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General discussion

NEED HELP WITH PURCHASE

Nov 8, 2004 10:17PM PST

Hi I'm buying my first DC. I've read until I'm blue in the face and seem to get more confused each day. I'm interested in a 4 mp camera with a higher optical zoom that includes image stabilization.

I'm looking to take this when I travel and hope the zoom features will help me get some great pictures, will be using this for close detail on ebay too as well as just emailing pictures. I really do not want to have to buy a tripod.

I need lots of direction here and hope you all can give me a handful of good cameras to choose from. I appreciate your help. I do not want to spend more than about $400 and not even sure if that is possible.

Perhaps I should tell you my husband is the one that is insisting on the close up zoom. I just read about image stabilization here today so not even really sure what that is.

This is all very new to me and I do thank each of you for your help and opinion in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Re: NEED HELP WITH PURCHASE
Nov 9, 2004 4:50AM PST

I assume you are looking for a camera with a 10X or 12X optical zoom (with image stabilization) and one that has good macro focus range.

Your target price of $400 can be met if you settle for a 3 Megapixel camera:
Canon S1-IS
Panasonic FZ3

If you can stretch to about $435, that can get you a 4 megapixel camera.
Konica Minolta Z3

Image Stabilization is used on many digital camcorders and is now available on some digital cameras. When you try to focus on a distant object at 10X zoom, any camera movement will be multiplied by 10 and can result in a blurred photo. It also makes it very difficult for the camera to get a focus lock.

How it works is a lengthy subject as there are several methods used by the camera companies. But lucky for us it is not necessary to know HOW it works.

The macro mode is used to focus on an object that is very close to the lens. It is used to photograph small objects, which gets you into the world of "table top photography". The key ingredient in table top photography is lighting.

On digital cameras there is often a Macro Focus mode which switches the auto focus system to attempt to focus on subjects much closer to the lens.

...

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Image stabilization helps to a degree, but will not
Nov 9, 2004 6:22AM PST

overcome all problems. You still may find that some support is needed at high zoom levels. This is particularly true in low light conditions when the shutter must be held open longer.

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Re: NEED HELP WITH PURCHASE
Nov 13, 2004 4:51PM PST

I agree with kidpeet. Image stabilization is helpful, but at longer focal lengths or shutter speeds or both, there is no substitute for good old-fashioned physical stability. In situations where a tripod isn't practical, a collapsible monopod can make a huge difference in the quality of your results. Compared to the price of a $400 camera, both are relatively inexpensive.