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General discussion

Need more ZOOM! - HELP ME UPGRADE!

Mar 31, 2005 9:44PM PST

Hi. I currently own a Kodak EasyShare CX6230, 2.0 Mega Pixels with 3X optical zoom and I've had it since last Christmas, over a year ago. I love the camera, the only problem is the battery life SUCKS. Also, the zoom is not that great and I want to upgrade my camera for one that will best suit me.

I'm going to study abroad in May for 3 weeks, and I will be taking LOTS, hundreds, of pictures and I don't think my camera will perform as good as I want it to perform. So, what do you suggest I get, in a budget of up to $350? I need good zoom and GREAT battery life.

What do I need more, mega pixels, optical zoom, or digital zoom? Now, I'm not a high tech whiz so please BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME! BE SPECIFIC! Happy

Thank you for your help! Happy
YLC

Discussion is locked

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Zoom upgrade
Mar 31, 2005 11:41PM PST

In the under $350 price range, there are only three long zoom cameras:
The new Konica Minolta Z20 - 5 Megapixel and 8X zoom.
The Konica Minolta Z10 - 3 Megapixel and 8X zoom
The Kodak DX6490 - 4 megapixel and 10X zoom

There is also the Fujifilm E550, which is 6 megapixels and 4X zoom, which sells for about $330.

Forget digital zoom - it degrades the quality of the photo.

Anything from 3 to 5 megapixels can provide great photos. If you want to print large 8 x 10 inch photos, go for the 4 or 5 megapixels.

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Let me add.
Apr 1, 2005 12:01AM PST

My dx7590 Kodak refurb arrived at my doorstop a few days ago. I paid 337 plus shipping. It was spotless and I can't tell it was a return.

bob

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So digital zoom not so important.?
Apr 1, 2005 6:56AM PST

So what the other guy said is true? Do you agree with what he said? The digital zoom is not as important as the optical zoom?

Thanks for the help.

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Go for the optical zoom
Apr 4, 2005 9:27AM PDT

Optical zoom is a lot better than the digital zoom. Check this forum on in Google about this topic

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Why optical zoom is the one that counts
Apr 8, 2005 10:57AM PDT

Simple enough. Optical zoom increases the size of your image with the glass of the zoom, the light hits the sensor already magnified (so to speak). A digital zoom takes the image from the sensor and increases its size by adding pixels between the original ones. The quality of the added pixels is defined by the camera's software, and is a form of interpretation of "what should I put between those two pixels" kind of thing.

For battery life, I have had great experience with Canon (Powershot G1 and G2) and Nikon (Coolpix that have rechargeable batteries). I don't know about other brands. I currently a Nikon D70 DSLR that gives me about 220 pictures on a 2 hours charge... (although the D70 is not in your price range, it illustrates the quality of Nikon's batteries).

Hope this helps!

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Digital Zoom
Apr 1, 2005 7:12AM PST

I use a Kodac 7590 and it is great. I have taken over 1000 pictures of birds, animals, etc, so I use the zoom a lot. I have turned off the digital zoom on the camers. Digital zoom tends to blur the pictures.
That camera sells for 459.00 or less.
Robert

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Thanks for the input. I decided on the........
Apr 12, 2005 1:25AM PDT

I decided on getting the Kodak DX7590 Kit. So thank you everyone who helped me decided on a great camera. I LOVE IT! I'm trying it out for now, but I think it's a keeper. I have the battery charger dock, but I may get the printer dock as well and I am getting the 1GB SD memory card so I have plenty of room for the hundreds of pictures I'll be taking in France.

Bob (Proffit), I know you got that camera too, and I'm glad you helped me choose a great camera. You are the best... like always.Wink THANK YOU!

YLC

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I like mine too. About charging on the road...
Apr 12, 2005 1:30AM PDT

I was surprised that the 5V adapter when plugged into the camera doesn't charge the battery. It only charges when in the dock OR if you pick up a Kodak kit for charging the battery.

I got 8 days and filled the 256MB card up 3 times over on one charge but day 8 was the return trip home and there was no way to take another shot.

To get more battery time, use the eyepiece viewer as much as possible.

Bob

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Eyepiece Instead of the LCD quick view?
Apr 14, 2005 10:39PM PDT

Yeah, the camera is great. It's got a lot of great features. Now, to get less quality pictures, I'd have to reduce the MP's right? Cause this one is not like the CX6230 that you can just change the quality from Best, to Better, or Good. Our camera you'd have to change the MPs, if I'm not mistaken?

I may keep asking you for tips on this camera, but I want to thank you for helping me choosing a great camera. Happy Have a great day, Bob!