Digital Camera dilemma

[CityOfJoy]

OK I have done enough research on 3 models (all 10x zooms) that I like. Need help to select one.

They are all around $500 range. So far Kodak seems to be winning the race based on reviews on tonnes of web sites like megapixel.net / dpreview.com etc.

I am not a entry level user and not a pro either.. somewhere in between. Most pictures I would take will be family and specially of my newborn son.

So please help...

1) Kodak DX6490
4 mp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/dx6490.html

2) Fuji FinePix S5000
3.1 mp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/fuji_s5000.html

4) Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
3.1 mp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/c740uz.html

5) Minolta DiMAGE Z1
3.2 mp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/z1.html

 

[YorkNorthGuy]

I have an older Fuji and I love it

 

[fromaway]

OK I have done enough research on 3 models (all 10x zooms) that I like.

CoJ,

The most important thing about the zoom is the optical zoom. Make sure that is at least 3x which is about the equivalent of a 35 to 105 mm traditional zoom. With regard to zooming digitally I think Sony has the best but one but you can always digitally resize/zoom on their computer later.

fa

 

[Damondean]

Steve's digicams is the best for reviews and info. I had a Kodak DC4800 that I loved but it had not enough manual controls and no focus assist -- i.e. focus in low light. I have gone over to a Canon G2.

Things I look for are: manual controls, focus assist, ability to hook up external flash--either via hot shoe or c-plug.

I love digital and use it for commercial work. But I mostly use film for family kids' pix and get a CD at the same time. Why? You drop off the roll, pick up the prints and e-mail any off the CD. I don't have to download and spend time on the computer. I do more than enough of that.

I guess everything will be digital soon as the cameras drop in price and get better.

A camera like a car is a very personal choice. All the ones you list are good although I'm not crazy about the Kodak "Easyscahre" system.

 

[Nibbler]

Check out www.henryscamera.com as well.

You'll find everything from some of the lower end digital cameras right up to the commercial digital cameras and everything in between. The staff at Henrys are exceptional.

They also have a link to a page that takes you through a question and answer session that is supposed to give you some insight as to what exactly you want to use the digital camera for.

As already mentioned above, some want more manual controls and others want the fully automated cameras.

I ended up getting an HP 850i which is 8x optical and 7x digital zoom. Essentially the HPs have Fuji inards or so the manual indicates.

 

[Hollywoodladies.ca]

I have the Kodak ( not that model but still 4 mgapixels ) and I find it incredibly easy to use.....photo's are transferred, emailed, edited etc... all at the touch of a button.I's really really easy. I love it.
Steph

 

[Speedo]

I have gone over to a Canon G2.

I bought a G2 a couple of years ago, and the pics are nothing short of amazing for a 4-meg. Maybe a digital SLR next, but that's in the future...

 

[Snake Pliskin]

It may not seem like it now, but you would find the video feature real nice later on. Even if you have a video camera. The Minolta looks like the best for video (WITH SOUND). Mine has video, but no sound. A friend had one skiing, and some of the short vids he took, along with the stills, were hilarious!

 

[Damondean]

It all depends what you want to do with the pix. The Canon also has a video feature. I've only used it once. It's not something I have a demand for. I would use a video camera if I did.

The big change with digital is that it changes your work flow. It requires post-production much like a film.

 

[wet/dry vac]

I just bought the hp photosmart 945 with the 245 printer. This baby is awesome.
Takes about 2 min to print the photo but the quality is great and I don't have to go through the computer.
I always liked the polaroid and this is a huge step up on that.

 

[h_upmann]

Take a look at the Oly 750, too. It looks like the 740 plus:
4MP instead of 3.2
hot shoe
wireless remote (this is cool, if have one on my old 2100uz)
NIMH batteries & charger