Camera suggestions...

[shadowulf]

I was looking into getting a digital camera to keep with me on the bike. I would like some suggestions on what to look for.

Any input would be appreciated.

[dbduchene]

Do you want a SLR or a Point and shoot. Also a price range that you would like to spend would be very helpful. Also how much flexibility would you like to have in the settings. I have a Canon SD 400 for a point and shoot and a EOS 5D for my Digital SLR. Both are very good for what they are meant to do. I got my Kids Canon A540s this is a very nice camera as it can be used in program, Shutter priority, Aperture Priority or Manuel and a 4X zoom. ignore the digital zoom feature as it means nothing you can get the same results by cropping the pics on your computer.

Denis D

[bosozoku]

What's your budget?.

[shadowulf]

Sorry, spaced on specifics.

Ultimately, I would like both a point-and-shoot and a slr.

I have about $200 set aside for now, but seem like the cameras I like will be more $$$.

An old friend of mine who is a freelance photographer gave me some advice about cameras in general.
"Get the best camera that you can afford to loose/break"
Another opinion of his was that sometimes you don't get to setup the shot(point & shoot), while other times you are waiting and have the time to get it all right(slr). So, working on the assumption that the "do-it-all" camera is a myth. Point & shoot would most likely be the first one I would purchase.

So what should I look for in minimum megapixel, optical/digital zoom, what features are helpful, what features are worthless.

It would be nice if it could be operated with gloves on and not so small and light that it would get lost in my tankbag or jacket.

I figure I'll be scouring ebay for a little while. So any suggestions on older/refirbished cameras would be helpful.

Thanks

[corndog]

In that range, I would go with the Canon A720. Ignore megapixels, we don't really need to worry about that anymore. Go with the longest optical zoom you can find. The A720 is a 6x, pretty unheard of for a camera of it's physical size. Grab something with image stabilization, even if it's digital, it's better than nuttin.

Happy shopping!

[Nirvana]

Do consider the Canon SD1000 as well. A friend of mine recently bought it.
7.1 Megapixels. Nice big 2.5" screen. Face detection. Red-eye detection. Only 3x zoom though.



I have a SD400 I got about 2-2.5 years back for $300. It's 5 MegaPixels and doesn't have the nice features of the SD1000. Also, the SD1000 is only like ~$160 (these things keep getting cheaper all the time!), so definitely a good, inexpensive camera. They usually come with screen-protecting film; put some of that on the screen, hang it to a lanyard around your neck and off you go Pashnit-style.

Good luck !

[bosozoku]

Originally Posted by Nirvana

Do consider the Canon SD1000 as well. A friend of mine recently bought it.
7.1 Megapixels. Nice big 2.5" screen. Face detection. Red-eye detection. Only 3x zoom though.

I have a SD400 I got about 2-2.5 years back for $300. It's 5 MegaPixels and doesn't have the nice features of the SD1000. Also, the SD1000 is only like ~$160 (these things keep getting cheaper all the time!), so definitely a good, inexpensive camera. They usually come with screen-protecting film; put some of that on the screen, hang it to a lanyard around your neck and off you go Pashnit-style.

Good luck !

My first camera was a Canon SD300, and I found that it fit all the OP's requirerements. The SD1000 is a far-better version of it (w/image stabilization), and I almost bought one based on my experience with the earlier version.

[Nirvana]

Originally Posted by bosozoku

My first camera was a Canon SD300, and I found that it fit all the OP's requirerements. The SD1000 is a far-better version of it (w/image stabilization), and I almost bought one based on my experience with the earlier version.

There's a slight difference I notice between the SD300/400/450/(500?) models and this latest 1000 model, and that's to do with the feel and finish of the product. The 1000 doesn't have the rounded edges and shiny appearance of the older models; you might say it's a bit 'plain'.
Functionally, I think it's an excellent value for money.

Here's a picture of the SD400.

HTH.

[cbrjules]

I have the 6 megapixel version of the Canon and I love it. Although it's only x 3 optical zoom, that SD1000 would give lots of ability to crop and still have excellent image quality. It is so compact and robust you tend to take it with you everywhere and so get lots of shots because it fits in a pocket so easily. Also,if you go to a foreign country you don't stand out like a tourist as you do with a larger camera slung around your neck.

There are good camera reviews and user forums on dpreview at http://www.dpreview.com/ and also dgrin at http://www.dgrin.com/

[nodaclu]

I'm not exactly an uber picture-taker, but I received the Canon A570 IS for Christmas. I've seen it at Best Buy for $179. Not quite at the level of the A720, but its a 4X optical zoom, 7.1 megapixels, and has the image stabilization feature.

Good enough to take decent pictures with, not so expensive that you would be distraught if something happened to it on the bike or out on the road.

It was definitely a good choice for me at least, and quite a step up from my totally shot Sony DSC-40.