bootsockboston
09-21-2006, 07:37 PM
Budget
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera?
Up to $1000
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Prefer the compact to mid size models vs. the bulky SLR style (for ease of transport - on the personal use side, I bike a lot and would like to have something light to take with me)
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
Minimum of 6 MP
* What optical zoom will you need?
Minimum of 3 optical with any additional digital zoom welcome (would love more on the optical zoom, 10 would be outstanding)
* How important is “image quality” to you?
For business, it doesn't matter - I always have to knock down the quality to put pictures online, but for my personal use I'd say 8-9.
Do you care for manual controls?
Not particularly, but basic manual controls and settings are Ok.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
80% will be for business (realtor/appraiser). I take approximately 300 pictures a week with both exterior and interior shots of houses. On the personal side, I'd like to be able to take low light shots (sunsets, moonshine) as well as nature and wildlife shots. I'd also like to possibly take some action shots (sports).
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
On occassion I do blow ups, but more importantly, I crop pictures often which obviously reduces the quality, thus starting with a high quality original is important in the personal use of the camera.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Yes/Many
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Yes/possibly
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I'm open to all brands as long as you feel they offer quality in picture as well as the product itself (made to last) and most or all of the options mentioned here.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I've done about 10 hours of research online in the last week and I'm no closer to buying a new camera than when I started! Many offer most, but not all of what I'm looking for - It's difficult to decide when you have to sacrifice an option that you wanted.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Image stabilization if the zoom is greater than a 5X optical. I'd love a wide angle or panoramic setting. The one thing I really, really wanted, but it looks like I'll have to sacrifice is a wireless remote (shutter release). Yes I found several, but most are older models and most offer a small 1.8" LCD which is not acceptable to me.
Recap of the perfect camera for me:
-Under $1000
-6MP or more
-3X Optical (more preferred - 10 would be optimal, additional digital zoom also preferred)
-2.0" or larger LCD (larger preferred, 2.5 or larger would be optimal)
-easy to use (non SLR)
-Image Stabilization if zoom is over 5X
-Wide angle or Panoramic setting
-Wireless remote (for shutter release, or taking a picture)
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera?
Up to $1000
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Prefer the compact to mid size models vs. the bulky SLR style (for ease of transport - on the personal use side, I bike a lot and would like to have something light to take with me)
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
Minimum of 6 MP
* What optical zoom will you need?
Minimum of 3 optical with any additional digital zoom welcome (would love more on the optical zoom, 10 would be outstanding)
* How important is “image quality” to you?
For business, it doesn't matter - I always have to knock down the quality to put pictures online, but for my personal use I'd say 8-9.
Do you care for manual controls?
Not particularly, but basic manual controls and settings are Ok.
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
80% will be for business (realtor/appraiser). I take approximately 300 pictures a week with both exterior and interior shots of houses. On the personal side, I'd like to be able to take low light shots (sunsets, moonshine) as well as nature and wildlife shots. I'd also like to possibly take some action shots (sports).
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
On occassion I do blow ups, but more importantly, I crop pictures often which obviously reduces the quality, thus starting with a high quality original is important in the personal use of the camera.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Yes/Many
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Yes/possibly
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I'm open to all brands as long as you feel they offer quality in picture as well as the product itself (made to last) and most or all of the options mentioned here.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I've done about 10 hours of research online in the last week and I'm no closer to buying a new camera than when I started! Many offer most, but not all of what I'm looking for - It's difficult to decide when you have to sacrifice an option that you wanted.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Image stabilization if the zoom is greater than a 5X optical. I'd love a wide angle or panoramic setting. The one thing I really, really wanted, but it looks like I'll have to sacrifice is a wireless remote (shutter release). Yes I found several, but most are older models and most offer a small 1.8" LCD which is not acceptable to me.
Recap of the perfect camera for me:
-Under $1000
-6MP or more
-3X Optical (more preferred - 10 would be optimal, additional digital zoom also preferred)
-2.0" or larger LCD (larger preferred, 2.5 or larger would be optimal)
-easy to use (non SLR)
-Image Stabilization if zoom is over 5X
-Wide angle or Panoramic setting
-Wireless remote (for shutter release, or taking a picture)