Digital cameras 101

[ali]

Hi all,
I'm so glad to find this message board because I'm a little confused!
I'm off to South Africa and Kenya in May and need a good camera to take pictures of all the wonderful animals.

I have a Canon Rebel film camera with two lenses, including a zoom 300. However, it's a big camera and lens and would really like to get something smaller without spending a lot (The trip itself is $$).

When looking at compact digital cameras I notice there is a "35 mm equivalent" descriptor. On the Canon S2 IS it says 36-432mm. When I googled cameras/safari these types of cameras are not recommended. Why is that? Is the 432mm equivalent not better than my 300 film camera lens?

I also notice that you can get an additional add on for the S2IS that increases to 600+. What impact would this have as compared to the film camera?
Canon Tele Converter to be used with Canon PowerShot S2 IS camera. At the other end of the focal spectrum the tele-converter lens adds its conversion ratio of 1.5x, giving you a long view of the world at 648mm. *NOTE: This accessory lens requires LAH-DC20 Lens Adapter/Lens Hood Set for use with PowerShot S2 IS.

Thanks so much for any help you can offer
ali

[bdery]

Hi Ali and welcome to the message board!

Me and Gail (owner/moderator here) both own the S2, so we'll be able to help you.

The 35 mm equivalent on most digital cameras comes from the fact that the sensor size (the eqivalent to film on a film camera) is often smaller than a standard film. Thus, the lens doesn't have to be the same size and focal length to deliver the same results as a film camera would. In the case of the S2, the lens is actually 6-72 mm, but given the size of the sensor, it will perform exactly as a film camera would, if it had a 36-432 mm...

That's why you will almost always see a 35 mm equivalent values on digicams. It's easier for everyone to refer to the standard we're all used to, the 35 mm film.

For a safari, the S2 would be one of my first choices. I don't know why you have heard that it's not suited for a safari, the cameras of this class (there are a few from many brands) are the most well balanced digicams on the market. The S2 offers full manual controls, a fast lens, image stabilization (really important with such a zoom), custom modes, VERY fast operation, etc.

What you will loose if you abandon your SLR is the through the lens viewfinder, though. The S2 offers a swivel LCD and an electronic viewfinder that shows you what the sensor is seing. Basically it's the same as a TTL viewfinder, but you're seeing a screen rendering of the view. Works very well, but you have to accept this. It makes for trickier manual focus, though that option is still available on the S2 (not true of all models). You might also loose some speed of operation, but the S2 is among the fastest non digital SLR cameras on the market.

What you gain is compact size, excellent zoom, features, controls, direct review possibilities, and everything a digital camera offers. You will find it particularly useful to be able to change the ISO rating for each image if you wish it, though noise on digicams isn't as nice as grain on film. You'll find with a D-SLR you can use amazingly high ISO, but with a camera such as the S2 (and most models) the limit is around ISO 200 in bright light, ISO 100 elsewhere.

I hope this helps yuo getting started in the digital realm. Feel free to ask more!

[bdery]

About the teleconverter: it's true that you can use many converters on the S2, for wide angle or more zoom. Canonmakes good add-on lenses, other brands too. Check www.lensmateonline.com for examples.

One last thing to add : keep your film lenses! If you ever decide to get yourself a D-SLR, you'll still be able to use those lenses and that will save you much money. Moreover, most DSLR have very large sensors, but not as large as 35 mm film, so your lenses might get a 1,5 1,6 multiplicator, giving you more zoom free

[ali]

Thanks for all the info. This makes it much clearer indeed.

How do you think the Sony CyberShot 5.1MP Digital Camera (DSCH1) compares to the Canon? It's the same price at my local Future Shop, but as I already have a small Sony digital I could use the same memory card, thus saving a little bit. I have a 16MB card, plus a 256 MB.

While I'm on safari what do you think would be the best way to store my photos. Can the memory cards be wiped in airport security etc? I don't know what my internet access will be like to be able to send photos home at regular intervals (and is that even possible on internet cafe computers?), so I may have to store them all on the memory card. I'll be gone for about 2 months.

thanks again
ali

[ShutterbugGail]

Camera (DSCH1) compares to the Canon? .... but as I already have a small Sony digital I could use the same memory card, thus saving a little bit. I have a 16MB card, plus a 256 MB.

The Canon S2 and Sony DSCH1 are both fine digital cameras and I think either one would serve you well. I personally would not get anything less than a 12X zoom for a safari. You'll be away 2 months. Lucky you!!

For me, it's an important consideration when buying a new digicam that I can use the memory cards I already have. Saying that, a 16 mb card is really good for nothing, so you'll have to buy at least one new memory card anyway.  Looking forward, I think the SD card will be the card of choice for the foreseeable future. So, unless you have other electronic products that use Sony's proprietary memory card, I wouldn't let the fact that I already have a Sony Card necessarily stop me from buying a non-Sony digital camera.

Buy a camera that has the features you need most. For what it's worth, according to professional reviewers the Canon S2 has a smaller screen than the Sony but it tilts and twists, something I personally find indispensable for macro shots. The S2 has a better movie mode though it limits recording to about eight minutes. The S2 is also a tad better at shooting moving subjects at the long end of the zoom.

Here's some info on memory cards, etc. and airport security:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/x-ray-and-photo-equipment/airport-x-ray.htm

While I'm on safari what do you think would be the best way to store my photos. Can the memory cards be wiped in airport security etc?

Someone will get back to you on this. But please let us know if you want a separate storage device. This may be the best solution if you're going to be taking a lot of photos during a two month time period.

[ali]

Thanks for the information about the Sony vs Canon and the page on airport security (you guys have an information page for everything!)

Re: separate storage device for photos. Well, this seems like a good idea and perhaps will give some peace of mind vs storing everything on the memory card. I don't have anything right now other than a 256 flashdrive. I'm in no need of a MP3 player. What would you suggest?
Once home I have a Mac desktop and laptop so whatever I choose needs to be compatable with that.
Oh, I did I mention cost is an issue  :-/

Thanks again for all your help...I can't get over how speedy you are!

[jude]

I know you can buy "on the go" storage devices that run off batteries but I don't know what they cost. I would seriously look at one because I would hate to have to cut back photo numbers on a trip of a lifetime like a safari.

The other thought I had is that maybe the safari company have computer facilities at their bases?  If they do it might be possible to arrange to download your pictures and burn them to CD's

Cheers
Jude

[ShutterbugGail]

Storage devices can cost a couple hundred dollars but may be less expensive in the long run that buying lots of memory cards. However, check if they accept Sony media if you decide to purchase a Sony digital camera. Since you use a Mac, your best storage device, though certainly not cheap because you'll need accessories, is probably an iPod.

There are other products available such as the Epson P-2000 & P-4000 Multimedia Storage Viewers and the PD70X. Do a net search to find out more information about them.

I think it would be well worth a call to the safari company to see if they have computer facilities you can use to burn a CD or DVD. Ask also if there are any Internet Cafes in the area that provide those services. Least expensive, no extra equipment to carry around; no need to purchase more batteries.

In a related matter, if you'll be using electricity for any of your photography gizmos, here's information about plug adapters, etc:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/electric-plug-adapters/index.htm

[bdery]

Here are some more replies to Ali's post:

How do you think the Sony CyberShot 5.1MP Digital Camera (DSCH1) compares to the Canon? It's the same price at my local Future Shop, but as I already have a small Sony digital I could use the same memory card, thus saving a little bit. I have a 16MB card, plus a 256 MB.

Like Gail said, both cameras are fine. The features set is comparable (though the S2 has more bells and whistles) and either one will make you happy. The differences in image quality are minimal, most people agree that Sony's picture are more saturated, and Canon's pics more neutral, but this can be fine-tuned by the user on both cameras.

The S2's operations are generally faster, and SD cards can be faster than Memory Sticks (if you select a fast card). Like Gail said, SD cards are slowly becoming the standard, it's a safe guess that a SD card will be compatible with more electronic devices over time. But this is speculation.

I'd advise you to go to a store and handle both cameras. Bring batteries, a memory card, and make tests. See which feels best in your hands. The perfect camera isn't really perfect if you don't enjoy using it, after all.

While I'm on safari what do you think would be the best way to store my photos. Can the memory cards be wiped in airport security etc? I don't know what my internet access will be like to be able to send photos home at regular intervals (and is that even possible on internet cafe computers?), so I may have to store them all on the memory card. I'll be gone for about 2 months.

About security, airport scanners do not affect memory cards the way they do with film. So you should be safe.

Sending pics home in an internet cafe depends on the settings of the computer. If you can access the USB port then you're ok, if not you have a problem. You say you have a laptop. That means if you're positive you will have access to electric power regularly you could use that as a backup device. anyway you'll need to charge your batteries often for the camera itself. That makes me think to remind you to bring a car power adaptor so that you can use the lighter to charge your batteries if need be.

There are some portable storage devices ("data tanks") available, they're generally trustworthy but somewhat expensive. And they need power too. The laptop might be the best solution. And bring large memory cards, too.

Finally, I'd advise you to bring everything needed to clean your lens (wet cloth, dry cloth, cleaning pen, etc) since it's likely you'll get dust on your lens. Don't use a simple tissue to clean it, you might damage it forever.

[Deb]

Hi there, this may add confusion to the mix but when I travel and shoot I carry along my portable storage device (20GB Mindstor) for dumping images from two 2GB cards while out in the field AND a laptop (for reviewing and burning DVD's once back at my base; camper, motel, etc.). To recharge batteries between base stops, I carry along an AC/DC power converter. I usually fly and just carry the laptop and PSD in my carryon. The AC/DC converter stores in my suitcase.

[ali]

Thanks for all your help everyone. You've given me lots to think about as well as practical info that I can use to focus my internet search for products.

Greatly appreciated,
ali

[ShutterbugGail]

Have a great trip! And please give us a link to your gallery so we can take a peek at some of your safari photos.