I just want a camera

[magnus1225]

Hello everyone, i've been wanting a camera for some time now, but i have no idea what i want. I've been asking some friends that are camera smart and they just give their personal preference for camera type. What i'm looking for in a camera is just a small one to take pictures of friends and so on. I don't know how high of a MP i should be looking for? I found the camera Casio EXILIM EX-Z1000 and this has 10 MP, but i was reading somewhere and it said they it doesn't have any manuel exposure modes or something? I dont know what that means though. I'm leaning towards buying this camera, but if one of you out there can convince me of another that would be better i would greatly appreicate any suggestions!!! Thank you much!

[tim11]

I suggest you fill some questions in Which Camera Should I Buy? (Read Before Posting) (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5111) so to give helpers some ideas what type of camera you want.
For starter, MP is just the physical size of the image and it doesn't represent quality. With 5MP you can make excellent 11x14" prints without losing image clarity, so I don't understand why anyone need a camera bigger than 6MP; unless you are graphic designers or want to prints life size posters of their photos. Bigger MP means you need to buy more memory cards and I just can't think of any real advantage.

[flippedgazelle]

Hey guys, these are just my off-the-cuff opinions regarding the first two posts:

1. Casio does not have a very good reputation as far as quality cameras are concerned. I have only used a couple recent models, and liked neither. Picture quality is mediocre.

2. Magnus, if your friends who are "camera smart" are recommending a Casio then they are not camera smart. Sorry.

3. As Tim stated, megapixel is way overrated. There are 6mp cameras that capture more detail than 8mp cameras because the amount of detail the 6mp camera can resolve is greater. However, if you plan on cropping your photos (as I often do), then a good 10mp camera is indeed a worthwhile option, if it is in your budget. However, a good 5 or 6mp camera is far better than a poor 10mp camera. Dig?

4. Also as Tim stated, fill out the Which Camera Should I Buy? (Read Before Posting) form.

5. If you have no idea about manual controls, then don't bother with them - just point and shoot.

6. Since it seems you want an ultracompact, look into the Canon Elph line of cameras, and also the Sony T-series and W-series. If you can go a little larger - but still smaller than most typical compact cameras - look at the Canon A710is and, for a great budget camera. the Kodak C875.

7. Read a bunch of reviews, and take notes, if necessary. Check out this site, also StevesDigicams.com, DPReview.com, Megapixel.net, Cnet.com, and heck, even use Google to research cameras you are interested in.

[bascom]

flippedgazelle, does your C875 have high speed download?

[flippedgazelle]

Hmm, I'll have to check on the high-speed download part.I usually just pop the SD card into a reader. I think the camera is USB 2.0, but I will check when I get home tonight.

[bascom]

Thanks here is the reason I'm asking:
http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27172

[flippedgazelle]

Yup, it's hi-speed (USB 2.0) download. I was able to transfer three ~3.2mb pictures in a couple of seconds via the USB cable.