What camera do you use?

[spingineer]

Mine is old, and when taking a snapshot, there is a definite delay. In order for me to take a picture, I'd have to get off my bike, and then take the picture. I think I need an upgrade. What camera does everyone else use while you are on the bike. I should have asked everyone on the SB trip, but I forgot. I was having too much fun. :D

[merider1]

Casio Exilim. I love it. I got it at Best Buy and bought the Warranty that includes accidents (i.e. you can drop it, immerse it in water, stomp on it, etc. and they will still replace it). I think I got out the door around $300. It takes great pics, is lightweight and I don't care if it gets beaten all to hell. I'm just going to replace it anyway. Here's a link:

http://exilim.casio.com/

[roadfix]

Panasonic FX-01.......mainly for its wide angle lens (wider than what most point & shoot cameras come with).

[Entropy906]

I just bought a Panasonic TZ3. It's small, light, and has a wide angle lens. It also has 10x optical zoom and image stabilization. Here's a quick picture I took from Mount Gleason.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4578/mountgleason43007026ap0.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mountgleason43007026ap0.jpg)

[spingineer]

Thanks for the input so far. I think I'll compile them, and compare in the store. I just don't want a huge delay between the time you click the shutter button, and the time the picture is actually taken.

[roadfix]

The newer cameras today have so much shorter shutter lag.....but compare before buying.

[rubic]

I use a Canon SD400 Elph. Shutter lag isn't too bad. If I were to purchase a new compact camera of this sort, I would make sure it had image stabilization.

[jpconrad]

To take with you while you ride? For that I'm using a Canon PowerShot SD800 IS.

[DaveSANYYZ]

Canon SD800 IS for me as well. Mine's all scratched up though. :( But it still works.

[rubic]

To take with you while you ride? For that I'm using a Canon PowerShot SD800 IS.
How well does the image stabilizer work?

[Drew12]

Cannon SD600, and had Casio z600.
Both good, Casio better ( easier ) sofware, Cannon I think slightly better pics.

[Grumpy Pig]

I think mine's a Pentax OP-10. It's pretty tough. I dropped it going about 15 mph and it still works.

OK, it was only 10 mph.

[Oleanshoebox]

nikon coolpix. economical point-and-shoot gadget that gets the job done.

[spingineer]

The main reason why I didn't take many pictures was because mine was so old. Imagine that ... hi-tech geek, behind the times when it comes to consumer electronics.

[jpconrad]

How well does the image stabilizer work?

It works pretty well, it's more stable than I am. :o

The facial recognition software in it is pretty cool, too!

[spingineer]

The facial recognition software in it is pretty cool, too!

... as long as you don't point it at Ovoleg :D

[Drew12]

... as long as you don't point it at Ovoleg :D


the only "real" pic of Ovoleg is from behind.
So, facial recognition software.....

[umd]

I'm the ultimate weight weenie; I just use my RAZR phone; takes pretty good pictures I think... See my blog for examples (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/category/Camera-Phone/).

[1955]

Canon Powershot S3IS & a Canon Powershot A540.

[ronjon10]

I had a Panosonic F30, but I dropped it shooting one handed. Then I got a Canon A710IS. It's bigger than the ultra compacts, but still fits in the bento box, and I can shoot one handed like a dream. Make sure when you look at cameras that you only test it using one hand. If you need two hands, move along...

[Mo'Phat]

Best camera: Whatever chimivee and Luwin use.

My camera: Canon SD600. But my pics seem to really suck.

[dauphin]

kodak brownie...but I am having a heckuva time finding flash bulbs...

[spingineer]

Good to know my thread hasn't gone to the gutter ... yet!

[cole505]

Best camera: Whatever chimivee and Luwin use...
+1

Mine is a Cannon Powershot SD450.

[spingineer]

Well, since rain is coming over, maybe I'll spend tonight shopping for my next camera.

[roadfix]

I usually order from B & H Photo anything photographic.

[spingineer]

Casio Exilim. I love it. I got it at Best Buy and bought the Warranty that includes accidents (i.e. you can drop it, immerse it in water, stomp on it, etc. and they will still replace it). I think I got out the door around $300. It takes great pics, is lightweight and I don't care if it gets beaten all to hell. I'm just going to replace it anyway. Here's a link:

http://exilim.casio.com/
Which one do you have, the card? You are really handy with the camera while riding. You've got that thing down to an art and routine.

[magicant]

I just use m.e. - fully automated, takes nice photos and costs nothing.

[spingineer]

lol ... problem is m.e. is not up here in the bay area.

[dauphin]

as much as we would like it...Mary cannot be everywhere at once.:D

[spingineer]

So here's a photography question ... so I was comparing a few cameras at Best Buy (Fry's didn't have demos where you could play with them ... didn't have batteries in them). One says ISO 1600 at full resolution, while another says ISO 800 at full resolution. Does this mean the ISO 1600 is able to take pictures at lower lighting? But if that's the case, will there be more graininess on the ISO 1600 in bright daylight than the ISO 800 camera? That, and the different types of flash cards that the camera supports are the only differences I can see. I am leaning more towards the camera with the XD flash cards, but if there is a significant difference in quality in the ISO 1600 vs. ISO 800, I will opt for the ISO 800.

Ok, was this a geeky enough question? Have I now lost everyone?

[dauphin]

you lost me after "So"

[jpconrad]

So here's a photography question ... so I was comparing a few cameras at Best Buy (Fry's didn't have demos where you could play with them ... didn't have batteries in them). One says ISO 1600 at full resolution, while another says ISO 800 at full resolution. Does this mean the ISO 1600 is able to take pictures at lower lighting? But if that's the case, will there be more graininess on the ISO 1600 in bright daylight than the ISO 800 camera? That, and the different types of flash cards that the camera supports are the only differences I can see. I am leaning more towards the camera with the XD flash cards, but if there is a significant difference in quality in the ISO 1600 vs. ISO 800, I will opt for the ISO 800.

Ok, was this a geeky enough question? Have I now lost everyone?

You wouldn't use the high ISO's during daylight shots, you wouldn't like the results. The higher the ISO, the faster the possible shutter speed under low light conditions, so something that would take a 1/30 exposure at ISO 800 would be 1/60 exposure at 1600.

Again, during normal conditions you would use it at a lower ISO. Also, generally the higher the ISO you have it set to, the more noise in the picture. Did that make sense?

[spingineer]

You wouldn't use the high ISO's during daylight shots, you wouldn't like the results. The higher the ISO, the faster the possible shutter speed under low light conditions, so something that would take a 1/30 exposure at ISO 800 would be 1/60 exposure at 1600.

Again, during normal conditions you would use it at a lower ISO. Also, generally the higher the ISO you have it set to, the more noise in the picture. Did that make sense?
I understand the concept. What's confusing is what that marketing BS is actually saying. ISO 1600 at full resolution as opposed to ISO at 800. I guess if you blow up the first camera to 30x20, it will be lower quality than the second camera at 30x20. Decisions, decisions ...

[Mo'Phat]

Here's a SOMEBODY FREAKIN HELP ME!!! question:

Sometimes my camera selectively focuses on something that isn't the target of the picture...like the background or something random. It'll focus on that and come out crisp and clear, but the target of my pics sometimes are a little out of focus.

When I half-press the button, little green windows pop onto the screen, and I assume they're showing me what the camera is focusing on. Can I move those windows or something?

/not too lazy to read the manual...I've read it twice...reads like stereo instructions in Swahili with page 14 and 32 missing...with 'choose your own adventure' prompts at the bottom...written in Chinese.

//Canon SD600.

[spingineer]

Not sure if there is much you can do there ... it's been a while since I've been in photography, but I remember there was a concept of spot focusing. The camera will try to focus on one spot, and base its focusing on that. It could be the camera for spot focusing on the background. You may want to do a little trial and error, and try spot focusing on the foreground, then move the camera immediately to the framing you want. If your camera doesn't allow you to do that, not sure if there is much you can do. You may want to go with the SLR's for finer control ... but then again, using that is even more greek.

[Mo'Phat]

I want to stay with small for travel and riding. SLR looks fun, but just too big for this photographic incompetent.

[umd]

I understand the concept. What's confusing is what that marketing BS is actually saying. ISO 1600 at full resolution as opposed to ISO at 800. I guess if you blow up the first camera to 30x20, it will be lower quality than the second camera at 30x20. Decisions, decisions ...

ISO cannot neccesarily be compared across different brands, and often not even between different models. It is very possible that camera X may have less noise at 1600 (its not grain in the digital world) than camera Y at 800. That being said, for any given camera, it will have less noise at lower ISO. I don't know what they mean by "full resolution"; I've never heard of a camera reducing the resolution to increase the ISO but I haven't been in the market for a new camera for several years and may not be up on all the latest tech.

[JTGraphics]

Mo'Phat
Canon SD600 has TTL 9-point or center, as spingineer mentioned you need to test it out first.
Put the camera in center focusing place a subject in the middle of framing and shoot how is it?
Do the same with TTL 9-point how is it?
A mistake many make is framing a subject (off center) as they want and press the shutter.
You should put your subject in the center focus point press the shutter half way holding it and reframe then continue by pressing the shutter down for the reframed shot this locks focus while you reframe the picture. Their is always the chance you camera is what is known as back focusing this can be corrected at the factory. If you do the above test and focus was off this may be the cameras problem.
You also may want to turn off continuos focus if your camera has it, because if the subject moves during the shot your camera may very well be refocusing on an area you didn't want.

To answer spingineer original question I use a small Sony DSC-W35 to carry around in my pocket for quick snap shots. I also use Nikon D200 & D100 DSLR bodies but to heavy for cycling but I have been know to take it a few times when I knew I wanted some good shots and needed the glass for it.
The Sony DSC-W35 is a really nice carry along camera for under $200 for a 7.1mp PS camera.

[spingineer]

ISO cannot neccesarily be compared across different brands, and often not even between different models. It is very possible that camera X may have less noise at 1600 (its not grain in the digital world) than camera Y at 800. That being said, for any given camera, it will have less noise at lower ISO. I don't know what they mean by "full resolution"; I've never heard of a camera reducing the resolution to increase the ISO but I haven't been in the market for a new camera for several years and may not be up on all the latest tech.
My point exactly. I know the basics about ISO, exposure, lighting, etc ... but the statement about "ISO 1600 at full resolution" and "ISO 800 at full resolution" ... such marketing BS ... I didn't even dare ask the sales person @ Bestbuy ... probably get some glassy eye'd look. Think I'll try a camera shop.

[umd]

My point exactly. I know the basics about ISO, exposure, lighting, etc ... but the statement about "ISO 1600 at full resolution" and "ISO 800 at full resolution" ... such marketing BS ... I didn't even dare ask the sales person @ Bestbuy ... probably get some glassy eye'd look. Think I'll try a camera shop.

What are the models in question? I'll take a look at the specs and see what I can figure out from them.

[spingineer]

What are the models in question? I'll take a look at the specs and see what I can figure out from them.
I was looking at Olympus vs. Casio. The Olympus is the ISO 1600 at high resolution. The only reason why I am considering Olympus is that I've been a loyal Olympus owner, and they use the XD flash cards. I'd like to keep using the XD's, and not have to buy new SD cards ... although my XD card is only 256 MB.

[umd]

I think that my RAZR takes pretty good pictures:

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/488t.jpg (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/488.jpg)

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/128t.jpg (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/128.jpg)

But when I need a real camera I use my EOS 1DmkIIN:

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/166t.jpg (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/166.jpg)

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/178t.jpg (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/178.jpg)

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/223t.jpg (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/223.jpg)

[umd]

I was looking at Olympus vs. Casio. The Olympus is the ISO 1600 at high resolution. The only reason why I am considering Olympus is that I've been a loyal Olympus owner, and they use the XD flash cards. I'd like to keep using the XD's, and not have to buy new SD cards ... although my XD card is only 256 MB.

If you only have a 256MB XD card, I wouldn't even include that as a factor in the decision. SD cards are more readily available, used in a wider variety of camera, come in larger capacities, and as far as I can tell, can be had for cheaper for equivalent capacities. A 256MB SD card can be had for about $11 so hardly an issue.

On the original question, I've been googling around and it does appear that some cameras limit the resolution (i.e. max image size) when a higher ISO is used, or rather a higher ISO is allowed when a lower resolution is used. As far as which is better, you will just have to try them to see. If possible bring your own memory cards to the store, shoot a few pictures of the same subjects at the different ISOs, then take them somewhere to get printed. The Olympus may have 1600 at full resolution, but it may be so noisy that it is useless...

[merider1]

I think that my RAZR takes pretty good pictures:


NICE photos, UMD.

[merider1]

I just use m.e. - fully automated, takes nice photos and costs nothing.

Ahhhh....:love: How sweet is that? Of course, now I'm going to have to start charging. Girl's got to make some extra $$ somehow and I've exhausted all my other options...well, almost all "other" options. :D

[merider1]

Which one do you have, the card? You are really handy with the camera while riding. You've got that thing down to an art and routine.
Thanks, Ron. :) The one I have is the red one. Does that help? :p I point and shoot and I ride with it strapped to my wrist. I figure that if I ever have an issue, the camera can be dropped and broken without any real concern (i.e. it's a rough and tumble kind of camera - perfect for rides!).

[spingineer]

If you only have a 256MB XD card, I wouldn't even include that as a factor in the decision. SD cards are more readily available, used in a wider variety of camera, come in larger capacities, and as far as I can tell, can be had for cheaper for equivalent capacities. A 256MB SD card can be had for about $11 so hardly an issue.

On the original question, I've been googling around and it does appear that some cameras limit the resolution (i.e. max image size) when a higher ISO is used, or rather a higher ISO is allowed when a lower resolution is used. As far as which is better, you will just have to try them to see. If possible bring your own memory cards to the store, shoot a few pictures of the same subjects at the different ISOs, then take them somewhere to get printed. The Olympus may have 1600 at full resolution, but it may be so noisy that it is useless...
Thanks for the advise. Even with my techie geeky mind, it's still spinning. I think it'll come to a flip of the coin.

[spingineer]

Thanks, Ron. :) The one I have is the red one. Does that help? :p I point and shoot and I ride with it strapped to my wrist. I figure that if I ever have an issue, the camera can be dropped and broken without any real concern (i.e. it's a rough and tumble kind of camera - perfect for rides!).
ME, you're too funny ... cute response. :D I think I can tell from some previous pictures of you that you have the red one.

[jpconrad]

I was looking at Olympus vs. Casio. The Olympus is the ISO 1600 at high resolution. The only reason why I am considering Olympus is that I've been a loyal Olympus owner, and they use the XD flash cards. I'd like to keep using the XD's, and not have to buy new SD cards ... although my XD card is only 256 MB.


You can get a decent 2 GIG SD card from Amazon for under 40.

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-SDSDH-2048-901-Secure-Digital-Package/dp/B00065ANYC/ref=pd_bbs_5/103-7957651-8377438?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1178298861&sr=8-5