Buying a new camera??

**ceburat** · 24-11-2006, 12:24 PM

I want to buy a new camera. Any camera experts here on teakdoor willing to give good advice. Advice from non-experts accepted as well.

What kind of camera do you have or prefer? What features does it have that you like best?

At present I have the old type camera. No wide angle lens. Hard to take photo's thru car or bus windows. Canon Sure ShoT 80 Tele/PRIMA BF TWIN. For snap shots, fully automatic, all you do is aim it and click the picture. Easy, but, did the photo come out good? did it come out at all? Not enought light, etc, bad batch of photos. The worse part of all of this is that you can not see the photos until hours after you snap them, when you get them developed.

I want to buy a new camera but I don't understand the termnology, features, etc. The good points, the bad points, what is necessary, best, etc.

All I know is the new camera's look nice. You can see the shot you just took and take it again if you don't like it. You can, maybe, download the photos directly to your computer. The camera's range in price from around 15,000 bhat to 40,000 bhat plus here in Bangkok.

**in4zip** · 24-11-2006, 12:40 PM

What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies, is at the link below.
cnet.com is THE "whatever" for dummies site re tech stuff, tronics, hard/soft ware etc. give it a spin and see if it suits you!

Digital camera buying guide - CNET reviews

**ceburat** · 24-11-2006, 01:25 PM

Somethings wrong, my computer does not like it when I go to CNET - Technology product reviews, price comparisons, tech video, and more. I get the home page and then a small screen comes up - microsoft internet exploer screen comes up and say's that the computer needs to shut down, that an error has been commited. Then my computer shuts down and I have to re-start. I tried four times. What next?

**dirtydog** · 24-11-2006, 01:50 PM

If you're used to shooting with a film camera, you'll notice some differences when you switch to a digital model. Here's a quick summary.

Key differences: Powering the camera | Recording pictures | Framing shots |
Snapping shots | Storing pictures | Displaying pictures | Printing pictures

Powering the camera

Many digital cameras use batteries designed specifically for them.

Film: Takes disposable batteries that require infrequent replacement.

Digital: Takes one or more of a variety of battery types--both disposable and rechargeable--that require frequent replacement or recharging.

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Recording pictures

A CCD is like film that you can reuse over and over again.

Film: Uses film, which comes in various frame sizes and different sensitivities to light.

Digital: Uses a fixed, light-sensitive, silicon chip that comes in two varieties: CCD or CMOS. This chip determines the frame size and the light sensitivity of the camera. You can simulate the effects of using different types of film via settings within the camera.

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Framing shots

Some cameras have LCDs that flip out and/or twist, to help you frame difficult shots.

Film: Uses an optical viewfinder that shows 97 to 100 percent of the scene.

Digital: Uses an optical viewfinder, as well as an LCD that displays 100 percent of the scene. But an LCD can be hard to see in bright light and uses a lot of battery power. Many cameras substitute the optical viewfinder with the kind of electronic viewfinder (EVF) that is used on camcorders. Photographers who are used to optical viewfinders don't always like EVFs, so try before you buy. For more information on viewfinders, read our two-part story, "Sights for sore eyes: a critical look at viewfinding."

Back to top

Snapping shots

Film: Instantaneous capture.

Digital: Varies wildly, depending upon image size, file format, media type, memory available for temporary storage, sensor type, and speed of autofocus.

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Storing pictures

Film: Stores images directly on the capture medium (film), which is single-use and supplies a fixed number of frames per roll.

Digital: Stores images as digital files on reusable memory cards or discs, both of which come in various capacities and can hold a variable number of frames per card.

JPEG
Small and fast for capture but has file compression that may introduce artifacts that degrade image quality.

RAW
Smaller than TIFFs and more flexible for postcapture retouching. Not offered on all cameras, and special software is required to read them.

TIFF
Large files that can slow down your shooting and fill up your media but have no compression artifacts.

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Displaying pictures

Digital camera LCDs allow you to view all the images you've taken.

Film: Aside from a few Advanced Photo System consumer models, can't display shots until after developing. Once film is developed, you can scan the photos or negatives to display on a monitor or a TV.

Digital: Plays back images on the LCD. In addition, many cameras allow you to connect to a TV for group viewing. You can also upload the pictures to an online photo-album site to share with the geographically remote.

Back to top

Printing pictures

Unlike with film cameras, you can print digital photos at home.

Film: Deliver to a photofinisher in order to get prints or digital files

Digital: You can download image files to your computer for printing on your home printer, or, if you have a compatible printer, you can attach your camera directly to it. Another option is getting traditional silver-halide prints from an online service or a local photofinisher who accepts digital files.

**in4zip** · 24-11-2006, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by ceburat

Somethings wrong, my computer does not like it when I go to CNET - Technology product reviews, price comparisons, tech video, and more. I get the home page and then a small screen comes up - microsoft internet exploer screen comes up and say's that the computer needs to shut down, that an error has been commited. Then my computer shuts down and I have to re-start. I tried four times. What next?

that is odd

try only cnet.com

then click left sidebar under "Reviews" digital cameras (sixth link down)

**Mr Earl** · 24-11-2006, 04:36 PM

It's crazy our there with all the choices available.
I'm partial to the Olympus cameras. You seem to get more for your money.
I've got an SLR E-300 which takes incredible pictures. But it's a no pocket camera and I don't carry it around much.
I'm about to buy a Olympus Stylus 720sw. It is shock proof, water proof and small enough to carry all the time.
I like the Olympus products because it isn't a fancy name like Canon or Nikon but they have a long tradition of innovation and very good quality. Like I said I think you get the best for the money.

**dirtydog** · 24-11-2006, 06:00 PM

I think the best value for money are the Samsung cameras, that is if it is something your gonna have with you everyday, then thru wear and tear it will only last a couple of years anyway, the last Samsung I bought is the digimax s800, this beast is 8 mega pixels, they now sell in the camera shops for about 7k baht, my original Samsung one I bought for about 23k baht I saw for sale about a year or so ago for about 12k baht

still at least they are getting cheaper

**Mr Earl** · 25-11-2006, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by dirtydog

I think the best value for money are the Samsung cameras, that is if it is something your gonna have with you everyday, then thru wear and tear it will only last a couple of years anyway, the last Samsung I bought is the digimax s800, this beast is 8 mega pixels, they now sell in the camera shops for about 7k baht, my original Samsung one I bought for about 23k baht I saw for sale about a year or so ago for about 12k baht

still at least they are getting cheaper

I didn't really know Samsung made cameras. They do seem to have a interesting line of cameras. this pocket one is similar to what I'm shopping for.
I still like the Olympus 720 sw better. But if you want an mp3 player built into your camera!!!!Well Samsung has one!

**Wayne Kerr** · 25-11-2006, 01:07 PM

Good camera site here - Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

**Marmite the Dog** · 26-11-2006, 06:09 PM

Just bought a new camera. A Canon Powershot A640. Seemed to be the best camera for around 15k, especially if you're shooting outside. Canon digital camera have always produced the most natural looking pictures to me.

A couple of tests from a weekend in Korat.

**Lily** · 01-12-2006, 11:54 AM

^very impressive!

**Little Chuchok** · 01-12-2006, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Just bought a new camera. A Canon Powershot A640. Seemed to be the best camera for around 15k, especially if you're shooting outside. Canon digital camera have always produced the most natural looking pictures to me.

Top shot!!

**slimboyfat** · 01-12-2006, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

A couple of tests from a weekend in Korat.

this one reminds me of looking at my eyes in the mirror this morning

**bustak** · 02-12-2006, 12:11 AM

this is the BEST site for camera reviews (IMHO):
Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

**Marmite the Dog** · 02-12-2006, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by bustak

this is the BEST site for camera reviews (IMHO):
Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

That's what I read and based my decision on.

I was also looking to buy the add-on wide angle lense, but Canon thailand are a bunch of fuckwits and are not importing it.

I shall get it sent over from Malaysia or buy another camera.

**LesBonsTemps** · 02-12-2006, 04:12 AM

I got a Kodak Z740 last year -- it was about US$300 as a new model but probably has come down now. I've been happy with it -- easy to use, but I'm still not using all its capabilities. That's my fault, not the camera.

The EasyShare printer is OK, but if I have multiple prints I usually send directly to the neighborhood camera shop.

Our 5-year-old grandaughter was even able to take some good shots with the Kodak -- we're getting her the Fisher Price Digital Camera for Kids for Christmas.

**Rigger** · 02-12-2006, 04:53 AM

Just bought a little Pentax Optio S7 for the wife great little camera adds sound to the pictures and can store about 2500 pics on the lower setting and about 250 on hi. Also does neat videos and can hold up to 60min of filming. All for just 11900bht

**Marmite the Dog** · 03-12-2006, 09:40 PM

I got a wide angle lense made by a different company for my Canon today. I've got aphoto-shoot next weekend at a hotel, so I'll see how much difference it makes.

**donmeurett** · 04-12-2006, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by ceburat

I want to buy a new camera. Any camera experts here on teakdoor willing to give good advice. Advice from non-experts accepted as well.

What kind of camera do you have or prefer? What features does it have that you like best?

At present I have the old type camera. No wide angle lens. Hard to take photo's thru car or bus windows. Canon Sure ShoT 80 Tele/PRIMA BF TWIN. For snap shots, fully automatic, all you do is aim it and click the picture. Easy, but, did the photo come out good? did it come out at all? Not enought light, etc, bad batch of photos. The worse part of all of this is that you can not see the photos until hours after you snap them, when you get them developed.

I want to buy a new camera but I don't understand the termnology, features, etc. The good points, the bad points, what is necessary, best, etc.

All I know is the new camera's look nice. You can see the shot you just took and take it again if you don't like it. You can, maybe, download the photos directly to your computer. The camera's range in price from around 15,000 bhat to 40,000 bhat plus here in Bangkok.

go to google enter digital camera reviews thats a good place to check out reviews by the experts

**klongmaster** · 12-12-2006, 12:57 PM

The truth will out Marmers...

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

I got a wide angle lense made by a different company for my Canon today. I've got a photo-shoot next weekend at a hotel, so I'll see how much difference it makes.

Originally Posted by Captain Outrageous in the Interview of a Ladyboy Website Thread

I use a couple of apartments and a couple of hotel rooms on a regular basis

**Marmite the Dog** · 12-12-2006, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by klongmaster

The truth will out Marmers...

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

I got a wide angle lense made by a different company for my Canon today. I've got a photo-shoot next weekend at a hotel, so I'll see how much difference it makes.

Originally Posted by Captain Outrageous in the Interview of a Ladyboy Website Thread

I use a couple of apartments and a couple of hotel rooms on a regular basis

Let's just keep it our little secret shall we?

**Garuda** · 02-02-2007, 06:51 PM

The site won't let me put in a url. But try the website from digital photography review. go to dubba, dubba, dubba, type in those bold letters, and add dot com.

The site has a buying guide and some really useful info.

From what I've read, most users in your situation like the user friendliness of Canons, the technology of Sony, and Nikon never rates too badly either. The Canon powershot series was my favorite before switching to DSLR.

Happy hunting.

**Mr Earl** · 02-02-2007, 09:12 PM

Are you talking about this site?

The url posting feature works fine(works just like most other forums). You can also just drop the raw address:
http://www.dpreview.com/

**JoGeAr** · 02-02-2007, 09:30 PM

I asked a similar question recently.

https://teakdoor.com/the-multimedia-f...endations.html (Digital cameras...recommendations??)

..I have no idea if that will work or not, but you can read a few people's thoughts and see examples of their photography.
Eventually, I went for the Canon A540. Great !! I will try to upload (whatever!!) some pics soon.

**Marmite the Dog** · 02-02-2007, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by JoGeAr

I went for the Canon A540

Congratulations. You can't go wrong with a Canon.

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