Camera Advise

[SoundUnsleep]

Did something not too smart this morning: Dropped the camera! I tried to reset everything, but it just will not focus right anymore. It’s a Fujifilm S3000 FinePix. I had my issues with this camera before (moving targets prevent auto focus, zoomed in images are foggy).

I have a camera to fall back on: It’s a JVC MiniDV GR-DV M70 for right now, which has its flaws too (short battery life, difficulties focusing, when zooming in on target and –worse of all – the camera isn’t always being recognized by the computer).

I’m ready to start from scratch with a new camera, but I’m not sure what to get. Therefore: What kind cameras are you using? Pros? Cons? Opinions?

[Slithers]

i personally would focus on a camera that you feel is easy to use, has a macro function, and a good OPTICAL zoom.

those are the top 3 things on MY list, everything else is just extra...

keep in mind, there are rechargeable battery digi cams, and there are digi cams that run off of regular old AA batteries. I prefer AA ones becuz you will always have power that way...without some cord.

i have 2.0 mp camera but i degrade the quality of my pics to the Lowest quality setting so that the pics take less memory on the memory card and more pics fit...and they also upload faster to the internet.

id like one that was quicker...

[SoundUnsleep]

Disposable batteries - I like that! The rechargeable battery on my JVC is getting weak and won't hold a charge very long anymore. Cost to replace the battery: $94 <crinch>! That's one of the reasons for why I bouth the Fujifilm. It was a nice camera until it hit the concrete!

[John_White]

The main questions in determining the best camera are:

What do you want to photograph?
What do you want to do with your photographs?
What is your camera budget?

If you want to photograph herps and family and mainly share photos on the internet an inexpensive digital camera will probably meet your needs.

If you want to photograph herps and family to share photos on the internet and perhaps have some photos published a more expensive (higher megapixel) digital camera will probably meet your needs.

If you're leaning more toward having your work published and would like to photograph many different types of subjects, a SLR or digital SLR is your best bet.

[Slithers]

thats true John White, my post was geared toward your everyday user (who isnt trying to publish photos).

What ARE you planning on doing with this camera? Most people go overboard when purchasing

[dhonaker]

rechargable batterys r better my camera i take like 12 pictures and the batterys die my wifes she can charge it and it will last forever without recharging it

[Slithers]

I use my own rechargeable AA batteries...cuz you are right, sometimes they do go quick...but again you can find AA anywhere...so no $90 special sized rechargeable batteries for me. But im sure people do fine with those cameras too.

[CharlieJ]

Originally Posted by John_White

The main questions in determining the best camera are:
What do you want to photograph?
What do you want to do with your photographs?
What is your camera budget?
If you want to photograph herps and family and mainly share photos on the internet an inexpensive digital camera will probably meet your needs.
If you want to photograph herps and family to share photos on the internet and perhaps have some photos published a more expensive (higher megapixel) digital camera will probably meet your needs.
If you're leaning more toward having your work published and would like to photograph many different types of subjects, a SLR or digital SLR is your best bet.

I pretty much agree with John. The first things we need to know are:
What kind of photographs do you want to take?
- Closeup, inside, outside, flash, action, portraits, etc.
What's your budget?
- Features and endurance can vary greatly -- sometimes according to cost.
What features are important to you?
- Zoom, battery life, shutter/aperture/manual, etc.

If you have experience with 35mm SLRs and want to get the best for the money, a pro-sumer SLR-like or digital SLR would be best. If you want a basic camera with decent features for a budget price, then a simple "quick shot" should work.

One place to match desired features with a camera is http://www.dpreview.com.

Specific answers to the above questions will help us to be more specific in our suggestions.