Help me choose a digital camera

[Geezer]

I need some help. I'm trying to pick out a digital camera for my girlfriend. These are some of the things I'm looking for (I think) ....

< $500
SLR-like design
12-18X zoom w/image stabilization
takes the picture when you click the button (not seconds later)

Something like these:

Kodak Easyshare Z812 http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/con...view-16295.htm

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/con...view-13152.htm

Thoughts? Any input is appreciated.

[Shaq Diesel]

Since I'm a Canon fan...

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=15207

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=15669

The G9 is right at the tip of your price range so you might have to do some online digging to get it for under. I have had previous generations of both cameras (G5 and currently an S3). The G-series doesn't really have the high-end zoom capabilities you're looking for but it is a fine camera. Once I finish building my track bike and the finances have a chance to reset, I will be looking to go back to a G-series instead of my S3. I like the S3, but having it has re-affirmed my love for the G-series cameras for an everyday point-n-shoot type camera.

The S3 does have the zoom capabilities though, so if you're looking for a camera that can do bleacher-type photography it will be better suited than a G-series camera.

When you say SLR design, are you talking about body shape or functions?

[nig]

I'm sure they're all good. The real reason to stick with Canon and Nikon in SLRs is the lens selection, with fixed lens it doesn't matter much. Just check out some online reviews and compare. I like dcresource.com

So far as take the picture when you click the button, it won't be seconds later with a point/shoot but it won't be quite as quick as a mechanical shutter SLR And the focus for sure won't be as quick. If something in the reviews confuses you post up.

[Russ]

Originally Posted by nig

I'm sure they're all good. The real reason to stick with Canon and Nikon in SLRs is the lens selection, with fixed lens it doesn't matter much. Just check out some online reviews and compare. I like dcresource.com

So far as take the picture when you click the button, it won't be seconds later with a point/shoot but it won't be quite as quick as a mechanical shutter SLR And the focus for sure won't be as quick. If something in the reviews confuses you post up.

Canon's image processing is far superior to some of the other manufacturers as well.

Canon S3 IS would be my pic.

[nig]

You can get a deal on the S3 if you find one but the S5 has a hot shoe.

[I_FLY_LOW]

CNET's review of the S3...
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...tag=prod.txt.1

Buydig.com seems to have the best price, according to pricewatch.com...
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...SS3&sku=CNPSS3

looks like new toy time again... hmm...

[DevlDuc]

Get a really good rig for little dough. You can find one for around $550!!

[JayD]

Geezer,
The Sony H7 or the Canon S5 will do all that you need and more
I'm partial to Canons having made good money with them shooting weddings
That being said, I've seen some real good looking shots out of the H3, H5 H7 series
(especially skin tones and whitebalance)

You really can't go wrong with any of todays high end "prosumer" cameras

[Geezer]

Thanks for all the input ...

This is what I got for her ... http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=E2CNPSS3

[Dragginaknee]

i agree i like the g9 and might buy 1 later, my girl got me a canon sd750 for christmas and it is real nice

[nickatnite]

Originally Posted by JayD

Geezer,
The Sony H7 or the Canon S5 will do all that you need and more
I'm partial to Canons having made good money with them shooting weddings
That being said, I've seen some real good looking shots out of the H3, H5 H7 series
(especially skin tones and whitebalance)

You really can't go wrong with any of todays high end "prosumer" cameras

I have to agree with Jay. I like the Canon or Sony.
I've got a Sony DSC H2 in 6mp and it is a great little P&S. I mean, you can take a pic like this (no photoshop in the photos).



or this...




EXIF for the top 2 photos:
Basic
Date Digitized 2007-11-10 10:21:27
Camera SONY DSC-H2
Exposure Time 0.002s (1/500)
Aperture f/4.0
ISO 160
Focal Length 63.1mm
Photo Dimensions 2816 x 2112
File Name DSC01784.JPG
File Size 2.36 MB
Detailed
JPEG Quality 8/18
Flash flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Exposure Program action program
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Exposure Mode auto
Light Source unknown
White Balance auto
Contrast 0
Saturation 0
Sharpness 0
Color Space sRGB

I've had this just over 2 years and I'm pusing it to it's max now. I just upgraded to the Nikon D40 dSLR camera.

[I_FLY_LOW]

damn, those were some neat pics!

[Storm]

like shaq...i got the S3 as a gift this christmas and i was reading the functions and it does a lot of stuff. what kind of use is she looking for out of it. cause if she's anything like my girl she may like something smaller and ""cute""....but if she really want to get into taking up photograph as a past time i would say invest into a nice cannon or sony within that price range.

[MP3 Madness]

Back in the "olden days" of film photography, I used to shoot a Nikon F2, but it died quite some years ago. I have been considering moving up to a digital SLR and since I already have a 55 MM f1.4 Nikor lens and a Vivitar 85 to 205 MM, f2.3 lens, both with Nikon mounts, I have been considering purchasing a Nikon D40x. I found it at Camera Addict for $463, including the 18-55 MM AF zoom lens. Here is the ad:

http://tinyurl.com/32holq

Anyone have any experience with Camera Addict? Is that price a bit too good to be true? Any way to check them out?

I would value comments, pro and con.

[I_FLY_LOW]

I'd like to sell my olympus evolt e-300 and accessories... I bought the dual lens kit. Came with the zuiko digital 14-45mm f3.5-5.6, and 40-150mm f3.5-4.5 lenses. I also bought the extended battery grip, and 1 more battery, and an extra charger, lowepro bag, haze and uv filters. I also have a c-5050 zoom I'd like to sell as well...

[nig]

Only buy online from well established camera stores IMO. Not worth the risk. Adorama or B&H won't be much more. Oh and camera salesmen are pushy 80% of the time, don't let them talk you into anything you weren't buying before you picked up the phone.

[Shaq Diesel]

Originally Posted by MP3 Madness

Back in the "olden days" of film photography, I used to shoot a Nikon F2, but it died quite some years ago. I have been considering moving up to a digital SLR and since I already have a 55 MM f1.4 Nikor lens and a Vivitar 85 to 205 MM, f2.3 lens, both with Nikon mounts, I have been considering purchasing a Nikon D40x. I found it at Camera Addict for $463, including the 18-55 MM AF zoom lens. Here is the ad:

http://tinyurl.com/32holq

Anyone have any experience with Camera Addict? Is that price a bit too good to be true? Any way to check them out?

I would value comments, pro and con.

That price is bordering on "too good to be true". although being the end of the year they might just be trying to empty inventory. I'd call them and research the company online.

[nig]

I'd just get the D40 if you want to save, the "X" doesn't offer anything special IMO, just more pixels. Put the money into a nice flash or lenses.

Also, no telling if your old lenses will work on a D40/D40X, they don't have the AF motor built into the camera.

[nickatnite]

Originally Posted by nig

Only buy online from well established camera stores IMO. Not worth the risk. Adorama or B&H won't be much more. Oh and camera salesmen are pushy 80% of the time, don't let them talk you into anything you weren't buying before you picked up the phone.

Nig is 100% correct on all of this. I bought my Nikon D40 from B & H, and like most, had already done my research before hand. Also, don't fall into the sales pitch of "more megapixels is better". That is the biggest sales pitch and misconception there is out there.

And as far as some of the older lens working on the D40/40x, there have been some people out there that have used them, but in MF only.

Here is something to fill out before you go buy a camera.

This short questionnaire will help the rest of us make good camera recommendations for you. Please answer each question carefully and succinctly.

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