Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Digital Camera Compare

Oct 16, 2004 7:03PM PDT

Hey everybody. I'm looking for a somewhat small 5 megapixel camera. I know a lot about computers but little about digital cameras. I know that I want a high quality camera, with a good battery life. I also want a large LCD screen on the camera and a good digital zoom (I go to Penn State and I want to have some great action shots of the football games which we eventually lose).

Here's what I have narrowed it down to. These also fit my price range pretty well.

- Fuji E510 -
http://reviews.cnet.com/Fujifilm_FinePix_E510_digital_camera/4505-6501_7-31047244.html?tag=pdtl-list

- Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W1
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_Shot_DSC_W1/4505-6501_7-30725569.html?tag=tab

Let me know if anyone has opinions about these two and which one I should get. Thanks ahead of time for responses!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Digital Camera Compare
Oct 17, 2004 10:08PM PDT

You probably don't want digital zoom, especially for action shots. A large LCD will easily drain the battery life, so I'm not sure if any camera will meet all your requirements. Try the Konica Minolta Dimage Xg; its battery life is ~700 shots and has a fast click-to-capture time to catch all those sports pics you need.

- Collapse -
Re: Digital Camera Compare
Oct 18, 2004 11:55AM PDT

I really think you should keep looking.

The Fuji is a good price but the photos are soft.

The Sony produces sharp photos out-doors but you will run into blurry photos problems shooting in "automatic" mode in low-light and with flash. If you shoot in-doors and use manual mode, you can get good results.

.....take a look at the new Panasonic DMC-FX7.


...

- Collapse -
Avoid Expresscameras.com
Oct 19, 2004 10:47AM PDT

A word of advice if you intend to buy online; Do not buy from Expresscameras.com. I just purchased an 8 megapixel Nikon from them and it was the worst buying experience of my life. Last year I experienced the same with "Cameratopia.com" Avoid them as well. Beware rebate offers. The $200 rebate promised to me with my $650 Nikon was expired!

- Collapse -
Re: Digital Camera Compare
Oct 21, 2004 3:01PM PDT

Keith said:

Check out the Fuji s5100, 4 meg, good camera I have taken over 4000 pictures in 8 months. I am selling mine only because I am coming from film slr ( I was testing) and now will upgrade. BUT, this digital is excellent for the money and probably do what you want it for, losing or winning, it has manual speed, and F stops etc.

Keith

- Collapse -
Re: Digital Camera Compare
Oct 22, 2004 12:31PM PDT

I recently purchased the Kodak DX7440 after extensive research. It takes great pictures and the 4x optical zoom is much better than the 3x (worked great taking pictures at the University of Mich. football game)! Is extremely easy to use in auto, but you can also use manual settings. The DX7440 also has a higher quality video image (640 x 480). It has a 2.2 display also. The MSR is 299.00, but I paid $269 at Target online with a 10% off coupon and free shipping - Target usually has 10% off coupon at dealnews.com