Digital cameras

Euphacent

Euphacent

Aw, did I make you angry?
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So I've had a Kodak DC290 for several years. I think I bought it new off eBay in like 2000 or so. It's only 2.1 megapixels with a 3x optical zoom and takes decent pictures, but I'm looking for something that I can take much better shots with.. of people, landscapes, everything.

I would get a digital SLR, but I don't want to spend $600+ and find out I really don't want to take as many pictures as I'm thinking I do, so I'm considering something like a Canon S3 IS. I can get a new one for around $310 (retail is $365), but the Canon S5 IS is coming out next month and I should be able to get it for about $420 (retail is $499).

So, if any one knows much about digital cameras, would the Canon S3/S5 be worthwhile? They aren't as small as most point and shoots, but they seem to have great clarity and a 12x optical zoom which is amazing. I realize they won't be as good as an SLR, but I think they'd be close enough for what I would be using them for.

I'm also considering a Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Digital ELPH, which isn't as nice as the S3/S5, but it does have an underwater/all weather housing accessory which would be cool for underwater shots, which the S3/S5 do not have. I wouldn't be using that very often, though, and for estimated retail price of $399 (probably like $320 or so for me), I'm guessing I should put that toward something that's more powerful at the same price point.

I decided to take a few crappy shots of my swimming pool I was cleaning out the other day that hadn't been cleaned in about two years.

http://picasaweb.google.com/beigemore/PoolInTheBackyard
 
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No, it's not me.

I'm tired of video games. I've owned WAY too much video game crap and I'm just not into them anymore... though I'm keeping my Street Fighter 2 Champion Edition arcade cab. :)
 
Excalibr said:
Take the money you wanna spend on a camera, and buy video games with it. You'll be much happier.

Is that old dude you?
Click to expand...

Most people buying digital cameras of the quality being talked about here are spending cash that is somewhat expendable. They don't have to dig around their couch looking for munchie money or for another 4 quarters to give their dealer 9$ for a dime bag.

I bought the pimped out 3.1 megapixel cam ages ago and found myself disturbed by the size, which isn't all that big. I now have a Sony point and shoot and am very satisfied with the fact that the camera and the case fit in my pocket if I don't feel like taking pics.

And there was always times where the camera just looked like too much, when I would of liked a smaller camera to just goof off with. So I ended up with a sony w50, 6.0 megs 3opt (sucks at times).
 
Yeah I've already seen those reviews. I think I'm going to end up getting the S3 IS since the picture quality is going to be pretty much the same as the S5, and the price might drop even more once the S5 comes out.
 
have you checked out the nikon d40? Decent camera that seems to be in your price range.
 
I wish I knew more about photography, but it seems the more you learn the more confused you get. I bought a SD550 because of the size and picture quality. I didn't like it because of the proprietary battery, lack of zoom, and lack of good image stabilization.
 
Proprietary batteries used to turn me off, until I remembered Ebay.

I just bought a Pentax Optio M30, 7.2mp 3xOZ. Just a little one that I can take on vacation and keep in my pocket. I punched "Optio M30" into Ebay as I was curious how much the camera cost there, and the first page of items was all from one of those standard "Made in Taiwan" companies.

Got 2 batteries (both higher capacity than the one that came with the camera), a belt-mounted camera case with magnetic clips, a car charger, another desk charger, and a protective screen for a grand total of $30cdn after taxes and shipping.
 
Yeah I usually do too, knocked me off my feet when I saw this deal.

Seems too good to be true. The package is in customs right now so I should be getting it early next week, I'll update back if it was worth it or not.
 
I ended up getting the Canon S3 IS. I really like it. The super macro made takes some great close up shots for being just a "point and shoot" camera. I keep finding a new feature everytime I go through the manual. I bought a tripod which seems to help a ton, too.

Here are some of the pictures I've taken with it so far.
http://picasaweb.google.com/beigemore/PlayingWithNewCamera
 
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