[roadkill]

With Christmas almost here, I thought I'd pass on some info about different options and such. First off, I use a cell phone for making phone calls ONLY... I don't want it to take pics or surf the web.

1. Higher mega pixel cameras also mean larger file size for each pic. You need to make sure your memory card is large enough to hold a good number of pics. Generally, the included memory card won't be large enough.

2. The LCD screen on the back of the camera is a battery eater. A better camera will also have a view finder with the option to turn that LCD screen off and take pics using the view finder.

3. Cameras with a zoom should be "optical" zoom rather than "digital" zoom or part optical and part digital. Example: Camera A has 10x optical and 5x digital for a total of 15x. Camera B has 12x zoom ALL optical. Camera B will take a better, sharper pic at 12x than camera A. Camera A will zoom to it's optical limit and then digitally zoom the other 2x... digitally spreading the image pixels out.

4. If you are going to be taking pics of things in motion, make sure the camera has a dedicated motion capture setting that is easy to use... like a knob on top of the camera to move from one pre-set to another. You don't want to have to open a menu and go to "settings" type crap.

5. Digital camera prices are getting lower and lower. But, to save money... wait till AFTER Christmas for best deals.

roadkill

 

[JBGILL06]

I use my cell phone as my main camera/video recorder/computer. I don't call many people and only text message a few. It has a 8 megapixel rear camera with 1080P video recording, and a 1.3 megapixel front camera. I also use a Sony Handycam for when I go to nice places to ride. It 60x optical zoom, 2000x digital zoom, 1080p HD, and 80 gigabyte hard drive, as well as a memory stick slot. My cell phone is more useful though, a lot more capabilities, and a lot less to carry.

So many options for digital cameras, camcorders, and cell phones these days, so do your research before buying. The most expensive one isn't always the best, and the cheapest isn't always going to save you money, especially if it doesn't last.

 

[TxAggie09]

Everyone has their own opinions but ive had nothing but great experiences with anything Nikon. They seem much more user friendly than the other brands i have used (Cannon is second)

 

[shonie777]

For a living I work for our local government as an IT/Media Administrator. Basically means anything technical, I have to do. We are a small organization so I wear many hats. One of my responsibilities is to do the layout of our bi-monthly newspaper and take tons of pictures.

The still camera I have been using for nearly 7 years now is the Canon Digital Rebel DS6041. Yeah, I know its old compared to today’s cameras, but it was the sh1t back then has never failed me. 90% of all the pictures you have seen me post here have been taken with this camera. I do not use the lens that came with the camera because it is too narrow for me. I prefer a wider image, so I use the Canon 17-40mm wide angle lens. This lens cost me way way more than the camera did and is probably the best investment I ever made as far as still camera accessories go.

For video I used a number of video cameras. Some of you may know that my wife and I are independent film makers. We have our own film company called Sheephead Films. I have been doing this since my late 20’s. I’m 46 now. I have gone through many video cameras over the years as well as Super 8 and 16mm film cameras. I no longer have any of my film cameras, as I have sold them because film is way too expensive to use any more now days. Digital video is the way to go as far as film making costs go.

I have 3 pro-sumer (you don’t find these at Wal-Mart or Best Buy) standard definition 3CCD video cameras that I have had for years. One is a Sony TRV900 series, the other is an old Canon XL1 and lastly my Panasonic DVX100B. A few years ago I moved up to HD and bought the Canon XHA1. This XHA1 and the rest of my video cameras are pretty much old school now, as camera technology is forever changing on a daily basis. But needless to say, they are all really nice cameras and do the job well. I have made many films and music videos over the years with these and they have never failed me.

As for regular consumer video cameras go I use my Kodak Play Sport. It’s small, waterproof and shoots HD. Great for shooting video while riding, boating, camping, etc. I would like to get one of those GoPro HD cameras someday though.

There are some really great cameras out there, both video and still. Nearly every one of them has all the features you would want in a camera and then some. As far as when is the best time to buy one? That’s hard to say because technology is always changing. Camera models come and go. A camera that’s top of the line one day could be second best the next day. I always say buy what you want and can afford to buy. There is no reason to break the bank when it comes to technology.

In my experience, no matter what I buy, even if it’s on sale, discontinued or a closeout, it always seems to drop in price a month later.:steamed:

Shonie

 

[ein]

I just got my wife a cannon rebel t3i a while back. It's a super nice camera and a great starter for anyone looking to get into semi-pro photography.

 

[Sid]

Thank all or you for your inputs. As luck would have it, I am going out tomorrow to buy a digital camera for a family member. Your specific data and customer satisfaction reports will be on my list of items to look for. Again, many thanks for your help.
Sid

 

[roadkill]

The point to this post wasn't actually to get into a discussion on specific cameras, but just to provoke though with those thinking to buy.

I guess the bottom line here is to think about what YOU want in a camera and what YOU want it to do and to shop around for the camera that fits your needs.

On a personal note:
I don't need a cell phone that does everything under the sun or is the newest latest thing. I only want my phone to make calls, therefore, my phone is 4-5 years old. Most times, I don't take it with me... I have a land line at home and at work and a hands free phone in my truck... OnStar. When I'm off riding, I really don't want to still be connected to technology.

roadkill