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Subject: Digital Camera Help
Hey, everyone! I'm looking to buy a digital camera, but I'm not sure what brand or anything I should look for.
If anyone could give me recommendations based on this criteria, that'd be aweome!
- Inexpensive (Pref. no more than 200, but I'll pay more if I must)
- high quality pics
- Reliable brand/tech support
- Easy to delete pics from cam and upload pics from computer (USB maybe?)
I'm pretty flexible on things other than that. I'd prefer a pocket-size camera, but if it's bigger than that, I don't mind.
Any help is appreciated. :)
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
Well if ya want a REAL inexpensive digital camera...I've got a "Vivitar Vivicam 10" that I purchased at Wal-Mart for only $50 about a year ago, & I'm still happy with it. I pasted some specs below.
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Vivitar's Vivicam is a tri-mode digital still/PC camera, offering an affordable choice for photographers who desire one device for digital images, video-clip capability, and web-based video use. The Vivicam 10 features compact, streamline, high-impact styling. With 8MB of internal memory, the Vivicam 10 can store up to 70 images at VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels)--excellent for entry-level digital photography, school reports, email, or Web page use.
The image quality of the Vivicam 10 is outstanding for cameras in this price and resolution class. Users can easily download images through a USB port for viewing or editing with the supplied Arcsoft software.
Other features include macro-mode, auto flash, and an automatic power saving logic. Based upon CMOS imaging technology and automatic power saving features, the V10 and 20 can capture hundreds of images, using only two AA alkaline batteries. While connected to a PC the camera draws power from the USB bus, thereby extending battery life even further.
The Vivicam 10 has a tripod socket and self-timer. It includes a small swivel-tripod that is ideal for portraiture and web-video use. A soft carrying pouch is also included for portability on one’s belt.
The video-clip capability of the Vivicam 10 is a truly amazing feature for an entry-level digital camera in this price range. The video clip function allows users to capture sequential CIF images (320 x 240 resolution) at a rate of approximately three frames per second. (The camera does not need to be tethered to a PC.) The number of images is limited to available memory. In 8 MB, the Vivicam 10 can capture 200 to 300 sequential CIF frames. Returning back to the home PC, the user can convert those sequential CIF frames into a movie (AVI format) video using a special application software, known as AVI Maker, which is included with the camera.
AVI Maker includes the ability to accelerate the frame rate of the video sequence to rates of 15 or even 30 fps. AVI movies may be emailed, or further converted to streaming video formats for web use using third-party software (not included). This is a powerful feature for such an affordable digital camera.
The Vivicam 10 is compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP.
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
Quoting:
Well if ya want a REAL inexpensive digital camera...I've got a "Vivitar Vivicam 10" that I purchased at Wal-Mart for only $50 about a year ago, & I'm still happy with it. I pasted some specs below.
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Vivitar's Vivicam is a tri-mode digital still/PC camera, offering an affordable choice for photographers who desire one device for digital images, video-clip capability, and web-based video use. The Vivicam 10 features compact, streamline, high-impact styling. With 8MB of internal memory, the Vivicam 10 can store up to 70 images at VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels)--excellent for entry-level digital photography, school reports, email, or Web page use.
The image quality of the Vivicam 10 is outstanding for cameras in this price and resolution class. Users can easily download images through a USB port for viewing or editing with the supplied Arcsoft software.
Other features include macro-mode, auto flash, and an automatic power saving logic. Based upon CMOS imaging technology and automatic power saving features, the V10 and 20 can capture hundreds of images, using only two AA alkaline batteries. While connected to a PC the camera draws power from the USB bus, thereby extending battery life even further.
The Vivicam 10 has a tripod socket and self-timer. It includes a small swivel-tripod that is ideal for portraiture and web-video use. A soft carrying pouch is also included for portability on one’s belt.
The video-clip capability of the Vivicam 10 is a truly amazing feature for an entry-level digital camera in this price range. The video clip function allows users to capture sequential CIF images (320 x 240 resolution) at a rate of approximately three frames per second. (The camera does not need to be tethered to a PC.) The number of images is limited to available memory. In 8 MB, the Vivicam 10 can capture 200 to 300 sequential CIF frames. Returning back to the home PC, the user can convert those sequential CIF frames into a movie (AVI format) video using a special application software, known as AVI Maker, which is included with the camera.
AVI Maker includes the ability to accelerate the frame rate of the video sequence to rates of 15 or even 30 fps. AVI movies may be emailed, or further converted to streaming video formats for web use using third-party software (not included). This is a powerful feature for such an affordable digital camera.
The Vivicam 10 is compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP.
End Quote
Oooo, that sounds good! And cheap! :D
I'll definitely check that camera out. Thanks a bunch! :D
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
Quoting:
Well if ya want a REAL inexpensive digital camera...I've got a "Vivitar Vivicam 10" that I purchased at Wal-Mart for only $50 about a year ago, & I'm still happy with it. End Quote
The Vivatar ViviCam series is a good inexpensive choice.
I too bought the ViviCam 3610 for $130. Simalar to the 10 but has a few more bells and whistles.
Major difference is it has 3megapixels (more pixels, better picture quality) and can capture up to 5 min of CIF (motion capture). It also has a output video jack for plug in picture viewing on your TV monitor.
Be aware that the camera only takes decent photos (w/good quality) at its highest (2048x1536) setting. You aren't going to be able to take more than 7 photos of this quality (with only 8MB of memory) without buying an additional memory card...which is a good idea for this camera.
You can take up to 110 pics on the lowest quality (640x840) setting but they aren't going to be worth viewing or printing to paper (at least not professionally), and you'll have to have a good natural light source and forget about trying to use it for night or low level pics, even with the flash.
But other than that, the ViviCam, like Izod stated, is a very good choice. I use it all the time for professional work with Photoshop, and works great for me. ;)
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
I personally recmmend any in the Canon range - check out their website.
When I was researching before I bought - I looked up websites for every manufacturer and did comparisons on functions vs price.
I also looked at some comparisons done on www.digitalphotography.com
I have a Canon A30 but it desperately wants to grow up to be a Canon A80 !!
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
Check this site out:
http://www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm
I have had my digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 880) for a little while now and I am fairly happy with it, but it is getting outdated.
If I were you I wouldn't purchase a camera that is less then 3 megapixels...you will eventually want better quality. And keep in mind what comes with the camera. A larger memory card is very important and check if it includes a rechargeable battery, software and cables. I would think most would but you never know. Most importantly if it is compatible with your computer.
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
More pixels. More memory. Video clip capability. Forget digital zoom - focus on (pun intended!) optical zoom capability. LCD display is a must.
After you get one, get the best battery capacity you can find. Those things are battery eaters. Look closely at the ratings of the AA rechargeable batteries - some are wimpy Nicads (last century's technology) and some are nickel metal hydride. Nickel metal hydride batteries range from 1200 milliamp hours (again, last century's technology) to a pack of 8 for $17 at Wal-mart that are 2300 milliamp hours.
Subject: Re: Digital Camera Help
Thanks for the help, you guys. I have a good idea about what I'm looking for (all that stuff in Old Comedywriter's post sounds nice) - I'm only worried about the price. :)