Value for money Camera

[jyjyjy]

I am looking for digital camera approx 500 bucks, not more than 600 bucks.

What would be a good buy? I have seen photos taken by my friend with a canon camera and was rather impressed by the vivid colours, esp one of a sunset where the dark and bright portions of the photo was nicely balanced.

Any recommendations?

thanks

 

[tks]

The canon powershot series would be value for money. I bought both the entry level 430 at $270 and the high end S3 IS at $755. Both are good. You will sure be able to find something in between at $500.

 

[jyjyjy]

any particular model you would recommend? There is simply such a wide range i do not know how to go about choosing it.

Should i look at the specifications?
Or should i test it? if so how do i compare the differences?

thanks

 

[jdredd]

you have to be a little more specific... theres quite a big range for canon digital cams in that price bracket..

from the really small p&s in the ixus range to powershot range / prosumer class... there are advantages and disadvantages to each..

heres a couple of things to consider -

do you want pocket size or are you happy with something bigger.
do you want to just let the camera do the work, or do you want to take manual control over the camera?

what kind of photography are you looking to do?
do you want the option to be able to expand the camera a little - i.e. accessories for zoom, macro and flash?

what i would suggest is to go down to a reputable camera shop and talk to salesman about the pros and cons of all the models.

however, whilist i dont want to confuse you, the fact that your friend showed you a picture from a canon (which may or may not have been processed by him or the lab), there are a lot of other digital cameras out there from other makes that can take as good if not better pictures..

so before you hand over your hard earned cash, decide if you want a small P&S, or something a bit bigger. then go and look at reviews etc for all the cameras in that particular class.. one good website to check is www.dpreview.com

 

[Horsba85]

firstly, select a few criterias for the cameras and filter those you do not want.
second, select one that catches your eye. you do not want one that you dislike.
next, pick it up. do you like the feeling? is it comfortable to use?
then, try fiddling with it. is it easy to use? are you able to use it on command without seeking help?
after that, take some shots, see what you like about the image. is the quality acceptable for you?
lastly, bargain.

 

[khlinz]

Maybe you want to take a look at Canon Powershot A620. I just bought mine at MS and it cost $512.

Good camera, easy to use and have a list of practical features. Battery life is excellent.

Look at reviews on the camera ( do a oogle search) all are quite positive.

 

[jyjyjy]

For me, the priority is that the quality of picture is good. However, i am not an experience photographer and do not see myself learning the fine art of taking photos with manual functions.

So, you can consider me as a user who would like the camera to do as much as possible by itself.

Perhaps my greatest concern is that the camera be able to take great photos in any sort of lighting without me adjusting the settings. I especially do not like photos at night that have a bright foreground (flash) and a dark background.

haha. hope you know what i mean.

I appreciate all you guys trying to help me out there. Thank you so much.

 

[jdredd]

For me, the priority is that the quality of picture is good. However, i am not an experience photographer and do not see myself learning the fine art of taking photos with manual functions.

So, you can consider me as a user who would like the camera to do as much as possible by itself.

Perhaps my greatest concern is that the camera be able to take great photos in any sort of lighting without me adjusting the settings. I especially do not like photos at night that have a bright foreground (flash) and a dark background.

haha. hope you know what i mean.

I appreciate all you guys trying to help me out there. Thank you so much.

im afraid i have some bad news for you... but you arent going to get away from the night flash problem u highlighted if u just rely on fully automatic and the camera built in flash.. (and this is even if you use a DSLR's with built in flash... not just a Point and shoot)..

(of course, this problem can always be fixed in PS, but thats another story)

if you want to avoid that, you will need to try and adjust exposure and meter properly, or use a higher ISO and reduce or do away with flash altogether. so if you want to do that, then the camera should be able to giv eyou the option of using a high ISO (at least 800)

(of course it also helps a lot if you have an external flash to bounce but that will take you well outside your $600 budget).

 

[jyjyjy]

i've taken your advise and looked at
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=rating

I am looking at 2 models which seemed to be of similar specs, or at least i think they do..
Canon A620 and Canon A700. Correct me if i am wrong

But A620 is rated way above A700. Is there a particular reason for this? ;p

 

[satay16]

recommend S3 IS. or if you willing to buy second hand, i find this camera extremely good. I own the 5MP version, still happily using it now. can see the review to understand why i find this camera to be the top.

 

[jdredd]

+1..

if size of camera isnt a problem, i would say find a 2nd hand S3 IS or even a S2..

all the automatic modes you could shake a stick at, and lots of manual control if you ever want to get more into photography.

 

[tks]

jyjyjy, If you are looking for a camera in between the 430 and the S3, at a price of about $500, I would recommend the 620, as what khlinz suggested.

It's like a mini S3. Nice features. The tiltable LCD screen is a plus. I think the 700 does not have that.

As for those flash shots at night or in a dim room, just switch the camera to "Nightshot" mode and hold the camera steady when you take the shot. You may have to hold it longer than usual. The background will light up. It works for me, all the time.

 

[felixcat8888]

To understand more about the digital camreas that you are intersted in, go to the following:

Digital Camera Resource Page_ Reviews & Info
Digital Camera Reviews and News_ Digital Photography Review_ Forums, Glossary, FAQ
Steve's Digicams - Camera Reviews

 

[che3300]

sorry... but want to ask @jyjyjyj is a boy or a girl ?

if jyjyjyj is a girl, then, i recommend something like iXus.
if jyjyjyj is a boy, then..i can recommend something more .. like Powershot

cause ... most of my girl - friends really picked up DigiCam by it style and MPixels only..

hehe

 

[Horsba85]

and i bet they love the Oly mju as it really looks good with loads of bundles.

 

[jyjyjy]

Yep, I am a guy, that's why i am looking for something with function more than style.

I went to simlim to enquire today and i was told by the shopkeeper that A700 is better than A620 (probably because he doesn't have A620 ).

Anyway, he said that the 1M pixel difference won't make that much a difference. The A700 also has a 'C' function less than the A620.

However, A700 is made in japan as oppose to A620 which is made in china. A700 is lighter and also uses 2x AA batt instead of 3.

But the bottomline is, the 2 cost the same. I am really quite confuse now.. haha help me out here.

thanks

 

[tks]

I wouldn't really trust a shop that shoots down another model that he does not have.

Personally, I would choose the 620 over the 700 but that's my preference. I am not aware of where they are made from but hey, EVERYTHING is made in china these days. I suspect that includes my S3 too.

Agreed that the one extra MP of the 620 over the 700 is no big deal. Not even the extra C setting. But the shop forgot to mention that the 700 has 6x optical zoom. The 620 has only 4x. That's a bit unfortunate.

I would take the 620 because of the tiltable LCD. When you are at the back of a crowd trying to take a picture of something in front of the crowd, you will really thank the tiltable LCD. You can lift your camera above their heads and shot.

Weight is debatable. Some like their camera heavier. Anyway, the 700 is ligher because it only has 2 batteries. The 620 has 4 batteries. It's really about the same. Since it runs on only 2 batteries, the 700 will probably die out much faster than the 620. Which means you still have to carry 2 spare batteries somewhere.

 

[jsbn]

I'd recommend a Fujifilm F30 (it might be in stores now. Call to enquire) if you are looking at basic consumer models. A good basic camera with reasonably good noise control (for a PnS) at ISO1600 and ISO3200.

But since this is a Canon subforum, the A620 or the S2 IS (if u are willing to get it 2nd hand) are a good buy as well.

 

[felixcat8888]

I'd recommend a Fujifilm F30 (it might be in stores now. Call to enquire) if you are looking at basic consumer models. A good basic camera with reasonably good noise control (for a PnS) at ISO1600 and ISO3200.

But since this is a Canon subforum, the A620 or the S2 IS (if u are willing to get it 2nd hand) are a good buy as well.

S2 can still be found brand new...

 

[jsbn]

At a lower price within the budget of the threadstarter?

Well, if it can still be found, the S2 IS is a pretty capable camera as well.