posted on July 26, 2001 05:25:37 AM new
I realize on the surface this may seem totally off topic so but I am (in good faith) attempting to relate this to auctions and
ebay.
#1 Scanners work great for skinny and flat widgets, but I am thinking about selling
some pleasantly plump, obese, and perhaps even fat-a**ed widgets. Since a scanner will be unable to accomodate the girth of these
poor souls and I haven't yet found a
12-step program willing to help them....just blank stares from people who always ask the same question "What the h*ll is a widget?"
it all boils down to this:
I will probably buy a digital camera so I can
add these pictures to my listing.
--This camera will be used for ebay and
as such all pictures will be taken in doors.
I would like to get one within the $100-$200
range but would go up to and around $300.
--It would also be nice if it allowed for the use of an AC Adapter so as to cut down on battery use.
Would anybody have any suggestions or
recommendations?
I apologize to the mod if this thread is inappropriate in any way and will gladly fulfill the deepest, darkest fantasies of any of her widgets as long as it doesn't involve
swiching to AOL or eating maccoroni and cheese while watching re-runs of MY MOTHER
THE CAR
posted on July 26, 2001 05:42:33 AM new
The Mavica is an excellent choice because it stores pictures on a floppy disk. That makes it quick and easy to move the picture from the camera to the PC.
In your price range, look for any camera with a MACRO setting to allow you to take good, detail, close-up pics. What I have done, when shopping, is have the salesperson show me how well it will make a picture of a dime.
If you can get a varaible zoom in your price range it will be a plus.
For eBay you do not NEED a mega pixel camera, as most of your pictures will probably be 640 X 480 or less.
posted on July 26, 2001 05:45:59 AM new
Sony FD 73
The floppy storage is handy and easy to use.
They were $500 last year.
I saw them two days ago at Office Max for $200 after rebate!! (Their sign incorrectly said FC 73)
posted on July 26, 2001 05:56:03 AM new
sony fd 73
I started off trying to get by with a cheap camera had to really pay attention to lighting and had to spend lots of time editing to get acceptable pictures
with the fd 73 I dont have to edit get great pictures , shooting to a floopy disc simplifies things a lot
I beleive sony discontuined the ac adapter for this camera but there are aftermarket ones availible.
you can get a lot of pictures on one charged battery and they recharge quickly
posted on July 26, 2001 06:05:11 AM new
Diestledorf - I'm so glad you asked this question - I think it is very appropriate for this forum -
The feedback has reassured me greatly - I had been eyeing the Sony FD-73 for weeks now, thinking that it would be a good choice, but it's so nice to have it confirmed here! The folks at epinions.com also gave it strong thumbs-up.
$200 at OfficeMax???.. I AM THERE. The very best I've seen auction-wise went for $215. - and it was used.
Thanks everyone - sure am glad I slipped in this morning.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:13:10 AM new
I personally use a rather expensive Kodak, with zoom lenses -
BUT my husband uses a VERY inexpensive Polaroid (PDC 640), he purchased at Wal-Mart, for approximately $149, and has used it for a couple of years, and produced outstanding photographs!
Realize that photographing any type of glass, especially stain glass is extremely difficult because of reflections, see through color problems, etc. If you photographing is of anything but glass you can expect much better pictures than you see of those taken of glass items.
Before you wonder how often we use the less expensive camera, we use it a GREAT deal. I turned over a major section of our web site to my husband as I just couldn't keep up with all the posting, work, photographing, orders, etc. He totally handles our 1800 stain glass window photographing, and does all the posting of such on our web site, all photographs there were taken with his Polaroid Digital Camera. You can see the pictures at:
I don't really know if I can post the above URL, but if now, just go to www.admiralsantiques.com, and go to the stain glass area to see the quality of his pictures.
Beyond the camera, the absolute most important element in producing excellent photographs is your photography programs and we only use PaintShop Pro7 - there is no other program of this diverseness and quality.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:14:04 AM new
I bought the wal mart poloroid pdc 640 for 149.00 and it works fine for ebay..I use the ac cord and have never bought batteries in a year.
I also bought a flash path that slips into your 3.5 floppy slot to download your pics.
Have downloaded 1000s of pics and the original batteries are still in it.
This camera has a macro lens and gives good closeups. you don't need a 700 dollar camera for auction photos.
ALSO have a scanner for paper goods and 45 rpm records i sell.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:30:48 AM new
Mavica, Mavica, Mavica!
I tried the inexpensive route & it just wasn't worth it..ended up back at the Mavica.
I even photo the stuff I used to scan because it's faster & even more detailed. What used to take me several hours to do with the scanner, takes less than 15 minutes w/the Mavica.
The floppy disc arrangement is hard to beat for ease.
I love my Mavica so much, I'm planning on being buried with it.
posted on July 26, 2001 06:37:54 AM new
I really like my KODAK DC215 ZOOM Camera! I use AC Adapter which saves a gazillion on batteries! With tax and everything, ran me about $317.00 - got it at STAPLES - can probably find at a good sale price - mine was not on sale. Most reviews on this camera called it a good "starter" camera - but it has everything I need - wouldn't want to pay anymore than what I did for a digital camera. Also, I use a scanner a very minor portion of the time - cheap - WalMart.
Edited to add: it also uses a Memory Card.
[ edited by capefeartrading on Jul 26, 2001 06:39 AM ]
posted on July 26, 2001 07:00:10 AM new
I have a more expensive Sony Mavica which I LOVE! But, if you don't need the resolution, the FD73 will work just fine for auction pics. I had one for a short time and felt the need to trade up because I was shooting stuff that needed better macro & detail abilities. Can't go wrong with Sony, though!
posted on July 26, 2001 07:29:19 AM new
Capotasto -
I contacted OfficeMax and they aren't offering that deal in my area - I spoke with Sony and they tell me that the FD73 has been discontinued and that any rebate offers are to clear out stock (and offered by the store, not a Sony rebate) - I've called the list of dealers in the area and no one has the 73.
I did find out that the Sony replacement for the 73 is the Mavica FD-75. They say it is the exact same camera, except is silver. This carries the current pricetag of $399.00
Capotasto - how would you like to earn a small finder's fee and trip on out to your local OfficeMax for me? - or provide me with their phone number and see if I can work out something with them? (sorry if this isn't proper protocal. If I'm mis-stepping, I do apologize, but I'm of the "couldn't hurt to ask" school of thought)
posted on July 26, 2001 07:36:18 AM new
Definitely the Mavica. I got an FD90 at the Sony outlet mall, cheap. It takes awesome pictures and uses a memory card or floppy.
Amazon has a used one for $275. Several come up in a search at mysimon.com, too.
posted on July 26, 2001 07:36:49 AM new
I use an Olympus D-450 zoom that I picked up refurbished on eBay for $150.00 (retails for around $400). It is mahvelous and wonderful with glassware which is mostly what I sell. Lots of options (if you choose to use them) for making adjustments for lighting but I have never had too fool with those. I take pictures indoors in natural light and rarely even use the flash. Now if I could just figure out how to take a decent picture of chrome items like toasters, bread boxes and canisters without my skinny-a**ed body in the reflection I'd be real happy!
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
posted on July 26, 2001 08:10:38 AM new
check the sony website it seems to me thst last time I was there they were selling refurbished camera.
I know kodack sells refurbed I bought my first camera from them and was ready to buy the second one when my son started telling my about the mavica he was using at work.
spock here......
posted on July 26, 2001 08:13:19 AM new
I have had a Polaroid, a Hewlett Packard, and now have a Sony Cybershot DSC-S30. It has ranged in price from $300-500 I saw it on clearance at Wal-Mart recently for $199. I bought a 64 meg memory stick for it for $99, it has an ac adapter, it charges in 30 minutes and you can take photos for about an hour and a half. It has a macro setting, 6x zoom lens, and a movie mode so you can send live video on the internet. I got mine for $300 because they came out with the next generation of them. I bet you can find one on clearance fairly cheap. Check Circuit City.
posted on July 26, 2001 09:18:14 AM new
ROSIE:
It's in Marlborough Mass, tel. 1 508 480 0062
I was down in Mass the other day and happened to stop in and saw it (sigh, I bought mine at full price).
Good luck,
Vinnie
posted on July 26, 2001 09:47:02 AM new
Vinnie - you are a DOLL - they had one left, and ... if the gods are smiling, arrangements are being made with the store manager in my area to transfer it here.
Hopefully a clerk won't mess up and sell it before all arrangements have been made. Holding my breath.
OfficeMax even takes Discover, and I have a 10% discount on my next purchase built into my account. The Store Manager here also said I didn't have to worry about any shipping charges. Man do I feel LUCKY.
Thousands of thanks - really glad you came back and read my post - Maybe someday I'll have the opportunity to repay the favor!!
posted on July 26, 2001 09:47:58 AM new
Add my name to the Mavica crowd. We have a FD85 and are VERY happy with it. the FD85 runs a little more than the FD73 or FD75. (both are decent cameras, but we wanted a few of the extras that came with the FD85)
Who Need's a stink'n Sig. File?
posted on July 26, 2001 10:12:35 AM new
I've used a Kodak DC210+ for the last two years. Just traded it for a Fujifilm FinePix 2400, and I'm thrilled!
I did research on-line and the FujiFilm took better macro shots than cameras costing 100-300 more. I can clearly see this now that I'm using it.
And, with the Kodak I had to routinely adjust the colors with software. With the Fujifilm 2400 all I do is reduce size, the color is perfect right out of the camera. [I do use photographic lighting].
My highest recomendation for the Fujifilm Finepix 2400. You can get it for under $300.
Good luck.
Edited to say, you can get 3.8" away from subject with the camera during macro shoots. That was important to me.
Also, not wanting to start a camera war I'm sure there are better cameras out there; however, for the money this camera is the best IMHO.
posted on July 26, 2001 10:31:29 AM new
Here's another vote for the Sony Mavica FD73. I absolutely love mine. I love the quality of the pics, and how easy it is to use. Takes AWESOME close-up pics too!
posted on July 26, 2001 10:59:29 AM new
After reading all the "Thumbs Up" on the Sony FD-73 and capotasto's hint on the Office Max deal I made a mad dash to our local store. They were out but called all over town and tracked one down for me...I pick it up tomorrow and can hardly wait to start using it!
The $200 instant rebate ends 10/31/01 but from what and25cents says, it sounds like Office Max might run out of stock before the offer ends.
posted on July 26, 2001 11:05:02 AM new
Anyone out there in the market for a Sony Mavica FD-73, please take my advise and RUN to your nearest OfficeMax store. I decided to stop into my branch a few minutes ago, to speak with the Store Manager re: arrangements to have that model transfered from another store that was offering $200.00 after rebates (see previous posts). The Store Manager said it didn't make sense that a Massachusettes store would have an offer that a Virginia store didn't have - but could not find any printed rebate info in the current store flyer. He did have one in stock (New, boxed) and gave the barcode a swipe - the message "$200.00 free items with purchase". The price tag on the camera was $399. - my heart sank, $200.00 worth of free accessories didn't do me much good, but I asked what the items were.. he had no information, but we could tell that included in the box were battery, charger, shoulder strap and software. He said.. let's just see what happens when we ring it up - LO AND BEHOLD.. it came up at $199.00 - no manufacturer rebates to wait on or anything of that nature!! I walked out of there with total receipt of $207.00 (4.5% sales tax here in VA) - and with the discount Discover card has agreed to put on my next purchase, my Mavica ended up costing me $187.00. I am so very thrilled!!! If I were a seller and had the funds to invest, I'd buy up all in stock and sell them on Ebay.
Again, a thousand thanks go out to Vinnie - and to Diesteldorf for starting this thread.
posted on July 26, 2001 03:00:51 PM new
&%$@!!! read this post and dashed offline to call the local officemax. they've got them in stock, but no rebate! i'm in california. the guy swiped the barcode through, still no rebate.
posted on July 26, 2001 03:51:22 PM new
I have a HP 215, it was cheap and works better than I could have hoped for! They retail for about $200.00. Just within my budget, and the new Duracell batteries last a long time in it!
I take about 100-200 pictures a week, and have not had to change batteries in three weeks! Yippee!
posted on July 26, 2001 03:53:31 PM new
This thread couldn't have come at a better time...I've planned on going shopping tomorrow for a digital camera and the info presented will be very helpful. I also plan to visit my local Office Max store to see if I, too, can get the "good deal"! Thanks, all!
