posted on August 13, 2004 08:48:01 AM
I need a new camera for eBay pics. Had an Intel under Windows 98, need something new for Windows 2000. Maybe just directions to an prior discussion?
posted on August 13, 2004 09:40:16 AM
With the number of choices, hundreds, actually. All the major brands do about the same thing. How many features you get is dependant on how much money you want to spend. Because the camera is somthing you are going to hold in your hands it has to "feel right" the only way to explore this is to go to a store, one where the sales people know the products, and try some out. I like my old Fuji 1400.
posted on August 13, 2004 10:16:24 AM
"All major brands do about the same thing" That's true till you want to show detail on a small item. That's where you have to have a good macro lens. For ease of use, comfortable size to hold, ease of transfer to computer, great close-ups, rechargeable lithium ion battery, inexpensive price, you can't beat a Sony Mavica.
I agree w/ most of your points... except for a few things... I would not necessarily recommend a camera with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. They can become unreliable and are very expensive to replace. I have found very favorable results with cameras that use AA batteries... IF you use the right kind of AA batteries. If your camera takes AA batteries, you should invest in rechargeable NiMH batteries. They are cheap... and if you get ones with high mAh ratings (2000+)... they will perform every bit as well as cameras with the Lithium Ion batteries.
(and I still don't like Sony's... more from their poor customer service than anything else...)
posted on August 13, 2004 11:17:01 AM
I LOVE my Minolta Dimage Z1. They have now come out with the Z2. It takes 4 AA batteries and I have a couple of extra sets I keep charged so I never run out.
posted on August 13, 2004 12:13:12 PM
I'm a professional photographer. I will give you some suggestions in shopping for a camera. First, everyone has their opinion about which camera is great and which aren't so great. In the end, you will be the one to decide.
Here are a some pointers in finding a good camera:
1) Stick with the top brands such as Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Fuji. Better warranties, better quality, and great reputations. I'm not sold on the Hewlett Packards, Kodaks, and some of the other intermediate brands.
2) LENS: This is by far the most important thing you are buying when buying a camera. GLASS Lenses are far superior to plastic lenses. Glass doesn't scratch nearly as easily, and you won't spend any time "fixing" photos from flare circles, etc.
I recommend Carl Zeiss lenses on Sony cameras, as well as Nikkor Glass lenses on Nikkons. Some of the other manufacturers have great lenses as well, but I am not too familiar with them.
3) If you are buying a digital camera to use specifically for ebay and don't plan to print photos, then you will NOT need a ton of megapixels. Don't be a sucker for a salesman's pitch about megapixels unless you plan to make paper prints. A 3.1 megapixel will print very well up to a 5 x 7, and a 5.1 will handle a 8 x 10 very well. Like I said before though, if you only plan to put photos online, you will need nothing more than a 1.3 megapixel.
4) White Balance: this is very important and is an awesome feature. I can now use cheap flourescent lights to light my subject because of this feature. If you've seen auctions or photos that are too green or too red, this is what they are missing. White Balance measures the temperature of the light and corrects it to produce accurate colors. Very Important!!!
5) Macro Lens: This is another important feature you will want, especially if you want to provide good closeup details. I would suggest bringing in something small to photograph when testing cameras so that you can see how well the macro feature works. They all vary. Also, most digital cameras have digital zoom. Digital zoom is not as clear as analog zoom, but most cameras give you the option of either.
6) Grip and Size: I personally prefer a larger camera with a good big grip. I don't care for slim cameras that are easy to drop and break. Get something that feels good in your hands and doesn't feel cheap.
7) Aperature: This is the amount of light that the camera sees. My sony has a 2.8 aperature which is excellent. Newer cameras are producing as low as 1.0 aperature. I know Olympus produces some great cameras with very low aperature numbers, as do the other top manufacturers. The lower the number the better. Aperature is more important in lower light conditions, and when using the macro settings.
Expect to pay $300-500 for a good camera that will last for years and have all the features to provide excellent images online.
I hope this helps. Good luck and let us know what you find.
posted on August 13, 2004 12:37:36 PM
there is another thread just a few days ago on camera,eauctionmgt mentioned the importance of lighting and tripod,see if you can find it.
it depends on what you sell and how much details you want to show.
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on August 13, 2004 01:24:10 PM
I was just at Sears. I can't believe how low the prices are in the name brand cameras. I think it all depends how close you need to get to the item forsale. Fuji has a digital for $79.00 and then they jump to $179.00 and then higher. So research what zoom you need and then go an compare prices. Good Luck
posted on August 13, 2004 01:49:03 PM
grayfurey:
I've owned a model 70, 73, 83, and have been using a 90 (all FD models) for the last three years. They all have good macro, can be picked up very reasonable used. I know that they still sell a newer model Mavica, I don't know the model number. I've seen them at Office Max or Office Depot. Somewhere in the $200.00 - $300.00 range. As for the reliability of the infolithium battery, they do get tired after awhile, and don't hold as much of a charge. I can run my FD90 off the charger for eBay work, so it doesn't matter to me.
posted on August 14, 2004 01:03:39 AM
Sony anything pretty much. I have a DSC F-717 and it is just plain awesome. Great for super closeup work, great for photos of the kids, and everything in between.
Regards,
Adrian
posted on August 14, 2004 01:50:33 PM
Go to Circuit City or Best Buy & take a look at what is there. Get one with at least 3meg of pixels & na Zoon lens. Take your pick, Sony, Minolta, Olympus, Nikon. You can't go wrong. I like the Olympus because it has a lens protector. Mine is 5 yrs old & works great & takes beautiful pics. I have a friend who has a new Nikon & it eats batteries up in no time.
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