o-ron
05-19-2007, 12:36 AM
Preface:
I've had my compact Nikon Coolpix 4300 for quite some time now, and it's starting to show its age, and the 4-megapixel resolution is a bit outdated. It's been a great camera, and I love that it has manual controls. I only wish that it allowed more refined selection of aperature (it only lets you choose from 2 different aperatures at any given time). Everyone tells me they think my camera takes great pictures.
So I'd like to find something comparable, but newer / higher resolution. Also, I don't like all the large protrusions on my current camera - makes putting it in a pocket impossible or akward. I really want something sleek and slender so I can walk around city streets without looking like a tourist.
Budget
Under $300 would be my target, but I'd be willing to pay more if it was worth it
Size
The smaller the better. I'm going traveling and want the camera to easily fit in my jean's pockets.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
8 megapixels should be enough. I'd go less if I got everything else I wanted
* What optical zoom will you need?
3x is enough, 4x+ would be ideal
* How important is “image quality” to you? 8
Do you care for manual controls?
Yes, I'm hoping to find decent manual controls - aperature and shutter (simultaneous). I usually don't use priority modes.
General Usage
Vacation photos, mostly outdoor, landscapes, buildings, etc..
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Yes, although probably not huge posters
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Museum-level lighting shots are common, and I often like to take night shots (with a tripod or on a steady surface).
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Usually no hi-speed or action photos
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I've very much enjoyed my Nikon. I like the styling of the Sony models.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I've been looking at the Casio Exilim models, the Sony W models, the Fuji Finepix 30, the Canon S80, and a few others.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Image stabilization would be a great bonus. Personally, I've never had good luck with AA-style batteries, and have always preferred Li-Ion rechargable batteries. I also don't like cradle docks very much - the simplest solution i think should just be a cable.
I've had my compact Nikon Coolpix 4300 for quite some time now, and it's starting to show its age, and the 4-megapixel resolution is a bit outdated. It's been a great camera, and I love that it has manual controls. I only wish that it allowed more refined selection of aperature (it only lets you choose from 2 different aperatures at any given time). Everyone tells me they think my camera takes great pictures.
So I'd like to find something comparable, but newer / higher resolution. Also, I don't like all the large protrusions on my current camera - makes putting it in a pocket impossible or akward. I really want something sleek and slender so I can walk around city streets without looking like a tourist.
Budget
Under $300 would be my target, but I'd be willing to pay more if it was worth it
Size
The smaller the better. I'm going traveling and want the camera to easily fit in my jean's pockets.
Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
8 megapixels should be enough. I'd go less if I got everything else I wanted
* What optical zoom will you need?
3x is enough, 4x+ would be ideal
* How important is “image quality” to you? 8
Do you care for manual controls?
Yes, I'm hoping to find decent manual controls - aperature and shutter (simultaneous). I usually don't use priority modes.
General Usage
Vacation photos, mostly outdoor, landscapes, buildings, etc..
* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Yes, although probably not huge posters
Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
Museum-level lighting shots are common, and I often like to take night shots (with a tripod or on a steady surface).
Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Usually no hi-speed or action photos
Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I've very much enjoyed my Nikon. I like the styling of the Sony models.
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I've been looking at the Casio Exilim models, the Sony W models, the Fuji Finepix 30, the Canon S80, and a few others.
(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Image stabilization would be a great bonus. Personally, I've never had good luck with AA-style batteries, and have always preferred Li-Ion rechargable batteries. I also don't like cradle docks very much - the simplest solution i think should just be a cable.