| A2MDXer |
| Just an update on competitors to the G3/4500: Olympus has announced the C-5050Z which is 5mp, f1.8 lens, 3x zoom and many of the same features/designs as the CP5000 (for $700-$800). I am not sure of Olympus' rep for digicams but the specs certainly look interesting. |
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| msu79gt82 |
Just returned from the SEG convention in Salt Lake City.
Check out the Raptor 9200 FPS monitor. It is a 3840 x 2400 Digital Flat Panel Monitor. Thats 9.2 M Pixels!! It is a 22.2" LCD screen. Unbelievable clarity! They are targeting the CAD market for now and is available on Sun Microsystems (Solaris compatible).
$10,995 for monitor and drivers. |
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| A2MDXer |
MSU,
Just an update: Looks like I am waiting for the new Canon G3, unless the Oly 5050Z comes out before then and is outstanding. I was reluctant to get the G2/G3 because it...uh....boring but the specs and strengths of the G3 match up really well with my needs and priorities (plus, I can expand it will a flash, tele lens, etc.). When I get one (maybe 2-3 weeks) and get a chance to test it out, I will give you my impressions. |
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| photobri |
Try the Fuji S2 if you are going to lean towards digital...
Fantastic color and features for the price.
It is also based on a Nikon body and takes Nikon AF lenses...
email me if you need more info...
I own an S2
F5
2 F100's
& a N80
The F5 is my favorite by far... |
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| paul123 |
quote: Originally posted by msu79gt82
I call myself an amateur photographer in that I enjoy using a good quality SLR and seeing what I can do with it. I bought an Olympus OM-2n in 1982 and have several good Olympus lenses. Of course Olympus is out of the SLR business now.
I am at the point where I will need to spend some fairly serious money to repair, clean, refurbish light seals, etc to continue using it and I am reluctant to do so. Is it time to jump on the digital bandwagon? Up to very recently I have not been impressed with the resolution of digital cameras as compared to quality 35mm. That is of course rapidly changing with 5 and 6 mega-pixal cameras on the market.
Canon recently caught my eye with their new EOS D60, a 6.3 mega-pixel SLR. Now I think we are getting somewhere! But digital cameras are still expensive compared to 35mm. But where 35mm technology is very mature and stable, digital is like a computer improving as we speak! I do not want to buy a camera and have it made obsolete in a few months due to the latest version. Nikon in on the verge of releasing the D100, a 6.1 mega-pixel SLR.
Does my concern make sense. The old joke with computers is to buy one and do not look at them again for a long time and certainly do not check the price the next week! If you buy a good 35mm SLR you do not need to be concerned that the technology will be superceeded in a few short months. But I see that as a reality in the digital world.:confused: :confused:
I just upgraded from a sony digital camcoreder with digital camera, that had 1.07 megapixel. Just purchased the new olympus c-730 with 3.3 megapixels, and feel that is plenty for the average pictures taken. Unless you blowing pictures up very big I don't feel you need above 3.0 megapixels. Just my opinion.
P.S. Olympus has a 10x optical zoom and a 30 times digital zoom which was pretty good for the small size. It can also take movies with sound. It works on a new XD picture card which is remarkably small compared to the smart media cards of the past.
Check it out this website had a great deal:
http://www.bestbuypcs.com/store/cgi...pg=prod&ref=891 |
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| A2MDXer |
msu et al.,
Just wanted to let you know that I received my Canon G3 on Friday (approx $760 delivered). Only had time to take a few shots (none of the MDX yet). My initial impressions are very favorable but I have not examined my photos yet. The camera is very usable and quick. If anyone is interested, feel free to ask questions or PM me. After I get a few shots of the MDX, I will post again. Thanks to everyone for their comments and info. |
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| mdxxxx |
| Anyone have experience with the Nikon Coolpix 5700? :confused: |
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| MDXNole |
| A2MDXer, good luck on your new purchase of the G3. I look forward to seeing some pictures. I have owned a G2 for a year and have really enjoyed the camera. Hope your experience is just as good or better. |
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| TYP |
Em.. the 6mpx is not the most right now..
I'd say find out what you wanna shot first..
If you just want very high res, there are mid format digitals, as well as 4x5 digital backs..which gives you 100+mb files, and cost like 150000.
It doesn't matter how many more mpx you got.. if all you going to print is 4x6 prints.. for 4x6 prints cannon s30 should be enough..
Then again.. if you wanna stop action, or lowlight and still able to have a range of stops to chose from.. maybe the old film is still better.
If you have an old cam, or old digi cam.. don't worry.. it won't be old if you keep on use it.
It only turn bad when your new comp can't hook up to it, or you don't want to use it anymore.
BTW, 35mm's res only go so far, if you have the money to spend and still wanna do some nice pix only film can make, try the mid formats RZ or Haso, maybe go all out and get a 4X5 or 8X10.. you'll be amazed.
:2: |
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| paul123 |
quote: Originally posted by mdxxxx
Anyone have experience with the Nikon Coolpix 5700? :confused:
Very good camera, I was considering before I went with the olympus. I wish I did buy the nikon. The olympus is good for a simple function camera. My wife wanted to use and the olympus is very basic. I personally like the coolpix much better. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote: Originally posted by paul123
Very good camera, I was considering before I went with the olympus. I wish I did buy the nikon. The olympus is good for a simple function camera. My wife wanted to use and the olympus is very basic. I personally like the coolpix much better.
paul123,
That's good to know. I'm in the middle of my research now, and the coolpix 5700 is the current leader. |
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| MDXLuvr |
I realize the thread says semi serious Amateur digital photo, but i am a novice and had no clue were to begin. SO, i decided to ask my mdx buddies.
I am looking for a digicam, mainly to take pics on my newborn. I need something that is small, reliable, user friendly and can take pics up to 6 x 9. price is really not an issue, but i was hoping to keep it under $1k. I have nooo clue were to begin. i recently bought a canon zr45 camcorder, and think that canon has pretty good reliability. my previous camera was a pentax p&S(say that 3 times really fast):D that is/was pretty good. I just don't know about pentax for digicam.
Canon makes sooo many different models that i get lost in the choices. I tried dpreview.com, but its like all the other review sites, u need to know what u are looking for.
any good recs.
thanks as usual for the advice |
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| wmquan |
I bought a digicam to take photos of our baby when he was born two years ago. One of the most important requirements for me at the time was the ability to use an external flash that you could bounce. Taking pictures of a baby (especially in fall/winter when he was born) meant mostly indoor shots, so flash was a necessity. Red-eye reduction features on digicams work okay but they're not great. And the results with bouncing flash off of ceilings or walls is superior -- www.imaging-resource.com usually has indoor shots you can compare with and without a bounce flash when it is available.
The external flash adds bulk, but if I take the camera outside I usually detach it.
So, that limited my choices right there -- usually only the top models support an external flash, either through a direct hot shoe connection or a cable and bracket.
Another key requirement in baby photography is the ability to handle low-light. You're zooming in to get the baby in that perfect situation, using room lighting, but you can't easily tell if the focus is correct. The baby is small, and there are many objects in the background to confuse the auto-focus.
Thus, please make sure to get one that has some kind of auto-focus assist lamp. That's the one thing that has ruined a lot of my shots of my son. The LCD doesn't give you enough info on whether the subject is slightly out of focus.
Finally, the last requirement is that since babies grow up to be toddlers, you need a camera that is reasonably fast. Fast start-up, fast focusing, fast picture taking. I like my old Sony DSC-S70 but it's sometimes too slow now that my son is a bucking 2-year old.
Given the above requirements, the Canon G3 may be the best bet, along with the higher-end Nikons. With an external flash and the inevitable extra memory card you'll need, it'll get close to $1,000 but it's a great camera. Or, if you can still find a G2, it'll probably be cheaper and be a great camera.
Unfortunately the higher-end cameras aren't particularly small. If you forgo the external flash, I really like the digital ELPH's. You gain tremendous portability with shirt-pocket camera size, and I think some of them have focusing aids in low-light. Canon just announced a 3-megapixel version. |
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| nm2 |
| I have a Nikon CoolPix 4300 and it does the job for me. the 5700 is a little out of my cash league... |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by MDXLuvr
I am looking for a digicam, mainly to take pics on my newborn. I need something that is small, reliable, user friendly and can take pics up to 6 x 9. price is really not an issue, but i was hoping to keep it under $1k. I have nooo clue were to begin. i recently bought a canon zr45 camcorder, and think that canon has pretty good reliability. my previous camera was a pentax p&S(say that 3 times really fast):D that is/was pretty good. I just don't know about pentax for digicam.
wmquan gives excellent advice above. AF assist light is very helpful. I looked at Nikon 4500 but it's low-light performance was not great and it needs a bracket for an external flash. As nm2 indicates, many models may suit your needs if you do not need an external flash which gives softer (not harsh) indoor lighting and lessens red-eye. If you do, then your choices are more limited and more expensive. Is size a consideration? For me it was. Some models are larger than others. I would start by looking at the Canon G2/G3, Nikon 4500 or 5000, FujiS602, Olympus 5050Z, Sony 717 and the competitors mentioned in those reveiws. You can find the reviews at the links given earlier. With any of these plus an added memory card you will be approaching $1000 (plus a bit more if you get an external flash which can run around $200).
After EXTENSIVE! research, I chose the G3 for my needs (retail around $799) b/c it has pretty good speed, excellent images, reasonable in size and a dedicated "hot-shoe" (flash connector). It also allows expansion by adding a flash, telephoto lens and great manual controls. You could also consider the G2 (last year's model) which has most of the G3s abilities but sells for about $200 less. However, the G3 offers a somewhat faster speed which was important to me. I have only had the G3 for a week but am very happy with the early results. You could also consider sticking with film. An SLR runs only about $300 or so and are generally faster and may take better pictures than current digicams. I like the flexibility and fun that digital offers but it's not for everyone.
By the way, I am more on the amateur end of the spectrum but I had a previous point and shoot Sony which was quite pocketable, fast and good outside. I just wanted better resolution, low-light options and a few more manual controls. |
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| MDXLuvr |
thanks guys. I am absolutely clueless when it comes to digicam's, and don't have time to do the research. SO, i thought i will just ask by mdx buddies. i read the review that MSU posted, and will start looking for the G2/3.
thanks again. |
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| A2MDXer |
MDXLuvr,
After the research, if you have G3-specific questions, let me know. |
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| msu79gt82 |
| www.dpreview.com has an article suggesting the S45 could be available in mid December. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by msu79gt82
www.dpreview.com has an article suggesting the S45 could be available in mid December.
Yes, there are a few websites that are already selling it here (e.g. OneCall I think). Not sure if it includes a US warranty at this time. It never made any sense to me that Canon would not offer it in the US. If so, it's likely to be a very good camera - compact size but feature rich (has most but not all of the G3's features). |
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| msu79gt82 |
| Canon has released the S45 to the US market. |
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| VA Tech Hokie |
I am interested in purchasing a digital camera. I mentioned this
in a thread started by JL889 and at the time was talking about
a camera in the $300 dollar range. I have now decided I might
have to pay more to get a good camera, which will do all I want
it to do. I am very interested in a camera which will allow me to
use the zoom and which will adjust to different lighting situations
very well. Can you guys help me? Is a docking camera
the best way to go? I would also prefer a more compact style camera. |
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| A2MDXer |
I would start by looking at the Sony P-7 or P-9 (very compact), Canon S30, Nikon 3500/4300, Olympus 4000 and competitors to those models. I am less familiar with HP, Kodak and others but you should look at them as well. All are pretty compact, cost around $400 and offer pretty good performance. You can check out links posted earlier in this thread for DPReview, dcresource, steve's digicams, imaging resource as great sources of info. Let us know what you discover.
For me, docking isn't a big deal but if you do not like computers or attaching cables it might be. For mine, I simply pop out the memory card (digital film) and put it in a card reader device then the images appear on the computer or can be printed directly on my printer. |
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| MDXtrous |
| Don't forget to look at the Konica KD-400z. It's very small ala Canon Digital Elph but comes with 4.1 MP, accurate colors, and takes both Memory Stick and SD. |
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| MDXLuvr |
after doing some research, i am still not sure which way i am leaning. I checked out the G2/G3. Pretty impressive, but i felt it might be too complex for me, and WAY to complex for my wife.
I noticed that the canon S45 and the G3 have similar features. Sure the S45 mightnot have all the bells and whistles, but at least it have some of them. I guess the main thing i will be lacking with the S45 is an external flash. any firm dates for the launch. any quality issues with buying the1st month model run(ohh no, not again).
any other recs. I haven't checked out the 0lympus 5050, but i plan to do that today.
thanks as usual. |
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| MDXtrous |
quote: Originally posted by MDXLuvr
after doing some research, i am still not sure which way i am leaning. I checked out the G2/G3. Pretty impressive, but i felt it might be too complex for me, and WAY to complex for my wife.
I noticed that the canon S45 and the G3 have similar features. Sure the S45 mightnot have all the bells and whistles, but at least it have some of them. I guess the main thing i will be lacking with the S45 is an external flash. any firm dates for the launch. any quality issues with buying the1st month model run(ohh no, not again).
any other recs. I haven't checked out the 0lympus 5050, but i plan to do that today.
thanks as usual.
Check out www.dpreview.com . They have a VERY extensive test of the S45 and other cameras. They've given it very high marks, and say it probably has the best picture of all the compact 4 MPs . I think the official launch date is Dec. 10th. Be sure to check out www.pricegrabber.com for the best price. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by MDXLuvr
after doing some research, i am still not sure which way i am leaning. I checked out the G2/G3. Pretty impressive, but i felt it might be too complex for me, and WAY to complex for my wife.
I noticed that the canon S45 and the G3 have similar features. Sure the S45 mightnot have all the bells and whistles, but at least it have some of them. I guess the main thing i will be lacking with the S45 is an external flash. any firm dates for the launch. any quality issues with buying the1st month model run(ohh no, not again).
any other recs. I haven't checked out the 0lympus 5050, but i plan to do that today.
thanks as usual.
Yes, S45 looks very solid any has many/most of the G3 features. I did not read the review but my guess is that it's highly recommended. The 5050 is quite similar to the G3 so if the G3 is too complex then the 5050 might be as well. G3 actually functions quite well as a simple point and shoot in Auto mode but then you do feel like you paid for all those features and did not use them (kind of like getting Navi and then never leaving your town :D ). |
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| MDXLuvr |
what do u guys know about Broadwayphoto
they seem to have pretty good prices on the G3/s45. Oh, and they claim not to sell refurbished equipment. i haven't had too many pleseant experiences with N.Y. dealers. |
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| DaleB |
Haven't browsed there in a while, but you may also want to check out www.onecall.com and www.cameraworld.com
I can not say you will pay less, but will get honest, fast and friendly service. |
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| MDXtrous |
quote: Originally posted by MDXLuvr
what do u guys know about Broadwayphoto
they seem to have pretty good prices on the G3/s45. Oh, and they claim not to sell refurbished equipment. i haven't had too many pleseant experiences with N.Y. dealers.
I've heard terrible things about bwayphoto.com . To find the best priced/reliable site go to
www.pricegrabber.com , or www.bizrate.com , www.dealtime.com . froogle.com will also help with pricing.
With a search on s45 this is what comes out on pricegrabber. Take a look at the ratings. Those are really important...
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_...a100be71f087a16 |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by MDXtrous
I've heard terrible things about bwayphoto.com . To find the best priced/reliable site go to
www.pricegrabber.com , or www.bizrate.com , www.dealtime.com . froogle.com will also help with pricing.
With a search on s45 this is what comes out on pricegrabber. Take a look at the ratings. Those are really important...
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_...a100be71f087a16
No personal experience with them but I have heard terrible things as well (like no manuals, no warranty, no software, etc.) so check them out before you buy. I bought my G3 from OneCall and it shipped the same day and was delivered via FedEx in good shape. Never had to follow-up but they kept me very informed. |
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| renov8r |
I was thinking about starting a new thread, but thought this new heading was appropriate...
My sister-in-law got ME in the annual holiday shopping grab bag. After seven years of shirts and sweaters I FINALLY got a suitably gadgety gift. A Casio WQV-10 Color Digital Camera Watch!
Though the resolution is a pathetic 176x144 pixels, it is the ultimate voyeur/spy cam!
If I can get the hang of using it, and get enough light, I'll post some shots over the next few days/weeks.
http://mcmach1.wristpiks.com/index2.html |
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| MDXLuvr |
I don't know much about them, but i figured that they might fall into that NYC dealers category.
I usually buy from onecall, but their prices are usually near the highest(when compared to other net dealers).
they is supposed to be a site that rates interest electronic dealers, but i can't to seem to recall the name. its a good way to check the dealers. |
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| DaleB |
quote: Originally posted by MDXLuvr
I don't know much about them, but i figured that they might fall into that NYC dealers category.
I usually buy from onecall, but their prices are usually near the highest(when compared to other net dealers).
they is supposed to be a site that rates interest electronic dealers, but i can't to seem to recall the name. its a good way to check the dealers.
The thing with onecall is timing. They do have clearance sales but they are usually few and far between. You have to keep checking. They often sell 'packages' too, so not quite the lowest price but some goodies thrown in.
Great service though, and fast shipping. |
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| kflint |
| There is a difference between digital cameras and computers -- I often upgrade my computer to run software required by my work or for my kids, but my D-60 will continue to take great photos even when a new version comes out. My 3 year old computer won't run Windows XP (even if I wanted to). My 3 year old D-30 (now my backup body) still takes great photos. |
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| msu79gt82 |
However digital cameras are very expensive and technology is advancing faster than production (as in the PC early days), making it somewhat frustrating to consumers.
One can literally wait a month for a better camera if one doesn't need it now. |
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| apple904 |
I'm ready to upgrade to a 5 megapixel camera. Used my brother's Sony DSC-F717 and was blown away by image quality. I've always had Olympus cameras and so I was thinking about the E-20 since it will take all the batteries, memory cards that I have. Also like being able to use AA rechargeables. I've done some research and the Sony seems to be better rated and less expensive.
Anyone have any advice on this? I also like the fact that the Olympus looks and works like a SLR camera verses the Sony which is more like a video camera. Just a hang up of mine I guess. Would appreciate any links to comparisons! |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by apple904
I'm ready to upgrade to a 5 megapixel camera. Used my brother's Sony DSC-F717 and was blown away by image quality. I've always had Olympus cameras and so I was thinking about the E-20 since it will take all the batteries, memory cards that I have. Also like being able to use AA rechargeables. I've done some research and the Sony seems to be better rated and less expensive.
Anyone have any advice on this? I also like the fact that the Olympus looks and works like a SLR camera verses the Sony which is more like a video camera. Just a hang up of mine I guess. Would appreciate any links to comparisons!
MSU provides links that can answer your questions. I don't know much about the E20. In very basic terms, the 717 is a very good camera and somewhat of a bargain but it has a few major (to some) shortcomings- Memory Stick, size, lack of some manual controls/features, limited flash options and that some people don't like the colors/saturation levels. Certainly it has some major benefits (resolution, great lens, etc.). I am sure there are other pros and cons. I would start at dpreview (most comprehensive and professional reviews). If those "cons" of the 717 don't matter to you then I would definitely consider it. There are many "good" cameras at each level, each with some weaknesses. The key is finding the one with weaknesses that you don't really care about. Also, don't get too hung up on megapixels as many 4mp cameras produce images equal to or better than some 5mp cams (as I would argue about my G3). |
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| apple904 |
Thanks for the replies. Links are helpful and I'm reaching the exact conclusion that A2MDX'er has. Look at the cons in the evaluations and if they are not important to me (they can be "nit-picky") then it's a good choice.
FYI the reviews say Sony solved the over saturation issue with the F717. I've also added the Nikon CoolPix 5700 to the list but the lack of a manual focus ring and screw-in grroves on lens for filters bothers me. Oh well - I am gojng to keep researching - prices can only go down! |
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| MDXLuvr |
thanks for all the help guys. I picked up a G3 from Onecall for $729. will testdrive the camera at the L.A. trip.
thanks again. |
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| y2ks2k |
Hi all! I love taking photo's and I consider myself a good armature! I picked up a Sony F717 5MP camera right before Christmas. Before that I had paid $700 for a Epson 2 MP model way back when 2MP was great. I LOVE this sony! All the parts share directly with my Sony Mini-DV camcorder! I love scaring the crud out of people with its laser beams :)
Photos are just awesome! I'm looking forward to reading more advise in this tread, I’ve already favorite’ed the kinks you all posted! |
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| y2ks2k |
| I’m looking for the best web service to upload my digital pictures and get print outs made of them. While I view all of my photos on my computer, my wife hates it and wants the hard copies. Anyone have any preferences? More so, any hints on some hard core printers that would actually print them out? Were talking larger pictures 5mp. |
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| wmquan |
quote: Originally posted by y2ks2k
I’m looking for the best web service to upload my digital pictures and get print outs made of them. While I view all of my photos on my computer, my wife hates it and wants the hard copies. Anyone have any preferences? More so, any hints on some hard core printers that would actually print them out? Were talking larger pictures 5mp.
Services come and go, but the best bet for both on-line photos and digital prints is probably ImageStation. They're decent enough for on-line viewing, though I wish the default picture size was a bit bigger (if you click on the photo you can see it full-sized). It is free but unfortunately they just required that your "guests" who see the photo register and login. You can get around that by creating a generic userid/password and send those out to friends with the link (this of course is a violation of the user agreement, but I won't tell).
They use Ofoto as their print service. Ofoto has been consistently winning most online printing reviews, and I've been using them for a few years now. Ofoto's online photo-sharing is pretty weak, though, so using ImageStation gives you a good balance of the two -- good sharing, very good prints.
Finally, Sony owns ImageStation (which is built on top of software from the defunct Zing). That hopefully means that ImageStation won't go bye-bye, like PhotoPoint, Zing, etc. |
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| rjmitche |
I'm interested in this too. I haven't been in the digital photography game very long (got a Sony DSC-P9 Cyber-shot for Christmas). The few times I've wanted regular prints from my digital photos, I've used Kodak Picture Center (via Target). I actually stumbled across KPC a while back when a set of regular film pics ended up there online. It's 40 cents a print but, you don't have to pay for shipping if you don't mind going to your nearest Target store to pick up your prints (and, let's face it, who among us isn't in or near a Target store regularly?:)). This is nice when you only have a few prints that you want processed.
Now that I've seen some of the other options, I'll check them out but, until I get a bit more serious, Kodak Photo Center works fine for me.
I'd also be interested in what online photo services other members use. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote: Originally posted by msu79gt82
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0301/0...d60question.asp
Digital Photography is worse than the PC industry at the moment; cameras become obsolete before you get them home:rolleyes:
Anymore news out there about this. Canon Australia & France say it has been discontinued. |
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| VA Tech Hokie |
I have narrowed my digital camera search down to these two
cameras. My original goal was a camera for ~$300, but I quickly
found I could not get exactly what I wanted for this price,
so I have now narrowed my selection to the Canon S45 and
the Nikon 4300. Most reviews tend to give the Canon the edge,
but I like the ergonomics of the Nikon and I also like the "camera type"
looks of the 4300, but bottom line is I want the better camera.
Can you, who own either of these cameras, give me your
personal opinion of them? I am interested in the picture quality.
Red eye problems. Flash problems. Overall satisfaction with your camera
Thanks for your help..
Hokie.. |
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| marne |
After some research, my wife decided to buy a Minolta Dimage 7i. She thought about the 7hi, but it's added features were not that important to her, especially considering the nearly $600 difference in street prices. (Debbie paid $670 delivered.)
Anyway, since you folks know much more about digital cameras than I do, I'd appreciate any thoughts -- good or bad -- about the Dimage 7i.
On a related note, I'd be very interested whether you folks have had particluarly good or bad experiences with specific brands of NiMH rechargeable AA batteries.
Thanks in advance!
--Marne
P.S. I should note that the 7i is my wife's third digicam. She is currently using an Epson PhotoPC 850z. (I think) |
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| nwaring |
VA Tech Hokie. Back before Christmas I read and followed this thread and I choose the Coolpic 4300. If I remember correctly I paid around $450 including a 128mb-memory card. We have been very happy with it. Being accustom to the size of SLR's it has taken me awhile to get comfortable to the small size but now I kind of like it. The camera takes great pictures. With the winter we have had we really haven't done any "sunny" out side shots yet. My wife is in Florida right now with it so this will be the first true testing of outside shots. I expect them to be great. I usually stay a couple steps behind the technology curve ($$$). The only negative thing I can say is the lag on flash shots (when it is unusually dark) between pushing the button and the flash going off. But, this may be a program setting or something; haven’t really checked the manual. I probably choose the Nikon because I own a Nikon SLR (N70) already and it is a fantastic camera. Our use of cameras is strictly casual and I know I couldn’t tell the difference between a 3 and 4 meg-pixels shots.
Good luck
Niles |
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| VA Tech Hokie |
Thanks for the info so far. nwaring, thanks for your personal
experience. Personal experiences are what I am looking for right
now, because I have read what is considered the best review
sites, but just want a personal viewpoint.. I am surprised there
are not more folks using the Canon S45 or Nikon 4300. Maybe I
should post my question in the general forum. I went to
Best Buys and Circuit City in my area and was surprised neither
business carried the S45 or Coolpix4300. They each had lots
of Kodaks, Sonys, Olympus and HPs. Only the local camera shop
had the cameras and they were about $100 dollars more than
the betters web sites. I now also have to decide whether I will
pay the premium and purchase locally or go with the internet.
I do not mind paying a few dollars more to support the local
business, but just by my nature I strive to get the best deal...
The local folks will not negotiate the price.
And yes, I did pay MSRP for the MDX, but it was difficult...;)
Hokie |
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| apple904 |
| I've been using NiMH for a couple of years for my Olympus cameras. I have several types I have bought and have never noticed any difference in quality. I have mostly Nexcell because you can get them cheap on Ebay. Two things to remember. First, if you buy on-line make sure they are regular retail quality with the tips at the positive end. Some being sold don't have them since I think they are designed for battery packs. Second, note the nMA number. This is how much power the battery can store. 2 Years ago 1300 was normal but now they have them with 1800 nMA. Go for the biggest number you can find since digital cameras are battery hogs and the 1800's last a lot longer. I really like having rechargeables since they are cheap and you can have plenty on-hand. Also great if you have kids. They go through AA's like water and you save a lot of money!! |
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| msu79gt82 |
I previously posted the announcement of the D60 replacement with the 10D.
Many sites are taking pre-orders for the camera at $1499. No doubt the price will drop after the initail mad-rush to be the first on the block:rolleyes:
That an amazing price for this camera.:1: |
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| A2MDXer |
| Good articles, though his comment that "more pixels is always better" is not really accurate. The better photo sites will tell you this. While it's an advantage to have more pixels, good optics and processing will more than make up for it. I print mine at home using a photo printer but I may explore the kiosk option in the near future. Still, I love rolling out beautiful 8x10s at home (which I think are considerably cheaper than commercial developing). |
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| apple904 |
| I bought an Epson 890 printer a year ago for printing my digital pictures. To me the fun of digital is being able to click away and email and store lots of pictures on your hard drive and cd's. I also like being able to print a bunch and give them to friends and family. I can get Epson inks on Ebay for 7 or 8 dollars for color and also buy glossy photo paper cheap. So the bang for the buck factor is high. When I have some special photos that I want to frame I take them to a copy and photography place I use and they give me an image on a photographic process that just kicks butt. So I have a lot of fun for very little money. Epson is the only manufacturer I know of that you can get generic cartridges really cheap. HP and Canon inks are expensive because you can't get generics. |
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| DaleB |
No, but for HP you can get rebuilts for about 40% less than new ones. I've been getting them from www.inkfarm.com with xlnt results.
Hardly an ideal situation, but it does help. |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by apple904
I bought an Epson 890 printer a year ago for printing my digital pictures. To me the fun of digital is being able to click away and email and store lots of pictures on your hard drive and cd's. I also like being able to print a bunch and give them to friends and family. I can get Epson inks on Ebay for 7 or 8 dollars for color and also buy glossy photo paper cheap. So the bang for the buck factor is high. When I have some special photos that I want to frame I take them to a copy and photography place I use and they give me an image on a photographic process that just kicks butt. So I have a lot of fun for very little money. Epson is the only manufacturer I know of that you can get generic cartridges really cheap. HP and Canon inks are expensive because you can't get generics.
Actually, you can get generic for Canons. I forget the name but you can find it by checking the "Printers forum" at www.dpreview.com. Of course, some say that this may void your warranty... |
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| msu79gt82 |
| Ordered a Canon S400 last night from Dell (all digital cameras and accessories are 10% off with free shipping - for a limited time only). Also ordered a SanDisk 256MB CompactFlash card (also 10% off with a $10 rebate). The final price of the card was $39.50, which seemed to be a good price especially with free shipping on all:cool: :D |
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| apple904 |
| I checked the Dell site since the memory price is very sharp. Whats' the difference between the Sandisk and the Simpletech which sells for $63 with a $15 rebate. Do you know? I might get one of the Sandisks. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote: Originally posted by apple904
Whats' the difference between the Sandisk and the Simpletech which sells for $63 with a $15 rebate. Do you know? I might get one of the Sandisks.
Not sure, I do know that the SanDisk is NOT the newer faster Ultra card. May want to check the transfer rates. Even so I felt like it was a good price, especially with the rebate. Also the card is compatible with the Dell Axim X5 I also ordered. Note the SanDisk rebate requires camera purchase as well. |
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| paulp |
http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=fjfps2
I’m in the market for the Fuji S2 Pro, and this company offers it for $1440 (about $900 less than BH Photo @ $2399.)
I have been dealing with BH for many years and been very happy with it, but $900 is a big difference to consider jumping ship.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Paul |
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| apple904 |
| Don't know these guys specifically but I had a suspicion that they would probably be in Brooklyn so I used your link and I can see I was right. That place is a snake pit for low ball camera prices. If you do a Yahoo shopping search for your camera, I guarantee that all of the low prices will be from web sites in Brooklyn and they will have bad feedback. I ordered a Nikon 5700 from a guy in Jan, he said it was in stock and he never shipped. I cancelled and ordered from another guy over there (he assured me it was in-stock) and it's been 6 weeks now. I'm about to pull the cord on that one and buy the camera from B&H for what it really costs. Those guys don't have stores they just have websites. I offered to go pick the camera up (I work in NYC) because I didn't trust the second guy and he said they don't do any walk-in customers. Just an office suite. I don;t know what their angle is. If you have time - give it a shot but beware. B&H is 2 blocks from my office and they are a first class outfit. |
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| mdxxxx |
| I was planning to get a Nikon Coolpics 5700, however, my son surprised me with a gift.. the Sony DSC-F717 Cyber-shot (pic). Now I'll have to put the camera to work. :2: |
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| paulp |
B&H is 2 blocks from my office and they are a first class outfit. [/B][/QUOTE]
Thanks apple904!
I had bad experiences with several orther Brooklyn's outfits over the years. That was the reason I didn't jump in and order it.
I assumed the camera is "grey market" and has no warranty. They would try to sell a 3rd party warranty for more $$$.
You're absolutely correct about B&H. I have purchased many items from them. I'm in the process to order couple backgrounds from them this month.
Thanks again!
Paul |
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| A2MDXer |
quote: Originally posted by mdxxxx
I was planning to get a Nikon Coolpics 5700, however, my son surprised me with a gift.. the Sony DSC-F717 Cyber-shot (pic). Now I'll have to put the camera to work. :2:
FWIW, I think you got the better camera in the 717. While it has some limitations, bottom line it is at the top of the heap (in this category) as far as quality of pictures and resolution. Enjoy. |
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| mdxxxx |
quote: Originally posted by A2MDXer
FWIW, I think you got the better camera in the 717. While it has some limitations, bottom line it is at the top of the heap (in this category) as far as quality of pictures and resolution. Enjoy.
Thanks A2MDXer. I'm just beginning to play with my new toy.:2: |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote: Originally posted by mdxxxx
Now I'll have to put the camera to work. :2:
Sweet - your camera can take pictures of itself:eek: |
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