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Thread ID: 76135	2007-01-22 04:45:00	Digital Still Camera - what do you recommend?	Lizard (2409)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
518256	2007-01-22 07:57:00	Pana LMC LX2 (sp) Great but not as good in ISO 200+That is the case with pretty much all Panasonic cameras. I wouldn't recommend them if most of the photos you take are going to be indoors. I have a TZ1 (10x optical, 5MP, optical image stabilisation etc) and it is a nice camera to use. I personally prefer the Sony Cybershot interface, but Panasonic has far superior video recording quality if you are wanting to make video clips as well (downside is noise at higher ISOs).	maccrazy (6741)
518257	2007-01-22 19:11:00	...Panasonic has far superior video recording quality if you are wanting to make video clips as well (downside is noise at higher ISOs). Mac points out two important factors to consider: The noise at higher ISOs, and video quality. The other things to look for are Manual settings and Image Stabilisation. NOISE: this appears as 'hash' or static when shooting at higher speeds such as ISO 400, 800, etc. You need a high ISO for low light levels. Google the camera for Reviews and User Comments, maybe with the word 'noise' in the Search. You will soon learn which brands suffer from noise. VIDEO: Look for Low, Medium, and High formats (cannot recall the numbers but something like 640 x 480 for the High format. Some pricey cameras only offer a medium format. Also compare FPS ratings (I think that is the term - some other PF1er can correct or add to this); I believe a 30 fps rating is best and not something low like 15 fps. A low fps will result in jerky-shifting views when panning. MANUAL: Of course you want to be able to adjust the shutter speed, aperature and ISO setting which ever way you want. My 3 yr old Canon Powershot also has a good variety of pre-set manual settings, e.g. Sports, Beach, Night or whatever they are termed. IMAGE STABILISATION: You will need this with optical zooms of 10x or more. At low light levels especially. .... Finally, you may want to choose a shop that has a 'right of return' if you are not satisfied. Good luck. Tell us what you get!	Strommer (42)
518258	2007-01-23 02:01:00	Thanks for the responses. A lot of useful info there. I like the Canon S2 or S3 for the size (and the Fuji Finepix 5600 for the same reason) - When you're spending that sort of money, it's nice to have some bulk to show for it. But I'm hesitant about how handy it will be. Obviously a smaller camera is more compact when travelling, going to events, and more discrete at BBQs, parties, etc, but anything too dainty seems too delicate for my big mitts. What's you're experience with the different sizes of camera?	Lizard (2409)
518259	2007-01-23 02:23:00	I have decided on the Canon Powershot G7, but it is a little out of your budget range, but the A640 should be almost as good. see a comparison (www.dpreview.com)	KiwiTT_NZ (233)
518260	2007-01-23 02:35:00	I bit the bullet and got 2 cameras. Each serves diff purpose. If not you have to make a tradeoff or keep debating with yourself. Yes for the BBQ would I want to take large cam or the beach ... hmmm...... I have a dSLR and a compact digital. Nikon D70 (04') and a Canon A510 (06'). These days for the compacts IS is more affordable and obtainable across the board. I am also looking at a 2nd dSLR because I just swap lenses too often, after going to a first photog club meeting that we had 30mins to go out with a theme. Cameras esp digital advance so quickly, you cannot keep up. Its not too bad getting a superceded version for lesser. I'm sure when it came out it was a big hit and pple could get all sorts of photo's with that. The larger cameras are more ergonomic. You dont need to go via the LCD menu often, there are buttons laid out and stuff. I tried a Fuji s5000 when a mate had it, having been used to a SLR film and digital I found that camera not bad, I didn't need the manual to know how. When I bought the A510 it was a bit fussy and I had to refer to the manual in the store because I didn't know how to use the LCD menu properly or how to switch from aperture to shutter on Manual mode. I have never tried the S2/3 or seen it in person, if its like the s5000 Fuji its really not that bulky. I think even at a beach it would still be ok. If it was like the high end Pana, or s9000 Fuji or the SLRs then its a bit large.	Nomad (952)
518261	2007-01-23 03:19:00	Hi Lizard. I like my Fuji S 5600 - well within your first mentioned price. Posts like this tend to be similar to asking vintage car club members about cars of a certain age. I reckon most new digitals are hard for the layman to fault provided that you play by basic rules. I stress layman.	Scouse (83)
518262	2007-01-23 08:12:00	Quite a few members here have the Fuji S5600 and seem very pleased with it. It has dropped a lot in price www.pricespy.co.nz	Winston001 (3612)
518263	2007-01-23 09:09:00	Hi Win. WOW! That's dropped about $100 from the pricespy purchase I made about 18 months (I think) ago. At that price I would say it is a really sweet buy. The purchase of a tripod for use when using the 10x made quite a difference.	Scouse (83)
518264	2007-01-23 10:17:00	www.dpreview.com Thanks for the link, I have the DMC-TZ1, Not overly impressed with the picture quality, Though I haven't read the manual. Tbh, Due to extreme cunning I lost the manual within minutes of opening the box......	Metla (12)
518265	2007-01-24 00:33:00	Some things to consider: What type of batteries does it take ? My Fuji will take ordinary AA cells or rechargeable AA cells which is a real bonus if you dont want to carry a special charger for the other types. Can you screw a filter on the end of the lens ? Important if you want to get an add on wide angle lens or use a polariser. As mentioned a see through eyelevel finder is a must. I can't see how anyone can hold a camera steady when using an ldc screen compared to using your face or foehead to steady the camera. Good luck.	heaton (3697)
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