Digital camera

SeattleYates · #11 09-27-2006, 07:41 PM

Since I'm a bit of a camera nut (meaning I spend WAY too much money on camera gear...and just gave a couple of seminars on how to choose the right digital camera), I'll throw in my $0.02 on this topic. From what I've seen in this thread, we're talking primarily about point & shoot cameras, not DSLR's (which can take better photos, but are a bit unwieldy for casual snapshots). Although I'm a Canon guy when it comes to DSLR's (I have three), I do not think you need to go with Canon for P&S's.

I've had three Canon Digital Elphs (including the SD550), and three Nikon Coolpix models. They were all great cameras, with their own pros and cons. However, I've ended up now using a Lumix (made by Panasonic - see http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/) FX01. The primary reason I chose Lumix is for Image Stabilization. Simply stated, you're going to get more clear, in focus (non-blurry) photos with IS than without, and Lumix has done a great job of incorporating IS in their cameras. Some of them (e.g., the FX series) also have extremely wide angle lenses, and some have other cool features. But IS is the MAIN attraction. Once you've had it in a camera (or lens, if you have a DSLR), you won't want to be without it!

A few other points:
- Don't get carried away with "pixel envy" - you really only need 5-6mp to get great quality prints up to about 8x10 (my FX01 is only 6mp). And pixels are not all equal; a good 5mp camera will produce better results than a crappy 8mp camera.
- Look for reviews of whatever cameras/lenses you buy on www.dpreview.com -- it's the most respected source for in-depth objective reviews.
- Stick with name brands - don't buy cheap no-name cameras.
- I personally would make sure you're getting a camera that takes either CF or SD cards; they're the winners in the media battle. Other formats either don't have high capacity cards at all, or high capacity cards are really expensive (sorry Sony and Olympus!).

Hope that helps!