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Thread ID: 25478	2002-10-04 10:38:00	Digital Cameras	csinclair83 (200)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
86048	2002-10-04 10:38:00	I've been looking at digital cameras myself... but dont know what to get... i travel quite often....and have alot of friends/family who want photos...and want a good quality camera, that would suit me good.. dont really care what it has/does.. as long they take good totally awesome photos...up to A5 size.. and 2-3megapixals....portable, long battery power..as sometimes i travel for 5-6 hours without being near a battery charging point... and for it to be able to be used as a webcam on windows xp home, would be a great thing too.... dont really want to crack the $1000 line but a lil over..should be alright hehe.. If you want to ask any more questions before suggesting a camera, feel free to ask away...	csinclair83 (200)
86049	2002-10-04 10:58:00	Last things first, given that webcams can be as low as $70, don't get hung up on this function. I have a 2.3 MP Fujifilm MX2700, but wouldn't want to use it as a webcam because even on the lowest quality setting the image stream would be far to big to be useable. High quality = larger image size, where my webcam ($50) is much lower pixel count and can stream OK on low bandwidth. If it has the function, OK just make sure you are not compromising the real function for it. Re batteries, these things eat batteries, no question. Ideally I would look for something with AA cells, use rechargeables or when travelling use alkalines. This option is probably getting less available I suspect with most having Li-On rechargeable internal packs. Mine has Li-On battery (removeable) but at close to $100 for a second pack, its not an option I have gone for. Re memory, the cheapest is (I think) Compact Flash, followed by SmartMedia. A 32 Mb smartmedia card is about $70? I run 3 of them, allows about 100+ photos at high resolution (1400+ at low res). I have enlarged (at a photo store) up to A4, and was surprised as there was no noticeable pixellation, looked good. 2 MP would do A5 well. A4 most times, depends on subject. Prices seem to have dropped lately as well.	godfather (25)
86050	2002-10-04 12:13:00	I read some good reports on the Fuji FinePiX 2800. It is a 2.1 Mega Pixel camera with a 6x digital zoom. It can also take small AVI videos. It is available from Photo and Video International (www.photo.co.nz) for $1,097.55.	IanJ (1454)
86051	2002-10-04 12:59:00	I am using two cameras at the moment. Both 2 megapixel, 3x optical zoom and both seem to give excellent results. The Olympus C-2 is smaller but much harder to use as it is menu driven and quite complicated menus to read and use. The Fujifilm FinePix 2600 is bulkier but much easier to use as the major controls are switches. It is much easier to change the settings for different conditions. I purchased 64 MB memory cards for them both giving around 80 pics on the finest settings. They both use 2 AA batteries and the fuji camera came with NMH batteries and an excellent charger. Both can be purchased for under $1000. I had some queries on the file size -- see my postings - which I haven't completely resolved in my mind yet! HTH David	DavidW (532)
86052	2002-10-04 13:07:00	Dont get too hung up on megapixel ratings. Very good images can be taken with 1.2 megapixel cameras which are a steal at the moment. What you should take into consideration is memory size, battery life, durability and most importantly zoom functions. Any digital camera you buy must have optical zoom NOT just digital zoom and the ability to take macro shots. Many companies tout cameras with 3x digital zoom or better but this is not true zoom capabilty,it is just the same as enlarging a photo in a software program, you lose resolution and clarity. Just a suggestion, but the Kodak 3215 which is available just about everywhere in nz (ranging from $499 to $560) is a real buy. 1.3 megapixel 2x digital zoom 2x optical zoom macro function tv out 8 meg onboard memory (expandable with secure digital/mmc memory cards) powered by 2 AA batteries (decent battery life) Takes great pictures, decent colour tones and compares favourably with many 2+ megapixel cameras. Reviewed by PC World and also here www.steves-digicams.com where you can compare its features and images against the competition. With the money left over you could buy a battery charger and a set of batteries, a decent case and at least 64 megs of memory (which would allow you to take at least 150 pics at highest resolution) and a web cam with change left over for a slap up feed at the junk food provider of your choice.	the highlander (245)
86053	2002-10-04 20:55:00	hi, if u only need that purpose its easier than a semi pro type. Ok, if u gonna travel why don't u buy the camera here and the accessories overseas when u get there -- cheaper? Chances are accessories never break down and u have the camera bought in nz - usually only 1yr national warranty. You would need a Li Ion rechargeable battery, one spare or even two since these gobble battery and u may need the 3rd battery when u are unable to charge as often as you need. When this happens u are out of action. U could however bring ur 35mm compact camera there also - can save a lot of battery costs - use when digital is out of action. I would avoid AA rechargeable or AA alkaline batteries, these tend to be lower models (quality too), and they don't last long enof and need to charge more often and carry more batteries in ur pack. My frens Nikon CP 2000 using AA, is simply crap. Was selling cellphone did a photo - someone said is it gold when it was silver, its not focussed either. Tell me how big is a A5 (printed)?? As a general rule take the resolution and divide by 300 ... that will give u the size in inches. ie. 2.2MP = 1600x1200 = 1600/300x1200/300 = 5"x4" maximum. On screen will be bigger. Webcam? Avoid. To my knowledge webcam/digicam ones are lower end ones. If u are going to travel, its worth it investing in a new memory card 64MB+ since its far cheaper having to visit a store every couple of days and say put on CD. Apart from the accessories, you may need to spend a bit more after seeing some RRP prices from Sony and Canon. Nikon tend to be poor quality at their cheaper models. Those two, $1200 2MP, $1700 3MP. But yes, get the size u need (A5) and the quality is on build and check reviews out. But again maybe u can get the camera overseas too if u have a tight budget. I am presuming u travel overseas. U could try trademe and get a discounted new one or used if u are budget tight.	rayonline (2134)
86054	2002-10-04 21:05:00	U may need to do some researching on ur quality type and memory card needed. B/c in my experience each day when I travel I can take at least 10 good photos .... 2 weeks = ~140 photos - then the question is at what resolution?	rayonline (2134)
86055	2002-10-05 00:32:00	I've been looking at digicams for the last hour... took into consideration of what u all said, battery life, quality,... so far found this one www.digicams.co.nz but it doesnt mention anything about battery/batterylife....so if anyone recommends anything else...lemmie know I'd be travelling to Rotorua quite often, thru the awesome desert road :-) and to Australia a few times over Xmas... would take quite a few photos, as last time i went to aussie, was there for a month, got over 500 photos...umm resoultion was...ummm..i'll find out and send a message on here later... Chris	csinclair83 (200)
86056	2002-10-05 00:48:00	Thats a good price for 3 . 3 MP . Memory is a tad dear on MMC/SD cards, but you would probably only need one extra . Check how easy it is to download without the docking base unit though . I downloaded some the other day from a Kodak unit (similar but 2 MP and CF memory), they were fine .	godfather (25)
86057	2002-10-05 01:23:00	i'd be going to get a docking station, its $160 on the avantage computer site, so if i print that out, noel leemings or big byte would beat it..according to what they do lol... So wont worry about finding out how easy without it could be.. And 64mb memory stick, $150 at Dicks Smith.. but dont u think that mite be "too much" or is it "just right" how many photos would 16mb have anyway? and should i see where i go with 16mb first? and then get more if i need more?	csinclair83 (200)
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