Digital cameras 101

[maxpowers]

  I am trying to decide between 3 cameras, the Canon Powershot S70, Sony DSC-P150, and Olympus C-7000 Zoom.    I read the reviews at a couple of websites and looked at the sample pictures, but it is difficult to decide which takes the best pictures, as the sample pics are often in different lighting conditions and with varying zooms.  

 I would be happy with the size of any of these cameras, and want the the one that takes the best quality pictures.  Can anyone help me decide?

[Deb]

Hi there Max and Welcome to the Q&A Board!

You mentioned that you've read reviews of these cameras. Terrific! That's a great way to start your comparison.

Though I can't recommend a specific camera I can point out a few of the differences I noticed between these three models that might help in your decision-making process. Since I'm not sure what kind of photography you are primarily interested in or what your level of experience may be, I've selected a few things that I hope will help you. I'm basing my opinions on reviews I've read at a website called "Steves Digicams" (a product tester/reviewer with much experience). Ok, here we go:  

As for lens quality, Zeiss is nice.   The Sony showed little noise and practically no chromatic aberration (color fringing). Likewise the Olympus showed no chromatic aberration.

All three cameras produced saturated color with the Canon reproducing color perhaps a tad more accurately IMHO.

All three models have some lens distortion (barrel and/or pincushioning) which is not uncommon in this class so don't fret it too much.

If your interests include macro photography, then the Canon may be the way to go. It allows you to get as close as 1.6 inches near your subject. Yes, the Olympus has a super macro mode which lets you get closer but at that nearness its flash locks out and the tripod mount (you'd want to use a tripod) is made of plastic (could break).

The Olympus, with its 5x Optical Zoom, has the 35mm equivalent of a 38-190mm lens. If you're interested in telephoto photography, the 190mm end would serve you well.

Conversely, if you're more interested in taking wide-angle shots and panoramics, then the Canon with its 28-100mm equivalent lens would be more suitable for this purpose.

Personally, I love Manual mode and all those adjustable/customizable features (like white balance, metering options, etc.)! Some folks are freaked out by them but if you think you'll be inclined to enjoy learning about and using them, then take a look at the Canon.

As for buffering, important if you're shooting a lot of action shots (or in my case, wildlife), the Canon's specs looked good but its lag time was a bit slower than the others if you aren't already pre-focused.

Now that I've probably confused you even more, fear not. All three of these cameras are good, high-end small point-n-shoot models. Being 7 mega-pixel cameras, they all have the capacity to produce (uncropped) photographic quality images at a whopping size of 13x19.   If you're new to photography, all three have plenty of presets. If you're more experienced, all three allow for customizing and manual choices.

[maxpowers]

Thank you for that detailed response.  I would consider myself to be not quite a beginner but not yet intermediate.  I  had a Canon Powershot S400 but it was stolen by a pickpocket at the Miami autoshow this past weekend.  I was pretty comforatble with most of the features on that camera so I think I'm ready for something a little more advanced.

 The two primary uses for the camera will be general vacation pictures of people and scenery and also close ups of flowers.  My mom is in the garden club and wants me to take macro shots of flowers and plants that she could blow up into a poster.  I thought I'd need a 7 megapixel camera in order to do that.  

 From what you said and what I've read I'm leaning towards to Canon.   Even though it doesn't have the zoom that some of the olympus, I guess I can use the digital zoom without losing much quality if I needed to do so.

 Are there any other cameras that you would suggest in this category or anything else you think I should know before I buy?

[ShutterbugGail]

I guess I can use the digital zoom without losing much quality if I needed to do so.

No, do NOT depend on a digital zoom. Pictures taken with digital zooms are not usually quality ones. They can rarely be fixed with image editing software. Many advanced digicams give you the option of turning the digital zoom off because photographers often find the image quality lacking when using it...and don't want to advance into digital zoom range by mistake.

I have heard, however, that the digital zoom on the Olympus 8080 does a better-than-average job.

Here is a brief summary of the differences between an optical and digital zoom:

http://digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-features/digital-camera-lenses.htm

[Deb]

Please don't use the digital zoom if you are wanting to produce photographic prints and/or posters. You'll be very disappointed in the results.

If you're interested, you might like to look into the digital SLRs available. Many manufacturers make suitable models. I've read that the Nikon D70 is very good. I use a D100 and am very happy with it. Canon makes very good dslrs as does Fuji and others. Since you mentioned that you are knowledgable and experienced with digicam features, you might like the control you have with a dSLR. Anyway, it is just a thought.  

[maxpowers]

  Ok, I won't use the digital zoom at all.  The only problem I have with SLR's is that they are too big.  I should have also mentioned that I would like as small a camera as possible that takes high quality pictures.  My canon powershot s400 was the perfect size, but I would rather have a camera that is a little larger but takes better pictures(like the 3 I meantioned earlier.  The reason is that when I go on vacation I usually stick the camera into my backpack along with water, food, video camera, etc and I don't want something that takes a lot of room or weights a lot.  

 I've reread all the reviews I could find and have tentatively decided on the canon.  I used a 512mb CF card before and it was plenty, but will it be enough for a 7 megapixel camera?  Also, does it matter if you get a CF or CF2 card?  I don't really care how fast it transfers to my computer.

[ShutterbugGail]

  I used a 512mb CF card before and it was plenty, but will it be enough for a 7 megapixel camera?  Also, does it matter if you get a CF or CF2 card?  I don't really care how fast it transfers to my computer.

You may eventually want to get a second CF Card, but that size should suit you well to begin with. Here's some information about memory card capacity:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/camera-questions-and-answers/memory-card-capacity.htm

The Canon camera takes both cards, CompactFlash type I/II as well as Microdrive. It comes with a 32 MB card.

If you opt for another camera, ask. Some cameras take both type CF cards, some only take one type.

That Canon PowerShot S70 sure seems nice!

[Deb]

Hi, the only difference between a Type I and a Type 2 Compactflash card is the thickness of that card. CF Type I cards are 3.3 mm thick and CF Type II cards are 5mm thick. The Canon camera you are leaning towards accepts both sizes.

If your camera does accept microdrives but you hike and shoot above 9000 feet (I do) then I'd stick with CF cards. At elevation, the air is thinner and this can cause the microdrive head to crash. You definitely don't want that to happen!

As to how much of a card to get, prices are low on CF cards now. If you shoot a lot on your trips, I'd suggest getting as much card as you're comfortable spending. Since you want to be able to enlarge images considerably, you'll be shooting in an uncompressed mode. For a 7mp camera, these files can be over 3mp for a Superfine image. Also, faster cards enable your camera to write/read to it faster. Check your camera's manual for media suggestions.

Also, while you're at it, you may want to pick up a spare NB-2LH battery if you find that you'll be out backpacking for a while. (I keep mine charged and next to my body so that they don't get cold and lose charge as fast.)

I understand your need for small size and light weight. I predominantly shoot natural history/wildlife subjects so I'm out in the field alot hiking and shooting. I'm always trying to find ways to trim down my pack load.  

Good luck,
and have fun!

[Deb]

PS: I read that the Canon model you are leaning towards has an optional teleconverter lens available. These lenses are good quality and, if you find you are wanting greater telephoto capability than what you get from your optical zoom, you might like to put one of these on your wish list.   It'll extend your focal length to an equivalent of a 200mm lens.

Cheers!

[maxpowers]

  "Also, while you're at it, you may want to pick up a spare NB-2LH battery if you find that you'll be out backpacking for a while. (I keep mine charged and next to my body so that they don't get cold and lose charge as fast.)"

 Thank you all so much for all the info.  I wouldn't have been able to make this decision without all the great feedback I've gotten here.  I'm definitely getting the Canon Powershot S70 now.

  I have one question that I hope isn't too dumb.  Will my battery charger or battery work from my Canon Powershot S400?  That one uses a NB-1LH battery.

[Deb]

We're happy to be of help!

Let's see, the specs for the Canon S70 indicate that it comes with a Battery Pack NB-2LH and a Battery Charger CB-2LT. I suspect that your NB-1LH won't fit/work with this camera. It looks to be smaller. Bummer!

By the way, when I travel, I recharge my batteries in my car with an all-purpose AC/DC power adapter. I got mine at a Truck Stop on the road. This way I can charge up while driving rather than having to overnight in motels, or use the outlets at a diners restaurants, etc.  

Cheers!