Camera Recommendation for Exhibitions Photographer

[RonLee]

Hi all,

this is my first post on this forum after been reading and researching for a few months now. I run a website which is a site dedicated to modified car exhibitions/shows but namely the promo girls that work there. I would post the link up on here but Im not sure what is deemed as Adult content (i read the forum rules) as I do have some pictures of the promo models on there that are a bit more than suggestive.

But anyway, that is not important. What is important is I'm looking for a good camera to use at these shows. People who have been to exhibitions/shows will know that the conditions are a bit artificial with different lighting depending on the stands. Some are too bright and some are dark. I'm still very much an amatuer at taking photos and my first few galleries were taken with an aging Fujifilm 2600 Zoom and more recently a Pentax 33LF which I have since sold as I did not like the lag between shots and had too much noise. At exhibitions, it is essential to be able to take shots quickly otherwise the moment is gone.

With that in mind, I was set to buy a Kodak DX7440 until I heard that Canon were replacing the aging A series with the new A510/520 which I was then set on getting. But after reading the comments posted on this forum, I am not so sure now as it would seems it has the same annoying feature as my old Pentax with recharging the flash before the next shot.

I'm not going to invest in a prosumer or SLR just yet until I see if my website gain more popularity but I would like something that takes good pictures with a fast shot to shot rate. I listed the DX7440 above (anyone recommend?) and the A510/520 above but is there anything else that will fit the bill.

Thanks for the help!

[speaklightly]

RonLee-

Certainly the Kodak DX-7440 is a better choice than the new Canon A-510/520 twins just due to red eye problems and slow shot to shot times, when using flash.

You did not mention your budget, but there is a $200 rebate on the Nikon Coolpix 5400 (which has a nice wide angle lens) through 03/31/2005, if that digital camera interests you. With the kind of lighting you describe, you are probably going to have to depend on flash, so the hot shoe on the Nikon 5400 could come in handy.

Sarah Joyce

[RonLee]

Thanks for the reply Sarah.

I would love to have something like the Nikon 5400 but a) I'm based in UK and that promotion isn't on over here, and b) I think I still want to play around with a consumer cam before forking out all that money for a Prosumer/SLR. Think I still have a bit to learn about photography before I can handle a really good camera! I didn't put my budget cos I'll be talking pounds but I guess my max budget is around $300-350 (around £200).

I really can't believe the A510/520 is that bad as I was REALLY looking forward to it only using 2 AA's and having 4X. I must see if I can get a demo. I waited and waited cos its also been perceived that Canon lens are better than Kodak. I have loads of SD cards which is why the reason for picking these particulare models.

[PhilR.]

When I read your post, the first thing that I thought of was also the 5400, then I read further down and saw where you are located. I wouldn't consider that model to be a prosumer, and you certainly don't have to know much about photography in order to start using it. Having a slightly more advanced camera doesn't mean you have to use all it's features -- it just gives you the opportunity to use them if you want.

If I were in your shoes, I would also think of getting something w/a hotshoe, in order to make it easy to add a more powerful flash. The cameras you have in mind have flash ranges that only go to between three and four meters, even less if using zoom. That isn't much when shooting at an exhibition. You might see if the Sony V-1 is available where you are. It is a similar camera, and one of the few Sony's that give you full A/S/M modes via a mode selector dial, and it has a hotshoe as well.

As for the A510 - it isn't "that bad" at all. It is a nice little camera that takes very good pictures, and offers a lot of features for a very reasonable price. Like every camera however, it isn't perfect. You trade the convenience of using just two AA's and get longer recharge times. If the comments on the 510 make you uncomfortable, then you might consider the older A series, which usually have quite good reviews.

PhilR.

[RonLee]

Thanks once again for the reply. It would seem sensible to get a camera with a Hot Shoe then. The Nikon 5400 could always be bought via eBay.

You are spot on though, some of my earlier photos (PM if you would like the link) are indeed lacking enough lighting and I always wonder what had lead to it and now I know!

I forgot to mention, that on my research I also came across a older generation Canon G3 which would seem, fits the bill but only mostly available as secondhand. It too has a hotshoe. Will look out for the Sony V-1.