suzanne2006
12-14-2006, 12:17 PM
Hello! I just joined the forum as I am looking to purchase my very first digital camera. I would greatly appreciate any/all advice regarding my choice of camera as I have narrowed it down to the above mentioned 3. I consider myself an amateur/hobby photographer, and enjoy taking portrait photos of my Platinum Burmese kitty (mainly B/W), and outdoor nature shots. I presently own and use a Canon EOS Rebel Ti 35MM.
Which camera should I buy?
This short questionnaire will help the rest of us make good camera recommendations for you. Please answer each question carefully and succinctly.
The questions marked with a * are the most important.
---------------------------------------------
Budget
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
My budget is in the $400 range.
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Size of the Sony DSC-H5/H2 or the Canon S3 IS seems perfect.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
6 - 7 megapixel range. The most needed for the best quality photographs.
* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
Definitely an ultrazoom (10-12X). I would like to be able to get close up shots of birds (I live in an area designated a bird sanctuary and would love to take advantage of this without the need for big, bulky, expensive zoom lenses).
* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
10 - image is everything!
Do you care for manual controls?
No. I am embarassed to admit I have never utilized the manual controls on my present 35MM. I have had very good results using the standard auto settings on my Rebel 35MM. I do both set up shots of my cat (posed), and candid shots (unposed). As many of my candid shots are taken "on the fly" (my gorgeous kitty tends to pose perfectly without letting me know in advance!), I've never taken the time to study up on the manual settings. My focus has always been on the "artistic" side of photography not the technical side (Bad, bad, bad, I know!!).
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
As mentioned above - pet portraits, outdoor nature shots.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
I have not done so, but would like the capability of enlarging some of my favorite photos to at least 8 x11 (size large enough for a standard calendar). I presently make notecards, holiday cards, etc., utilizing a scanner and a very simple photo editing software program to crop and slightly enlarge my present photos.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Probably not. I do all my pet portraits with the flash turned off, using only natural light.
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Probably not, but would like to have the option if possible.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I've had no problems with my Canon Rebel. My previous camera was a little point and shoot Olympus - another great camera. I am concerned about the recent recalls of many Sony brand cameras. (Is this something I need to base my decision on?)
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Yes. The Sony DSC-H5, DSC-H2 ( very seriously considering the the higher megapixel H5), or the Canon S3 IS. Whichever camera has the best photo quality and is the SIMPLEST for a digital "newbie" to use. Ease of use is of GREAT importance!
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
I am interested in image stabilization features - for better, sharper, photos.
Thanking you in advance for your help and advice!
Suzanne
Which camera should I buy?
This short questionnaire will help the rest of us make good camera recommendations for you. Please answer each question carefully and succinctly.
The questions marked with a * are the most important.
---------------------------------------------
Budget
* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
My budget is in the $400 range.
Size
* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Size of the Sony DSC-H5/H2 or the Canon S3 IS seems perfect.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
6 - 7 megapixel range. The most needed for the best quality photographs.
* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
Definitely an ultrazoom (10-12X). I would like to be able to get close up shots of birds (I live in an area designated a bird sanctuary and would love to take advantage of this without the need for big, bulky, expensive zoom lenses).
* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
10 - image is everything!
Do you care for manual controls?
No. I am embarassed to admit I have never utilized the manual controls on my present 35MM. I have had very good results using the standard auto settings on my Rebel 35MM. I do both set up shots of my cat (posed), and candid shots (unposed). As many of my candid shots are taken "on the fly" (my gorgeous kitty tends to pose perfectly without letting me know in advance!), I've never taken the time to study up on the manual settings. My focus has always been on the "artistic" side of photography not the technical side (Bad, bad, bad, I know!!).
General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
As mentioned above - pet portraits, outdoor nature shots.
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
I have not done so, but would like the capability of enlarging some of my favorite photos to at least 8 x11 (size large enough for a standard calendar). I presently make notecards, holiday cards, etc., utilizing a scanner and a very simple photo editing software program to crop and slightly enlarge my present photos.
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Probably not. I do all my pet portraits with the flash turned off, using only natural light.
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Probably not, but would like to have the option if possible.
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I've had no problems with my Canon Rebel. My previous camera was a little point and shoot Olympus - another great camera. I am concerned about the recent recalls of many Sony brand cameras. (Is this something I need to base my decision on?)
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Yes. The Sony DSC-H5, DSC-H2 ( very seriously considering the the higher megapixel H5), or the Canon S3 IS. Whichever camera has the best photo quality and is the SIMPLEST for a digital "newbie" to use. Ease of use is of GREAT importance!
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
I am interested in image stabilization features - for better, sharper, photos.
Thanking you in advance for your help and advice!
Suzanne