My first camera

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Mon, 04 Jul 2005 15:03:38 -0400, Jean wrote:

> I'm getting ready to buy my first digital camera. My budget ends at
> $500.00 for everything I'd need. Primarily, I'd take pictures of flowers
> (closeups), and then grandchildren. I just read in a Forbes Mag that the
> Cannon elph would be my best bet for the money. Somewhere else I read they
> were discontinued. Someone else told me to make sure I get a big enough
> memory card.
>
> Before I go shopping, will someone give me some recommendations please?

Before you buy, check out the info at these two sites:

www.steves-digicams.com
www.dpreview.com

You'll basically want to concern yourself with several criteria: First,
what is the maximum size print you intend to make on a regular basis;
second, lens' closest focus distance and the image reproduction ratio at
that distance; third, will a used camera work for you just as well as a
new one?

To maintian "good" quality in your prints, maximum print size is, more or
less, directly related to the megapixel (MP) rating of the camera. For
prints up to and including 8x10, you'll want at least a 4 megapixel
camera. More is okay. However, if you never think you'll make a print
bigger than 5x7, then 2 to 3MP is just fine. But, if you want to "wow"
people with 11x14 (or bigger) prints, then consider something 6 to 8MP or
more.

The ability of a "auto" camera to focus closely is crutial to making
quality "macro" images like of flowers. Some P&S are really designed for
it. Others have a special "closeup/macro" mode to permits reproduction
ratios larger than 1:4 (quarter life size, 1:1 is life size), which is
usually the highest the average lens will focus to. The cameras with the
"macro" mode are the ones you want to look for.

Since you have a limited budget, considering a used camera will enable you
to get more camera for the money or just conserve your capital to spend on
accessories like larger or more memory cards, special closeup lenses,
filters or the like.

I have no specific camera recommendations; however, I suggest that you
take more than a passing look at the Canon, Olympus, and Fuji line of
point-n-shoots. There are numerous models from each maker to choose from,
each with special features (and prices) suitable to specific needs. The
image quality is very good. They are well made and durable. And the full
"auto" mode turns out usable images even under extreme lighting
circumstances.

Good hunting...

Stefan

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

On Mon, 04 Jul 2005 21:26:12 -0400, Jean wrote:

> stefan patric wrote:
>> On Mon, 04 Jul 2005 15:03:38 -0400, Jean wrote:
>>
>>
>>>I'm getting ready to buy my first digital camera. My budget ends at
>>>$500.00 for everything I'd need. Primarily, I'd take pictures of flowers
>>>(closeups), and then grandchildren. I just read in a Forbes Mag that the
>>>Cannon elph would be my best bet for the money. Somewhere else I read
>>>they were discontinued. Someone else told me to make sure I get a big
>>>enough memory card.
>>>
>>>Before I go shopping, will someone give me some recommendations please?
>>
>>
>> Before you buy, check out the info at these two sites:
>>
>> www.steves-digicams.com
>> www.dpreview.com
>>
>> You'll basically want to concern yourself with several criteria: First,
>> what is the maximum size print you intend to make on a regular basis;
>> second, lens' closest focus distance and the image reproduction ratio at
>> that distance; third, will a used camera work for you just as well as a
>> new one?
>>
>> To maintian "good" quality in your prints, maximum print size is, more
>> or less, directly related to the megapixel (MP) rating of the camera.
>> For prints up to and including 8x10, you'll want at least a 4 megapixel
>> camera. More is okay. However, if you never think you'll make a print
>> bigger than 5x7, then 2 to 3MP is just fine. But, if you want to "wow"
>> people with 11x14 (or bigger) prints, then consider something 6 to 8MP
>> or more.
>>
>> The ability of a "auto" camera to focus closely is crutial to making
>> quality "macro" images like of flowers. Some P&S are really designed
>> for it. Others have a special "closeup/macro" mode to permits
>> reproduction ratios larger than 1:4 (quarter life size, 1:1 is life
>> size), which is usually the highest the average lens will focus to. The
>> cameras with the "macro" mode are the ones you want to look for.
>>
>> Since you have a limited budget, considering a used camera will enable
>> you to get more camera for the money or just conserve your capital to
>> spend on accessories like larger or more memory cards, special closeup
>> lenses, filters or the like.
>>
>> I have no specific camera recommendations; however, I suggest that you
>> take more than a passing look at the Canon, Olympus, and Fuji line of
>> point-n-shoots. There are numerous models from each maker to choose
>> from, each with special features (and prices) suitable to specific
>> needs. The image quality is very good. They are well made and durable.
>> And the full "auto" mode turns out usable images even under extreme
>> lighting circumstances.
>>
>> Good hunting...
>>
>> Stefan
>
> Thank you for the quick reply and simple explanations. I see I have
> homework to do. If I buy a camera at a Bestbuy, my friend will give me a
> great discount. Where would I look for a used one?

I've bought my used digitals (Canon Powershot S10, Olympus C3030,
Canon D30) off eBay from private parties, not dealers. (Most used
equipment in retail photo stores is overpriced anyway.) Also, bought and
sold used computers and computer parts and accessories, used film cameras
and lenses. I've never had any problems with eBay, but I'm a VERY patient
person, and can recognize a "con" from a mile off. I never rush in. Never
get caught up in "bidding fever." I can wait weeks for the right deal to
come along. Longest time I lurked (or would stalked be a better term ;-)
) for an item was about 12 weeks. That was for the Canon D30, Mint
condition, with all the accessories that originally came with it, at below
the going rate.

If you can get a new camera, that fulfills your requirements, AND with a
big discount, then go for it. Nothing wrong with new, if the price is
right. ;-)


Stefan