Digital cameras 101

[randaaf]

Hi again, I am now considering getting a new camera. I know some of the features of my old one ( Sony dsc-v1 ) I really would like or to improve in a new one are, a hot shoe, viewfinder as well as a larger lcd screen, a minimum or 10 or 12 X optical zoom, Able to set the mega pixels not just small med and large like I have seen on some cameras, as well as the ability to crop a picture on the camera while retaining the old picture. I would also like to be able to add lenses especially a wide angle one for taking group shots or the camera have a feature for panaramic shots. Another question is are all external hot shoe flashes compatable with all cameras or do you have to buy ones that go with just that camera? I have the higher priced Sony one for my camera now. I take a lot of animal as well as people shots so there are times there is a lot of movement and trying to catch the action is sometimes hard. I do take senery shots on occasion but mostly it is of the kids grandkids and animals, domestic as well as wildlife. I did not know where to go to put in my wants to find a camera online so I figured this was a great place to find info. Thanks for your help. Ann

[randaaf]

I forgot to add that is possible would like to stay in the 200 - 400 $ price range..Thanks again Ann

[randaaf]

Thought of one more thing...My camera has a leather comver that attaches to the tripod slot and covers it compatly like the old fil slr cameras had. So far it is the only one I found with this added feature. Are there any other cameras that you can get this type of case for it. It is a lot easier to have it hanging around my neck and just unsnap and flip the one piece around and ready to shoot. Don't have to take it out of a bag and get a good grip on it before shooting pics,,,Thanks again hopefully I won't think af anything else to add...Ann  

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi there,

I assume your interest is in a compact digital camera and not a larger, more expensive DSLR. There are a number of advanced digital cameras that come to mind that meet most of your needs, however not all of them have a hot shoe. These do:

Olympus SP-570 UZ

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

Fujifilm Finepix S9000

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 (see article written by a FZ50 user):

http://www.digicamhelp.com/buying-guide/camera-types/dslr-like.php


One of them may be just what you're looking for.

A number of all in one cameras take converter lenses, which may require an adapter. Visit the manufacturer's website before buying to make sure they take converter lenses.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/lenses/

<< Another question is are all external hot shoe flashes compatable with all cameras or do you have to buy ones that go with just that camera?

It's best to buy one made by the camera manufacturer for full compatibility. If buying a less expensive, third party external flash, make sure it is compatible with your camera.


PS I moved your post into this forum as they are more suited to this forum.  

[ShutterbugGail]

Thought of one more thing...My camera has a leather comver that attaches to the tripod slot and covers it compatly like the old fil slr cameras had.

Not that I know of, but that doesn't mean there are none. Visit the camera manufacturer's website to see if such a case is an available accessory.

Thanks again hopefully I won't think af anything else to add...Ann  

You're welcome. Ask away, we're more than happy to help if we can.

[randaaf]

Thanks for your help, I am going to do some research and check them all out before I rush out to buy one. I was also looking at the new Sony dsc H50 but it doesn't take the hot shoe tho it claims that the flsh is good for up to 32 feet.I also went to the store to actually feel the camera and even tho it has more size than my v1 does not feel like it is made as strong. I carry my camera with while on trail rides on horseback so I need a camera that holds up well with vibration tho I carry it in a good case. Hopefully I will find a good case for whichever camera I deside to get...a few including that one are to new to have any good reviews on them ( I usually check out Steves Digicam review site when researching cameras. That is where I made my decision when I bought my v1 back in Oct. 03) I will let you know what I decide when I do get one. and will keep checking back for new info someone might leave  in the mean time...Again thanks for having such a great site.
P.S. And yes I am not looking for a DSLR  They wopuld be nice but are to big to be carrying on horse back or hanging around your neck to long..

[randaaf]

Hi Again, Wanted to let you know what I decided on and why, also a few questions maybe someone can answer...We decided on the Canon S5IS. My son in law had gotten one of them for our daughter and she really likes it. We had checked out so many my head is still spinning. The Olympus was nice but at 200$ more for the extra zoom as well as the fact that to zoom you had to turn the ring on the lens and I do a lot of one handed shooting especially when on a horse so it would have been difficult to do that with that camera. The Fuji and the Panasonic I was not able to find one in any of the stores to be able to actually hold on to it to make sure I was comfortable holding it. I Liked the Sony H50 but was not impressed with the quality of the camera body. Did not think that it would hold up to the rugged use I might put it through.
My questions on the canon, I can't find a way to put the date on te front of the pictures? Is there something I am just missing? Also you can zoom in on a picture you took but there is no way to crop it on the camera like there was on my V1...Also unless I am missing something in the books and on the menu itself...I can live without but I am so used to being able to look at the pictures on the computer and checking the dates from the picture as to when an event occured. I will be having fun over the next several weeks playing with the different setting to get used to my new camera....Hopefully it will stand up as well as the V1 taking about 40,000 pictures in 4 1/2 years  

[bdery]

My questions on the canon, I can't find a way to put the date on te front of the pictures?

The Canon S5 does not have that option. It is a matter of personal taste, but I would personally fear the risk of crippling pictures with this. However, each of your files is appended with EXIF data. These are "metadata" that include the date, time, camera model, even focal length, exposure time and aperture. And there are some free softwares out there that will pull the date out of the EXIF data and write it on your picture.

Also you can zoom in on a picture you took but there is no way to crop it on the camera like there was on my V1

If the S5 is like my S2, you can edit movies, but not really pictures, on the camera. However, I know that you can apply MyColors effects when reviewing pictures, so it's possible that you can crop also. Your camera manual would be the best place to find this information

I am so used to being able to look at the pictures on the computer and checking the dates from the picture as to when an event occured.

If that is your only reason for printing date stamps on your pictures, then do not worry : almost every image viewing software will display the EXIF data if you want it to, and Windows will show the basics of EXIF data if you place your mouse over an image file.

Have fun with the S5! It's a great camera.

[ShutterbugGail]

If you install the Canon ZoomBrowser software that came with the camera you can get extensive EXIF date from images.

Go to Preview Mode (near top of page), click on an image and see the EXIF under Shooting Information (right column).

You can even export EXIF data.

Left hand column > Tasks > Export > Export Shooting Properties.

There is also a Proprties icon on the top of the screen to access EXIF data.

Check out the ZoomBrowers Help files for more information.

Related reading:

EXIF
http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/glossary/exif.php

[ShutterbugGail]

There is a freeware software program that's called Photo dater. It puts the date and other info on photos. Haven't used it myself but it has gotten decent user reviews.

Please remember to always work on copies of your originals before any type of editing.

http://www.download.com/Photo-Dater/3000-2192_4-10303277.html

btw, for those whose cameras have the ability to stamp dates on photos, think about it before using this feature. You may take a killer photo that you just have to print and the date may not look too nice on it.  

[randaaf]

Wow even after all the years of taking pictures there is still so much more to learn...I never thought about the fact that it might ruin a picture with the date and tho it is still taking some getting used to I am sure in the future I will appriciate the fact there was no date on the picture. I know my camera is an 8 mega pixel and it has several settings for the different sizes L for 8 then it has 3 medium 1 small and the one wide...Can you tell me what the mega pixels are for each of the others? In the book it only has the H & W of each. My Sony told me which Mega pixels I was setting it on. I like the wide setting for some of my shots as it eliminates the wasted space above and below the subject area. and it only takes a secnd to change to it. Like one I took of my horses across the front pasture. I also went for a walk down in the swamp today and using the zoom got a great shot of some turtles sunbathing as well as the beavers lodge.I have been trying to play with a lot of the features to see what worked best. Found for catching the water running over the bever dam ( we had over 6 inches of rain a few days ago ) I got the best shot using the sport mode on the camera. I did not try them all so not sure if there might have been a better one. I will check out the suggestions given and hope to keep learning...Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks...

[ShutterbugGail]

>> I am sure in the future I will appriciate the fact there was no date on the picture.

It's always in the EXIF data of original files; and in copies if you save them correctly:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/processing-photos/basic-editing/preserve-exif.php

>> I know my camera is an 8 mega pixel and it has several settings for the different sizes L for 8 then it has 3 medium 1 small and the one wide...Can you tell me what the mega pixels are for each of the others?

If I understand your question correctly, the 3 stands for three megapixels and the 1 for one MP.

If you crop and/or make large prints, you should stick to the highest number at the best quality setting.  Here's some related info:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/processing-photos/printing/print-size.php

I turn down the quality setting or the megapixel number only when I'm running out of space on the memory card. I resize when editing according to an images intended use.

[randaaf]

What I had meant was there is a L three different medium a small and a wide...The large which I assume is the 8 mega pixels... L is 3264X2448 the M1 is2592X1944 the M2 is2048X1536 the M3 is 1600X1200  the S is640X480 and the W is 3264X1832 From the list on the link you gave me gives me an aprox idea of size and exact on some of them...Thanks again