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General discussion

Need recommendation for pretty decent pix AND video?

May 28, 2005 3:42AM PDT

Hi,

I'm not terribly experienced using digital cameras. We bought our Epson 3100Z when our son was born back in 2001, but although it has served us well, it died this week. After consulting Epson and their local authorized repair center, the cost to fix the camera (quoted at almost $300) would be more than I'm willing to spend on an older camera, with no warranty.

So, now I'm in the market for a new digicam.

I would like a camera that's user friendly, has a decent zoom (the zoom on the 3100Z was ok, but I'd like something better) takes good quality photos (mostly family stuff, but closeups of flowers, etc too), and takes good video too.....all for under $500. The Epson was a 3.3 MP, and I'm looking for something higher than that, but again, with good pix quality AND good video quality, all under $500.

I don't want much, do I? LOL.

Appreciate any help, thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Decent pix and video.
May 28, 2005 12:05PM PDT

For $500 and under.....

Sounded like a simple task......

Not so.......

The problem is the video.

I assumed you would want a camera with manual controls since the Epson 3100 had such nice things as:
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual focus
etc.

That led to a lot of nice cameras but cameras in that class have not put much effort into video. They have specifications like 640x480 at 15fps (frames per second) or just 320x240 at higher frame rates.

I found only one camera that meets you desires:

The Fujifilm E550 - 640x480/30fps video and the camera sells for just under $300.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilme550/

Now for $525, there is the Sony V3.
A very nice prize indeed.

And if you can wait until the end of June, the Canon S2-IS will be selling for $500. This will be the hot camera for people who want a 12X optical zoom. It is supposed to be fast, fast, fast. In addition to the 640x480/30 video, you can take full size photos at 2.4 frames per second. Just hold down the shutter button and it will continue to capture until you run out of memory. For shooting action....it will be hard to beat.

...
..
.

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Suggestions for a camera to capture decent pix and video
May 28, 2005 1:26PM PDT

Thanks for the suggestions!

Unfortunately, I can't really wait until the end of June. We just moved to Colorado (after being stationed overseas for several years), and besides wanting to take pix of the incredible scenery and some local events taking place in the next few weeks, we also have family coming to visit the second week of June. It's killing me right now not to have my digicam, and I certainly don't want to be without one when our family is here. We haven't seen them for quite a while.

I do appreciate the ideas, and I'll check into the ones you suggest. Anyone else?

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Decent pix and video
May 29, 2005 4:09PM PDT

I was hoping for more suggestions.....anyone? Appreciate the help, thanks.

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Decent pix
May 30, 2005 7:37AM PDT

The canon S2IS is now available at circuit city stores and would be exactly whhat you are looking for. Bought mine on saturday.Also sony DSC-H1

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Canon S2-IS
May 30, 2005 3:13PM PDT

A few days ago I wrote to Canon asking for a release date on the Canon S2-IS and they wrote back saying it wouldn't be available until mid-June. So I'm surprised that you were able to get one this weekend at Circuit City. But that's good news for me, if I can get one where I am.

May I ask if you got it from CC online, or did you walk into your local CC and buy it there? Also, where do you live (I'm in Co Springs, CO) and if you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it?

Thanks!

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Canon S2-IS again
May 31, 2005 1:39AM PDT

I've called around today and no one seems to have them in store yet....matter of fact, a few of the shops said that Canon has told them the camera won't be released until next month, same as I was told by Canon. The Circuit City here won't be open for another 30 mins, so I don't know what they'll say.

I'm glad you were able to get one, though. Did you preorder yours, or were you able to just walk in and get it on the spot? Any info would be helpful, thanks!

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RE: Canon S2-IS again
May 31, 2005 3:18AM PDT

I just called my local Circuit City, and I'm happy to report that they do, indeed, have the Canon S2-IS. I'm on my way to the store shortly, woo hoo.

Apparently they are the only company, or one of very few, that the camera has been released to. Everyone else I called said they aren't getting them until next month.

It'll be great to have the camera when our family visits in a few weeks. Although I know I'll be using it well before then, lol.

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Canon S2IS
May 31, 2005 7:14AM PDT

I live in Virginia. Bought mine at the local store for $499, seems like most CC stores are getting three cameras (1 for display model) if you go to DPREVIEW .com and the canon talk forum, you will find a lot of sample shots and info. the cameras started coming out last Thursday in Canada.

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Got mine today
May 31, 2005 9:56AM PDT

My local CC had only three of them, and I also paid $499. Just got home, and I'm going to open mine up after dinner. Can't wait to see if the Canon S2-IS is as good as the hype, but it had all the specs I wanted, so I doubt if I'll be disappointed (I'm only a beginner, anyway).

Thanks for the heads up so I could get one!

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Canon S2 IS
Jun 3, 2005 5:42AM PDT

Let us know what you think! I'm going to check it out tonight, I might be coming home with one myslef!

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Canon S2 IS
Jun 13, 2005 2:31AM PDT

Where can I read a review about image quality?

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Canon S2 SI review
Jun 13, 2005 3:44AM PDT

Go to www.dcresource.com and read Jeff's review of this model. He was very pleased with image quality.

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Canon S2 SI review
Jun 13, 2005 6:54AM PDT

Tks for the info, I'm reading it right now, if you know another review, just let me know
TKS again
Do you think a good idea to sell my Canon S45 and get the S2 ? I'm very glad with the image quality of the S45.

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S45 or S2 SI
Jul 3, 2005 12:42PM PDT

I cannot help you there. I do not own either camera. I have a Fuji F10 for a P&S pocket camera and the Olympus C-7070 for a wide lens w/ manual controls, hotshoe, etc. Both are great cameras and I am very happy with them.

I guess you have to decide why you would want to sell your S45 in favor of the S2. If you are happy w/ image quality on the S45 why bother to spend all that $$$ for the S2, unless you will have a definite need for it. Hope this helps.