Buying a Digital Camera Need Help

[beowulfthehunter]

Hi i am purchasing my first didital camera. i am stuck between two types. First both are 2.0 mega pixel and about 200 dollars.

The first is a Sony with 3x digital zoom

The second is an Olympus with a 2x digital zoom and a 3 optical zoom.

Based on just these facts which is better and why? Thanks

 

[Dragonsreach]

Digital Cameras

Ok first off I\'m assuming that both cameras have macro modes.
Check the specifications for both look to see which has the highest pixels size image capture.
Also check to see if they both have Aperture Priority settings. This will enable you to increase the sharpness at close range.
If both are about the same then I would suggest that you go for the Olympus with the optical zoom. (Glass optics zoom will always be a little better than Digital on resolution).
One thing to consider is the storage medium. I was using my works Sony Mavica which stored on 3.5\" floppy disc, quite conveinient. However my wife\'s just bought me a Nikon which uses compact flash cards and transfers via USB to the PC. So I\'ve got a steep learning curve (Again!).
But above all things for what ever camera you get Read The Manual .
Then enjoy yourself..Oh yes buy a tripod.

Regards Mike.

 

[sam-man]

2.1m pixel is decent enough for minis.
Macro is essential.
Optical zoom beats Digital zoom, as digital zoom is simply the image enlarged by the camera, and Optical zoom is actually getting it closer to the mini.

Compact flash cards are great, i have a Kodak DC3800 (Not bad, but not good either) and that came with a USB card reader and card, in WInXP it acts like a removable drive. When you place the card in the reader it auto runs open options, and can be accessed just like a regular drive.

I have a couple of cards, got a 128mb about 2-3 months ago, pretty expensive, about $160 AU, but it will hold hundreds of images, which is just what you want.

You can take as many test shots as you want, change lighting, angel etc etc..

Anyway...

 

[Chrispy]

One word on megapixels and price: they are not directly related. I got my camera for $200 and it has macro, flash memory, and an lcd screen. One of my uncles got one with more features and cost $400, but it was still the same amount of megapixels.. I might also suggest that you also learn how to use the regular features if you go into larger scale models, because you cannot get within the macro range and get the whole models.

 

[Errex]

Also...

Don\'t forget that you are bound to spend quite some time taking pics indoor, so, an AC power adaptor would be a very handy accesory. Be sure there is one available for the camera you pick; these things can munch batteries really fast, and the use of rechargable ones is not recommended (be sure to have this info IN WRITING, if the dealer tells you otherwise when asked). It\'d be better if the AC adapter comes with the camera.