Digital camera advice

[FROGGY]

I need a new digital camera, my point and shoot has just about had it. Any advice or recomendations would be great. Im looking to spend around $500, and also looking for something that can take a little abuse.

[The Fishing Geek]

Olympus have recently come out with a line that are touted to be weatherproof, which would come in handy out in the elements of fishing; however, I'm not sure that I would trust that ANY of them would take "abuse". Not yet, anyway.

Otherwise, if you do a LIG forum search for digital you should find a few recent threads about digital cameras.

[Sensei-san]

The geek's choice of Olympus is a good one. I have used Olympus cameras for a long time. The new Stylus digital series is a winner. For about three bills you can get the 3.2 megpixel model. 3.2 megapixels is good for about an 8x10 uncropped. 2 megapixels are good for about 5x7 and 1.3 megapixels good for about 4x6. Any size is good for posting on the net. Just read ifish's picture posting page and you'll understand.

Buying a top of the line digital is like buying a top of the line computer. You know that it will be cheaper and faster tomorrow.

[Herring Impaired]

I'll third Olympus. I recently got the C-720, and I am loving it. I think I can finally sell my 35MM gear without regret!

The C-4000 was recently voted the best 4 MP camera by one of the PC magazines.

[sinker]

I'll fourth Olympus. Recently bought the C-5050. Little spendy to be taking fishing. But what a camera.
Olympus has always had the best lenses. While everyone else was using plastic, Olympus was using high quality glass.

Check these sites out.
http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

[Killertraylor]

I had an olympus 1.3 mp digital for 4 years and loved it. Recently replaced it with a Canon digital elph which I like even more. The Canon fits in your shirt pocket, has a much more durable steel casing and takes better pictures, but not that much better. Of course, the Canon is a 3.2 megapixel camera which accounts for most of the quality increase. I tried out the New Canon G3 which is one of the top of the line digitals and it was way too complicated for me. I took it back and got the Elph 330. I'd recommend sticking with a 3.2 megapixel model from either Canon or Olympus and you'll be happy as a clam. FYI, all of the great pictures posted by 5-cents are taken with an Olympus so you know they take great pictures.

[garyk]

Largely due to advice from Ifishers we purchased a Canon Powershot S30, and have never looked back. Compact and superb pics, it's quite a machine. Over on the Ifish 'Flys & Lies' forum there's some nice macro shots taken with digitals.

[pdxkevin]

I am researching which d-camera to get for my family, too. Some of the things to consider (for us at least) is how large are we going to print these images? If 80% or more are snap shots never going beyond 5x7, than a 2.0 mega pixel will easily keep your printing quality roughly the same as a 35mm.

Another consideration is the usage. I am rough on stuff, so I need one that can take a little bump & scratch (maybe a splash or two)...

The d-camera I am currently looking at is the DC5000 Zoom by Kodak

"Takes what life dishes out.

Rugged, durable, and easy-to-use, the KODAK DC5000 will help you get the job done. Whether you’re in the construction industry, insurance, or an outdoor enthusiast, the DC5000’s weatherproof body will hold up under the toughest circumstances. Two-megapixel resolution provides you with excellent picture quality even on 8" x 10" prints. The 2X optical (30 – 60 mm) and 3X digital zoom let you choose wide angle or telephoto to take pictures in a variety of open spaces. All in all, a practical, intuitive package that is as easy to use as a point and shoot, but tough on the job."



It received 4 stars from ZD Net in their review.

They are selling at Cambridge World for under $250. I bought several 35mm lenses and bodies via mail order from them in the past.

[ 05-30-2003, 07:09 AM: Message edited by: pdxkevin ]

[GutshotApe]

I took the approach of buying a less-expensive "on sale" camera (hp 320) that takes decent pictures...and if (when) it goes overboard in 285' of water, or is dropped on the rocks, or is accidentally left on the roof of the car and never seen again - all of these are calamities that have happened to other cameras I've owned - then I'm out only $72, not $720.

Now, if I could just figure out how to post some of my photos on Ifish. :whazzup: I can get them on my computer, I can email them, but I don't know a jpg from a bfd and can't do whatever it takes to post 'em.

I heard a discussion on NPR the other day about computers and how most of the newer ones and newer software are so far beyond the user's ability to use 'em. Bill Gates was interviewed and he acknowledged the problem...great computers, great software.....very poor utilization due to very poor instruction manuals (nonexistent). I'm a perfect case in point...new hp computer, Windows XP, etc. but can't post a picture...and its not for lack of trying, either. :depressed:

[ 05-30-2003, 07:20 AM: Message edited by: GutshotApe ]

[Pete]

I've got an Olympus C-700. I really like it. I like the 10x zoom, the "fit and feel" in my hand and the true through the lens view-finder. What I don't like is the time it takes to cycle. It's very hard to take pictures of moving things like a jumping fish or a smiling kid.

I'll also second the recommendation to check anything out on Digital Photography Review. It's a very comprehensive web site that allows comparison between models and brands.

[pdxkevin]

I see that there is a voluntary recall on the DC5000 for a shock hazard. It says it will be repaired free of charge if need be.

I haven't found another rugged d-camera to replace this as my choice. I am open to suggestions. :smile:

[dampainter]

I would have said go with kodak`s LS443 but.....I gave one to my wife for a present last christmas, has alot of functions, easy to operate. The problems started when we went to the ocean in Feb. I accidently dropped it in the sand and all but destroyed it , I sent it in being that it still had warranty even though it was abuse, what did I have to lose?. Kodak sent me a bill for a replacement camera as the one I sent was nonrepairable for half the cost of a new one, great I thought. We have had nothing but problems! first time I used it was Easter and the lens froze, I sent it back with the memory card that I bought extra( they wanted it) they sent it back with no memory card...they made good and sent me one, then camera would not charge... sent it back to them, they send it back to me with no AC plug....they send a AC plug...we have been barely able to use our digital due to all the down time. I wish I had taken advice from this board instead of my neighbor on what camera to buy. I am afraid to even touch this camera for fear that it will break. Is there any digtal out there that can take a bump without breaking? too much money wasted on something so delicate. It does take really nice pics though. Good luck with what you go with.

[ 06-03-2003, 12:06 PM: Message edited by: dampainter ]