 12-27-2001, 04:15 PM

I've been thinking more and more about purchasing a digital camera, especially for my upcoming travel in March.

I'm curious what others here use, what advantages and disadvantages they have for traveling (i.e. battery life) or storage limitations (pacing one's self, etc).

Nugget · 12-30-2001, 02:05 PM

The pseudo-official camera here among the AUS ityt folks is the Canon PowerShot. By my count we've got two S110's, two S100's, an S300, and a new (BovineOne's) S40 (or maybe S30).

I've been really pleased with my S110. My main and overriding priority was to get a camera that I could comfortably fit in a jeans pocket so that I could develop the habit of carrying it everywhere I went. The S100/S110 cameras are quite small and easily fit in a pocket without akwardness. The S110 is exactly like the S100 with the addition of a 30 second video clip feature which didn't interest me at first but has really proven to be worthwhile.

For a slightly larger size, you can go with the S300 which adds a 3x hardware zoom over the S100/S110's 2x zoom.

While still small, the S30/S40 is a lerger unit which features a much better user interface and higher resolution. Cow just got his, so I don't have a strong opinion but it looks nice. I wouldn't buy one over the S110 because this camera is just slightly past my point of comfort, size-wise, but I envy its better interface and features.

My only real complaints on the S110 are the inadequate bundled CF card which pretty much requires that you buy a larger CF card and the tiny flash (normal for small cameras, though) that make low light shots look like crap without post-production touchup in Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop.

With all the Canon cameras you'll want to also pick up a CF card reader for your computer or laptop. The supplied software and USB cable interface is awful.

The majority of pics currently in the ITYT Gallery were taken with an S110 or S100 camera.

Nugget · 12-30-2001, 02:05 PM

The pseudo-official camera here among the AUS ityt folks is the Canon PowerShot. By my count we've got two S110's, two S100's, an S300, and a new (BovineOne's) S40 (or maybe S30).

I've been really pleased with my S110. My main and overriding priority was to get a camera that I could comfortably fit in a jeans pocket so that I could develop the habit of carrying it everywhere I went. The S100/S110 cameras are quite small and easily fit in a pocket without akwardness. The S110 is exactly like the S100 with the addition of a 30 second video clip feature which didn't interest me at first but has really proven to be worthwhile.

For a slightly larger size, you can go with the S300 which adds a 3x hardware zoom over the S100/S110's 2x zoom.

While still small, the S30/S40 is a lerger unit which features a much better user interface and higher resolution. Cow just got his, so I don't have a strong opinion but it looks nice. I wouldn't buy one over the S110 because this camera is just slightly past my point of comfort, size-wise, but I envy its better interface and features.

My only real complaints on the S110 are the inadequate bundled CF card which pretty much requires that you buy a larger CF card and the tiny flash (normal for small cameras, though) that make low light shots look like crap without post-production touchup in Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop.

With all the Canon cameras you'll want to also pick up a CF card reader for your computer or laptop. The supplied software and USB cable interface is awful.

The majority of pics currently in the ITYT Gallery were taken with an S110 or S100 camera.

RyJones · 12-30-2001, 02:32 PM

I know you're looking for still cameras, but I picked up a mini-DV video camera and I am now a convert to DV. The still shots are el blecho but if you framegrab from live video it's OK. The camera is not pocket sized, but it's light enough that carrying it around all the time is not a big deal.

Then again, it's harder to conceal your shots of off-limit places! :)

RyJones · 12-30-2001, 02:32 PM

I know you're looking for still cameras, but I picked up a mini-DV video camera and I am now a convert to DV. The still shots are el blecho but if you framegrab from live video it's OK. The camera is not pocket sized, but it's light enough that carrying it around all the time is not a big deal.

Then again, it's harder to conceal your shots of off-limit places! :)

phule · 01-14-2002, 04:05 PM

After a lot of thinking (something that does not come natural) I decided to turn a 180 and go with:

http://www.usa.canon.com/camcambin/c...r/eosreb2.html

My reasoning is thus:

For trips and vacations, the buy-in on a digital camera does not stop at the camera itself. If I plan on any extended time abroad I will need a mountain of memory chips/cards/doo-daads, unless I "settle" for lower quality captures. I would need a laptop, and various connector bits and a case and have to lug the whole thing around.

On the other hand, the buy in for a 35 mm SLR is less expensive up front. Depending on how prolific of a photographer I decide to become the costs of film and developing can be kept reasonable.

I know it's really like comparing apples with oranges this SLR vs. Digital hand-held debate, but from my perspective I had one thing to look at: dollars.

Overall I think I've made the right decision. I've given up instant pleasure for (hopefully) quality photographs.

I'll just have to keep scanning things in.

phule · 01-14-2002, 04:05 PM

After a lot of thinking (something that does not come natural) I decided to turn a 180 and go with:

http://www.usa.canon.com/camcambin/c...r/eosreb2.html

My reasoning is thus:

For trips and vacations, the buy-in on a digital camera does not stop at the camera itself. If I plan on any extended time abroad I will need a mountain of memory chips/cards/doo-daads, unless I "settle" for lower quality captures. I would need a laptop, and various connector bits and a case and have to lug the whole thing around.

On the other hand, the buy in for a 35 mm SLR is less expensive up front. Depending on how prolific of a photographer I decide to become the costs of film and developing can be kept reasonable.

I know it's really like comparing apples with oranges this SLR vs. Digital hand-held debate, but from my perspective I had one thing to look at: dollars.

Overall I think I've made the right decision. I've given up instant pleasure for (hopefully) quality photographs.

I'll just have to keep scanning things in.

dbaker · 01-14-2002, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phule

I'll just have to keep scanning things in.

And posting them to the gallery I presume.

dbaker · 01-14-2002, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phule

I'll just have to keep scanning things in.

And posting them to the gallery I presume.

phule · 01-17-2002, 03:28 PM

But of course!

Is there a limit to the #'s of pics that can be posted there per user?

phule · 01-17-2002, 03:28 PM

But of course!

Is there a limit to the #'s of pics that can be posted there per user?

dbaker · 01-17-2002, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phule

But of course!

Is there a limit to the #'s of pics that can be posted there per user?

Nope. Anything within reason is very much welcome.

dbaker · 01-17-2002, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phule

But of course!

Is there a limit to the #'s of pics that can be posted there per user?

Nope. Anything within reason is very much welcome.

afang · 01-21-2002, 10:35 AM

I have the Cannon Powershot 100....and i loved it. It's one of the most compact you can have, and the quality of the pictures are excellent.

afang · 01-21-2002, 10:35 AM

I have the Cannon Powershot 100....and i loved it. It's one of the most compact you can have, and the quality of the pictures are excellent.

12-27-2001, 04:15 PM	#1
phule Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: ORD Posts: 188	Digital Cameras - Recommendations and Tips I've been thinking more and more about purchasing a digital camera, especially for my upcoming travel in March. I'm curious what others here use, what advantages and disadvantages they have for traveling (i.e. battery life) or storage limitations (pacing one's self, etc). __________________

12-27-2001, 04:15 PM	#2
phule Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: ORD Posts: 188	Digital Cameras - Recommendations and Tips I've been thinking more and more about purchasing a digital camera, especially for my upcoming travel in March. I'm curious what others here use, what advantages and disadvantages they have for traveling (i.e. battery life) or storage limitations (pacing one's self, etc). __________________

12-30-2001, 02:05 PM	#3
Nugget Senior Member ITYT Navigator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 610	Positive vote for the Canon PowerShot line The pseudo-official camera here among the AUS ityt folks is the Canon PowerShot. By my count we've got two S110's, two S100's, an S300, and a new (BovineOne's) S40 (or maybe S30). I've been really pleased with my S110. My main and overriding priority was to get a camera that I could comfortably fit in a jeans pocket so that I could develop the habit of carrying it everywhere I went. The S100/S110 cameras are quite small and easily fit in a pocket without akwardness. The S110 is exactly like the S100 with the addition of a 30 second video clip feature which didn't interest me at first but has really proven to be worthwhile. For a slightly larger size, you can go with the S300 which adds a 3x hardware zoom over the S100/S110's 2x zoom. While still small, the S30/S40 is a lerger unit which features a much better user interface and higher resolution. Cow just got his, so I don't have a strong opinion but it looks nice. I wouldn't buy one over the S110 because this camera is just slightly past my point of comfort, size-wise, but I envy its better interface and features. My only real complaints on the S110 are the inadequate bundled CF card which pretty much requires that you buy a larger CF card and the tiny flash (normal for small cameras, though) that make low light shots look like crap without post-production touchup in Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. With all the Canon cameras you'll want to also pick up a CF card reader for your computer or laptop. The supplied software and USB cable interface is awful. The majority of pics currently in the ITYT Gallery were taken with an S110 or S100 camera.

12-30-2001, 02:05 PM	#4
Nugget Senior Member ITYT Navigator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 610	Positive vote for the Canon PowerShot line The pseudo-official camera here among the AUS ityt folks is the Canon PowerShot. By my count we've got two S110's, two S100's, an S300, and a new (BovineOne's) S40 (or maybe S30). I've been really pleased with my S110. My main and overriding priority was to get a camera that I could comfortably fit in a jeans pocket so that I could develop the habit of carrying it everywhere I went. The S100/S110 cameras are quite small and easily fit in a pocket without akwardness. The S110 is exactly like the S100 with the addition of a 30 second video clip feature which didn't interest me at first but has really proven to be worthwhile. For a slightly larger size, you can go with the S300 which adds a 3x hardware zoom over the S100/S110's 2x zoom. While still small, the S30/S40 is a lerger unit which features a much better user interface and higher resolution. Cow just got his, so I don't have a strong opinion but it looks nice. I wouldn't buy one over the S110 because this camera is just slightly past my point of comfort, size-wise, but I envy its better interface and features. My only real complaints on the S110 are the inadequate bundled CF card which pretty much requires that you buy a larger CF card and the tiny flash (normal for small cameras, though) that make low light shots look like crap without post-production touchup in Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. With all the Canon cameras you'll want to also pick up a CF card reader for your computer or laptop. The supplied software and USB cable interface is awful. The majority of pics currently in the ITYT Gallery were taken with an S110 or S100 camera.

01-14-2002, 04:05 PM	#7
phule Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: ORD Posts: 188	about face! :) After a lot of thinking (something that does not come natural) I decided to turn a 180 and go with: http://www.usa.canon.com/camcambin/c...r/eosreb2.html My reasoning is thus: For trips and vacations, the buy-in on a digital camera does not stop at the camera itself. If I plan on any extended time abroad I will need a mountain of memory chips/cards/doo-daads, unless I "settle" for lower quality captures. I would need a laptop, and various connector bits and a case and have to lug the whole thing around. On the other hand, the buy in for a 35 mm SLR is less expensive up front. Depending on how prolific of a photographer I decide to become the costs of film and developing can be kept reasonable. I know it's really like comparing apples with oranges this SLR vs. Digital hand-held debate, but from my perspective I had one thing to look at: dollars. Overall I think I've made the right decision. I've given up instant pleasure for (hopefully) quality photographs. I'll just have to keep scanning things in.

12-30-2001, 02:32 PM	#5
RyJones Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: PUW - Pullman, Washington Posts: 124	I know you're looking for still cameras, but I picked up a mini-DV video camera and I am now a convert to DV. The still shots are el blecho but if you framegrab from live video it's OK. The camera is not pocket sized, but it's light enough that carrying it around all the time is not a big deal. Then again, it's harder to conceal your shots of off-limit places! :)

01-17-2002, 03:28 PM	#11
phule Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: ORD Posts: 188	But of course! Is there a limit to the #'s of pics that can be posted there per user?

01-21-2002, 10:35 AM	#15
afang Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Plano,TX USA Posts: 388	I have the Cannon Powershot 100....and i loved it. It's one of the most compact you can have, and the quality of the pictures are excellent.

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