ramensoupa
08-06-2006, 05:59 PM
Okay, well my seventeenth birthday is coming up on the eighteenth and I asked for a camera, but I told my parents I'd tell them exactly which one I want because when you are spending upwards of $250, and that's all I'll be asking for, the specs are important.
The problem is that I want to get into a little bit of photography. The main use for the camera is general picture taking, and this will be my first camera. And so as far as manual controls, I know nothing, but I'm interested in learning. So I've been reading up, looking for an ultra slim camera that has atleast a 2" LCD screen and found these:
Sony W50 = 6MP, 3x/2x, $250, viewfinder, 390 shots, 2.5" LCD
Sony W70 = 7.2MP, 3x/2x, $300, viewfinder, 360 shots, 2.5" LCD
Casio Z600 = 6 MP, 3x/4x, $300, no viewfinder, 500 shots, 2.7" LCD
Since I'm so indecisive I played with the W30/W70 (same camera, different LCD size and megapixels) and the V603 at my job (Target), for a little bit just to get the feel. That didn't help much because I didn't get to test out the T5, but I have a feeling that even if I try the T5 I won't be able to decide. Also, what use can a viewfinder be really? I want a camera with a viewfinder, but I'm trying to figure out if I really need one if I'm just leaning towards one with a viewfinder because of tradition.
One positive going for the Sony's is that they use Memory Stick (Pro Duo), and I have a PSP so I could use it for both because I only have a 32 mb for my PSP since I don't use it much right now. But something good about the V603 is the 22 different scene modes, problem is, would I use any of the ones besides the basic ones? And are the modes worth the shitty battery life? So this is where goons come in, tell me what's amazing and horrible about these three cameras so that I can finally decide which one I'd like to get.
So please post which you think would be best for me, and why, whether it be brand preference or just knowledge you have that I don't.
And advise me on battery. With proprietary batteries, how many years do they usually last? I'd like suggestions on small cameras that take AA's also, and if I should go with one of these (I wanted a small one :( ) or just go with one that takes AA's.
--------------------------
Budget
$250 - $350
Size
Small, and sleek.
Features
5+ Megapixels
Standard optical zoom, 3x-4x
Image quality is of the upmost importance, 10.
I don't know anything about manual controls but I plan on getting into a little bit of photography, so a camera with manual controls that don't hinder normal picture taking is fine.
General Usage
Pictures when I'm out with friends, and a little photography.
Biggest prints should be about 8 x 10
About half will probably be indoor, not many will be action or sports.
Miscellaneous
Want to stay away from Fuji, HP and Samsung.
I already have three in mind: Sony W70, Sony W50, Casio Z600
I'd prefer it to have image stabilization.
The problem is that I want to get into a little bit of photography. The main use for the camera is general picture taking, and this will be my first camera. And so as far as manual controls, I know nothing, but I'm interested in learning. So I've been reading up, looking for an ultra slim camera that has atleast a 2" LCD screen and found these:
Sony W50 = 6MP, 3x/2x, $250, viewfinder, 390 shots, 2.5" LCD
Sony W70 = 7.2MP, 3x/2x, $300, viewfinder, 360 shots, 2.5" LCD
Casio Z600 = 6 MP, 3x/4x, $300, no viewfinder, 500 shots, 2.7" LCD
Since I'm so indecisive I played with the W30/W70 (same camera, different LCD size and megapixels) and the V603 at my job (Target), for a little bit just to get the feel. That didn't help much because I didn't get to test out the T5, but I have a feeling that even if I try the T5 I won't be able to decide. Also, what use can a viewfinder be really? I want a camera with a viewfinder, but I'm trying to figure out if I really need one if I'm just leaning towards one with a viewfinder because of tradition.
One positive going for the Sony's is that they use Memory Stick (Pro Duo), and I have a PSP so I could use it for both because I only have a 32 mb for my PSP since I don't use it much right now. But something good about the V603 is the 22 different scene modes, problem is, would I use any of the ones besides the basic ones? And are the modes worth the shitty battery life? So this is where goons come in, tell me what's amazing and horrible about these three cameras so that I can finally decide which one I'd like to get.
So please post which you think would be best for me, and why, whether it be brand preference or just knowledge you have that I don't.
And advise me on battery. With proprietary batteries, how many years do they usually last? I'd like suggestions on small cameras that take AA's also, and if I should go with one of these (I wanted a small one :( ) or just go with one that takes AA's.
--------------------------
Budget
$250 - $350
Size
Small, and sleek.
Features
5+ Megapixels
Standard optical zoom, 3x-4x
Image quality is of the upmost importance, 10.
I don't know anything about manual controls but I plan on getting into a little bit of photography, so a camera with manual controls that don't hinder normal picture taking is fine.
General Usage
Pictures when I'm out with friends, and a little photography.
Biggest prints should be about 8 x 10
About half will probably be indoor, not many will be action or sports.
Miscellaneous
Want to stay away from Fuji, HP and Samsung.
I already have three in mind: Sony W70, Sony W50, Casio Z600
I'd prefer it to have image stabilization.