Which Camera?

[Aren Jay]

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[CBT]

When I'm not on here acting a fool, photography is one of my hobbies. I use a Kodak Z812IS. Pretty decent little camera, wasn't that expensive. Looks similar to the one you show. Mine has 12X zoom, 8.1 mega pixels, HD. I've taken pictures with it, printed them, framed them, gave them away a gifts on birthdays or whatever occasion, and people are shocked when they learn I actually took them. Even some of the pictures in my house were taken by me with this camera and people, again, are surprised that I took them. So it's a pretty decent little camera, even in black and white and sepia. I don't use the video mode that often but it works great also.

[CRUZTAKER]

... pocketable would be great but if not then less than 1/2 a pound total weight in carrying case.

I would love to make suggestions...but apparently a DSLR is not in your future.

Good luck, and I hope someone here is hip to point and shoots. ;)

[Aren Jay]

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[oldekid]

Aren,
I have owned a Lumix before, and it was a very nice camera. It appears that you have done some research, and if you have your mind set on that model, then go to your local Best Buy, or Circuit City, and pick one up and try it out.

I checked out your link, and I am a believer of Steve's Digicam reviews. He seemed to like it. I was also impressed with it after reading his review.

Most people are pretty happy with what they are using, so you should expect them to voice their opinions.

It will really boil down to what you want in the end. No matter what you decide, just remember that you will have to post some pics here to show us that you made a good decision.

:beer:

[Aren Jay]

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[larryo340]

I have a Kodak Z712is and like it even thought it can't compare to a DSLR. I'm a casual picture taker and this camera does have some more advanced manual features, and is great for for what it is. I paid $199 at Costco last early this year. This camera will give you decent pictures, but to get pictures like the ones from Oldekid, jdando, and Cruztaker you have to get a DSLR.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/03/Kodak_712IS.jpg

[larryo340]

I use a Kodak Z812IS. I don't use the video mode that often but it works great also.

I have the Z712is, and I find that the auto focus is slow to respond when taking video. No where near as fast as a video camera. Did you see that with yours?

[oldekid]

I will look at one at Bestbuy or the local camera place might be better as they actually know what a camera is. But I would buy over Amazon.com $200.00 cheaper.I know that is true, but sometimes I buy from the local camera store, just to help keep them in business. They aren't a big chain store, and they have been here for many years, and yes, they do know their stuff. Plus, it just makes me feel good. :)

[CRUZTAKER]

Damnit I can't believe I fell for the Aren Jay screen name....twice....:shake:

Smart move with the name change though.
I fell for it. :up:

One last reply...

Buying camera equipment online is risky.

1. Likely grey market look-a-likes, knock offs, or remans.
2. Rarely carries a manufacturers warranty as all high end manufacturers require their items be purchased through AUTHORIZED vendors to retain manufacurer warranty.

[bluesfan]

Poplular Hot Rodding magazine did a series on automobile photography and recomended a CanonPower shot S1 with image stabilizer a couple of years back. We bought one to replace an Olympus I learned to hate. The Canon has been great and used from a moving Harley many times with great results. I'm sure this is an outdated model and I did buy it from a local camera shop as has been suggested here. I would not hesitate to buy another and used they prob are dirt cheap but I have been stung by E Bay on used so would check with a local shop.

[Aren Jay]

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[Marauderjack]

How 'bout.....:rolleyes::D

[MM03MOK]

Look at the fine craftsmanship in the Brownie's braided strap! :eek:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13 926&d=1228134444

[Aren Jay]

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[oldekid]

Aren,
I wouldn't try to compare those two shots. The first one was shot with a flash, and the second wasn't. They were both taken at slightly different shutter speeds, ISOs and aperatures. Not a good test, in my opinion.

Here is the exif info from both:

First shot:
File Name P1000282.jpg
Camera Model Name DMC-FZ28
Shooting Date/Time 11/10/2008 11:56:22 PM
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/40
Av (Aperture Value) 3.4
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 100
Image Size 3648x2736
Flash On
Color Space sRGB
File Size 4851KB
Owner's Name

Second shot:
File Name DSC00107.jpg
Camera Model Name DSC-W300
Shooting Date/Time 7/29/2008 12:36:23 PM
Tv (Shutter Speed) 1/4
Av (Aperture Value) 5.0
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 80
Image Size 4224x3168
Flash Off
Color Space sRGB
File Size 4412KB
Owner's Name

[Aren Jay]

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[jabird56]

I would seriously look at the CANON S5 IS. I bought the first evolution of this camera series (S1 IS) 4 or 5 years ago and LOVE IT. Through all of the evolutionary upgrades, it's still about the same price that I bought the S1 for.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=144&modelid=15207

[Aren Jay]

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[Aren Jay]

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