Camera Recommendations Please!

[Deer Park]

Merry Christmas from Texas!

My significant other has hinted that Santa might bring me a camera for Christmas. I'm so excited I could just smile!!! I've been a really good boy, and she knows I would never spend that kind of money on myself.

She said Santa would like a few recommendations since he expects me to only be taking pictures up close of tomatoes. WoW! he knows me well.

So I'll bet many of you have spent a lot of time researching this and if you're so incline please share what you think I should know.

Thank you all very much. A guy only gets one shot at this so I really want to get it right the first time.

Michael AKA DeerPark
TX GU R

[dcarch]

I have found these features extremely nice to have for my needs:

1. Ultra wide angle lens. Most of the time pictures are taken indoors.
2. Remote control. This will let you take pictures without self-timer. Also, you can take pictures using remote control so that the pictures will not be blurred from shaking.
3. Lots of memory, replaceable memory chip.
4. Lots of memory so that you can take long video.
5. Macro, of course.

I ended up with Nikon Coolpix 8400. I don't know what's this years new model #.

dcarch

[neoguy]

Michael,

I can't make specific recommendations, I've been out of the business for far too long, but I can give you a few thoughts to ponder.

A single lens reflex (SLR) will offer larger file sizes, usually cleaner digital files, more versatility with specialized lenses, camera specific flashes and the ability to adapt to professional strobes (electronic flash systems). The down side is the price. It may be reasonable to "get into the system" but it could get pretty expensive to "fill out" the system.

On the other hand, a "range finder type" or the "point and shoot", could fill the bill for you. They do come in good file size captures now, anything at 5 meg or above should be more than enough. Things to look for in the specs, ASA or ISO range, if they list it, you want the widest range available, especially on the low side. You want to look at the "macro feature", how close will it focus? What is the "optical zoom" versus "digital zoom"? Optical zoom means real close ups versus a larger picture created with a digital enhancement. A digital zoom just means larger pixels in the pictures, not something you want. Another, what is the flash range? The greater the flash distance the better, but keep in mind, if doing real close ups, the built in flash will probably not offer much light on the subject. I should add, optional lenses are available for most cameras in this category.

A couple of other things to keep in mind. If you're doing close up, macro photography, you'll want a tripod, the slightest shake of the camera will blur the image. And, if you want supplemental lighting without paying for the "pro" lighting, you can buy inexpensive, portable electronic flashes and "slaves". The remote flashes will trigger with the main flash. You'll probably need to mount the remote flashes on light stands.

Hope this didn't confuse you .

[babylark]

I love my Nikon D50. I bought it just before the D40 came out. It takes great photos and you can change out the lenses. It also does the whole remote control thing too. I have mine with to take some night photos of peoples Christmas decorations on my way home from work

[feldon30]

One thing to consider is camera size.

Here's a brief article:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/buying-guide/camera-types/

I love my Casio Exilim EX-550. It is considered an ultra compact. I know the picture quality in low light is not fantastic, but for tomato pictures, I have been very happy. And the camera boots up in less that 2 seconds, ready to take a picture or record up to 40 minutes of 50% DVD quality video. There's no annoying software to install. I connect the camera cradle to the PC and put the camera in the cradle and it shows up as another hard drive.

Some people might find the size of it to be dainty. I like having such a small camera because I am so much more likely to be carrying it when something interesting happens that I want to photograph. Nothing hampers spontaneity like running back inside to get a camera bag. This class of camera has limited control over light and shutter speeds and 2-3x zoom. $150+



The next size up are compact digital cameras. This is the bulk of the market. These cameras have a medium sized grip on the side. This class of camera sometimes has more control over light and shutter speeds and 3-5x zoom. $100+



The next size up are advanced "pro-sumer" digital cameras that have a bigger lens and bridge the gap between point-and-shoot simplicity and that high level of control that photographers insist on. I've been seriously considering a Canon IS S3. This class of camera has huge control over light and shutter speeds and 5-12x zoom. $300+



The high end of digital cameras are professional digital SLR cameras. Professional photographers insist on the maximum quality optics and lenses and complete control over light, shutter, white balance, etc. $500+



The last two categories are really the only cameras these days that emphasize the viewfinder anymore. The large screen on the back of all digital cameras is very good for all but direct sunlight shining on the screen for lining up your picture.


Looking forward to seeing pictures of the garden I have both heard so much and so little about! And of course there is photo gallery space ready for you if you wish.

[Worth1]

Michael,
Some may differ on this but if you have an existing 35MM camera you might consider getting that brand in an SLR type if you have a supply of lenses for the old 35MM already. (Pentax will interchange.)

I don’t know about the rest.
I have a Pentax K1000 that I already have many $ worth of lenses for and a semi pro lady friend that has the rest that I can use anytime I want. (((It’s a good friend that will let you use their camera stuff without question, just a phone call saying I need so and so lenses back for a while.)))

I don’t do movies so I do not know and could care less about that feature in a camera, so no help here.

I also have a Cannon A550 that I like very well and it didn’t cost that much, Less than $200.
At the time of purchase I went ahead and purchased a 1G SD card for the camera to replace the smaller memory card that came with it.
It was on sale for $24 at the time it regularly cost around $50 or so.
Another thing to consider is batteries on one type you have to recharge the battery the other type you can buy AA batteries and just replace them mine takes 2.

No need to worry about the battery going dead at the wrong time, ‘just pop in new batteries, just buy the digital batteries as they last longer.
Optical zoom VS digital zoom.

((((((((((Get the highest optical zoom you can afford, optical zoom has no effect on picture quality, digital zoom does.)))))))))))

There are many things to consider and many cameras to choose from.

Good luck on your Camera Purchase.

Worth

[spyfferoni]

I don't know that my camera is the best, maybe it isn't even that good compared to others, but it is very easy to use (even I was able to figure it out!) It is a Kodak Easy Share with 7.1 megapixels and 10 X optical zoom. This week Kmart has 1 GB sd cards on sale for $12.99. We price matched and got ours at Wal-mart since it is closer to our house. We don't have the docking port for the camera, but we just put the sd card in our card reader to download photos onto the computer. I'm not the best at computers, or electronics and I haven't had any problems.

Good Luck!!!

Tyffanie

[Suze]

I can't make any specific recommendations, other than to say I've had a Fuji FinePix S5100 for about three years now, and it is a good mid-level camera. It has a lot of features, and takes very good photos. That is, once I broke down and forced myself to read the instruction manual a little this year. I will say I don't use the majority of the features, or even manual settings very much. 95% of the time, I leave it on autofocus.

As Worth mentioned, the distinction between optical zoom and digital zoom is an important one. I don't know what the standard is these days, but at the time I purchased my camera, 10x optical was considered good to have.

Get rechargeable batteries. I eventually ended up getting two sets, so that when I am charging one set, the others can immediately be put in the camera. That way, I don't lose my date/time settings. This may or may not be an issue with some cameras, but it is with mine.

Memory is important -- get plenty of it, in the form of an extra card or two.

I now have two cameras (completely different types) because I recently purchased the Casio Exilim that Morgan has. My other camera is perfectly fine, but I've found myself not taking pictures in certain situations just because I didn't want to lug the other one around all day. Also, with it on a strap around my neck, everytime I lean forward, so does the camera. Can be annoying at a tomato tasting, or if you're walking around out in the garden. I have an easy to access clip-on case that this one gets carried in. Being able to recharge it in that cradle is also handy.

[cosmicgardener]

I'm chuffed with my Panasonic Lumix TZ2 - had the TZ1 before that and was just as happy. Mid price range ( around $500AUD) takes great pics. 10X Optical Zoom

[feldon30]

A quick bit of info about megapixels and memory card size.

Megapixels (MP) are a measure of picture quality (resolution). Some ballpark image sizes:
640 x 480 - posting a picture by e-mail or on the internet
1280 x 960 (1.3MP) - the average computer screen size
2048 x 1536 (3.1MP) - 3" x 5" prints
2304 x 1728 (4MP) - 5" x 7" prints
2560 x 1920 (5MP) - 8" x 10" prints.

I am hardly an expert on cameras, but if you want to recreate the fidelity (if not the warmth) of 35mm, you want to look at 6MP and beyond. However, megapixels is simply a measurement of how many dots are recorded per picture. It is not a measurement of how well the camera focuses, the quality of the glass (lenses, optics, mirrors, etc.). You can get a 10MP pocket camera and it cannot touch a large, semi-pro or pro 5MP camera for realism captured in the images.


My favorite part about digital cameras is, of course, no developing. You can take hundreds of pictures without having to worry about editing or choosing your shots wisely. First, you can review and delete pictures very easily in the camera. Second, the memory cards that hold your pictures are quickly interchangeable and cost about as much as developing a few rolls of film, and they can be wiped and reused hundreds of times.


A 1GB memory card can hold 300-500 images and costs $20-30. A 2GB memory card can hold twice that amount and can be had for as little as $45.

Once you find out what camera you are getting, then you need to buy the type of memory appropriate it. You know the old adage, the great thing about standards is, there are so many to choose from! The most common memory cards for digital cameras are Secure Digital (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) but there are many others including xD, MMC, and Sony's proprietary (surprise!) MemoryStickPro.


You can do a lot of research, or you can buy a well-reviewed camera and start enjoying it.

[dcarch]

It has been very nice not to have to carry an extra video camera/batteries/chargers traveling. My camera takes great videos with sound.

dcarch

[Worth1]

I’m with Feldon you can look till your eyes fall out or you can just get a good camera and enjoy it.

I got my recommendation from a professional photographer.
He said what I can basically say here, spend around $200 or $300 enjoy it then if you really have to have a fancy one then spend the extra money and get one.
You will still use the one you originally purchased as you don’t want to take a chance on the nice one getting demolished in some way.

I have to take mine out in 40 below weather and shoot quickly and I don’t want to take a chance on a nice SLR for that.

Some plastics and metal will turn to glass break at that temperature.

Worth

[dcarch]

Worth made me remember one important thing about anything electronic:

After you have used your equipment outside in the cold, it's a good idea to keep it inside a plastic bag when you bring it inside util it equalized to inside temperature. This way moistrue will not condense and possibly cause damage.

dcarch

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by dcarch

Worth made me remember one important thing about anything electronic:

After you have used your equipment outside in the cold, it's a good idea to keep it inside a plastic bag when you bring it inside util it equalized to inside temperature. This way moistrue will not condense and possibly cause damage.

dcarch

Down here we have the opposite effect in the summer.

It will be cold in the air-conditioned house then you take the camera outside and it will get covered in moisture in the warm humid air.

I have to wait for the lens to warm up and dry off before I can take a picture.
I wondered what the deal was with the sorry pictures until I realized that the lens was covered in moisture.

[Deer Park]

Thanks all of you for your insight.

When I head stops swirling and I get my feet under me then I will begin to digest all this stuff, Macro, Micro.......

I may just have to take a class at the junior college.

And to think all I really want to do is take the best pictures I can of my beloved tomatoes.

Man am I getting left behind with all this high tech stuff. I really have a long learning curve.

Hey, I just had an idea, maybe I can find a camera buff in church that would be interested in trading taking pictures for me for some tomatoes. Boy am I lazy.

Thanks again much appreciated.

Michael