Questions about Digital Cameras

“Yeah. Doesn't HPM know a bunch about this?

Calling all geeks, calling all geeks...”

“Does it seem logical that because there is such a HUGE demand for uploading pics onto Internet sites, that a smart internet cafe would have accomodations in place to handle the chore? X cents per upload.”

“Maybe. This is Third World tho...”

“I still remember having to go to a telephone office in Mexico in the mid 1980's to make a call to the US. After a long wait, a woman lowered the phone down from a balcony after she reached my party. It was bizarre.

I wouldn't automatically assume you'll find state of the art equipment.”

“Not really Rosey. Sorry, I'm not much of a hardware guy.

From what little I know of internet cafes I am of the understanding that they will not let you install anything on thier boxes. But like anything else if you are polite and ask nicely (and possibly slip the guy a $20) they may let you do anything.

South America isn't a complete backwater but all of the high tech things like web cafes I would only expect to find in the bigger cities.

I think your best bet is to search the web for web cafes in the areas you plan to visit. That should answer all of your questions with a few emails.”

“I own a Nikon Coolpix 5700. It's a great camera but I find it's a liitle too big for backpacking. If I had to buy one all over, I would consider a Canon S45.”

“Want to sell it for say... 40 cents on the dollar?”

“I recently bought a digital for backpacking.. well actually for work.. but I bet it goes backpacking with me.. (It's already asking if it can go)..

Its a Fujifilm.. 6x ocular.. 74sec mpeg.. light.. aesthetically pleasing.




"The Fuji FinePix 3800 features 3-megapixel resolution, 6x optical zoom, and movie mode. The FinePix 3800 is also one of the first digital cameras to utilize the tiny XD memory card."”

“Have any of you checked out the Pentax Optio S? It fit's inside an altoids tin, weighs 3.5 ounces and still has a 12X zoom. If I had all the $ I ever could use, I'd buy it.”

“The new Olympus digis look pretty cool and they are weather resistant too.”

“The Pentax Optio has a 3x optical zoom. "Digital zoom" is BS -- all it consists of is stretching pixels, no finer detail is created. You can do a BETTER job by doing the "digital zoom" on your computer at home as you have more control and can try different cropping factors.

Overall the Pentax looks decent, but a couple of issues that come to mind are that it has limited ISO range and is pretty noisy at it's max iso of 200. It also has a proprietary Li-Ion battery and no capability for purchasing non-rechargeable power sources -- this may or may not be a big deal depending on your usage.

For a detailed review of the camera see http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxoptios/”

“i find those small cams silly.The reg SLR size feels like a camera should.That nikon 5700 is a helluva cam.I would not trade it for any puny thing.”

“but it sure is difficult to take a picture with the camera you left at home. And when there's a fleeting moment that you can't capture because the big heavy expensive camera is buried in your pack, the ultra-compact little camera in an accessible pouch doesn't seem quite as silly. :)

My preferred camera is a 6.3MP Canon EOS 10D digital SLR. Now THAT is one that feels like a "real camera". Fantastic camera and a great upgrade from the EOS D30 I'd been using for two years prior. Of course you have to couple it with a good lens and not some cheap Coke-bottle knockoff.

Only trouble is you're looking at three to four pounds for camera and lens. :)”

“Actually, even some of the smaller towns have an internet connection. There's always at least one "rich" guy in town who for a couple of bucks will let you use the computer.

But this was really all about trying to access the pics on my camera without having to install a driver.

I think I will just have to fill up 128mb+ cards on the camera and send them home to download later.”

“My meatbeaters are too big to handle one of those tiny things but the biggest boone I see is the ability to put it in an inside pocket to keep it warm without feeling like you have something the size of a basketball in there. That's the only bad thing about digis, they suck in the winter.”

“I guess camera size is relative. The camera on the right is the "monster" Nikon CP5700. To ME, that is tiny compared to that other Nikon I sometimes pack with. I agree with Davexx though. The 5700 is a helluva (little) camera.

”

“I saw that National Geographic has a new book in their Field Guide to Photography series for digital camera users. I’ve seen their basic field guide and it is simply one of the best photog books I’ve ever seen. It may be well below the level of many of the photographers here but it’s meant for people like me who know little more than ‘point’ and ‘shoot’. The books lay it all out in very understandable terms. I’m hoping the digital one is the same.


NG Field Guide to Digital Photography

I also saw that they have a photog section on their website that looks really cool.


NG Photography Section”

“Thanks for the link, but it wouldn't open for me, got the dreaded 404 error.

NG Photo Section”

“Just bought the weather resistant Olympus Stylus 400 to replace my compact Olympus 35mm stylus. So far I like it. My daughter bought a rather large digital Nikon which is nicer, but too big to carry.”

“I love Olympus cameras. I had a 35mm point and shoot that took better pictures than my big Canon SLR outfit. When I bought my Sony Cybershot the new Olympus digis weren't out yet.

I saw Overstock.com had 2.0 MP Olypuses for $189.”

“I think it's about time I retire my old 850 kilopixel digital camera for something new. I'm looking for something a step down from a full SLR, but has the ability to take advantage of some filters and some day I would like to get a wide-angle lens.

So here is the list of cameras I have been looking at in no particular order.

Canon Powershot G5 digital camera
Megapixels: 5.0
Zoom: 4x Optical, 4x Digital
Power Source: Lithium Batteries
Weight: 14.5oz

Fujifilm S7000 Digital Camera
Megapixels: 6.3
Zoom: 6x Optical, 3.2x Digital
Power Source: 4 "AA" Batteries
Weight: 17.6oz

Nikon Coolpix 5400 Digital Camera
Megapixels: 5.1
Zoom: 4x Optical, 4x Digital
Power Source: Lithium Batteries
Weight: 11.3 oz

Olympus C5050 digital camera
Megapixels: 5.0
Zoom: 3x optical, 3.4x digital
Power Source: 4 "AA" Batteries
Weight: 13.4oz

Olympus C-5060 Wide Zoom Digital Camera
Megapixels: 5.1
Zoom: 4x optical, 3.5x digital
Power Source: Lithium Batteries
Weight: 15.2oz

Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera
Megapixels: 4.0
Zoom: 10X Optical, 4X digital
Power Source: "AA" Batteries
Weight: 10.4oz

I was at Best Buy today and they told me that only the Canon's and Sony's had glass lenses, but I think they were trying to feed me a load of sh*t, because I checked out both Nikon's and Olympus' websites and their cameras have glass lenses. So this leaves me wondering which camera to choose.”

“I did a LOT of spec-comparing before I finally bought. Ended up with a camera not on your list, but I am LOVIN' this camera, it's become one of my fav pieces of gear!

Standard Features

CCD resolution 4.23 MP (2408x1758 pixels)
image resolution 4.0 megapixel (2304x1728 pixels)
image quality 4.0 MP – best (print, enlargement)
3.5 MP – best (optimized ratio for 4" x 6" prints, 3:2)
2.1 MP – better (small print)
1.1 MP - good (e-mail)

zoom 15Xtotal zoom
4Xoptical zoom (5.5-21.8 mm - equivalent to 33-132 mm in 35 mm equivalent)
3.8XAdvanced Digital Zoom

focus/auto-focus High-speed, low light auto-focus with selectable modes: multi-zone, center-zone
focus distance wide – 50 cm (19.7 in.) to infinity;
focus distance tele – 75 cm (29.5 in.) to infinity
display LCD - 1.8" (46 mm) 134k pixel indoor/outdoor display;
display Real-image optical viewfinder
aperture f/2.2 - 5.6 (wide)
aperture f4.8 - 13 (tele)
shutter speed 4-1/2200 sec.
ISO equivalent Automatic - (100 - 200)
ISO equivalent Manual - (100, 200, 400)
white balance auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent
flash mode automatic, fill, red-eye, off
flash range wide - 0.5 - 5.1 m (1.6 - 16.7 ft.)
flash range tele - 0.8 - 2.6 m (2.6 - 8.5 ft.)
self-timer 10 seconds

Performance Features

scene/other modes automatic, sport, portrait, night, landscape, close-up, program (aperture priority, shutter priority)
color mode color, black and white, sepia
macro/close-up mode wide - 10 - 60 cm (3.9 - 23.6 in.); tele - 25-85 cm (9.8 - 33.5 in.)
burst mode 3 fps, up to 6 pictures
light metering method automatic: TTL-AE matrix metering; selectable: multi-pattern, center-weighted, center-spot
exposure compensation +/- 2.0 EV in 1/2 step increments
exposure control program AE, shutter priority, aperture priority
movie mode continuous digital video with audio capture, audio playback on camera
movie image resolution 320 x 240 pixels at 15 fps

movie length up to 80 minutes, limited by capacity of external memory card

Smart and Simple Features

capture mode capture always ready
auto-orientation auto picture rotation
delete dedicated delete button
review dedicated review button
share dedicated share button
video out NTSC, PAL (user-selectable)
software KODAK EASYSHARE Software
interface Dock Compatibility - KODAK EASYSHARE Camera Dock 6000, KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock 6000

Additional Features

storage internal storage: 16 MB internal memory
external storage: MMC/SD card expansion slot

power options optional KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Docks with Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack (in-camera charging); 2 AA KODAK MAX Digital Camera Batteries; 2 AA lithium or Ni-MH batteries or 1 CRV3 lithium battery; 3 volt adapter
image file format still: JPEG/EXIF v2.2; movie: Quicktime
interface USB 2.0 compliant, KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Docks, audio/video connectors
lens protection built-in lens barrier
tripod mount 1/4 in. standard
weight without batteries: 220 g (7.8 oz.)
dimensions WxHxD: 109x64.5x38.2 mm (4.3x2.5x1.5 in.)
warranty one year”

“OOPs, just copied & pasted wo paying attention, the camera is a Kodak DX6440.”

“LOL, just kidding...

I really don't know a whole lot about this subject, except that you guys are listing a whole lot more megapixel and optical zoom than I could afford last time around for my camera buying. I'm just a tad jealous here.... And I'll bet these cameras are appropriately sized for backpacking to boot!

I say this because after much research and hemming and hawing, I finally got all I could afford. It really is a good servicable camera, handy, and I am very happy with it. But... 4 months later, a buddy of mine buys the very same camera with more megapixel (mine is 3.1, his is 4.0, both with 2X optical zoom). The louse!!! he got his camera for the very same price I paid for mine!!!! Technology advanced right over my sorry carcass.

I am certain I could buy twice the camera now for the same money, and half a year later, do even better.

Just some ramblings.....”

“Yeah, they fed you Zac. The Olys and Nikons are definately glass. If a salesman evers tries to sell you digital zoom, kick him in the nads and walk out.

You'd probably do well with any of the cams you listed. I have the Nikon 5700 which is similiar to the 5400 you listed. Only difference is the optical zoom. It's a nice cam, and with an adapter you'd be able to use 35mm filters with it.

A few people on this board are happy with the Canon G series, and Lizs just got a G5 recently. In fact I think she just posted some trip pics.

I've also heard lots of good things about the Oly 5050 and 5060. If it were me, I'd spend the extra money for the 4x optical zoom versus the 3x.

You'll find good detailed reviews over at www.dpreview.com”

“good save Wanderer. You caught it before we got the chance to hammer you about it. ;o)”

“You will be able to buy A LOT more camera in just a couple months if you can wait. Technology is just coming to cameras the way it had to PC's... capability increases while price decreases. A lot of leading mfgrs are gonna release 8 MP cameras soon, that won't make the 4 MP's "obsolete", but the price is sure to drop substantially.”

“Hey Pennsy, I know this crowd! Give them an opening, and you're HISTORY!!”

“Wanderer, you don't have to tell me twice. I bought my computer back in 2000. I picked out the one I wanted and waited 6 months for the price to come down before I bought it. It still does every thing I want it to do.

I probably won't make my move for a few months, no until I get my tax return back. So for now I'm trying to get as much information as possible.”

“I just got the G5 and like it great so far! Have had it under a month. Search for threads listing "G5" or "G-5" and you'll see my thoughts on it and what others said.

Do you currently have a digital? Do you want to keep the same film? (Compact flash, smart media, memory stick or whatever?) That entered into my decision.

Go look at the cameras somewhere. I did that at Best Buy. The G5 is weird, because its lens partially obscures the bottom left corner of the photo when looking through the viewfiender. BUT, you are supposed to use the LED (or LCD, whatever) screen for shots. It's fun. You can tilt it around to see just how you're gonna look in a self portrait on the trail (hey, I have BO and no one hikes with me, what can I say!??!!)

Humanpackmule has one too and highly recommended it to me. I wanted the 5 MP because I want to be able to print my own landscape enlargements to sell (I also got the Canon i9100 printer, with a $150 rebate from Canon for buying both. But the purchase had to be made by Jan. 31)

Here's the webshots page with shots from the new camera taken at Yellow River State Forest. I'm still waiting to test it out on greens this spring.

Webshots page

I don't think you'll go wrong whatever. But I know, you don't want to feel like you've left any stone unturned in the processing of information! lol”

“Pennsy,
"If a salesman evers tries to sell you digital zoom, kick him in the nads and walk out"

I know next to nothing about cameras. I have digital zoom. Other than the amount of battery power it sucks down, why not get digital zoom? As a novice, I'm happy with my camera which is an Olympus C-3000 zoom.”

“Sunshine, digital zoom is easily accomplished on your PC when you get the camera home. Optical zoom draws the scene in while maintaining maximum megapixels. Digital zoom works basically by chewing up the megapixels, which causes you to lose resolution of the picture.”

“Sunshine,
I'm no techie but I'll take a stab.
I'm pretty sure your 3000 has 3x optical zoom with additional digital zoom. When you use optical zoom, the picture retains it's resolution at 1x through 3x. In other words, your picture will look damn good throughout that 1-3x zoom range.

When you use digital zoom, the pixels that make up the image stretch out as you zoom and loses quality as you zoom. If you were to take a picture into a graphics program and increase it's size several times, you would start seeing the square pixels that make up the image. Basically, that is how I would describe digital.

I hope that makes some sense, but you should be fine with your 3000 because of the 3x optical zoom. The digi zoom might be fun to play around with but the more you use it, the more the picture deteriates.”

“Let me stab at it!! hehehe

You put the shot on your computer, go into Photoshop or whatever photo editing you use. You zoom in, to crop to a certain part of the shot. You are enlarging the pixels of that portion of the shot. Unless the shot is super clear and good, it will show the magnified imperfections of the pixels. Think of them as jagged and not smooth.

This, I think, is the equivalent of digital zoom.”

“I know a few people that would like to stab Liz. moohaahaa”

“PCWorld has pretty good rankings/reviews:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,114735,00.asp

I have the Olympus C-5050 which was their top ranked camera when I got it. It has been replaced by the C-5060 which is now their top rated camera. I've been very happy the C-5050 but if I could get a good price on mine, I'd get the C-5060.

Best Buy will beat the best deal you can find from a local competitor that is an authorized dealer with your model in stock. Search with pricegrabber by clicking 'Check latest prices' at PCWorld, find a deal at a local retailer, take it to Best Buy (or Circuit City) and they'll beat the price by 10% of the difference.

B&H in Manhattan has it for $569.95 - I don't know if they'd consider that local for you. You can mail order from Beach Camera in NJ for $472 and free shipping. They are an authorized dealer. Some of the low prices you'll find are 'gray market' meaning you won't get the manufacturer's warrantee.”

“Ya know, I've found that if you just keep waiting and never buy, that's the best way to save money!”

“Bit, you sound like my 80-year-old grandfather. He’s still convinced that the prices of houses are going to fall below $10,000.”

“Still renting, is he?”

“Yup and enjoying his b&w TV with a blown picture tube.”

“Well he can listen, and that should be enough, right?”

“I think I have decided to go with the Olympus C-5060. I found a good price for it.

For $579 from buydig.com
I can get:
Olympus C-5060 DIGITAL CAMERA [QNTY 1]
Olympus 256MB xD MEMORY CARD [QNTY 1]
DigPro SMALL DIGITAL CAMERA DELUXE CARRYING CASE - DP2000 [QNTY 1]
Sakar Lens Cleaning Kit [QNTY 1]
32MB xD-Picture Card
BLM-1 Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
Battery Charger
USB Cable
Video Cable
Carry Strap
Lens Cap with Retainer Cord
Software CD-ROM (CAMEDIA Master Software, Windows 98 Rev 2 Driver, Camera Reference Manual)
1-Year Limited Warranty

I have a few more questions though.
1) Has anyone done business with this company? Are they reputable or should I look elsewhere?
2) They sell a 5 year warranty. This warranty covers all parts and labor for five (5) years from date of purchase. The equipment will be guaranteed to operate properly according to manufacturer's specifications or we shall repair equipment to operate properly at no charge to you, (this includes all parts and labor). Such service, repair or adjustment of this equipment is as sured the original purchaser only. This warranty does not cover equipment which has been misused, tampered with, modified or damaged as a result of accident, water, grit, impact or lack of proper care as indicated in the manual of operations. Accessories not covered: flashes, batteries, power adapter, digital media, software, LCD, lens, and additional Accessories, other expenses or consequential damages. This limited warranty is not transferable.
Is it just me or does this warranty sound like crap?”

“Olympus has always been a top line camera along the lines of Nikon and Leica. However, they have no more of a heads up on digital then most other companies.”

“Is buydig a factory authorized dealer? If not, you are getting their warrantee which is only as good as the company about which I have no knowledge. However, how many dotcoms last five years?

Beach camera has a similar package deal and free shipping. They are reputable, factory authorized and have been around a long time.
http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/Product.asp?ProdTypeList=&Sku=OMC5060”

“However, how many dotcoms last five years?

Good point. I was leaning more to the manufactures warranty anyway. They have a 2-year for $50 that gets added to the existing 1-year warranty that comes with the camera.”

“Found this very interesting.

Beach
Camera

buydig.com

”

“Lens adapter

I bought one of these and I wished I would have bought it instead of the Olycap in the first place. It screws onto the barrel of the Olympus C-5050 then you add a 52mm UV filter and lens cap to the end. Then you are also able to use all sorts of 52mm filters like polarizers , warming filters ND Grad, etc.

But the very best part is the real lens is protected from dust and scratches and moisture.The lens extendsand retracts inside the adapter tube behind the UV or haze filter. It always bothered me when the lens would pull back into the camera body with moisture on it....that can't be good! And the camera never screeches or screams at you beacause you forgot to open the Olycap.

If you do want an Olycap...I have one I'll sell...cheap ;)”

“got my Olympus d-550 from BuyDig. Good company. Are sure you want a camera that big and heavy? No you have your rec on the camera. "If BuyDig is good enough for the Dodder, it is good enough for the Dude." I am, and remain, the Dodder."”

“An advantage to digital I just learned.

Apparently a CF card can go through the wash in the pocket of wet/mudddy hiking pants with no damage to the card or the pictures.”