Digital Camera preferences?

[Thorphin]

Well, the next trip is less than a year away, so I'm looking to buy a new digital camera to break in and take to WDW to capture the best possible photos. Does anyone have any suggestions? (Especially for being able to capture the dark nature of rides like spaceship earth, universe of energy, and the haunted mansion?) I'm kinda looking at the Sony DSC-V1, but I just wanted to see if anyone had a different opinion...

Thanks all!
Jack

 

[mkt]

that's what DonickCo uses, and it has yet to fail him. For a Digital Point and Shoot, it's one of the best out there

 

[DigitalDisney]

I like the expensive Olympus models. The cheap ones are...well...cheap.

But the nicer models give me a huge zoom to play with (I have a 10x optical right now), additional lens support, an all-glass optical lens, and full shutter / aperature / ISO control.

I honestly don't know how it behaves under a point and click environment because I've always set up every shot manually. If you like control, then I can make some recommendations for you.

Also, check digital camera review sites, such as www.dcresource.com

 

[Merlin]

Well, the next trip is less than a year away, so I'm looking to buy a new digital camera to break in and take to WDW to capture the best possible photos. Does anyone have any suggestions? (Especially for being able to capture the dark nature of rides like spaceship earth, universe of energy, and the haunted mansion?) I'm kinda looking at the Sony DSC-V1, but I just wanted to see if anyone had a different opinion...

Thanks all!
Jack

The DSC-V1 is an outstanding camera. If you just want a point and shoot and don't want to fuss with all the settings, it's the way to go definitely! If, on the other hand, you would like more control, want an unbelievably great lens, and like to add filters, then I would go with either the Sony DSC-F717 or the Sony DSC F-828. I have one of each. The 828 still runs about $1,000 but the 717 has dropped significantly in price.

 

[WDWScottieBoy]

I just bought myself the new Sony camcorder which has digital imaging built-in to it. It has a 990x digital and a 20x optical zoom. I bought it mainly for this upcoming WDW trip in 10 days. I did use it once on my week-long Washington DC trip which was wonderful. I never used the camera part of it there but took lots of video. I have taken pictures with it before here at home and found the pictures to be great. If you are wanting a strictly digital camera, I know there are plenty of models out there. Depending on your budget, you can do a lot with your money. Good luck and let us know which one you choose.

 

[tammycooley]

I have a Kodak cx6330 and I Love it!!! It takes such crisp clear pictures!!! I cant wait to take it to Disney next year...I am going in June 2005---My camera also a mode to capture pictures in the dark.....among others...I am very satisfied with it!!!

 

[imagineer99]

Quick Digital Camera question for all the experts:

I have the cheapest Digital SLR (Digital Rebel). I was wondering are the f-stops for Digital Cameras different than they are for film cameras. Does all the same information apply for film cameras as they do with digital?

 

[Sherm00]

Sony makes excelent cameras but the memory stick is extremly slow compared to CF or SD. I like Kodaks for there printer dock and awesome battery life and there ability to take different types of batteries. But the Best cameras out there right now is the Canon Powershot A75 or A80

PowerShot A75 Features:
3.2 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2048x1536 pixel images
New Postcard(1600x1200) mode with 3:2 ratio for making 4x6" prints
3x optical 35-105mm f/2.8-4.8 zoom, 3.2x digital zoom
1.8" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
Compact and durable body with an aluminum clad front
Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 for up to 30secs, 320x240 up to 3 minutes
2.2fps Continuous exposure mode
Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot
Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
New Special Scene mode for shooting six common shooting conditions
Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
Low-light focus assist illuminator
Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
Built-in microphone and speaker
Powered by standard AA type batteries
Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
USB connectivity for PC and Mac
Optional WP-DC30 Waterproof Case


Whatever you choose do some research, a good site is http://www.steves-digicams.com or http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

 

[bamboo7]

Quick Digital Camera question for all the experts:

I have the cheapest Digital SLR (Digital Rebel). I was wondering are the f-stops for Digital Cameras different than they are for film cameras. Does all the same information apply for film cameras as they do with digital?

Yes, Apeture Values, Shutter Speeds and ISO's are all the same with DSLRs as with film camera. One thing that you may notice with your DSLR is that you have the option to select values in incriments of third of stops, which you may not be used to from most traditional 35mm slrs. The only real difference is that your DSLR doesn't have a CCD that is the same size as a 35mm frame, so that it only uses the middle of your lens, so that your 18mm lens gives you the same view as a 28mm lens would on your 35mm slr. Newer DSLRs don't have that problem.

 

[imagineer99]

Yes, Apeture Values, Shutter Speeds and ISO's are all the same with DSLRs as with film camera. One thing that you may notice with your DSLR is that you have the option to select values in incriments of third of stops, which you may not be used to from most traditional 35mm slrs. The only real difference is that your DSLR doesn't have a CCD that is the same size as a 35mm frame, so that it only uses the middle of your lens, so that your 18mm lens gives you the same view as a 28mm lens would on your 35mm slr. Newer DSLRs don't have that problem.

Thank you very much. The reason I asked the question was due to the fact that you can select values in increments of third of stops on my DSLR.

Much Appreciated.

 

[BigAL]

Camera

I recently purchased the A75 and have no complaints. Based on my research (take it for what is worth) it was the best value for what you get.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I recently bought the Nikon CoolPix. I'm an art major and have taken photography courses, worked with digital cameras worth well over $3,000, and this little $200 camera is amazingly comparable. Since it's a nikon, the lens is excellent, because its made by Nikon. It has about 15 scene assist modes, such as a museum mode, portrait, fireworks (works soooo well), night landscape mode (good for inside attractions) and my personal favorite the macro mode. I've taken pictures of the stamen of a flower, the "m" on an M&M, the weave of fabric, etc and they were crisp, and not grainy at all.
I could send you some pictures if you'd like to see them.
Sorry if I sound like a commercial, It's just that I absolutly love this camera!
Let us know what you pick!

 

[DMC-12]

Olympus Stylus 400 Digital here.... :slurp:

4MP... and its "all-weather" meaning... its sealed pretty well.. and I am not affraid to get it wet (like on Splash Mt. ...etc)

Its point and shoot for the most part... and fits in my pocket.. so its great for wdw... or for a day out here locally... pics turn out great... love it. :sohappy:

 

[Figment1986]

I got my Nikon 4300 Camera last year... I love it... it is manual and auto with scene modes...

I usually stick with manual for my personal touch and to get the correct shutter time for what i try to get.....

I have used Kodac, but i hated it... though it is easily 5 years old...but i never use it...

I have a sony vid camera with digital camera built in, but it isn't very good for onshot, except with fireworks....

(I am not a comercial, but i say go for sony... that or Nikon... )

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

Sony makes excelent cameras but the memory stick is extremly slow compared to CF or SD. I like Kodaks for there printer dock and awesome battery life and there ability to take different types of batteries. But the Best cameras out there right now is the Canon Powershot A75 or A80

I agree. Just got an A75 last month as an upgrade from an early Olympus model and can't find much fault with it.

 

[Chape19714]

i have a Nikon Coolpix 2500, other than the fact that there is no viewfinder, which confuses the heck out of people i ask to take pics. for me, it is great, the software is easy to use as well. There is a 3500 which is basically the same, but has more manual shot features, and video. the 2500 is basic point and shoot, but has some manual modes as well. You can also tell it what type of envirement your in, so it will determine what flash, focus, etc.

 

[CrackerJack]

As does tammycooley, I also have the Kodak CX6330 . I have nothing but good things to say about it. The night mode works well while still (i.e. if you or what you are taking a picture of is not moving) so it probably wouldn't be too great in the rides you are asking about (it basically keeps the shutter open longer which causes blurs if motion is present).

But the pictures are excellent quality, it has a 4X optical zoom, and my favorite feature: it fits in my pocket. Because I refuse to carry stuff all day when I go to WDW, including a camera.

 

[Goodeone]

I'm really glad to hear all the great things that everyone has to say about the Cannon A75 as I'm planning on picking one up for myself within the next month. I definitly want to buy something that uses CF since my parents have a Cannon A60 already and I want to be able to use the cards from it if needed, so are there any other really great CF cameras out there that someone can suggest?

 

[MissM]

I've really been enjoying the heck out of my Nikon Coolpix 3700. It's tiny and yet it takes some GREAT shots. And, though it retails for $395, I found it online from a reputable camera shop for $282 and Nikon was running a $100 rebate on it. For $182 it was a steal. Nikon's take great photos. It's one of THE brands to consider. This is the first Nikon I've had personally, though I've used a friend's CoolPix 995 for a few years now when I needed a good shot.

It can also record video and sound and at tv format ([font=arial, helvetica][font=arial, helvetica][size=-1]Eight movie modes including 640x480 (VGA) at 30fps with audio) for as long as you have space on your memory card. There's no limit (like only 30 seconds or whatever). Not a bad bonus feature for a ultra compact digital camera.

I looked everywhere for a camera I wanted. And yes, the Canon A75 and A80 get great reviews for their price range and for having a lot of functionality for point-and-shoot cameras. I wanted something I could use for a couple years before I get into a digital SLR. Price was a major factor for me (in that I didn't have $500+ to spend), though if you do, then there's an entirely different catagory of cameras you can get.
-m
[/size][/font][/font]

 

[DisneyMan]

I use my Canon PowerShot S320 last year when I went to WDW. I brought back about 200 amazing pictures IMO, a few of which I am thinking about entering in contests. It has an all metal casing for good protection and fits perfectly in a shirt or pants pocket. I would recomend this point and shoot pocket cam to anyone who wants to take pictures on the go without messing with settings. If anyone wants I can post some of the pictures for you to see and compare with other cameras.


Thanks,
-DisneyMan :sohappy: