What Digital Do You Shoot With ?

[NoCal NoBoat]

I've enjoyed the wild life photography here on HB for some time.
1'st Anniversary is coming up, and we're ready for an upgrade.
So what is your recommendation for a digital camera ?
I know this thread has been done a lot, but the market is changing every day.
We'll use it for general-purpose stuff, indoor and outdoor - parties, vacations,
etc.
Camera store downstairs at work just showed me a Nikon Coolpix 4800 - 4 megapixel, 15 scenes, on a bigger body. Also a Sony Cybershot W5 - 5 megapixel, fewer add-ons, but a more compact body. Quoted $ 349 for the Nikon and $ 329 for the Sony. Any better ideas ?
Thanks for your opinions - HB people know these things...
NCHB

[Sleek-Jet]

I've got an Olympus C-4000 sitting here next to the computer. It's a larger camera, 4.0 MP with a 4X optical zoom. You can also control F-stop on Shutter speeds as well if you want. It'll do just about everything my 35mm SLR will do.
I just need a smaller camera to take on the boat... I get tired of lugging this thing around all the time. :hammer2:

[NOTALENT]

The Cannon S400 is a really good camera...had some of the best reviews..I have the Sd100 and I love it...it just stopped working though...rather than repair it..im stepping up to the S400 until I can afford the Rebel SLR..

[ssmike]

Canon Digital Rebel (the older one) very nice and prices are coming down

[OGShocker]

Gave these to the Mrs. for Christmas. http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/d_eos/20d_586x225.jpg http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/lens/ef100-400_45-56lisu_586x225.jpg
100-400mm

[SummitKarl]

tried and true SONY MAVICA w/10x optical zoom and 4x adpt for 40x total OPTICAL zoom. no cables, adapters nothing, no $40 mem sticks, just one 3.5" floppy is all I need, to zoom to a "c" hair across the lake

[MR HARLEY]

Cannon g6
See here for product review and priceing ....
http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buyer/ProductM.jsp?nxtg=583544_A76AB6916D090608&page=1&pdir=0&lgnode=&display_mode=0&node=&lgsearch=cannon_g6&ptitle=65772121&core=&kw=Canon_PowerShot_G6_7

[SummitKarl]

How many pictures do you get on a 3.5" floppy? I have 6 128mb sticks and I'm constantly filling those up.
about 40 pics per 2.88meg formated disk, storage CAP is not it's best feature, but it was the only thing on the market at the time that was purely OPTICAL zoom, I am not kidding about the "c" hair zoom either :D . it ain't the lastest nor greatest but it works GREAT for me.

[cdog]

we have the canon sd300 and love it. I hate getting stuck carring some big ass camera. Somehow none of my wife's clothes have pockets.

[MOBrien]

:crossx: :eek: :crossx:
I use the Sony DSC-F717. Nice camera, takes great pictures. I took this last weekend from about 200' away. :D
http://www.clubwerks.com/river/dsc04186.jpg

[Stealth Marine]

I've enjoyed the wild life photography here on HB for some time.
1'st Anniversary is coming up, and we're ready for an upgrade.
So what is your recommendation for a digital camera ?
Thanks for your opinions - HB people know these things...
NCHB
You have a HUGE range of choices.
I am using the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, and could not be happier with the results. Its not on the cheap side, but the photos are simply terrific.

[syke-o]

i use the digital canon eos rebel and so far so good.. but does anyone know where to go for good digital photography classes??? ... :confused: i know they have photography classes at the local colleges but they are only for the 35mm stufff...

[mondorally]

.. but does anyone know where to go for good digital photography classes??? ...
Based on the picture above I would contact Shockwave Bob and ask if you could sign up for his course.....
Justin

[SummitKarl]

hey shockwave, I am thinking maybe MRS J540 won't be to happy about this post of her :redface:
aaaaaaaaaa who am I kidding she will love it, good job :D

[syke-o]

Based on the picture above I would contact Shockwave Bob and ask if you could sign up for his course.....
Justin
lol.... i guess you got a point there :idea:

[HocusPocus]

i have a sony 5.1 megapixal camera.. small and easy to carry around. i have bigger cameras with various lenses... but i never use them because they are too bulky to carry around.

[Flashover]

How many pictures do you get on a 3.5" floppy? I have 6 128mb sticks and I'm constantly filling those up.
Go get a 1 Gig stick and even if you have a 7 megapixle camera you will still get a ton of pics.. :crossx:

[voodoomedman]

I just bought a Kodak Z730. The Kodak come highly rated and the software it comes with is raved about how good it is and easy to use. 5MP 4x optical and 4xdigital. The higher the MegaPixel is for taking larger photos. I would probably go with at least a 4 and if you want to take bigger pictures then get a 5 or more but the cost starts rising. The higher the optical zoom the better because it is real zoom with lenses and not a computer chip making it blotchy. 4 is a good start. If you actually look at the lens it will tell you what it is for real. For example mine shows 33mm-132mm where my film camera shows 38mm-105mm. Anywho, there are a few nice ones out there but check out the Kodak. Mine was 299 but I got it on sale for 270. Always check the stores website. It was on sale at BestBuy's website but not in the store but I got them to price match. And get your memory sticks at Sam's Club or maybe Costco. I got a 1 GB at Sam's for 75 and a 512 at Best Buy was 70. 5 bucks more for double the capacity. It can hold a few hundred pictures.

[RitcheyRch]

Very nice.....
I use the Sony DSC-F717. Nice camera, takes great pictures. I took this last weekend from about 200' away. :D
http://www.clubwerks.com/river/dsc04186.jpg

[77charger]

canon digital rebel slr 6.3 pixel
It came with a 18-55 lens i have since bought a 75-300 telephoto lens with the image stabilization.Camera is awesome aint a shot i miss now very fast shutter and very good pic quality.
They now have the rebel xt which is a litlle smaller and 8.0 pixel but unless you are printing 16x20 pics and bigger.My uncle went from a 10d to a 20d 6.3vs8.2 said as far as smaller pics go no difference in qaulity but the 20d does have more features unless you are a pro you wont know the difference.
the nikon coolpix you mentioned are also pretty good depends on what will fit your needs.

[SummitKarl]

Which one is mrs J540? I had no idea. :redface:
I am fairly certian thats her standing PP or Mrs racer will know for sure :D

[Essex29]

Damn! Jon, where do I get a model errr...camera like that? :cool:
what a great pic! :D

[Kim Hanson]

I use the Hp cameras and the one I use right now is only a 2.1 and really soon I will have the 6.0 and its only like 370.00, this was last weekend at the lake...Normal........( . )( . )......... :cool:
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/72HPIM0959.jpg
zoomed in...
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/72HPIM0960.jpg

[beyondhelpin]

I have the Sony 5.1 with 1gig stick. Take great pics and semi decent video. Pentax has a new oneout for $299 5.1 meg and it is 100% waterproof not splash or water resistant. It is a point and shoot. Looks interesting.

[Stealth Marine]

canon digital rebel...
They now have the rebel xt which is a litlle smaller and 8.0 pixel but unless you are printing 16x20 pics and bigger.
One real advantage to the extra pixels is when you go to edit the photos in Photoshop. The more pixels you have to begin with, the more options your going to have to work with. in the end you just save it down to whatever resolution you need it to be for the final format...

[Kim Hanson]

One real advantage to the extra pixels is when you go to edit the photos in Photoshop. The more pixels you have to begin with, the more options your going to have to work with. in the end you just save it down to whatever resolution you need it to be for the final format...
I just use 1600x1200 and then size it with chop shop........( . )( . ).........works great also for trying to keep it under 100kbs and still have a good picture :cool:

[Kim Hanson]

Final picture size is not set by pixel count. If you take a picture that is 640x480 pixels and print it out on a 4x6 print, it will be much worse looking than a picture that's resolution is 2560x1712 printed out 4x6.
I'm assuming that a lot of people are making prints from their digital cameras, pictures taken at higher resolutions will make much nicer prints in every size.
I just send mine e-mail and don't need a printer and I keep all mine to disc and can send disc's also..This is at on three stars and touched up with chop shop, its raining outside :D Don't ya just love those kick arse scroll bars :D That is why I keep mine all at 640 after sizing them.........( . )( . ).........
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/72HPIM0964.JPG :supp:

[Sleek-Jet]

I can't believe no one is gonig to make a comment about Kimmy's boat being on top of the water, instead of underneath it... :D

[Kim Hanson]

I can't believe no one is gonig to make a comment about Kimmy's boat being on top of the water, instead of underneath it... :D
I was waiting also,Jordy should chime in soon :D Pointing it out at the open water works pretty good :D
This is at 640.........( . )( . )........ :cool:
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/72street.JPG

[Jrocket]

Right now I have a Canon 20D,EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM,EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM,EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM,EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM and alot of crap that goes with it.
When my EOS 1Ds Mark II arrives I will be selling the 20D and maybe some of the smaller lenses.I've had great luck with the Canon stuf but then again thats all Ive ever owned.

[ColeTR2]

1. Canon 1DS 11.1 megapixels
2. Canon 1D-MII 8.1 megapixels
You can't beat the Canon 20D for price 1400.

[SHAKEN Not Stirred]

I use the Cannon S1 IS....3.2MegaPix.....
Love it !!!
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1780Sebago_8-6-05_PMx_010.jpg
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1780Sebago_8-6-05_PMx_011.jpg
Later,
CJG
:wink:

[hot_diggity_dog]

Nikon Coolpix 8700 8.0 pixel
8x zoom
http://www.riverratlife.net/uploads/hdd/DSPokerRun05/DSCN0024DSPokerRun05.jpg
HDD :cool:

[Ultrafied]

I have several, just depends on what type of shooting I am doing. For the simple poiny and shoot, in my pocket, I use the Sony DSX-P73. It's small, great colors and simple to operate.
For a good point and shoot, with lots of control, I have the Canon SD-600. Sharp crisp and pretty much does what you want in a compact size. Heavier then the Sony, slightly larger but way more control over the picture if you want. It will shoot jpeg and Raw at the same time.
For family and outdoors I have an Olympus E-10. Old but the pictures are extremely good. Mostly I use this when I don't want to lug my lenses around.
To shoot anything and everything, I use the Nikon D70S. It is a very, very nice D-SLR, but pricey once you get into the lenses, flash, etc.

[Essex29]

I've been thinking about this one....
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1077PentaxOptio_03_300.gif
It's the Pentax Optio WP and it's supposed to be waterproof upto 3-5 ft.
Anyone have it?

[Mohave Vice]

I use a Nikon 8700 8.0 mp and 512 memory card. No complaints whatsoever!!

[My Man's Sportin' Wood]

Gave these to the Mrs. for Christmas. http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/d_eos/20d_586x225.jpg http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/images/lens/ef100-400_45-56lisu_586x225.jpg
100-400mm
I have the same setup, but with a 300 I/S lens Jeff got it for me for graduation. It takes wonderful shots. I am having a problem with the card though (at least I hope it's the card), so I have to get a new one and run some tests.
I am surprised at how long the battery lasts. That was my big concern with it.

[Jyruiz]

Canon Powershot S1 IS, it is a 3.2mgp with a 10X optical zoom, image stabilizer, so no more blurry pictures and I use it with a 4gig micro drive. It is also great for video, better than DVD quality and you can record upto 1gig at a time, and it is only $349 right now. They have the S2 now that is 5mgp and 12X optical zoom. The more zoom, the more you need the image stabilizer.

[Redneck]

we have the olympus 910 4mpix love it with the 512 chip we get about 600 pics on high res. been dropped in the river 2 times and still works. says its all weather. good camera for just a throw around camera was about 350 dollars or so.

[My Man's Sportin' Wood]

I did not read the whole thread, so I don't know if anyone discussed this already, but the single best thing about the digita SLRs like the Canon we have is the lack of delay. You push the button and take the pic, rather than the push and 1 -2 seconds later the picture is taken, often missing the shot. I could have never got the shot on the left with the other camera.

[Jrocket]

I have the same setup, but with a 300 I/S lens Jeff got it for me for graduation. It takes wonderful shots. I am having a problem with the card though (at least I hope it's the card), so I have to get a new one and run some tests.
I am surprised at how long the battery lasts. That was my big concern with it.
What is it not doing?

[77charger]

I did not read the whole thread, so I don't know if anyone discussed this already, but the single best thing about the digita SLRs like the Canon we have is the lack of delay. You push the button and take the pic, rather than the push and 1 -2 seconds later the picture is taken, often missing the shot. I could have never got the shot on the left with the other camera.
My main reason for going to one also.Having a kid this is a big plus.I also like 35mm style slrs and this is similar no film but a memory card instead.But they do take some skill to use and get the best out of it the auto modes are ok but the best comes in manual modes for me.(might not be for everone but learn it and you'll like it)
I wasnt going to spend 3-400 on a point and shoot only to be unhappy with it then buy another one and end up still paying the same price if i would have gone digital slr so i went out and bought the dig slr(canon rebel)when i bought it i spent 900 but dont regret a thing also got the 75-300 IS lens not too long ago.
Point and shoots seem to have come along ways though and price has dropped my brother has a thin one that does take decent pics with a pretty fast shutter(not slr fast but still fast IMO)Just depends on your needs

[My Man's Sportin' Wood]

What is it not doing?
It's throwing a code that I have a CF error. Then it acts like it's taking the picture, but it doesn't store it. I thought it was the zoom lens at first, like miscommunication, but Jeff had it act up on him with the standard lens. I hate to go out and buy another card, but it's the least expensive test, and I know that is what Canon will blame it on to begin with anyway.
I can get some pics before it starts acting up, and then fiddle with it and get some more (lens off and on, camera off and on, etc) then it gives up. Pretty strange. I am hoping it is not because of the heat at the lake. Of course, I keep it in the shade, but it is still pushing 130 degrees at times.

[Party Cat]

I've been using a Nikon D70 with the standard 18-70 lens for close stuff and a Sigma 50-500 with the HSM.(quick focusing) for almost a year...
Here's a few pics from about 50-75 yards (I'm guessing)
this is with the zoom set around 50-100mm...
http://www.irnoyfb.com/hb/DSC_2844.jpg
here's the same shot with the zoom at 500mm..
http://www.irnoyfb.com/hb/DSC_2843o.jpg
the 500mm shot zoomed in with Photoshop...
http://www.irnoyfb.com/hb/DSC_2843z.jpg
All shots started out as around 5.5 meg raw Nikon files and were saved for 'web' for quicker loading....
I usulay have a use a 1GB card, but always carry an extra 1gb and just picked up a 4gb CF I card for weekend trips :)
I had a 5GB CFII that was alot slower than the CFI card...after if fell off the table...it died :(...
I'm also gonna guess that Havasu Luver shots with an Olympus :D :D

[Jrocket]

It's throwing a code that I have a CF error. Then it acts like it's taking the picture, but it doesn't store it. I thought it was the zoom lens at first, like miscommunication, but Jeff had it act up on him with the standard lens. I hate to go out and buy another card, but it's the least expensive test, and I know that is what Canon will blame it on to begin with anyway.
I can get some pics before it starts acting up, and then fiddle with it and get some more (lens off and on, camera off and on, etc) then it gives up. Pretty strange. I am hoping it is not because of the heat at the lake. Of course, I keep it in the shade, but it is still pushing 130 degrees at times.
What card are you using?I have never had that problem.Once it did throw a code when the contatcts for the lense had some lint on them but thats it.Does it have the current flash for the computer.Some of the earlier 20D's had that same problem and you had to have a Canon dealer or send it back to Canon to have it reflashed.Check out this web site,they have alot of great info and advice about cameras and photography.
Fred Miranda (http://www.Fredmiranda.com)

[Sleek-Jet]

You can "Key up" the point and shoots... On mine, you don't press the shutter button down all the way. The camera then sets the apature and focus, then when the action starts, press the shutter button the rest of the way down and presto.... actions shots.
I've been able to take pictures like this with it...
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/1153Twistin2.jpg

[NoCal NoBoat]

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations - I'll probably pull the trigger this weekend, I'll let you know what I ended up with. 54 replies - you guys kick @ss on Consumer Reports !!! Thanks for the real life field reports, too !