cameras...

E

Envious Eric

New member
so what kind of camera is everyone using...



I dont want to spend a lot of money (<200)...but I dont know the first thing about adjusting settings, what to look for, etc...



should I just get one with a good brand name and the higest MP?



or should I get one with lower MP, but more adjustments?



this camera will be used for detailed cars (b/a) and personal use



oh and I want it to be one of the smaller ones that will fit in my pocket easily
 
I'm no photo buff .... so if you're looking for advice from somebody that uses a "point-and-shoot" approach to cameras I can give you mine.



When we shopped I wanted high optical zoom to capture my kids playing sports, etc... my wife wanted compact size. We settled on Panasonic DMC-TZ1 which at the time was the smallest 10x optical zoom camera (maybe now it has been replaced?).



Anyway it is 5MP, optical image stabilization, 10x Optical zoom, fits in your pocket (barely), has pretty good battery life, and takes decent point and shoot pictures.



We paid $225 about 8 months ago, so maybe it is selling for around $200 now.
 
I have the Kodak Easyshare Z1275. It's pretty easy to figure out. It takes nice sharp and very clear pictures. I just need to buy the little printer so I can print pictures on the spot to give to the clients if they ask for one.
 
I use both a D80 and my "crappy" Dimage Z3...both work well, but the D80 takes better pictures. Upclose pics (such as scratches), I use the Z3...
 
I have a Fujifilm Finepix S700. I got it at BJ's wholesale store for 229 w/a $30 rebate(at the time I purchased it). It has 10x zoom with 4x digital zoom. Many settings that are a twist if a knob plus I can change the pixel zine from 7m to 0.3when I need it. It has 2 different macro setting to be able to get really close shots of scratches. I has a 2 to 2.5 inch lcd, video with sound, and a pop up flash.



Andrew
 
For a compact point and shoot, I currently own a Sony T1, which at the time of its release was probably the smallest ultra-compact. If I had to buy another one to replace it, I'd probably get one of the Canon ultra-compacts.



No matter how great the p&s camera you get, it won't compare to some of detailers on here using SLR cameras.
 
BlackElantraGT said:
For a compact point and shoot, I currently own a Sony T1, which at the time of its release was probably the smallest ultra-compact. If I had to buy another one to replace it, I'd probably get one of the Canon ultra-compacts.



No matter how great the p&s camera you get, it won't compare to some of detailers on here using SLR cameras.
Click to expand...





The exception maybe Clark from Detailingworld.com. He takes the best pictures I've ever seen with a cheap nikon.:think: :confused: :think: :confused: :think:
 
I have a Pentax K10D with a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens on it most of the time. Usually when shooting exterior shots of defects and such, the manual focus offered is invaluable. A lot of times the autofocus picks up on the reflection instead of the paint and will not show you the defects on the paint you want it to show. I know they are pricey and a big investment, but there are a lot of good ones out there from Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc. going pretty cheap used anymore.
 
Canon makes some of the best point and shoot cameras for the money. I've spent tons of time researching into the same thing and just ended up buying a DSLR instead (a Canon, of course). However, I've had Canon point and shoots in the past and have loved every one. You won't find a much better one than the SD1000, as already stated, or the SD750 if you can afford it (yes, the lower number is actually a better model than the higher number one).



Do not let any company's reviews fool you. Live at dpreview.com for a while and learn everything there is to know about them from a more objective POV.
 
I have a Canon SD1000, and I absolutely love it. There are quite a few adjustments you can make, and they are very easy to do. It was really easy for me to learn how to use it, and once you figure out what settings you need under which conditions, it's great. Very small and thin, as well. I'd say it's smaller than my wallet.
 
Get one of the newer Canon A Series, they range from 150-200, and they give ALOT of performance in a small package to play around.
 
+1 for the Fuji S700 or S5700. Recently purchased the camera for $189. It is not quite a full SLR, but has the SLR body style.



As mentioned a 10x optical zoom (4.8 digital = 48X zoom), point and shoot with ease or you can use one of the many modes to shoot with. 7.1 megapixels.



It has taken great shots thus far and I am extremely pleased with the camera.



I think one of the neat features is the flash/natural light settings. Sometimes you aren't sure whether to shoot with or without a flash and this camera will take 2 pictures using the flash for one and without out the flash and save them both.



It makes it easy to take good pictures, but if you want great pictures spend the time playing with camera and becoming familiar with the different settings (also an understanding of basic photography helps).



I spent a month researching and trying out different cameras and after reading all the reviews. It was exactly what I was looking for a low cost quality camera that takes good photos.
 
Love my Nikon N60 35mm film camera but it has a hard time with high contrast shots, so today, I picked up a Sony Cybershot DCS-W80 full 1080 HD digital camera. It was on sale at Sears for $189. Once I get the chance to try it out, I'll post my review. I'll still use my Nikon too, that way I can get quick and easy prints for the photo albums I carry in my car to show prospective customers.
 
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