NEW CAMERA any suggestions????

lt632ret · Post by **lt632ret** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 4:25 pm

Is this off topic well I take pics of knives and I post them here so kind of related. Anyway after the holiday I am contemplating a new digital camera. Price is important but not of paramount inportance. I presently use a 1.5 pix SONY MAVICA with a 3X zoom . I am not mechanical but after 3 years and a million pix I am fairly comfortable with it although truthfully still do not understand it all. It uses floppy discs so I have a room full. However they are easy . I really like the MAV. I do not understand the new storage methods . Which is not surprising since I still have an 8 track and vimyl records. So I need a simple to use simple to store lots of pixels the lower the price the better but I will spent for a significant positive advantages regarding these issues. Basicly I use the camera for the kind of photos I do here and in jpegs and transposed CDs for articles I write, also for ebay ect . I am not a camera buff. Do not do movies mainly I want simplicity, efficiency, ease and easy maximum storage also really good closup capability. Any information appreciated any hints on online coupons in fact any positive suggestions would be appreciated I do not mind if it has options that I may or may not use as long as it meets the other criteria. I forgot also battery longevity my mavs battery does not last to long off 110. I realize things have changed but again I live in the past so any help is appreciated. Is there a high end dream camera that would fit these parameters is there a low end. Is it all about the same? Please use simple terms if you respond. since while I have a laymans understanding of some pocket knives I have virtually no acument regarding this subject. LT PS I would ask the kids at Staples ect except I believe them to be from another planet and often do not understand what they are saying also I have trouble listening to advice from someone who needs to use an electronic cash register to figure out the change of a dollar. Just looked the mav is 1.3 with 6X dig

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:40 pm

LT,

I'm going to move this for you, only because I believe you'll get more views and hopefully more response in this forum.

Bill

lt632ret · Post by **lt632ret** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:17 pm

OK Thankyou

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 6:36 pm

I'm no ACE at this, so I recently went researching before I bought something for my wife. IF you feel like reading a little, I found this to be helpful for a digitally challenged guy like myself.....

http://www.creativepro.com/story/howto/15109.html

Bill
P. S.
See, at least you got a response over here.

Mossdancer · Post by **Mossdancer** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:53 pm

LT:
If your present camera is giving you good service and you are satisfied with quality stay with it.

If you have a compelling need to switch, you are going to more than likely learn a bit about downloading, cropping and sizing. They when acquainted with are easy. The devil is in the acquainting. If you are already proficient with these things then all the better. A 6 or 7 mp Canon would not be a bad selection for a new camera. Any higher and it will eat computer storage fast. Try to get one with thru the lens viewing so what you see is what you photograph. Canon's seem to have one of the better auto functions. Set it there and leave it, If you have fat fingers like me you may accidently move setting. So try to check its in auto before using. You will need to get local help setting the quality control on the camera itself.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas,
W.B.

needbucks · Post by **needbucks** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:15 pm

My camera is a 3.2 megapixel Fuji that I just love. It's about 4 years old and I am sure there are many better ones out there. Since you seem to want to take some pictures of relatively close-up objects, make sure the camera that you get has a "macro" mode that allows focusing on close objects, sometimes as close as 2 inches away.

Zoom is important, but there are generally 2 kinds of zoom, optical and digital. The higher the OPTICAL zoom the better as this uses the lenses to effect the image without (hopefully) distortion. DIGITAL zoom works just like enlarging things on your computer screen. At a certain point, it becomes so large that image quality if affected.

The storage is not a problem these days. There are basically (not all inclusive) 3 kinds of storage. Olympus and Fuji use an XD format. Sony uses Memory Stick, and (almost all) others use the SD format. SD, being the most often used, is generally the cheapest available. I have seen 1 Gigabyte memory cards sell for as little as 10 dollars (including rebates). As an example, a typical 7 Megapixel camera can take about 340 pictures onto a gigabyte card.

Once you are familiar with all the terminology, you will find that taking the pictures from the memory card to a compact disk is very easy and inexpensive.

These days, 5 Megapixel cameras are just about the entry point, with 6 and 7 megapixel being very common. I'll bet if you ask some of your friends, they will probably have digital cameras and will be glad to tell you about them. That way you can get some "hands on" experience and find the features that suit your needs.

Actually, just about ANY new digital camera will be fine these days. Especially for what you want to do with it. Go to your local electronics retailer and you can check them out right there and get all the help you need.

Remember, I am no expert. Just some information I gleaned from researching my own camera.

Dennis

Upstream · Post by **Upstream** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:19 pm

Lt, you will probably get as many different answers as you would if you asked what kind of car to buy, but here is my take. I use a Kodak 5.0 mega pixel, the macro setting is good and it also has built in storage for 24 pics at the maximum setting but with a 50$ memory card it will hold hundreds but I don't like their software and would not buy another one. I had a Fuji that was very easy to use and has a good editing software but someone else liked it better and relieved me of it. Most of the newer models are at least 5.0 mp and you can get a decent one for under $200. From the ones I have used, Cannon, Kodak, Sony and Fuji, Fuji was the easiest to use out of the box. There will be a learning curve with any new model but I'm sure you can get the hang of it.

Don Luis · Post by **Don Luis** » Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:18 pm

There are many good choices out there, I tend to like Canon for quality and Kodak for value, I like a camera that will take SD memory cards (which are good and common) and use regular AA batteries.

First picture (actually a scan) is my current setup, Kodak DX4530 and Energizer AA battery charger (though I have found that if I don't use them for a while the batteries will discharge anyway). This camera is 5 Mega Pixels but I usually set it for 3. I don't connect the camera to the PC, I take out the memory card and use a USB card reader.

Second Picture (taken with my digital Kodak) is my old setup, Olympus 35mm half frame, it's some 40 years old but still works fine and does not even need batteries.

Third picture is a close up taken with my old HP 3200C scanner, often more convenient to use than a camera.

Luis

Rusty1 · Post by **Rusty1** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:10 am

LT, A macro function on the camera you finally choose, is a must, especially for taking closeups of tang stamps, for example. I feel you should not need anything more than 5 Megapixels, which should be ideal for the applications you described. Personally I would choose a Nikon, from the coolpix range, I have used two in the past but moved up to a Nikon digital SLR, one other good function is to try and get a camera that has a large viewing screen. it really helps to compose the picture, also good for checking the image for sharpness, as it allows you to zoom in on the subject, once the image has been taken.

good luck with whatever you choose.

Rusty1

justold52 · Post by **justold52** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 12:19 pm

("Rusty1 get a camera that has a large viewing screen. it really helps to compose the picture") he said a mouth full for us OLD guys with bad eyes.

Very good point Rusty.

I just got a Kodak Z700 with the printing station.
I to am not camera smart, and this camera is EZ to use.
Each camera maker has its super point, or like the best in some thing,but Kodak Z's are best in EZ to use.

Go to best buy ask one their they tell you what maker is best for what you want. I wanted one to be EZ to use and it is.

("RUSTY1 not need anything more than 5 Megapixels,") again he is right 4 or 5 megapixels is more that you need.

I find the biggest thing to takeing real good photo's is the LIGHTING.

Rusty1 · Post by **Rusty1** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 3:25 pm

justold52, you are right about the lighting, especially on a subject like knives, with reflecting surfaces, flash can almost nuke the image, I have recently been reading up on the photography of knives, one aspect is natural light from a window and white cards placed strategically to get rid of shadows, that works real well, Also taking pics in a well lit area, without flash can work well, if you can hold the camera still long enough,

That was not directed, at you older folk with shaking hands,
just kidding,

As with a lot of things, you learn every day, trial and error, you will however, find what's best for your aspect of photographing
knives, somewhere down the line.

Rusty1

lt632ret · Post by **lt632ret** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:23 am

Well I must say an overwhelming amount of response thankyou. I just want to also say that now I am throughly confused. NO just joking er sort of. 1, Macro Yes, 2, EZ Yes, 3, thingy hole for tripod yes 4, mucho mega pix Yes 5, Zoom thing not digital want other kind yes ( if my terminology is to technical let me know ). 6, storage still do not know what the Fugazy, any one is tallking about sticks MD SD VD????? Actually I like my Mav it aint bad for close ups if i mess with it . Funny over the years I have picked up most of those lighting tricks out of necessity. Just a natural born photographer yea right. Funny when I did my book I did the pics and in color with a regular camera. Boy I sure used up a lot of good film with bad mistakes it was hard copy regular photos and negatives I did them all in color and then they told me color cost to much they would be in black and white. The only reason I am thinking about changing is because the publisher ( for a project I am contemplating ) said that while they now accept electronic pics the examples i sent were small and dark, however they could if necessary be used. So really I have not made up my mind in fact i don't know if I even want to do the project. Do you know how much time I waste already, writing when I could be drinking or playing poker I mean I am only one guy and those distillarys and casinos go 24 hours a day. So much to do so little time. If any one has any further suggestions I sure am listening and most appreciative that you have taken the time. Things were so simple when I had my baby Brownie ( second reference to Brownies tonight ) is my Freudian slip showing? Starting to babble ( still sober ) I am afraid I am confused. LT

knife-nut · Post by **knife-nut** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:33 am

You might consider a digital single lens reflex. You have a wider choice of which lens you want to use for different shooting conditions. I use a Nikon D50 which is a entry level slr camera. Nikon's are a little pricey, but there quality is superb. Mark.

relodr36 · Post by **relodr36** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 6:06 pm

Rich,
I bought a new digital last summer before the wife and I took off on the trip to visit Dale's country. I like to take a lot of wildlife and scenery shots,so I wanted a powerful,optical zoom builtin.
My friend has a Mavica like yours and it's been an excellent camera but the zoom capability is small.
I've had a couple film SLR's and wanted something smaller and with a good zoom lens.I was tired off having to spend a lot of money on extra lensesand having to carry them and change them. Even a 300mm zoom only gives you 6X.
After a lot of investigating,I got a Sony DSC-H5B.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 0393352648

7.2 MPG - can also set to take pictures at lower settings
12X Optical zoom - an excellent Carl Zeiss lens
Image stabilization - for us shaky old coots.
Uses a Sony memory stick pro duo - I bought 2 genuine Sony 2 GB cards off ebay for $45 each,including shipping,
a 3" LCD screen
a good built-in flash,self-timer etc.
Battery life is good but I always carry an extra set.
Mucho other features.
Simply the best camera I've ever owned.

I paid $450 for mine.My son-in-law and the friend with the Mavica,got their's for $360 when Best buy had them on sale. Best Buy's price last weekend was $360 but today,they are $395.I'm sure that they will drop the price back to $360 sometime again.I think these are "internet specials" but you can order online and pick up at your local store.
In addition to the camera price,you will need a card and a card reader for your PC,if you don't want to connect the camera to the PC.A 2 GB card and a Sandisk 12in1 reader will total about $80,which includes shipping.
A true Macro photo will show the facial features of a bumble-bee. Most folk's macro's are really closeups.
This camera has "macro/closeup" capabilty and Sony has an extra-Close-up lens that will provide a true macro,for about $50.
Sony also sells 1.7X tele-extender for $100 that is matched to this camera. I recently got the extender and really like it.
The tree in the left center of thie attached picture is exactly 181 yards.

At this Sony forum,you can see a lot of closeups and macro's wich demonstrate the capability of this camera.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1009
The great thing about digitals is that you can erase the pictures that you don't want.I can print 8" X 10"'s on my old epson printer for 20 cents each (paper and ink costs).They look great and that's cheaper than printing 4X5" film developing costs.
Ron

relodr36 · Post by **relodr36** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 1:39 am

The shot below. was taken (Not by me) with the H5 standard lens,set at full zoom,and taken at close range.
You can also see it here:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readf ... d=21377386

Ron

ibjunkman · Post by **ibjunkman** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:01 am

Hi LT...I'm no expert on digital photography, but my rudimentary knowledge and experience seems to conclude that 5 megapixel camera is all you need for good quality photos and possibly more than you need for posting on the web. The big difference appears to be when you attempt to seriously enlarge photos or print them on a serious level...i.e. graininess becomes a factor....for what you describe as primary usage, it should not break the bank ....my canon powershot a95 is already superceded by who knows what....and 10 megapixel units are out there. Technology runs rampant...I bought my camera because it was user friendly, had good reviews, and IT USES AA BATTERIES which I bought nicads and a charger....by the time you need a proprietery battery for some of these new cameras they will have sat on a shelf for three years and be as useless as your failing one. Hope this helps...PS was great chatting with you earlier...Mo

ibjunkman · Post by **ibjunkman** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:01 am

Hi LT...I'm no expert on digital photography, but my rudimentary knowledge and experience seems to conclude that 5 megapixel camera is all you need for good quality photos and possibly more than you need for posting on the web. The big difference appears to be when you attempt to seriously enlarge photos or print them on a serious level...i.e. graininess becomes a factor....for what you describe as primary usage, it should not break the bank ....my canon powershot a95 is already superceded by who knows what....and 10 megapixel units are out there. Technology runs rampant...I bought my camera because it was user friendly, had good reviews, and IT USES AA BATTERIES which I bought nicads and a charger....by the time you need a proprietery battery for some of these new cameras they will have sat on a shelf for three years and be as useless as your failing one. Hope this helps...PS was great chatting with you earlier...Mo

SFC ADP · Post by **SFC ADP** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:08 am

The best digital photos I have gotten down for knives now is simply going to a tripod. Trying to zoom in on Tang Stamps and such free-hand just has came out with too many blurry photos. Since I have purchased a Tri-pod I am getting nice pictures with a 2.4 mgp camera.

Hukk · Post by **Hukk** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:21 am

I use an Olympus C-765 Ultra Zoom 4.0 megapixel with a 10x lens and a 4x digital zoom that I've had since they first came out. Originally I purchased it for wildlife photography but I found it very useful for taking knife pictures. I usually stand several feet back and "zoom in" on a knife or tang stamps with great results. My own thoughts are that a 2-5 megapixel camera is fine, any more than that, I'll leave for the professionals. Those fancier 6+ megapixel cameras can take excellent pictures but also they can be a pain. I've seen where those cameras have taken pictures of scrimshaw artwork and you can see individual dots that the atrtist made. That could be just where the camera settings are at. Anyhow, what I've been using seems to work just fine. Once I build a light box my opinions may change. Mark that as another project that is on my looong list.

All About Pocket Knives

NEW CAMERA any suggestions????

NEW CAMERA any suggestions????

camera

new camera

My choice !

A teensie-weensie spider !