posted
Hi folks, I won't be getting it right away, but I have my sights set on buying another digital camera. Mine has bit the dust, and I'm chompin' at the bit to get a new one. I don't have a camera right now and that's a bummer.
I had an old canon, and really liked the quality of the photos.
I'm leaning towards the Canon SD 870-IS right now because it's compact and in my price range. It's been one that has been recommended to me.
I'm really quite a snob about quality in photos though, and even though most all the reviews raved about this camera, there were just a couple in there that expressed disappointment about the lack in quality on the shots. I found comments as such to be the case in other brand cameras I searched too though. (sony and nikon)
In fact, some commonality in reviews have been that sometimes following versions of cameras (which should be "upgraded" versions) don't always outshine and are sometimes even lacking in quality when compared to the ones preceeding them. That's disheartening.
Any feedback and direction in this regard would serve to help me make a more informed decision.
Please tell me what'cha got, and how you like it? And just anything you can share on this topic is much appreciated.
I'd like a compact, point and shoot camera that takes fantastic photos. Is that too much to ask? haha
~nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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I picked up a used FUJIFILM FinePix S3000, at a hamfest flea market, and I really like it. It's my first digital and I'm still learning to use it. I like the fact that it uses regular double A batteries. It came with re-chargeable bats, but I have not yet gotten the charger. You can down load to a computer or to a PSC to do direct prints. Just to let you know what this old dog is doing in the digital camera dept. Good Luck on your search. Don
-------------------- Donald Miner ABCO Wholesale Neon 1168 Red Hill Creek Dobson, NC Posts: 410 | From: North Carolina | Registered: Apr 2006
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canon all the way here. I have had 2 and nothing but great results. the first was not difital and it bit the dust which is fine I needed to go to digital.
i have the canon powershot elp 7.1 pixels and it rocks. i actually bought it used on ebay. not one problem....(knock on wood) high reso pics, awesome zoom and very VERY easy to learn and use. and its alot smaller than the larger one I had
-------------------- VISUAL IMAGES MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 1017 | From: Montgomery, AL, usa | Registered: Jan 2000
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I'd suggest a Canon G9. It has the solid feel of a DSLR, but is smaller in size but not super small like alot of the point and shoots on the market. Look around at some reviews. Alot of pros use these for everyday use when they don't want to lug around a bunch of lenses or don't need studio qualty pictures.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 765 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Here's a good source for you. Probably more info than you want to know....but it's all pro ratings on cameras....you can search cameras several ways.... by brand....recent review...etc...found at the upper left corner of the page.
Make sure you click the "down arrow" at the top of each camera review and select "conclusions" at the bottom.... they give you the pros and cons of the camera at a glance.
posted
Make sure you find out about the latest in transferring pics.
For example,, My honey's newest Nikon cam has a wireless card. She simply finds a hot spot and send the pics out to whomever. It will transfer pics over a wireless to any computer in the world. Very excellent for when she is overseas. And makes it easy to get pics off the camera.
-------------------- Gone Norf... Leaper of Tall Snowbanks.. now in Byron Center MI. left Katrina chewed,, Slidell, LA Posts: 4282 | From: Byron Center MI. | Registered: Jul 2001
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I've had two of the PowerShot digital cameras, the SD 700 IS and the SD 850 IS. I love them. They are fast to boot up, quick between shots, have little shutter lag, will go 400+ photos on a battery charge, and have a fairly large LCD (2.5"--the 870 has a 3" LCD). They take nice video and use an SD card, which is readily available at reasonable price. The cameras are extremely light weight and I keep one on my belt at all times. I'm never without my camera.
I've been pleased with the picture quality and I'm thinking of buying the same model you're looking at as a gift for my wife.
I wish the lens was longer than 4X optical and there is some barrel distortion, which is possibly a product of trying to cram all the optics into something that small. It's not noticeable in average photos but can be seen when I take a picture of a store front with long parallel lines. I can tweak some of that out in Corel. A higher end DSLR likely won't have as much distortion.
The SD 700 IS was an anniversary present from Sophie. She told me I had permission to get another camera if that wasn't what I wanted. I'd read reviews that recommended an Olympus Stylus 760 instead, so I bought one of those and took them both on vacation with Sophie and our grandson. The Olympus was much slower in all respects, the LCD could barely be seen in daylight, and the battery only lasted a hundred shots. The Olympus is supposed to be weather resistant and shock resistant, however, I took it back after the trip and kept the SD 700.
A year or so later, the SD 700 went back for repair after it got dropped about 6' onto pavement and we bought the SD 850 to use while the first camera went back to Canon. After the SD 700 came back refurbished, it became an anniversary present to my daughter.
Since I enjoy ultralight backpacking, I really like the Canon PowerShot cameras since the cameras are so light (about 5 oz.) and an extra battery, which gets me another 400 photos, is less than an ounce. I bought extra Lithium batteries for these cameras online for less than ten dollars each. I can backpack for a long time without worrying about running out of juice for the camera.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 3083 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I started with a Fuji that calved JUST after warantee ran out. Next one was a Kodak, which took good pics but it only lasted about 2.5 years(I learned a lesson from the Fuji and bought extended store warantee on the Kodak)
My third one was a Canon (obtained with the extended store warantee). Great pics, lasted over 3 years and only had to be replaced because it got stolen in Mexico.
Currently have a Canon A580. Love the optical and digital zoom. Takes great pics. Just changed the Duracell batteries yesterday after having it since mid January and probably 400 pics.
-------------------- Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC retired in Hensall ON/Chicxulub MX
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I bought a Kodak Z1285 after my Canon Powershot bit the dust. The features I liked most are the 12 megapixels and 5X zoom. I shot pics of the Sign Circus mural and compared them to pics I had taken with the Canon - NO CONTEST - Kodak hands down. The zoom is surprisingly better than a 3X, which makes a lot of difference to me. It eats regular batteries like candy, but the rechargeables seem to last a long time. The only thing I missed from the Canon was the viewfinder, but picture quality more than makes up for it. Seems like it was about $199 and I bought a 2 gig card for another $15. So far, it seems to be superior to the 2 Powershots I had before......
-------------------- Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 2055 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I too have been thinking about a new camera and will be watching this post for the inputs.
Thanks for the help so far.
Nettie, or anyone else. Have you looked into factory refurbished?
I don't want to pull away from finding Nettie a new camera but from surfing away from the site Todd posted I ran into one and it got me thinking about them.
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 692 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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We have a Kodak, 7 mega pixels 10x zoom. It's the second Kodak we have had. Somebody borrowed the first one and dropped it
Both of them were built more like a 35mm slr. Both Denise and I prefer the hand grip and a large screen plus a view finder. Rechargeables are definately the way to go.
When buying a camera, make sure you buy it from a place that has a 30 day return policy. Our first digital was a Pentax something or other. A battery eating piece of crap. It didn't make a week before it went back
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
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Sony DSCH2 here. It's only 6 or 7 megapixels, but I need the 12X optical zoom & image stabilization. It depends on what you need/use it for. I take a lot of reference shots (wildlife) that I can't often get close to. My wife's Canon seems better for inside shots, but for a Pileated Woodpecker at 50 yards, I'll take my Sony.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 137 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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We had a Canon PowerShot S1-IS and rode it HARD till it died. I really liked it. It had more bells and whistles than I ever used. My latest is a Canon PowerShot SD900 and I really like it too. I went for the 10 megapixel over the zoom and other features. Of course, as soon as you get one the new one comes out with MORE whatever, just like computers. I really like this one though. It is much smaller (about the size of a deck of cards.) and I can carry it in my purse. I've dropped it and it's dented, but it seems pretty sturdy. I like how easy it is to figure out and it even takes little videos. Great for the grandkids!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2763 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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My film cameras were always Nikon but I've had two Sony's, one of which was great and the other I couldn't stand. I have a Canon Rebel XT that I dearly love. I bought my son a Canon Powershot for Christmas. Here's some shots I took with my XT.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3310 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Thanks for posting this thread. I've learned a whole lot.
This is such a personel choice you'll be making.
A couple of years ago I laid down a bunch of money for a Nikon D70. It does most everyting, except I hate it. Partialy because it's too big and heavy. Also I wouldn't ever buy another camers that has rechargeable batteries. I travel outside the US and sure and shooting the batteries fenk out at just the righ time. Did I mention I absolutely hate that big heavy, clunky, too many buttons, with all the options, camera?
So, last year while getting ready for my holiday, and dreading the shoe boxed size camera, I made the decision to buy a cheepie deepie for the trip. It had to be small and powered by double A batteries. My favorite camera salesman directed me to the Cannon Powershot A540. It looked nice, felt good and I was in a hurry so I bought it thinking it might get me through. It cost less than $200 and I realy like it. I mean, I really, really like it. No respectable thief would ever consider pinching it, which is good.
I'm sure they have an update version by this time. I'd highly recommend giving this one a serious look.
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2270 B Industrial Blvd. Norman, OK Posts: 993 | From: 2270 B Industrial Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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It has already been recommended, but I'd look at the Canon Powershot G9. I've had 3 Kodaks and have been happy with them, but I don't like the newest ones quite as well. I'm about to make the switch to a Canon.
I'm looking for a new digital pocket shooter myself.
I think a lot of the decision is dependent on what you need to use it for.
I'm looking for a good quality, pocket shooter....that has the best a subcompact can offer.
The G9, although a great camera, wouldn't work for me because it's too big.... I've already got a Canon Digital Rebel SLR... and use that for more thoughtful shots - but I want a decent subcompact that I can put into my pants pocket for reference shot, quickie event shots, etc where I don't want to lug around a larger camera that I would have to physically hold onto.
I'm zeroing in on a few cameras....but have reservations about each.... there's always some negative such as poor battery life when everything else is good.... or poor flash performance when everything else is good.
Hmmmm...
Looking at the Canon SD890 is.......but not sure if I like the goofy little scroll wheel.... what do you think of this review Jon?
posted
Todd, I like that camera too. I'm actually a little undecided between that exact camera and the G9. I too keep a camera with me most of the time but it doesn't spend that much time in my pocket. I've noticed that the Canons have a slow recycle time on the flash, but they are decent in the shutter lag area, which is much more of an annoyance to me. That's the thing I don't like about the newer Kodaks. My mother-in-law recently got a Kodak V1003 and the shutter lag on that thing drives me crazy.
So I guess I'd have to say I think it's a good review and good camera.
Edited to add: Actually, it's the SD950IS I've been looking at, Todd. Will have to do a little checking and see what the differences between the 850 and 950 are....
[ July 22, 2008, 12:23 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 2159 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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Thanks for the feedback everyone, and I'm glad if my question here has helped others to figure it all out for themselves. hahaa
I'm still undecided at this point, which is okay as I really don't have the funds to do it yet anyway.
Part me thinks about buying a small compact point and shooter to travel with, and to keep with me for quickie job shots, and then maybe invest in something like the Canon Rebel for more quality stuff.
I'm going to mull it over some more. Will let you know what I come up with.
In the meantime, I would love to hear and maybe see some shot from those of you who have recently bought from the newer cameras.
One thing that really drove me crazy on my last Canon was the red eye thing, and the time it took the camera to take a shot. I'm hoping the newer Canon's do much better there. I missed a lot of good shots with my old camera.
Thanks again for the comments. ~nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but over time I noticed both my digital cameras lost clarity and sharpness. They're all incredible at first but the quality seems to go. Is this just a digital thing?
-------------------- Donna Williams Graphic Impact Yarrow, BC Canada graphicimpact@shaw.ca
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Donna, losing sharpness and clarity...sounds like an age thing, I feel abit like that at times
I have probably as many bought lots of compacts, over the years, started with a Nikon Coolpix 995, then 2 great Minolta G530 and G630 I think, then a Minolta A200 which took some great pics but I got sand in it and they wouldn't fix it under gaurantee, I have bought 2 Canon Powershot cameras A540 maybe, can't remember for my kids and they are great pocket cameras.
Last year though just before going to Dan's workshop, I decided I wanted a good camera, something that would be fun to use and be something to learn with. I bought a Nikon D200, Danny Baronian had the same, i bought it used about a year old, it was just a month before the D300 came out so people were keen to sell the D200, its a bulky camera but its great, beautiful pictures, and lots of possibilties, I bought it with a wide angle lens, and then had to think about a good general purpose lens, I read what others had on the net and bought a Nikon 18-200 VF. I have never regretted it, I have 2 batteries and can shoot loads with them 1gig and 4 gig CF cards, its a real joy, so sometimes you can grab yourself a great camera, alot less than new price, and be very happy, the guy that had mine took portrait pics in a studio.
I know its not a compact but something else to consider
-------------------- Henry Barker #1924akaKaftan SignCraft AB Stockholm, Sweden. A little bit of England in a corner of Stockholmwww.signcraft.seinfo@signcraft.se Posts: 1372 | From: Stockholm, Sweden | Registered: Nov 1998
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