Camera Recommendations

[jpconrad]

I'm looking for a nice, compact digital camera that I can throw in the handlebar bag and has decent quality and decent speed. I know some of you ride with similar cameras, what do you have? Any problems/complaints with the one you have?

I'm too uncoordinated to use my camera's phone (and the quality's kinda lacking).

Thanks!

[roadfix]

I use a Panasonic Lumix. No complaints really but I wish it were a tad larger so it'll fit in my hand better, especially while riding and trying to take pictures.

[BCIpam]

We just recently went throught this same question/thread so do some research and check what everyone else had to say.

My recommendation is Canon A540.

[ronjon10]

I have a Fuji F30 (I forgot to bring it yesterday @#$#@$) which I can use one handed, though I wouldn't mind it being even a tad bit bigger. I like it because it has a 3200 speed option, and the pictures turn out fine.

I like the quality of the Canon's just a tad bit more (better colors IMO) but I can't use those one handed.

If I was shopping, I'd take a look at the Nikons which have the wireless network capabilities, I really don't like dealing with cables or dealing with the cards. (I've left the card in my computer before one ride and didn't realize it til it was too late.)

[nesdog]

We just recently went throught this same question/thread so do some research and check what everyone else had to say.

My recommendation is Canon A540.

I just bought one to replace my dead A70. It's a nice sized cam plus the shape allows for easy holding by one hand.

Sheldon

[urbanknight]

Another for the Canon. My wife replaced her old Canon with it, and she used both cameras for her graphic design and architecure work in college. I was always amazed at how much clearer her pics were than my Fuji, even though they have the same megapixel rating.

[BCIpam]

I agree, I can't use my Canon while riding although my friend has an Elph and very easily uses it while on the bike. Gets great photos too! I am just too uncoordinate no matter - I have to stop.

[superdex]

Bought a Canon SD550 and it takes GREAT pictures for a point and shoot. Small enough to fit in my jersey pocket ...

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sd550.html

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sd550/sd550_front_blk.jpg

[Stacy]

Never heard of anyone who didn't like Canon. The new SD IS series with Image stabilization looks particularly nice.

[phoenix]

I use a Panasonic Lumix. No complaints really but I wish it were a tad larger so it'll fit in my hand better, especially while riding and trying to take pictures.

I found it entertaining that you wish your camera was a tad bit larger! In a time when everyone wants electronic equipment as small as possible, it's funny to hear someone say they want something larger. :)

[roadfix]

I found it entertaining that you wish your camera was a tad bit larger! In a time when everyone wants electronic equipment as small as possible, it's funny to hear someone say they want something larger. :)

Camera ergonomics is just as important as your brake hoods, shifters, and handlebars. I find the older generation of digicams much easier to handle, one handed, while riding. Same goes for cell phones.

[ronjon10]

Camera ergonomics is just as important as your brake hoods, shifters, and handlebars. I find the older generation of digicams much easier to handle, one handed, while riding. Same goes for cell phones.
+infinity
(assuming you're taking pictures one handed while riding)

Are you coming out to the Bloat ride? I'll have my fuji then, I assume there will be several others you can check out also.

[BCIpam]

The ELPH shown above is a wonderful tiny little thing that easily fits in a Bento Bag or jersey pocket and can be used while riding but I did not buy it cause the controls were too small for by big clumsy hands and old eyes. One reason I originally bought the A75 and then the A540 is the size of the controls. Easy to use and easy to read. And it's still fairly small and quite light.

One other plus for Canon - the factory is here in Irvine. Any problems you can drop the camera off for repairs.

One other plus for the Canon - my A75 was a good camera. It's just one day I left it on top of my car and drove off, no doubt tossing the camera off the top into the street. Because I feared the camera lost forever, I bought the A540 after some research (BTW best prices are at Costco). Weeks later I found out someone found the A75. I got it back and it still works perfectly. Something to be said for camera quality and durability.

[urbanknight]

My wife's A75 still works as well, but it started to have issues with going into camera mode. Her mother still uses it from time to time. The A540 has a bigger screen, though, which is nice.

[Nachoman]

I also have the cannon elf. I think it is the SD40. My only complaint is the battery life if SHORT. So outdoor shooting is okay, but if you start using the flash indoors, it dies quickly.

[jpconrad]

Never heard of anyone who didn't like Canon. The new SD IS series with Image stabilization looks particularly nice.

I've been wondering how well the IS would work while on a bike. One of my Canon SLR lens has built in IS and it's great for handheld telephoto shots, but I don't shake anywhere near the amount I would on a bike.

[BCIpam]

That's one reason why I didn't get the ELPH was the battery issues. I wanted to use ordinary AA's which I can carry, easily buy if necessary an d didn't have to worry about recharging before use. The A75 took 4 AA's the A540 only takes 2 and you get lots of photos before you need to change. I just always carry my spares in the little camera case I got. And the screen is way bigger!

[Nachoman]

That's one reason why I didn't get the ELPH was the battery issues. I wanted to use ordinary AA's which I can carry, easily buy if necessary an d didn't have to worry about recharging before use. The A75 took 4 AA's the A540 only takes 2 and you get lots of photos before you need to change. I just always carry my spares in the little camera case I got. And the screen is way bigger!

Good move!

[superdex]

That's one reason why I didn't get the ELPH was the battery issues. I wanted to use ordinary AA's which I can carry, easily buy if necessary an d didn't have to worry about recharging before use. The A75 took 4 AA's the A540 only takes 2 and you get lots of photos before you need to change. I just always carry my spares in the little camera case I got. And the screen is way bigger!

I bought an extra battery with the camera. Problem solved :D

[mateo44]

We just got a Canon SD630, and love it.

[chimivee]

I also have the cannon elf. I think it is the SD40. My only complaint is the battery life if SHORT. So outdoor shooting is okay, but if you start using the flash indoors, it dies quickly.
That's interesting... We have an SD30 and battery life is ridiculously long (but I rarely use flash). My SD10 had good battery life, as well.

[Drew12]

I used the Casio EX-s600 for apx 4 months.
The just a few weeks ago, picked up a Cannon SD600.
Used both side by side for a week.

Casio
plus; GREAT software. easy to use and very quick pictures with LONG battery life. ( battery included and rechargable).
Minus; picture midiocre. I never got what I thought was exellent picture quality. Just not "quite' sharp and clear enough.

Canon;
Plus, EXELLENT picture, very clear. quick start and shoot time. comes with rechagable battery. battery last a long time ( not as long as the Casio, but 160+ shots is pretty good).
Minus; software is OK, but not the easiest to navigate.

My opinion is;
A camera is ALL ABOUT THE PICTURE. I kept the Canon, and took the Casio to work and expensed it.
Which only makes sense since I had been using it at work since I purchased it.

[1955]

+ for Canons. After seeing the pics my x took of our daughter playing soccer I went and bought the latest version of hers, the Canon S3 IS. It's not for taking on rides, but for everything else, I love it. I would loved to have invested in a digital SLR, but it would have been three times the price and I just didn't have the bread at the time.

[jsigone]

I used the Casio EX-s600 for apx 4 months.
The just a few weeks ago, picked up a Cannon SD600.
Used both side by side for a week.

Casio
plus; GREAT software. easy to use and very quick pictures with LONG battery life. ( battery included and rechargable).
Minus; picture midiocre. I never got what I thought was exellent picture quality. Just not "quite' sharp and clear enough.

Canon;
Plus, EXELLENT picture, very clear. quick start and shoot time. comes with rechagable battery. battery last a long time ( not as long as the Casio, but 160+ shots is pretty good).
Minus; software is OK, but not the easiest to navigate.

My opinion is;
A camera is ALL ABOUT THE PICTURE. I kept the Canon, and took the Casio to work and expensed it.
Which only makes sense since I had been using it at work since I purchased it.


I think I'm going to get the SD630 for the replacement camera I broke. Compusa has it for $270 right now. How big is your memory card and how many pics does it hold is it's highest res?

[mister]

I recently bought a Casio EX-Z70BK. I haven't taken too many pictures or really tried it out, but I like it so far. The only time I really used it was to take pics of my car after some schmuck backed into me; the pictures came out fine. It's small, light weight, made out of aluminum and 7 megapixels. It has a decent amount of pre-set shooting modes and some other things. I picked it up for $200 and got a 1GB for $10 more. Yay for after Thanksgiving sales.

[BCIpam]

I have a gig card which I bought ridiculously cheap at Costco and it holds a huge amount of pictures - more than I would ever let mount up in the camera before downloading. I guess I would buy the biggest card you can afford that is still cheap - I ran a 512 card in my old camera - took it on many trips and never got close to filing it up.

[DaveSANYYZ]

I have the Canon SD800 IS, it takes pretty good photos. Even with my poor one-handed bike manuevering skills, one hand operation of the camera (taking it in/out of camera bag, on/off, take pics) is no problem.

The model the 800 replaced, the SD700 IS, is on sale most of the time. The only noticable diff to me when I was deciding is the wide angle capability of the 800 (28mm) vs the 700 (35mm).

I haven't used the Panny Lumix, but most of them has 28mm at the wide end, are lighter, and smaller.

[1955]

That's one reason why I didn't get the ELPH was the battery issues. I wanted to use ordinary AA's which I can carry, easily buy if necessary an d didn't have to worry about recharging before use. The A75 took 4 AA's the A540 only takes 2 and you get lots of photos before you need to change. I just always carry my spares in the little camera case I got. And the screen is way bigger!



What does "ELPH" stand for???

[BCIpam]

It probably stands for something - but its the name of the camera. Like mine is a Powershot. I checked the website - I have no clue. Anyone, Bueller? Anyone?

[huytheskigod]

Cannon SD600

[DaveSANYYZ]

I don't think ELPH stands for anything. It's just Canon's line of (film and digital) P&S cameras that are compact/sub-compact. I think outside North America, it has a different name called IXUS. Powershot is Canon's line of P&S digital cameras.

It's really just marketing speaks.

Just go to http://www.powershot.com to see Canon's camera lineup.

[1955]

I don't think ELPH stands for anything. It's just Canon's line of (film and digital) P&S cameras that are compact/sub-compact. I think outside North America, it has a different name called IXUS. Powershot is Canon's line of P&S digital cameras.

It's really just marketing speaks.

Just go to http://www.powershot.com to see Canon's camera lineup.

Hey Dave,

Yeah, I have a "Powershot S3 IS" and it seems that most of Canons cameras are called Powershot something or other. I just thought that the ELPH was an acronym for something techy.

[chimivee]

It's really just marketing speaks.
Wikipedia agrees (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_ELPH).

[1955]

Wikipedia agrees (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_ELPH).

This is what I have come to find out. Thanks

Sorry about the hijack...back to "Camera Recommendations".

[chimivee]

HYeah, I have a "Powershot S3 IS" and it seems that most of Canons cameras are called Powershot something or other. I just thought that the ELPH was an acronym for something techy.
I believe all Canon's non-SLR digital cameras get the "PowerShot" moniker. Then, of those, the "point and shoot" models also get the ELPH label, while the "prosumer" models (like your S3) don't.

[1955]

I believe all Canon's non-SLR digital cameras get the "PowerShot" moniker. Then, of those, the "point and shoot" models also get the ELPH label, while the "prosumer" models (like your S3) don't.

Thanks for enlightening me on that, since owning a Canon I've been curious about that!

[chimivee]

Thanks for enlightening me on that, since owning a Canon I've been curious about that!
I just figured it out myself. :o

[BCIpam]

No the ELPH cameras, which are more than point and shoot are actually Canon's high end small digital - it does take a proprietary battery which is why I think it's an ELPH as opposed to Powershot. The battery also makes this camera very thin and very light. The Powershots I think all take AA's. The Powershots go from cheap and simple up to and just below the SLR line. My A540 is just south of the mid-range.

[chimivee]

No the ELPH cameras, which are more than point and shoot are actually Canon's high end small digital - it does take a proprietary battery which is why I think it's an ELPH as opposed to Powershot. The battery also makes this camera very thin and very light. The Powershots I think all take AA's. The Powershots go from cheap and simple up to and just below the SLR line. My A540 is just south of the mid-range.
Oh, you're right - the smaller cameras with battery packs are the ELPHS.

However, all non-SLR digitals have the Powershot label. That is, all ELPHS are Powershots (but not all Powershots are ELPHS).

As for being "point & shoots".... That's a bit of a vague term now that even SLRs can function that way. Generally, a compact non-SLR is considered a P&S. Canon classifies all of their non-SLR cameras as P&S, except for the more feature laden top three.

Canon Website (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113)

Anyway, enough boring techno-weenie talk. :p

[voltman]

Oh, you're right - the smaller cameras with battery packs are the ELPHS.

However, all non-SLR digitals have the Powershot label. That is, all ELPHS are Powershots (but not all Powershots are ELPHS).

As for being "point & shoots".... That's a bit of a vague term now that even SLRs can function that way. Generally, a compact non-SLR is considered a P&S. Canon classifies all of their non-SLR cameras as P&S, except for the more feature laden top three.

Canon Website (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113)

Anyway, enough boring techno-weenie talk. :p

But which ones have carbon fiber?

[chimivee]

But which ones have carbon fiber?
None. Which is why you don't have one. Duh.

[voltman]

None. Which is why you don't have one. Duh.

Let that be a lesson to them.

[DaveSANYYZ]

Hmm, correction on Canon naming.

ELPH == slim line series P&S, both digital AND film, smallest size at the expense of features
Powershot == digital P&S

Hopefully, ppl aren't bored to sleep with all these Canon talks.

BTW, Canon is in the Ti camp, not CF. ;)

[Drew12]

I think I'm going to get the SD630 for the replacement camera I broke. Compusa has it for $270 right now. How big is your memory card and how many pics does it hold is it's highest res?


I purchased a 1Gb memory card. depending on the resolution I choose, somewhere around 300-600.
Be sure to purchase a FAST memory card. I chose the SanDisc Ultra II, turns into a USB. That way I can download pics to any computer w/o a cable. was $87, but hey, no hassle factor and save pics as quick as I can take 'em.

Oh, the only diff between the SD600 and SD630 is the size of the LCD screen. the 630's is larger.

[Drew12]

What does "ELPH" stand for???


Dude, it Christmas.
Don't cha know about Santa's slaves?
:D

[1955]

Dude, it Christmas.
Don't cha know about Santa's slaves?
:D

So Canon's are make in the North Pole by overworked, underpaid little people?