Digital Camera Suggestions

[RB]

The number of photos that fit a size card will depend on the resolution. Cards that hold over a 1000 photos will typically cost less than $30 when saved at a good level- using the high megapixel capability of the camera. From my understanding of the 3X optical zoom issue, the limitations will show up if you try to print large photos say up to A4.
Guess depends if you intend to print photos or be like many who now only store their photos on computer & just look but don't print many.

 

[oz_mark]

Memory card not included? How many photos can be stored on 50MB internal memory?

What memory card's are included with the two (Sony/Nikon) you have identified?

 

[JohnK]

How hard does it have to be to find a cheap(ish) digital camera as good as a camera phone? I have a Motorola Z3 mobile phone with a 2.0 megapixel camera that produces great photos. Unfortunately it does not hold too many photos although I do have an additional memory card for it somewhere.

What memory card's are included with the two (Sony/Nikon) you have identified?

Hmmm. I have no idea. Probably none.

Not easy buying a digital camera. I am extremely confused. Not only do I need to find the right digital camera but need to buy the right memory card and a camera bag. Do I need anything else? Now I remember why I have not bothered to buy one in the past....

 

[moa999]

I have done some research and quite like the Nikon S220 ($199) or the Sony DSC - W180 ($249). I am leaning towards the cheaper brand right now. Does anyone have any experience with these digital cameras?

I would put both those cameras in the thin and light category, rather than a serious (yet not SLR) camera (which is what most of the comments above are on)

I have the Nikon S210 (model before the S220) and it is a good camera, albeit with a small CMOS chip the results will never blow you away. It is great for taking out and slipping into a jacket pocket.

If that is what you want - go for it.

If looking for a slightly more pro camera with better zoom and wider lens, I would see if you can get an older Panasonic TZ5 (around $300 according to Shopbot), which is the precurser to the TZ7

 

[serfty]

FWIW, I use a "Traveller" 10Mpix with 5 x Optical zoom. Using 1Gb SD cards, it holds around 1000 images.

I have had it for about 10 months and I purchased it from ALDI for $189.

(For me the optical zoom is essential; otherwise taking photos out of aircraft windows is generally a waste of time. )

 

[Flashback]

Memory card not included? How many photos can be stored on 50MB internal memory?

On average about 10 ... more if you decrease the image quality.

 

[samh004]

Memory cards really aren't the issues these days. You can pick up a 4GB SDHC in Big W for about $40, it's more than enough even on the largest setting (though maybe not on RAW).

I have a Canon Ixus 85 IS and can take over 2000 photos on medium, so I'll never fill it. And really, I don't need a 10MP 'large' image...

 

[Flashback]

Memory cards really aren't the issues these days. You can pick up a 4GB SDHC in Big W for about $40, it's more than enough even on the largest setting (though maybe not on RAW).

I have a Canon Ixus 85 IS and can take over 2000 photos on medium, so I'll never fill it. And really, I don't need a 10MP 'large' image...

Even $40 is too much:!:

 

[serfty]

... And really, I don't need a 10MP 'large' image...

I take images at the highest resolution available.

This is working on the fact that you can always reduce and not lose quality but never enlarge.

 

[samh004]

Even $40 is too much:!:

True, I bought a while ago and prices are always coming down.

I take images at the highest resolution available.

This is working on the fact that you can always reduce and not lose quality but never enlarge.

That's true, but I'm not a NG photographer, if I was, I wouldn't use a point-and-shoot. On the SLR's we have, we shoot at full quality, but I don't use them much due to my photo library size. It's already too big.

 

[oz_mark]

Not easy buying a digital camera. I am extremely confused. Not only do I need to find the right digital camera but need to buy the right memory card and a camera bag. Do I need anything else? Now I remember why I have not bothered to buy one in the past....

I noticed today that Myer is advertising the Lumix FS4 (which is the bottom rung of the Panasonics) for $199 including 2 GB card, and camera case. Obviously could get that cheaper elsewhere.

Bear in mind that most of the cheap and cheerful cameras are good enough for just taking snaps etc.

Personally, I am a Canon fan, but they are more expensive.....

 

[auriga]

If you are just after a camera to take snapshots, like with your mobile phone camera, then I would think that any of these cameras will be more than adequate for the task.

 

[JohnK]

I noticed today that Myer is advertising the Lumix FS4 (which is the bottom rung of the Panasonics) for $199 including 2 GB card, and camera case. Obviously could get that cheaper elsewhere.

Now that sounds good. RYDA has a similar deal on the same camera, mini tripod, camera case and 4GB card for ~$196....

Bear in mind that most of the cheap and cheerful cameras are good enough for just taking snaps etc.

If you are just after a camera to take snapshots, like with your mobile phone camera, then I would think that any of these cameras will be more than adequate for the task.

I wasn't thinking of entering any photo competitions or posting top quality photos for trips reports . I just want to take a few photos of my trip and possibly print them to keep as 6" x 4" photographs. The other option is to continue using disposable (bottom of the range) classic cameras which take more than adequate photos for my needs.

By the way anat0l what was themake/model of the spare camera you let me use during Ozfest in Cairns in May?

 

[JohnK]

I think I will purchase the Panasonic Lumix FS42 with 10.1MP, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.5" LCD screen.

I have managed to find it for $185 + 2% surcharge for Amex at Digital Camera Warehouse near my place in Sydney. Any clues as to which memory card I should buy? Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $25, Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $45 or Sandisk 8GB SDHC for $85. I think the 4GB stores ~819 photos and the 8GB stores ~1638 photos at 10MPs.

 

[FL360]

My humble two cents,

It is quite hard to select a camera, it all depends on what you use it for and how much you are willing to pay.

Unless you are shooting Full HD video with the camera HDSC card are not really necessary, a normal 2GB SD card can go as cheap as $7 in some retailers... however if you shoot full HD video a 4GB SDHC card will be filled in no time, IMO shooting full HD video with a camera and memory card less than 32GB is pointless...

Generally speaking for travelling you want it to be as light and small as possible, I assume our destinations have power source so AA battery is not required.

I try to avoid cameras / devices which use Sony memory stick because
other devices such has most computers do not have a slot for it, at the moment SD format is king...

Under bright light all cameras, even the camera with the phone will take good pictures if they are over 3 MP.

However under low light conditions it becomes tricky, most point and shoot cameras have apertures smaller than f/2.8 so night scene will require a tripod and it is almost impossible to capture moving objects outside the flash range...

the point and shoot camera with f/2.0 aperture is the Lumix DMC-LX3, not all stores have them and they cost over $600.

Other option is a digital SLR, with a 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, for a good lens with aperture smaller than f/2.0 with zoom with the lens alone will cost more than $600.

I have two cameras for travelling, a canon IXUS 70 which is very small, if I know I will be taking night (and moving) scenes without tripod I will take the DSLR with the F/1.8 prime lens, with ISO1600 it is very useful....

 

[notzac]

Any clues as to which memory card I should buy? Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $25, Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $45 or Sandisk 8GB SDHC for $85. I think the 4GB stores ~819 photos and the 8GB stores ~1638 photos at 10MPs.

That bit is easy - the largest that will comfortably fit in to your budget. The only thing I'd recommend when selecting a memory card is to look at the specs of your camera and choose the fastest memory card that the camera can accept.

 

[BAM1748]

I think I will purchase the Panasonic Lumix FS42 with 10.1MP, 4x Optical Zoom and 2.5" LCD screen.

I have managed to find it for $185 + 2% surcharge for Amex at Digital Camera Warehouse near my place in Sydney. Any clues as to which memory card I should buy? Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $25, Sandisk 4GB SDHC for $45 or Sandisk 8GB SDHC for $85. I think the 4GB stores ~819 photos and the 8GB stores ~1638 photos at 10MPs.

I try to use 2GB cards, they process faster without any lag time and I still use 500kb cards for some action shooting for 3 or 5 frames per second stuff. My opinion, but I'd rather 4 x 2GB cards than one 8GB. I use Sandisk generally.

 

[JohnK]

I ended up purchasing the Panasonic Lumix FS42 from Ted's Cameras for $199.95 including camera case and monkey grip compact tripod and more importantly no surcharge for Amex.

Unfortunately I ended up getting the display model (apparently no silver models out the back only 2 black ones) with a $10 discount and then got suckered into buying 2 Sandisk Ultra 2GB SD cards for $19.95 each. Overall I think it is a good deal for $229.90....

 

[Flashback]

I ended up purchasing the Panasonic Lumix FS42 from Ted's Cameras for $199.95 including camera case and monkey grip compact tripod and more importantly no surcharge for Amex.

Unfortunately I ended up getting the display model (apparently no silver models out the back only 2 black ones) with a $10 discount and then got suckered into buying 2 Sandisk Ultra 2GB SD cards for $19.95 each. Overall I think it is a good deal for $229.90....

How does (199.95-10)+19.95=229.90? :shock:

Anyway, yep; not a bad deal. I like the quality of Panasonic Lumix cameras and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

 

[oz_mark]

How does (199.95-10)+19.95=229.90? :shock:

Anyway, yep; not a bad deal. I like the quality of Panasonic Lumix cameras and I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Try (199.95-10) + (19.95*2) + 5c from somewhere