help me i'm a fly!

[cleofus1]

i know only enough about photography to be dangerous (to myself)...so i need some advice...i want to buy a digital camera for two purposes...for family photos and to take pictures of my artwork...acrylic paintings...i do have a a computer with various inputs for different types of memory sticks and if someone could give me some advice on brands and types i would appreciate it...i can only afford about 500 dollars so that is the main parameter...thank you...

[cleofus1]

1. of course i could buy a nikon f2

if i could find one...but 35 millimeter is so passe...

[NV Whino]

2. I don't know what these are going for these days,

but check out the Nikon D50 or D70. And, instead of the lens that comes with the camera, look for the 28-200 mm lens. It's much more versatile. It's the one I use to shoot my art as well as an all around lens. (Doesn't have to be a Nikon lens, although I personally prefer Nikon lenses.)

[cleofus1]

3. nine hundred to 1000 dollars

Price: $948.89
Technical Details
6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
Includes AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G ED-IF lens
2.0-inch LCD display; power-up time of approximately 0.2 seconds
RAW and JPEG capture; burst mode allows for capture of three frames per second for up to 144 pictures
Stores images on CF cards or Microdrive; powered by EN-EL3a or EN-EL3 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (includes EN-EL3a battery and charger)

Product Description

Based on the award-winning image quality, high performance and user-friendliness of the Nikon D70, the D70s offers several refinements that will further enhance your digital SLR experience. For starters the D70s features a 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX format CCD that yields 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images that are suitable for making large prints, or for creative cropping to bring out detail. With a power-up time of a mere 0.2 seconds, this SLR is basically ready to shoot when you are. Pictures are processed and recorded extremely quickly, and preview images appear on the LCD monitor almost instantly.


The top display shows critical exposure information.


The D70s' connection ports are easily accessible. View larger.


"In the cockpit": controls at the ready. View larger.


Two-inch TFT LCD monitor.
With the D70s, high-speed action photography is truly a reality. With the ability to shoot a rapid three frames per second (fps) for a continuous burst of 144 pictures, you'll never miss any action. And with shutter speeds that range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, or up to a 1/500-second flash synch speed, you'll be sure to have the flexibility you need to capture the action precisely as you want it.

Best of all, the D70s employs the Nikon F lens mount for seamless compatibility with the comprehensive lineup of high-quality AF and AF-S Nikkor lenses that have long been favored by professionals around the world. Included with the D70s is the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G ED-IF -- a compact standard zoom lens that covers the focal length range of 18 to 70 millimeters, which is equivalent to 27 to 105 millimeters in 35mm format.

Professional Quality with Point-and-Shoot Simplicity
While the D70s offers many features you'd only expect in a professional-level SLR, the camera also supports many features that make picture-taking a breeze for anyone. The D70s features Digital Vari-Program selections that automatically optimize white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue settings to best match the selected scene. Instead of having to worry about all the camera settings, you can have the option of choosing from one of several "modes" -- such as Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night Portrait -- that will deliver the optimum image for you according to the conditions. This means you can concentrate on capturing that special moment while leaving the details to the camera. And once you've taken your shots, Nikon's PictureProject user interface makes image management, editing and sharing easy and fun. Simply connect the camera to a computer to automatically import pictures. You can also quickly e-mail or auto enhance images, run slide shows, burn CD/DVDs, and access other commonly used functions easily and intuitively. With simple drag-and-drop steps, you can organize pictures into separate collections and quickly locate any file by name, keyword, or date.

Among the many other features that make the D70s an ideal digital SLR solution are:

Nikon-exclusive Silent Wave Motor for high-speed auto-focusing with accuracy and super-quiet operation
Internal Focusing (IF) for smoother operation and great balance
Three Nikon ED glass elements, plus aspherical element for low distortion and minimized chromatic aberration
M/A mode for instant switching from auto-focus to manual Nikon D-Signal technology for enhanced flash and ambient exposure control
The camera's included EN-EL3a rechargeable lithium-ion offers up to 2,500 shots per charge, and the large, two-inch TFT LCD monitor offers several playback options, including single frame, four or nine-image thumbnail display, zoom with scroll (up to 4.7x), automatic slide show, histogram indication and highlight point display. In short, the Nikon D70s delivers the professional-level quality an SLR of this class but with many of the convenient automated features that can make photography so fun.
What's in the Box
D70s, rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL3a, quick charger MH-18a, video cable, USB cable UC-E4, strap, body cap, eyepiece cap DK-5, rubber eyecup DK-20, LCD monitor cover BM-5, PictureProject CD-ROM. Lens kit includes Nikkor 18-70mm lens, HB-32 hood, CL-0915 case, 67mm lens cap, and rear cap.

Product Description
6.1 Megapixel / 2" LCD / Uses CompactFlash Memory Card / Fast Shutter / Auto and Manual Focus and Exposure Modes / Built-in Speedlight / PC and Mac 3 fps Continuous Shooting - for up to 144 consecutive shots Refined 5-Area AF System - with NEW All-Area Search / 3D Color Matrix Metering Fast - 1/8000 sec. Maximum Shutter Speed & 1/500 Sec. Flash Sync Built-in Speedlight Electronic-Flash Dimension (WxHxD) - Approx. 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inch / Weighs 1.25 lbs

[cleofus1]

4. that d70 looks hot but is beyond my price range

seriously...is 35 millimeter really dead?

[priller]

5. Not dead, but in its final moments

Nikon only sells 1 film camera, no further development. Canon is in a similar state. Kodak no longer makes b&w paper. Etc.

To answer your original question, if all you want to do is take family photos and pictures of your artwork, then a good compact camera will probably work. Something like a Canon A540, which is a terrific little camera: 6 MP, 4x zoom, fast operation, manual control of aperture and exposure (if you want to), good lens. While not as flexible as a DSLR, yet in terms of image quality it's pretty close to something like a D70 (as long as ISO is 200 or less).

[cleofus1]

6. that's too bad

i used to own a nikon f2...back in 1979? and i loved that camera! really is digital that much better? i suppose it is...

well that canon looks nice...mmmmm...i have a couple of weeks to look around...

[CC]

7. Here are two sites that

do great camera reviews. www.dpreview.com www.steves-digicams.com

The Canon above would work great but don't throw out the idea of a DSLR too fast. Around here they show up in pawn shops about the same time a newer model comes out. It might be worth looking into if you want a DSLR. And being digital you can test it and the lens out right there in the shop.

[cleofus1]

8. so a digital single lens reflex

give the photographer more control over the image ie; depth of field, focus, aperture and lens speed etc?
what exactly are the advantages of a dslr?

[CC]

9. It would give you all that

you mentioned, plus more control over exposure and lens flexibility. If you had a 35 mm film camera once it would be more like it. Though if you really want a film camera they are still out there as is film. Part of going digital for a lot of pros is it simplifies the work flow. Even film photographers are scanning in their negatives and digitizing them. For amateurs like myself it gives immediate feedback and allows us to try new things with out the expense of film and developing.
What you might need really only depends on what you will use it for, If you are taking pics of your artwork to put on the web,a point and shoot is all you need. Even if you want 4x6 prints to keep 3 mega pixels would be plenty. If you think you want 8x10s look for a 5 plus mega-pixel camera.
If you have a small independent camera shop near you it would be a great place to check out cameras. Most small shops won't push you to get anything you don't need and have lots of information and know how. If they are pushy find a different shop. Ours even does hourly and daily rentals which is a great way to find out what fits you best. Also ask some other artist what they use.

[priller]

10. Better in some ways

Much more convenient, cheaper (no film/developing costs), instant feedback is great, easy to upload to computer. I love being able to take hundreds of shots and try different kinds of things, even if I end up keeping only a handful of them. And Photoshop is another whole world...

In terms of image quality, film is still the champ, but DSLR's are closing the gap. And it's close enough that even magazines like National Geographic have switched over to digital.

[bvar22]

11. "family photos and to take pictures of my artwork"

You don't need a SLR for this kind of photography.
If this is all you want to do, an SLR would be a major pain in the ass.
All major manufacturers offer a digital camera (non SLR) that would exceed your requirements.

I'm partial to Olympus.
Today, I saw a 7 megapixel Olympus (720SW) that was Shockproof and waterproof(guaranteed to 10' underwater). The salesman dropped it to a concrete floor from 6' and it still worked perfectly. Fits in your top pocket. $350
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0601/06012602olympus_720sw.asp


or
If you want something with a little more creative potential.
Olympus SP-500UZ $307.00
6 mp, 10X Optical Zoom
http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/oly-sp500/sp500-gen.php


Either of the above will more than cover your needs and offer plenty of room for growth if the fancy strikes.

On the other hand, if you are willing to commit yourself to an expanding Art (and Craft) that will make continuing demands on your time and money, consider a Digital SLR.
I did, and I now spend most of my leisure time occupied with taking or processing digital pictures, or reading about Photography, or lurking on InterNet Forums that talk about photography. I also spend a bunch of my disposable income buying new stuff for my obsession, or dreaming about the new Professional Quality lenses I MUST have. You can NEVER buy enough stuff to satisfy your SLR.
BTW: I am very happy with my choice.

As far as your computer, most digital cameras will plug directly into your computer via a USB cable and download directly to your hard drive. The files from a 7 megapixil camera are quite large, so it is a good idea to have a large Hard Drive with plenty of extra space. Most of us have a 2nd Hard Drive dedicated to digital pictures. A fast processor and lots of RAM help also.

Good Luck with your choice.

[Ms. Toad]

12. I have an Olympus Camedia 4000

my mother (not computer literate) and my daughter (who designs web pages in HTML) both loved is so much that my camera quickly turned into triplets.

Great point and shoot - and lots of bells and whistles to play with if you want them. Super macro you can focus less than in inch away from the lens, good color. You can see a number of pictures I took with it here: http://photogroup.smugmug.com/gallery/681553

Drawbacks - delayed shutter (like most digitals), limited zoom (3 or 4x, I forget).

My recollection is that it was around $250. Olympus has moved on to other models, but you may still be able to pick one up (or find a similar one). I did my pre-purchase explorations using Steve's Digicam (recommended up thread) - I highly recommend that resource.

[cleofus1]

13. Pentax *istDL 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL Digital

this one looks good...price after rebate is 428$ any opinions on this one?

From the Manufacturer
Bigger only where it matters most, Pentax delivers better for a third time in the Pentax *ist DL digital SLR. Hosting an array of advanced, user-friendly features including an Auto Picture mode for automatic exposure selection, the *ist DL features a generous 2.5 inch color high definition LCD monitor that offers an entirely new playback dimension. Add to this a 6.1-megapixel CCD, convenient SD media card storage, high speed USB 2.0 data transfer, and a compact high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis, and what you have is a design offering simple, accessible operation to delight new and advanced users alike.
Features


Compact design with high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis Body measures just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches.
Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor remains easy to view, even on sunny days. Power saving mode extends battery life.
6.1 megapixel CCD and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction.
Convenient SD media Card storage and High Speed USB 2.0 data transfer.
Versatile multi-source power supply operates on AA batteries, 2CR-V3 lithium batteries, or optional AC adapter.
About the Included Lens
The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all Pentax lenses, the smc P-DA 18-35mm f4-5.6 zoom lens is treated with Pentax's acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.
What's in the Box
*ist DL body, smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens, video cable I-VC28 (39262), USB Cable I-USB17 (39233), strap O-ST10 (39190), 4 AA batteries, lithium battery CR2016, hotshoe cover FK (31040), lens cap F 52mm (31515), lens hood PH-RBA 52mm (38741), eyecup FL (30132), finder cap for ME (31011), body mount cover (31016), software (CD ROM) S-SW34, operating manual, serial number card, Service Network Directory