What digital camera

[BCReefer]

I am looking at purchasing a digital camera. Can anyone suggest something in the $400.00 range? Of course it should take good pictures for the aquarium. I will buy used as long as I can get a receipt for my business.

Thanks
Patrick

[StirCrazy]

Patrick, I am a big fan of the fuji finepixs I have one myself and I find it takes beautiful picutres and macro's. you could probably easaly get the 2.1MP version for about 400.00 now. I only have the 1.3MP and the only complaint I have is you can't print large photo quality pics from it.. the 2.1 would alow you to print out 5X7's. other than that the only other one I know of is the nikon cool pix it takes deicent pics also but I am not sure about price or how many MP it is. I think DJ88 has one maby he could fill you in on the details on that one.

Steve

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

I am assuming that you are going to use it for more than a couple of pictures on your tank. 2.1 MP is good for most tasks. 3.1 MP is a bit better for 10x8 blow ups, but they are more expensive. 1.3MP are great too...but just don't make 10x8. Don't get all caught up with the MP issue. Just because there are more MPs does not mean that your picture will look more accurate and undistorted.

For reef pictures, the camera should have a feature that allows you to change the colour/white balance of the picture. Most cameras will either do it automatically or you can adjust it manually. Basically, you need a camera that will take pictures properly in fluorescent lighting.

Canon Powershot A20 should fit the bill. Very nice picture quality and easy to use. If you need a few more features, an A40 should work also. They run around $430...bargain around. These cameras are basically like point and shoot cameras. Very few buttons to press and adjust -- everything is automatic.

As for the Fujis, they have a problem with image quality. It is fundamental to their sensor technology and it is fairly apparent when taking certain types of pictures. Its not a drop dead issue, you'll need to look at the sample pictures to decide if it is a problem for you (see online reviews). On the plus side, they include rechargable batteries in their package -- Canon does not. The suggested camera is a 2600 Zoom.

Sony makes a nice camera. Only problem with Sony is that you have to buy SONY BATTERIES and MEMORY CARDS. So, they tend to be more pricy since nobody else uses them. Olympus makes a simple and easy to use D-510/D-520 camera, but more pricy and more features. Nikon priced themselves outside of your budget - they start around $550-$600.

For Canadian prices for most popular models, visit www.henrys.com. And for reviews of most popular models, http://www.imaging-resource.com/ -- besure to look at the sample pictures and compare between models. For local prices, www.kerrisdalecameras.com

Keep in mind that digital cameras change every 6 months. So, there are always deals and rebates on the older models. Most cameras do not include MH rechargable batteries -- this is a must. Digital cameras eat batteries for breakfast -- 10 minutes on standard Duracell batteries.

Some computer stores (the privately owned ones) sell cameras at a signifcant discount over most larger retailers. If you have travel to Asia, you can get these cameras for less.

- Victor.

[ 05 May 2002, 14:51: Message edited by: reefburnaby ]

[terryp01]

Check this auction out for the one listed above. Currently 315.00

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage...tionId=7199197

[BCReefer]

I went out last night and bought a Fuji 2600 digital camera for $500.00. I went over my budget by a $100.00 but I think with the bigger lense I will get crisper pictures.

Stay tuned for some good pictures.

Cheers,
Patrick