Southern California - Digital Camera Recommendations?

Mel and I are getting a new digitial camera soon. We're looking for something small and jersey pocket friendly to replace our 3.1 megapixel beast that's just under the size of a brick. Cost? Under 4 bills would be great.

We know shockingly little about cameras, so any tips and recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Mel and I are getting a new digitial camera soon. We're looking for something small and jersey pocket friendly to replace our 3.1 megapixel beast that's just under the size of a brick. Cost? Under 4 bills would be great.

We know shockingly little about cameras, so any tips and recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I have a sony DSC-T9 and its great and small. I carried it in my jersey pocket on my mt bike ride last weekend. Not much bigger then a wallet, come to think of it its thinner then mine.:eek:

Something like this.

http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-1/befid-7185/pid-30041935/productreviewscrx.aspx?dnatrs=at_least_5_0_megapixels

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/30041935.jpg

Something like this.

http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-1/befid-7185/pid-30041935/productreviewscrx.aspx?dnatrs=at_least_5_0_megapixels

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p259/BigSean_02/30041935.jpg


I have a sony cybershot w/7.2 megapixels... unfortunately it doesn't help the photographer, but its a nice little camera

I would suggest going to Best Buy to get hands on with a bunch of different cameras...
Then use Buyers Guide (http://www.dpreview.com/)
DP Review has a great side by side comparison feature....very useful to compare features, size, weight etc..and there are user reviews as well...

I have a sony cybershot w/7.2 megapixels... unfortunately it doesn't help the photographer, but its a nice little camera


I have the same short coming Tracy, in addition Im not one to read instructions.:rolleyes:

This is what I got: Canon SD600 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD600/4505-6501_7-31740583.html) - Great reviews on CNET, and matches my camcorder I got at the same time.

I'd recommend anything Fuji. Even their cheap $100 have steller pics

Nice link for Great Digital Cameras
http://techchai.com/blog/?p=5

I bought one the Casio models for Rose and she loves it. They seem to maximize the screen size for better viewing.

my on the bike camera is a kodak.... and it takes nice pics (and little movies!) i already had a cannon.... but it's too bulky for the bike.... i didn't want to spend as much as i did on the "bike camera"... but it's been a good lil camera... i'm happy with it!

My wife and I are in the same boat. The camera we are currently looking at is the Canon PowerShot SD630. Currently Best Buy has it at $299.00. They have a 2gb memory card for 44.99 after a mail-in rebate. What we like about the camera is the large LCD (3") and the user interface is one of the easiest I have ever seen on digital camera. If we buy it I guess you'll get a chance to see it next week at Joshua Tree.

Here is the CNET review. What is really interesting is the public's reviews vs. the editors.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD630/4505-6501_7-31740584.html?tag=sub

Great suggestions. Thanks everyone!

My wife and I are in the same boat. The camera we are currently looking at is the Canon PowerShot SD630. Currently Best Buy has it at $299.00. They have a 2gb memory card for 44.99 after a mail-in rebate. What we like about the camera is the large LCD (3") and the user interface is one of the easiest I have ever seen on digital camera. If we buy it I guess you'll get a chance to see it next week at Joshua Tree.

Here is the CNET review. What is really interesting is the public's reviews vs. the editors.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_PowerShot_SD630/4505-6501_7-31740584.html?tag=sub

They also have it here Canon SD630 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120045)

I'm a BIG fan of Canon - although there are smaller out there, I highly recommend Canon's Powershot A540 small digital camera. It's about $200 (check Costo.com) and is 6 mgp. It's very easy to use, has a huge LCD screen/display and takes two AA batteries. It's possible that camera has been replaced by a newer model but any Canon Powershot is good.

I was thinking about the SD630, but couldn't not have a viewfinder. That would be too big a step for me since I shoot outside 75% of the time and go to the VF when there's glare.

^^^^ If that Canon came with a wider angle lens, it'll be perfect as I always liked Canon products. A wide angle lens (28mm equiv) is an important feature for me. Optical zomm ratio is not important to me for the type of pics I normally take.

I just got a Pentax Optio W10 a few months ago and I love it. It is 6MP, compact, easy to use and best of all waterproof! I like that I don't have to worry about sweating on it or getting rained on! They just came out with the W20 that is 7.4MP. You can find them around for 250-3000. You'll have to buy a SD memory card because the internal memory isn't enough, but those are cheap now.

I'm sure it's not the best camera in the world but it takes decent enough pictures while I'm riding and I don't have to worry about exposing it to the elements.

^^^^ If that Canon came with a wider angle lens, it'll be perfect as I always liked Canon products. A wide angle lens (28mm equiv) is an important feature for me. Optical zomm ratio is not important to me for the type of pics I normally take.
This one has a 28mm equiv wide angle Canon SD800 IS (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd800is.asp)

I just got a Pentax Optio W10 a few months ago and I love it. It is 6MP, compact, easy to use and best of all waterproof! I like that I don't have to worry about sweating on it or getting rained on! They just came out with the W20 that is 7.4MP. You can find them around for 250-3000. You'll have to buy a SD memory card because the internal memory isn't enough, but those are cheap now.

I'm sure it's not the best camera in the world but it takes decent enough pictures while I'm riding and I don't have to worry about exposing it to the elements.
I have the same camera. The only drawback for me is that the shutter button is a little hard to press when I wear full finger gloves.

Check out the Canon A540 - comes with viewfinder (which I normally used except for indoor photos) and LCD, wide angle capacity etc. It's a inexpensive little camera that has alot of functions.

...and takes two AA batteries.

That's the one reason I didn't buy this one. I figured I would be chewing through AA's all the time. I would much rather just put the thing in a charger.

I get about 500 shots before having to replace the batteries. That's a long time before I have to change batteries.

I can also use rechargeables - I have them I just don't use them as I find the regular AA's just easier to use. I frankly don't trust the rechargeables especially if my camera sits for awhile. I guess I would have to be disciplined about making sure the batteries got charge before going out.

If travelling or knowing I want to take shots, I usually carry 2 spare AA's in my camera case. Also I know I can buy them anywhere. Not like I have to have a plug to charge batteries.

It's a preference. Alot of my friends like the smaller cameras like the Elph and Sony Cybershot which means you have to use the camera's rechargeable battery but I also know those same friends have been out of luck on the trail when the battery died.

I've got the Fuji F30 and it's been awesome. It's got a 3200 speed which takes very clear shots even when shaking on the bike. Canons also take great shots, but I find it really hard to take pictures one handed with them. The fuji is a little more grippy and don't have a problem with one handed shots. Go to a store and just pick one that fits you one handed. Generally speaking, most cameras take good pictures these days and you're likely shooting jpegs anyway.

I agree, get a camera that fits in your hand and enables you to take pictures one handed while pedalling. Even with my smallish hands, I find most new compact cameras too small for this type of activity.

Mel and I are getting a new digitial camera soon. We're looking for something small and jersey pocket friendly to replace our 3.1 megapixel beast that's just under the size of a brick. Cost? Under 4 bills would be great.

We know shockingly little about cameras, so any tips and recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!


I have a casio EX-Z600. Works quite well, and can take a photo in under .07 seconds!! ( with auto focus is about 1/2 second). One of the reasons I chose it, as I was sick of waiting and waiting, for the my previous camera to take a pic. :D
Also, I've taken over 400 photos without having to recharge the battery. Something most camers cannot claim.
TAKE NOTE!! The speed of a digital camera is often based on the speed of the memory card. Be sure to purchase a FAST card, it is definitely worth the money. Also, a very usful feature on the SD card is to get the model that changes into a USB plug. That way you can go to any computer and just plug it in w/o cables or power.

Thanks again for the tips, everyone. I'm off to Costco today with the print-out of this thread in hand!

costco and sam's are excellent places to get cameras cuz if you don't like them.... you can return them with NO restocking fee (like best buy, circuit city, and sears all charge!)

costco and sam's are excellent places to get cameras cuz if you don't like them.... you can return them with NO restocking fee (like best buy, circuit city, and sears all charge!)

I agree...the advantage of going the BB and CC first is they tend to have a better selection and someone you can talk to....then find what you like and shop for it at Costco, etc..or the internet!

Yeah, and with our executive membership at Costco, we get 2% of our yearly purchases back. So, all else equal, I'll get it at Costco.

Plus, I happen to need a 72 pound bag of flour, too.

Yeah, and with our executive membership at Costco, we get 2% of our yearly purchases back. So, all else equal, I'll get it at Costco.

Plus, I happen to need a 72 pound bag of flour, too.


Don't forget the 55 gal drum of soap! and the ever popular pallet O' paper towels!

Don't forget the 55 gal drum of soap! and the ever popular pallet O' paper towels!

What are you trying to say? :p

What are you trying to say? :p


Oh..I was giving you my shopping list......
I have to make sure to get everything in one trip..if I have to go back it always costs more $$$

Yep. I know you didn't mean anything like when Melissa says to me, "make sure you get yourself a big bottle of that mouthwash!"

Yep. I know you didn't mean anything like when Melissa says to me, "make sure you get yourself a big bottle of that mouthwash!"

:eek:

OK, just picked up a Canon SD 630. $299 at Best Buy (same price as Fry's, although they were out of stock). Rebate on the 2gb SD card, just as described by scvroadie. The selection at Costco sucked. I didn't even get a piece of pizza, either.

Great camera, especially compared to the beast I've grown used to. Amazing pics.

Thanks again for all your input.

OK, just picked up a Canon SD 630. $299 at Best Buy (same price as Fry's, although they were out of stock). Rebate on the 2gb SD card, just as described by scvroadie. The selection at Costco sucked. I didn't even get a piece of pizza, either.

Great camera, especially compared to the beast I've grown used to. Amazing pics.

Thanks again for all your input.


Nice..enjoy it!!!

YES!!! Good choice... that 3" screen is killer. So many different settings you can tweak. Read the manual, and post some samples!

Read the manual


RTFM??? We dont need no stinkin manual....;)

That's what I thought, too! Pics come out wayyy better when you (sort of) know what you're doing.

YES!!! Good choice... that 3" screen is killer. So many different settings you can tweak. Read the manual, and post some samples!

Yeah, I don't think I'll miss the viewfinder at all. Here's a sample taken from my front yard. I'll take a bunch of pics on Sunday's ride. Stay tuned.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k303/mateo44/random%20pix/IMG_0006.jpg

YES!!! Good choice... that 3" screen is killer. So many different settings you can tweak. Read the manual, and post some samples!

Yeah, I'm going to sit down and read the manual, reluctantly. I know it's good for me.

I really like the Macro feature and the Manual ISO settings. I wish the shutter speed went higher (does the SD630 go higher than 800?). Go to Macro and take a pic of that 3rd Pollen grain from the left.

I really like the Macro feature and the Manual ISO settings. I wish the shutter speed went higher (does the SD630 go higher than 800?). Go to Macro and take a pic of that 3rd Pollen grain from the left.

I assume that question is answered somewhere in my unread manual...gimme time!

Shutters have "speeds?" (just kidding)

800 is the highest. (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd630.asp) Still perfect for reducing blur or camera shakes while riding.

Also...one very useful feature I found (after I RTFM) was that you can set the timer, go and pose with your family and dog, and the camera can be set to take many pics instead of just one...so when the inevitable, "I think I blinked" or "The dog's licking himself" happens, you don't have to go back to the camera to reset.

Yeah, someday I'll have to get over my fear of taking it off "auto." I did see the multiple pics setting (ok, I did thumb through the manual)...

OK, just picked up a Canon SD 630. $299 at Best Buy (same price as Fry's, although they were out of stock). Rebate on the 2gb SD card, just as described by scvroadie. The selection at Costco sucked. I didn't even get a piece of pizza, either.

Great camera, especially compared to the beast I've grown used to. Amazing pics.

Thanks again for all your input.

Awesome, glad you like it. I'm picking up one tonight and I'll try to take a few pictures at Solvang Prelude tomorrow. How is that 3" display outside in daylight?? That is my only concern.

I'll take it on my fixie ride this morning and report back about the daylight issue....

Picked up a SD600 today and used it lots during todays ride. Easy to use even in full fingred gloves. It took very nice pictures both while riding and while just standing around. The camera fit in my jersey pocket and took up very little room. No real negatives that I can come up with.