Camera advise ..

[purple007]

Hi all

There is probably a post somewhere on here about this but I cant find it .. so here goes .. I am using a Canon A510 and like it but would like to get another .. can you guys tell me what camera you are using and what you like about it .. or any suggestions you may have on a better camera ..

Thanks
Rick

[Law Dawg]

Hello Rick. I just did a long search for a point and shoot camera, including posting here. Sooner or later the camera wonks will post up, or provide a link. My problem was that the info overwhelmed this techno-tard. Just in case you are in the same position, I'll tell you what camera I found and the practical plus minus list (remember, I am still sorting out this camera)...before the real experts jump in.

My camera; the Canon Power Shot S2 IS, LOVE this camera! 12x optical zoom and 5 megs. The auto function is very good with several settings for the type of pics you are taking. Very simple to use in auto (way important to me) and the lens quality is quite high. The burst pic setting is much fun and it rewarded me with a number of great shots at the Moto GP.

The down side is this camera is complicated to set up with the different settings and menu. I am sorting it out slowly and will probably end up ignoring most of the functions I don't understand (read will not really ever want to use anyway). The burst mode seems a bit slow to me but then this is a new technique and I don't have the experience base to compare it to any other camera. It still works well enough to get shots of the bullets that were zooming the corners at the GP.

Overall I highly recommend this camera, it gives shots that make the extra homework worth it. I would buy one soon as the S3 IS is out and the prices could be very good. One expert type told me he prefers the S2 over the newer S3 but then launched into a technical explanation that left me being a -ing idiot.

Hope this helps, if it is too techno-tard for you...I appologise in advance.

[purple007]

Thanks Mark

No its not to technical for me .. but close .. the A510 I have is good and compact so that I can easily handle it on the bike for pics when I am moving .. I am looking for a camera that will compliment this one .. one that I can use off the bike .. and get a bit more serious about photography ..
thanks for your input ...

Rick

[Scarman]

Hey Mark I love the term Techno-Tard. As a retired systems engineer, I'm really getting tired of fixing computer problems for friends an family. From now on I am officially a techno-tard and I as a result I will no longer touch the stuff. Whenever asked, I now know nothing.

OK back to the topic of the camera. Two big questions would be "What is it that you want to do better than your existing camera does for you?" and "How much money do you want to spend?".

I'm in this very same boat. I currently have a Lumix FX10. Great camera due to the Leica 12x optical zoom lens. I think Lumix is now up to the FZ30 and very soon to be FZ50. The Canon Powershot and the Fuji Finepix are also top notch for that class of camera, which I guess would be the prosumer digital SLR like camera.

The next step up would be into the digital SLR cameras, which is where I'm looking. The cost of hardware and technical knowledge goes up significantly at this level of the game. I've been reading all I can for several months to get my brain wrapped around this subject and I'm just starting to develop an understand.

The variables affecting my decision are complex and change significantly as I continue to prioritize the features I need most from my next camera. Right now I'm giving the Canon EOS-20D a serious look, but the Nikon D70s is also hard to ignore.

The only thing that keeps me from getting the Nikon today is the 6.1 mega pixel. Other than the difference in mega pixels, the Nikon works so much better for me in every way. Why Canon keeps putting out those crap lenses in their kits boggles my mind. I understand that it's to make the cost more palatable, but most users at this level understand they're going to have to get a new lens to get better than average performance from their camera.

[Law Dawg]

"No its not to technical for me .. but close"

Well, that would be a first! Finally someone who is more challenged than me. I was thinking my limited knowledge would be too basic for you.

I forgot to mention that this camera requires batteries. At first this was not something that called, I wanted an internal battery and built in charger. In retrospect, this feature is gold. I purchased an Energizer battery charging unit (set up to charge at home or in a vehicle outlet) and 12 spare chargable batteries (carry them with, in the camera case). The beauty of this is when batteries go dead (and there is no outlet around) I just put fresh ones in. Also store bought Alkaline batteries will work in a pinch. Cheap and handy. I don't have to wait, just reload and shoot. Kinda like my Glock (something I could dazzle most of the camera wonks about) , when the excrement hits the rotary blade it stinks to run out of ammo with no spare mags.

One more recommendation (learned at the Moto GP). Get a HUGE meg card or two (at least 1 gig). I bought two 128 meg cards that were promptly filled up. One would get full during the action and then it's "Hold everything" time while I put in an empty one. I'm thinking about buying two of the largest meg cards that can be found. Format the card and shoot like a maniac on crank ...no sweat. Again, kinda like my Glock...a drum mag would be sweet.

Reminder: I was in your shoes not very long ago...so much to learn and so much info. Come to any gathering and corner a site member who knows their stuff. I found one guy who had the same camera as mine. He was a BUNCH of help and also very humbling with his abilities to shoot this camera. It will give you as much room to grow as you now need (I prolly will never be able to use this one to the max). Take notes and don't be afraid to tell them that you do not understand what they are saying. Any I have talked to (including Tim) have been very patient with me...kinda like how one treats a semi-retarded brother.

[Law Dawg]

Originally Posted by Scarman

Hey Mark I love the term Techno-Tard. As a retired systems engineer, I'm really getting tired of fixing computer problems for friends an family. From now on I am officially a techno-tard and I as a result I will no longer touch the stuff. Whenever asked, I now know nothing.


The next step up would be into the digital SLR cameras, which is where I'm looking. The cost of hardware and technical knowledge goes up significantly at this level of the game. I've been reading all I can for several months to get my brain wrapped around this subject and I'm just starting to develop an understand.

Dave, in my case the name fits but no blame for wanting to hold back...us real tards are a PIA.

As to the learning curve, I got to hang out with Joe (Com3) and Drew (Dr Motard) for a bit. They gots talent with their SLRs! Had to walk away when blood started coming out of my ears from attempting to concentrate on what they were saying. Very humbling indeed. The proof is in their shots posted here. The composition and technical skills this type have is just light years beyond anything I could possibly do. So then a point and shoot. It does not matter that my best shots are the ones they would throw away...I'm having fun! Ain't that what it's all about?

[Scarman]

I'd love to spend some time riding and shooting pix with 3com. He seems to have the photo stuff all dialed in and working well for him. His Moto GP shots are amazing.

[purple007]

Hey Dave thanks for the response
Dont mind spending say $500 to $600 .. looking for something with 5 or more megapixels and interchangeable lenses
Cant really do lots of cropping with the 3.2 mp

[purple007]

Would love to find someone as a mentor kinda thing to walk me through this .. thinking of taking a photo course this winter . since I cant ride up here december to late march

[DR Motard]

Originally Posted by Law Dawg

As to the learning curve, I got to hang out with Joe (Com3) and Drew (Dr Motard) for a bit. They gots talent with their SLRs! Had to walk away when blood started coming out of my ears from attempting to concentrate on what they were saying. Very humbling indeed. The proof is in their shots posted here. The composition and technical skills this type have is just light years beyond anything I could possibly do. So then a point and shoot. It does not matter that my best shots are the ones they would throw away...I'm having fun! Ain't that what it's all about?

It doesn't take much to get good pictures. I had Tom up to speed in a few minutes at the ALMS race last year. A lot of practice helps too.