New camera for my wife, need advice.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 04:15 AM

I want to get my wife a new digital camera for her birthday but am not up on the new tech.

The quality of photos has never been an issue with her old Sony and I assume they have only improved. The major reason for a new cam is reaction time. We have two young boys and (even after all the tweaks) this old cam takes a moment after pushing the button to actually take the picture. This is awful as you miss the "moments" more often than not.

We would like to stay Sony since we have all the cards.

I don't want to go four figures or even close if I can help it.

What say the PBT (Pelican Brain Trust)?

stomachmonkey · 05-31-2007, 04:43 AM

Don't get stuck on the Sony media. Almost everything else takes SD cards these days. SD are up to 8 GB capacity and are dirt cheap. You can easily find 2 GB cards for $10.

Having said that I think you should go to the store and try them on. Ergonomics are just as important as specs and comfort is a personal thing.

A camera that takes standard/rechargeable AA is a big convenience factor.

Then there are the new hybrid camera/camcorders like the SANYO Xacti C6. Does video and 6 mp stills at the same time.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 04:49 AM

Thanks, what about reaction time/focus time whatever? Is that a common complaint? Has it been addressed?

Moses · 05-31-2007, 04:52 AM

www.dpreview.com

It's ALL there.

jyl · jyl's Garage

http://www.dpreview.com/ tests cameras, the "in-depth reviews" includes reaction time, in the "timing" section. Look at the time lag for the different actions.

You didn't say what you (she) want in a camera. Tiny shirt-pocket size, wide zoom range, interchangeable lenses, etc?

You can get a decent, easily pocketable, 5MP camera from a major brand for a few hundred dollars now. Or the same in an older model for <$200. But if you have to have very short lags for full press of shutter button and taking of the picture, like <0.1 sec, that moves you to more expensive models.

In the meantime, what causes most of the lag is for the camera to autofocus and set exposure. Usually, if you press the shutter button halfway, the camera will set and hold focus and exposure, then when the moment arrives, you press the shutter button the rest of the way, and the camera will take the picture in <0.1 sec. (In the dpreview site's reviews, this is called "half-press to full-press" lag.) So you can get around most of the lag.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moses
www.dpreview.com

It's ALL there.

Good site, but I'm not sure how to use it to answer my "focus/reaction time" question. Am I making any sense with that?

imcarthur · imcarthur's Garage

Another great review site Steve's

I just got a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. Uses SD cards. And I love it. Fast shutter, great pics.

Ian

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl
http://www.dpreview.com/ tests cameras, the "in-depth reviews" includes reaction time, in the "timing" section. Look at the time lag for the different actions.

You didn't say what you (she) want in a camera. Tiny shirt-pocket size, wide zoom range, interchangeable lenses, etc?

You can get a decent, easily pocketable, 5MP camera from a major brand for a few hundred dollars now. Or the same in an older model for <$200. But if you have to have very short lags for full press of shutter button and taking of the picture, like <0.1 sec, that moves you to more expensive models.

In the meantime, what causes most of the lag is for the camera to autofocus and set exposure. Usually, if you press the shutter button halfway, the camera will set and hold focus and exposure, then when the moment arrives, you press the shutter button the rest of the way, and the camera will take the picture in <0.1 sec. (In the dpreview site's reviews, this is called "half-press to full-press" lag.) So you can get around most of the lag.

Great info! Can you recommend a good cam in the <0.1 sec lag department?

Tim Hancock · 05-31-2007, 05:17 AM

Lendaddy, I just bought two of the Canon A630's from this place. http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNPSA630 I went with the free shipping and even though they said the "free" shipping could take 7-10 days, I got the cameras in three days.

I paid $191.00 each but now they are down to $188.00 each.

Everyone has their favorite brands and reasoning, but here is mine.

I had an older Canon A70 and liked it alot, and my daughters both have a "A" series. The newer A series use generic SD media cards which are common and cheap compared to the exclusive Sony media. These "A" series Canons use AA batteries which is one of the biggest reasons I bought my first one. I use common rechargable NiMH batteries (some of which now last about 4 times longer than Alkaline regular batteries) in mine, but if I am on a trip and forget to bring fresh charged batteries, I can always go to any store and simply buy AA alkalines. These all come with a cable to hook to any TV to view pics and videos directly on the big screen which is nice when showing relatives pictures.

The video on these is getting pretty good (I am sure other brands are improving also) and the photo quality is pretty good also.

I am guessing that most digital cameras are all capable nowadays of taking decent pics for the average consumer, but I just like the Canons for the above reasons. I will have to check out if there is a delay that you are concerned about and get back to you.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 05:26 AM

Thanks Tim, B-Day is tomorrow so I'm pinched for time. I also love the idea of AA sized batteries so you can always get some in a pinch.

I finally figured out that site to find lag time, thanks guys!

Steve Carlton · 05-31-2007, 05:28 AM

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?omid=122&ref=pricegrabber&utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NKD401855&sku=NKD401855

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2007-05-what-camera.htm

jyl · jyl's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by lendaddy
Great info! Can you recommend a good cam in the <0.1 sec lag department?

<0.1 sec for full press and taking picture?

Sure, Nikon D200 SLR plus a couple lenses for $3,000.

I am not sure if the lag is a way that camera makers segment their customers (reserve short lag for higher payers), or if achieving a <0.1 sec lag does indeed cost more (faster motors, faster processor), but AFAIK if you want the short lag you have to step up to the higher-end cameras. Haven't heard of a compact point/shoot with a <0.1 sec lag.

Rot 911 · 05-31-2007, 05:34 AM

I love the canons, but I got one of the Elphs that use the rechargeable lithium battery. That battery lasts much long than AA batteries and recharges in about an hour. Will take about 100-140 pictures between charges. My last camera took AA batteries and it was a PIA to remember to have extra batteries. Oh and forget the sony, SD cards are the way to go.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jyl
<0.1 sec for full press and taking picture?

Sure, Nikon D200 SLR plus a couple lenses for $3,000.

I am not sure if the lag is a way that camera makers segment their customers (reserve short lag for higher payers), or if achieving a <0.1 sec lag does indeed cost more (faster motors, faster processor), but AFAIK if you want the short lag you have to step up to the higher-end cameras. Haven't heard of a compact point/shoot with a <0.1 sec lag.

I knew I would get that. I remember having a reason for not wanting SLR (besides price), but I cannot recall right now. I think Wayne actually did a write up about SLR's and something he disliked. I'll search.

Tim Hancock · 05-31-2007, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kurt V
I love the canons, but I got one of the Elphs that use the rechargeable lithium battery. That battery lasts much long than AA batteries and recharges in about an hour. Will take about 100-140 pictures between charges. My last camera took AA batteries and it was a PIA to remember to have extra batteries. Oh and forget the sony, SD cards are the way to go.

The latest AA NiMH rechargables are 2500 mah +. They last at least 3-4 times longer than disposable batteries. I guess I just view the "special dedicated batteries" as a scam by the manufacturers to try and milk more money out of the consumer (kind of like printer ink cartridges). Many people after initially buying the device, will then spend a small fortune on extra "special" batteries and maybe a 12v car charger as well.

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 06:45 AM

OK, the search showed that SLR does not have live preview on the LCD. That would suck.

My wife does have a nice old Rebel 35mm that I got her years ago and I bought her a few nice lens' as well so it would be nice to be able to use those. The Canon Powershot stuff looks like it might be a nice fit.

berettafan · 05-31-2007, 07:27 AM

SLR's don't have real time screen display because it is useless in such a camera. unlike point and shoots which show a view through a separate 'veiwfinder' SLR's are wysiwyg since you're actually looking through the lense. it is a much better way to shoot IF that kind of thing matters to you.

SLR's are not very portable and they are a bit pricey but i am a BIG fan.

btw, the A630's are very popular amongst the RC airplane photography crowd thanks to great color and sharpness. i use an A70 on my 6' telemaster and the pics are pretty darn decent.

Jay H · 08:51 AM

My wife and I bought a brand new Canon Digital SLR (Digital Rebel in the US) in 2005. We've taken thousands of pictures and I can snap off shots of the kids in action without waiting for the lag that the compact point & shoot camera's have. It's not the world's best camera, but it works well enough for a crappy amature like me.

We just got a new Canon Digital Elf camera just to have a smaller camera around instead of lugging the SLR to events and such. This one too won't tell you the battery is low until it's pretty much dead. Otherwise, it's a nice little compact camera.

Guess what? While the Elf is a great camera, we leave it at home 95% of the time. We just hate the delay time, the SLR is so comfortable (familiar) and we're able to pound off shots one after another without delay. We've beat the living hell out of it too and it just keeps going and going and going. I've got some exceptionally well timed shots of my kids that probably could not have been captured with the Elf setup.

You've got the lenses from the 35mm Canon. That's a big plus. The lens switching ability on the SLR's is huge... Why not go Digital SLR too?

All of the shots below in my link are done with the Digital Rebel.

Good Luck,

Jay
90 964, 84 3.2

lendaddy · 05-31-2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jay H

You've got the lenses from the 35mm Canon. That's a big plus. The lens switching ability on the SLR's is huge... Why not go Digital SLR too?

You make a good point. My wife takes 99% of the pics and she even took classes on her old SLR.....

Hmmmm

Jay H · 05-31-2007, 09:24 AM

Len,

A couple of weeks ago, I had a Tae Kwon Do event with my kids. I popped on the 70-300mm lens on the SLR and was able to stand 50-100 feet away from my kids (you can only get so close when these kids are competing) and get really decent shots including some great close ups. Our Point & Shoot Elf just would have never cut it in that situation.

I can then come home, flip on the 18-55mm lens on the SLR in 25 seconds and take great shots of the birthday party at close range.

I can borrow a very expensive 50mm lens and take artsy shots of my cars if I want too. That lens interchangeability is exceptional for adapting the camera to many situations.

I'm also SO used to the SLR format and getting good shots set up through the viewfinder/lens itself that I kinda hate the display screen on the point and shoot cameras.

My Canon digital is a fine piece of equipment too and feels good just using it. Maybe that's why I like Porsche's too...but it's a factor to me.

My wife LOVES the Digital Rebel SLR too. She prefers it to the smaller point and shoot even though the P&S fits in her purse much better.

Good Luck in whatever you decide!

Jay