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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
518266	2007-01-24 01:16:00	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. On digital camera's I've used the screen is useful for quick snaps. If the screen is rotatable and positional, even better, allowing overhead shots in crowded places. For precision photography I agree a viewfinder is useful, though I can't recall any digital camera's without them. Certainly all the models I've been looking at have viewfinders. At this stage, I'm leaning to the Fuji S5600, though I want to do a bit more looking round on the weekend. I'm intrigued by the comments I've read on the internet about video capabilities. I've used an (older, bout 3 years) Sony Cybershot a few times, including it's video function. I noticed you can't zoom while recording, and the finished product is only really viewable as a small window on a PC. How are the current models for video? The Fuji S5600 I noticed goes up to VGA resolution, at 30fps, and can record an hour on a 1GB memory card. Obviously it doesn't really compare to a dedicated camcorder, but is it watchable on a TV?	Lizard (2409)
518267	2007-01-24 01:52:00	For precision photography I agree a viewfinder is useful. Obviously it doesn't really compare to a dedicated camcorder, but is it watchable on a TV? The viewfinder for compacts AFAIK is not TTL, what you see in the VF will not be exactly what is recorded. The LCD is AFAIK. I have used a cheap A510 Canon and it is usable for video.	Nomad (952)
518268	2007-02-17 07:25:00	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! I went with the Canon S3IS. After poring over reviews for 3 weeks, I was leaning towards the Canon, but also considering the Cybershot H2. At one point, I began to veer towards the Fuji S6500FD, tempted by the manual zoom and focus, but ultimately the size of the beast made it seem to unwieldly for my purposes. The S3 is a nice balance of comprehensive features in a relatively discreet package. I've only just opened the box and started to play with (have just downloaded my first photos), and it seems really impressive. Now to get a decent memory card, batteries, and charger. Speaking of which, I read in another thread recently about NiMH batteries, and Eneloops were suggested. I've read about these elsewhere, and they look like a good idea. Is anyone aware of any problems in charging these Eneloops in a regular battery charger, or is it better to use the branded Sanyo charger? Cheers Lizard	Lizard (2409)
518269	2007-02-17 21:05:00	Also look for one with fast first picture and fast between shots. There is nothing worse than waiting to be able to take the shot and delays between shots if you are a semi pro photographer. I have a Canon A 300 I am fairly happy with it but for candid shots it is useless. Casio look to have some fast cameras in your price range Regards Digby	Digby (677)
518270	2007-02-17 23:44:00	I second the above recommendation about having 2 cameras. I have aFuji S602 (similar in size to the S5600) and a Nikon Coolpix 3200. I found the size of the Fuji was just too large for use when travelling, but the full manual control and macro down to 10mm was great for "in office" use. I do a lot of macro work for reports and investigations. I now have two digital microscopes that tend to get used for this purpose meaning even less work for the Fuji. But 90% of my shots are now on the Nikon, fits in my shirt pocket just fine, uses 2 x AA batteries and a standard SD card. When I bought it a couple of years ago at $190 (end of line bargain) it was just too good to pass up. But for serious use I would use the Fuji, I have the barrel adapter and add-on teleconverter lens for it.	godfather (25)
518271	2007-02-18 04:43:00	I went with the Canon S3IS . Digby wrote: "There is nothing worse than waiting to be able to take the shot and delays between shots . . . " Lizard, what is the Canon like in that respect? Is it quick between shots, with and without flash?	Strommer (42)
518272	2007-02-18 19:23:00	This is my choice......... www.dpreview.com With a good review site thrown in.	Cicero (40)
518273	2007-02-18 20:12:00	Digby wrote: "There is nothing worse than waiting to be able to take the shot and delays between shots..." Lizard, what is the Canon like in that respect? Is it quick between shots, with and without flash? Having experimented for most of the weekend (and drained the supplied alkaline batteries in a matter of hours), I can say that the time between shots is very quick. Using the LCD screen, the shot taken is flashed up for about 2 seconds, and once it disappears, the next shot is shootable immediately. You can switch off the 2 second display (or extend it, if that's your pleasure), in which case the time between shots is as close to a second as makes no difference. Flash recycles very quickly (even with Alkaline batteries), though I preferred to make shots work without the flash. Perhaps my favourite feature is the hi-speed continuous shooting mode. Activated from the menus, after that you push one button in either Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter priority or manual mode, and you can take continuous (near-unlimited) shots. Manual puts the time at 2.3 shots a second, and that would seem to be on the money. I haven't tried this with the flash (if it's even possible - still working through the instructions) This hi-speed shooting was available with a bog standard (256MB) memory card, and I got bored taking continuous shots before the camera stopped (hence near-unlimited). This camera is very impressive, but having used it in a real-world scenario, I do realise some its limitations - the flip out screen, which I thought would be both cool and handy, is just annoying. The image noise at higher ISOs, which I thought wouldn't bother me, does. Many reviews made the comment that it was great for outdoor photography, but had problems indoors. Having now had a decent chance to play with it, that comment is very apt. But the sheer number of features and the versatility of the camera make it still very worthwhile.	Lizard (2409)
518274	2007-02-18 20:17:00	This is my choice......... www.dpreview.com With a good review site thrown in. I had the good fortune, while I was looking for a digicam for myself, to be asked to pick a digicam for work. That is the one I picked for work, called the S5600 in NZ. Having wasted a few hours at work "learning the new tech, so as to train others", here's my take: It's positives are that it has a fast startup time (similar to the Canon), solid body, and easy menus. It's downsides (IMO), are the permanently oversize body (lens doesn't retract), indiscreet zoom controls, and fiddly focus arrangement. But at it's current retail price (about $400), it's pretty hard to beat. Cheers Lizard	Lizard (2409)
518275	2007-02-19 00:26:00	I have just brought one for the missus, and must say I am impressed with the photo quality of the digital cameras now. www.camera-camera.com	Nyuuji (5460)
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