Digital camera suggestions...

[STV_Keith]

I'm so out of touch with what's on the market now, I figured I'd let you guys point me in the right direction. My Nikon 5700 seems to have a problem, so I can't use it right now. I also have a Panasonic DMZ-FZ7, but that's another relatively bulky, SLR-like camera.

What I want is something in the sub $250 range that's small enough to put in your pocket, yet shoots decent pics and video would be nice too. Something I won't have a problem putting in a shirt pocket or back pocket, so I can have it handy in the boat or at the club.

One of the big things I do look for in a dig camera is how quick it will shoot a picture after the button is depressed. Some cameras take a long time to focus, then more time before releasing the shutter. A lot of times that means you missed the shot.

Suggestions?

[Scream And Fly]

Canon SD1000 :)

[pyro]

I'm sure Greg would expect me to chime in here.

Canon makes a newer, updated model called the SD750. It's based off the inner workings of the SD1000, but with much better control layout and ergonomic buttons, and a HUGE, bright, high-contrast display in place of the viewfinder and smaller display. The newer display is easier to see in ANY light, especially outdoors.

The SD750 is available for $220-250 at most places. There's also a slightly larger SD850 model that adds more zoom, and image stabilization, among other things.

Most of the Best Buy stores carry the full line of Canons. They are AWESOME little cameras. The SD750/SD1000 are the best ones for the money, hands-down, and I've played around with ALL of them. I got my girlfriend an SD750 for Christmas, and I use it as much as she does!

They're both available with either a silver or black bezel. Here's both cameras, with both bezel colors, side-by-side.

http://www.cameratown.com/assets/news/large/Canon_Powershot_SD750_SD1000.jpg

[Kurt Graf]

The canon A570. I paid $180 for it

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a570-review/index.shtml

[Kurt Graf]

Not bad for a $180 camara

[pyro]

Ah yes, Canon's most basic "Image Stabilized" model, with 4x optical zoom.
Nice photos!

[hsbob]

those all take good or better pics. they also have shutter lag. you need to prefocus to reduce the lag effect. pentex has a new camera that fits in an altroid container with a 5x lens[150mm]. it does have a lag.

[Scream And Fly]

I love my SD1000 - it's a very responsive camera with incredible image quality. While quick, it will never match the speed of the cheapest SLR cameras, especially for action. But, for $200 they are amazing cameras. I use mine almost everyday.

http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/49175/2002277852999814699_rs.jpg

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/47209/2002216029643470264_rs.jpg

[STV_Keith]

See Rob, that's what I lack. I have two SLR-type cameras, and they stay in the bag until I know I want it out. Problem with that is most of the time you don't have it with you. I wanted one I can pack around while standing on the sandbar or the channel.

Ended up with the Canon SD850 IS. Ordered it today with an 8GB card. Since my Nikon 5700 took a crap, I needed to replace it with something more use friendly.

[Scream And Fly]

Keith, there's a Nikon recall on the 5700 due to failed CCDs. Yours may be covered.

http://www.nikonusa.com/email_images/nikonusa/service_advisory/coolpix.html

[pyro]

Ended up with the Canon SD850 IS. Ordered it today with an 8GB card. Since my Nikon 5700 took a crap, I needed to replace it with something more use friendly.


Good move on the camera, and the card. You'll be super happy... :D

[John S]

Heres a dumb question. With these cameras (sd750-850), can you print a panoramic shot? What Id like to do is take some scenery shots and frame them around the house. What would you need to do that? I think Im going to pick up one of these anyways, due to the great reviews, but just wondering if they have that capability.

Thanks,
John

[STV_Keith]

According to the stuff I read, the panoramic stuff is stitched together in the Canon software, so from there I have to imaging you can print.

Rob, thanks for the link...I never would have known! I will send it in to them and see what happens. Thanks!

[Boz]

Are those from Lake Geneva and is that Tucker Hibert?

[pyro]

Heres a dumb question. With these cameras (sd750-850), can you print a panoramic shot? What Id like to do is take some scenery shots and frame them around the house. What would you need to do that? I think Im going to pick up one of these anyways, due to the great reviews, but just wondering if they have that capability.

Thanks,
John

Yes, you can make panoramic images by using the Canon Photostich software, which will likely come with your camera. Be sure to overlap each photo enough for the software to work its magic.

I wonder how well the small cameras' IS stabilization works when shooting from a boat...

[Kurt Graf]

Yea the pictures are from Lake Geneva and the one is Tucker. Tucker was on a roll this last weekend. I have almost 600 more. If your interested, I can give you a link. Kurt

[John S]

Thanks guys.

[Boz]

I thought it was him. I drove to Minneapolis to check out the WPSA race at the start of January and he was doing quite well. My brother is the race director of that circuit; I had his daughters while he was in Geneva!

[Kurt Graf]

Your brothers the race director. Man thats a big task. Looks like hes doing a great job. The races are set up well and they keep getting bigger every year.

[Boz]

Ya, he's a busy guy all winter and has been for the past 10 years or so. He does an awesome job and is very respected by the owners of the circuit and the racers. It's a tough job and not one I'd want! In the summer, he RD's the ATV circuit.

Blair gave me a headset in Minny so I was able to hear what goes on w/ the flaggers, starters, etc. It's a cool production!

[pyro]

Canon SD750 control layout, photos shot with a second Canon SD750 in close-up "macro" mode:

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6407/img0745axe0.jpg

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6900/img0749azy1.jpg