Which Digital Camera?

I am going to buy a new Digital Camera soon so I can take pictures of my models. Since a friend of mine owns a Cartridge World business I can get them at wholesale prices. Can you please make some suggestions on the best ones available for taking nice clear pictures. I have been looking at some from Sony and Olympus but I really dont know what to look for.

Got me a Canon S200 for $300. Takes pretty good quality pics...is light...and small + compact size.

Here's a sample pic that's been resized from 1600x1200:

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/thedinhfamily/Cressida.JPG

This FAQ is always popping up ;)

BOOSTD,

try this link: http:www.dpreview.com
Point to Cameras and click on any of the cameras that interest you.

That much I can do for you cos your question is too general to cover eveything.

What kind of dcam are u looking for?
Budget?
Features you need?
Special functions?

I dont want a budget camera because I have one and it sux. I want one that is mid to top of the range. One with an LCD screen is preferred. I just need one that will take good pictures of cars and models.

http://www.tomazws.net/test/canon_s400.jpg

I love this camera. This thing is SMALLER than my cell phone.

I only thing I don't like about this camera is the focusing. I don't like using their auto focus, I usually do it myself.

Originally posted by BOOSTD
I dont want a budget camera because I have one and it sux. I want one that is mid to top of the range. One with an LCD screen is preferred. I just need one that will take good pictures of cars and models.

Haha I didnt mean a budget dcam, what I meant was how much are you willing to fork out for a good one.
Well nvm, anyways if you want to take very close up shots then you need one that can do macros.
Something in the range of 10cm.
See the model tomazws posted above. That model can do up to 5cm which is much better.
US$494.00 You can get it cheaper most likely.
Try the link I gave you and search for macroing features. Dont think you can go wrong.

Hey i got Cannon V2... not a bad camera but it gets hot after a while... it takes quite good photos of my 1/24 model cars as well as 1:1 auto show cars ;)

Does the Canon Powershot S400 take good 1:1 shots as well as good model shots??

Originally posted by BOOSTD
Does the Canon Powershot S400 take good 1:1 shots as well as good model shots??

S400 isn't a bad camera. It takes pretty darn good 1:1 landscape/portrait shots. I've used the S400 and S40, but ended up buying a G2. You won't be disappointed with any of them.

I'd recommend the Canon PowerShot G2 or G3. These two cameras have a significantly larger lens than the S400, which equals more light in = better performance, particularly in low-light and close-up situations. It's a fair bit bulkier, so depends what you're after; performance or size/style.

The G2 is currently on run-out (around US$500 at the moment) - the only noticeable difference to the G3 is a tiny bit less focal length. I believe they have the same graphics performance.

Friend's got a Fuji 3800. Takes awesome pics...guaranteed. Highly recommended.

tomazws: I got the budget version of that camera (300) and it looks exactly the same.

If you are going to use it for other than web publishing, I recommend a good one with 2.1 meg or above, 3 x or more optical zoom and rechargeable internal battery. (D cam eats battery like crazy.)
If not, just get 1.3 meg or so, which is really chap now.
But, you will need the macro function. That's a must for taking photos of a model.
My 1.3meg d.cam can take 1280x1024 pixel picture, and it has macro, and that's good enough for the web, but inadequate to print a photo.

I use an olympus C-4000. It a great multipurpose camera. My only complaint is that it is a little larger than a normal compact camera.

Whatever you get, make sure it has a macro function like what hiroki said. It will be very useful.

no ones mentioned Nikon. i recently bought a Nikon Coolpix 4500 and this camera is great. it has a macro focus of up to 2 cm. it takes great normal piccs and great pics of models. i would really recomend this camera or any other nikon cameras.
:)

tomazws: I got the budget version of that camera (300) and it looks exactly the same.

Yes it does!!! the S200, S230 too look almost the same. I got this one cuz Circuit City had that 0% Interest for a Year thing... hey why not? Pay only $100 a month and I'm done after 5 months :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Does the Canon Powershot S400 take good 1:1 shots as well as good model shots??


The Elph Series is handy, it's small it's light but I don't recommand it for serious photographer, as stubacca said, get the Gs. :smoka: :smoka: :smoka: :smoka: :smoka:

Originally posted by LB Dinh
Friend's got a Fuji 3800. Takes awesome pics...guaranteed. Highly recommended.


I second that! :D Its a pretty good cam!!

wat about the new Konica for $250

Originally posted by Genesis2
wat about the new Konica for $250

Assume you're talking about a Revio 2 or 3 MP? My sister bought a Konica Revio 4mp compact zoom when she visited recently. Takes nice photos and it's great value. Still has the small lens diameter issue when taking close-up photos in low light situations.

I played with her camera a fair bit, but ended up buying the G2. I was happy to offset the extra bulk for the higher quality images. Plus it has a hotshoe compatible with the flash for my Canon SLRs - handy!!

If you can afford it, don't go below 4 MP... worth it for the printing versatility.

I am going to check out the G2/G3 and S400 and decide what I like better. Any other models from Sony or Olympus worth checking out too?

Originally posted by twoninety
I use an olympus C-4000. It a great multipurpose camera. My only complaint is that it is a little larger than a normal compact camera.

Whatever you get, make sure it has a macro function like what hiroki said. It will be very useful.

I have the same camera!!! I paid 600€ (600$) for it !!! very expensive but the quality is amazing !!! you can make wonderful pics !!! You can look in my enzo thread for pics (they are all taken with this camera)

Ok I have looked at a few and I am more confused than I was when I started. I can get the G3 for a very very good price and am seriously considering it. I was just wondering if you guys could point out why this camera might NOT be a good choice. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

This is a good one... but it's rather expensive...

Canon EOS D60 -> 6 Mpixels

http://www.canoneos.com/d60/

I have checked out the Powershot G3 and Powershot S400 as these are the camera's that interest me most. I have read about both of them on dpreview.com and I have noticed that in the cons section of each camera it says that both have average macro performance. Do I need something with better macro performance. I am so confused, I dont even know what macro is. Please Help :bloated:

I am using the G3, and so far it has been great. Perhaps the focusing isn't the fastest, but certainly faster than a Nikon CoolPix(for motion shots). Also, if you ever decide to use the camera for any print media, like magazines, get one that's 4MP and above. The G3 suits the bill perfectly. IMHO, if the G3 is within your budget, you can't go too far wrong!

I Just got a Sony DSC-P71. About $200 USD. Nice pictures and can take good ones of model cars. May upload a few when I finish taking pictures of my collection.

Ok here we go.. I am a Professional Freelance Photographer and here is my input in the "which camera should i buy" chaos.


I personally use a film camera. A Nikon F5 with a dozen lenses to chose from.

If you go digital, please do not go any lower than 3mp. buy a camera with macro ability(needed for those close up shots of the engine:) )
A camera that uses AA size batteries will be more convinient too since you can find batteries anywhere and they are cheap.

Do not get cought up on the digital zoom capabilities. It sucks.. look for optical zooms and prefer the good lens manufacturers ( carl-zeiss,.....)

Minolta's Dimage series, nikons coolpix series is preoved to be really good. Canon G2 and G3 is great too.

make sure that your camera has manual white balance over ride. so you can correct the color of the picture that was taken under tungsten or flourecent lights.

A nice powerfull flash is necessery too. With high end digital point and shoots you can add the manufacturer's big professional flashes and get much better photographs.

Dont forget, photography is painting with light, if there isn't any, there is no photograph...

peace

i can't beleive i forgot this.. stupid me......


GET A TRIPOD!!!!!!

Tripod is the sharpest lens you can get.. :)
I can't stress this enough. Please, please get a tripod.........

I agree with what Deniz said, you need good macro. A tripod is also necessary for 'natural' pics :cool:

Does the G3 have good macro performance? From what I have read on dpreview.com it says that the macro performance is average.

The Nikon's CoolPix 5000/5700 has fantastic Macro abilities. With the 5700 being more costly, but with a better zoom. I think the Minolta 7Hi, G3, and 5700 all fall in about the same price bracket, with the G3 being the lowest priced. For an excellent macro, it will have to be a Nikon. But if you are going to be looking at a more general camera, have a go at the 7Hi, since the lens has excellent value, and according to dpreview, the macro is relatively good too.

More importantly though, I think you must set aside a budget, and stick to it.

I got prices for all the cameras I am interested in and they are all too expensive. I checked out the Canon G3, Nikon Coolpix 5700 and Minolta 7Hi. The Canon Powershot S400 was $730 AUD (wholesale) and this is about as much as I want to spend. I like this camera but I am a bit concerned with the average macro performance it has. Can anyone suggest a camera with good macro and allround perfromance which is cheaper than the G3. I really appreciate all the help so far guys.