Looking for a camera

[Enchantra]

I'm looking for a web cam, digital cam or a scanner that is reasonably priced.  Does anyone have any ideas of what is available out there for me to purchase?  What brands do you recommend?

[SFwriter]

To be honest it depends on what you're trying to do.  If you just want to share the ocassional photo online, then I would suggest a digital camera with a minimum of 2 megapixals.  If you want to sell you works or really want to show them off, then you gotta invest in something expensive.  But, that's just my two cents.

 

For the best advice Aryanun is the person to ask.  :cool:

[Kheprera]

And, unfortunately, I've been working way too much and not spending enough time around here.  :(

 

Cameras... well, it depends on what you want to use it for. General photography, just photographing your minis, snapshots, professional work?

 

I have been looking at digital cameras lately, personally, and have decided, since I have two SLR film cameras, that I could go a lot cheaper by just buying the CloseUp filters that fit my new Nikon ($70 total) and get better quality than a lower end/lower priced digital. I already own a scanner, so having a digital camera isn't horribly important for me.

 

As for scanners, HP makes some good ones at relatively decent prices. I own a Umax that gives me good results that's almost two years old. If looking at scanners, shop around and check the stats for each in your price range. The higher the DPI can go, the better quality you can get. However, you need to remember to keep in mind the amount of memory your computer has. Larger dpi pics are great, but they need a lot of Ram memory in order for you to do any editing on, so that might be something else you'll need to consider when purchasing a scanner.

 

For manipulating photos, I use Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro, depending on what I'm editing and the effects I want. If you want inexpensive, Paint Shop Pro is only about $100 and does well for a lot of basic things.

 

I'm rambling because I haven't been around much lately, forgive me. If I don't answer in a couple of days, it's because I'm probably working, but I'll be around.

 

ONE MORE WEEK !!! (and this week cannot be over soon enough)  :oo:

[Lathanm]

I just picked up a Fuji FinePix 2650 2 megapixel camera and it seams to be working out ok. It has a short 4 inch macro focus depth and the ability to lock focus so you can set a focal point for cleaner shots. The best thing was the price $199. Most other cameras in this price range don't have the macro option. The camera also accepts some macro lens addons. If you are takimng pictures mainly for the web I would recommend it. They also have a 3 megapixel version and I think it goes for $300. It also has their Ultrazoom so the macro focus is good from 1 to 18 inches.

 

As for scanners, you may want to look at Microtech or Agfa. Micortech scanners can be had the cheapest and have a decent depth of field. In the case of Agfa you pick up a little better color accuracy.

 

Lathanm

DM's Workshop

[Enchantra]

OK, so I was walking around BJ's Wholesale with Mom the other day and I happened to spy some digital cameras in the case.  Is a price range of  about $200 to $300 decent for a 3 Megapixel camera?

[Flit]

I have suddenly found myself looking for a digital camera too.  I think I have decided to buy a Cannon PowerShot A70.  It is a 3.2 megapixel and can focus as close as 2 inches.  It also has features similiar to my Cannon SLR camera so I should be able to learn how to use it faster.  The Best Buy store near me has it for $300, which seems to be a good price.  Cannon makes a whole series of PowerShot cameras whose main difference is price and number of megapixels  so you can get one for less than $300.

 

The only piece of advice I can give you is to try the cameras out before you buy one.  Any reputable shop will let you do this (unless the store staff cant be bothered, in which case-go somewhere else).  Take a mini (or what ever you want to take pictures of) to the store to make sure the camera you coose can do what you want it to.  I took a mini with me when I went shopping and introduced the sales guy to Reaper Minis. :cool:

[Dragon Snack]

I'll add to the people saying check them out by taking a picture of a mini.

 

I would head to Rowe or Scott's photo (or other local shops) and ask them for their opinions.  They will, most likely, recommend the high priced stuff, but you can pick their brains for ideas and hints.  They may even have a sale going on or some used cameras that could work for you.  Either way, it's a good way to get a quick course in what to look for.

 

My wry experience in trying out a camera:

A Big Name Chain had a sale on 2 MP digitals a couple of weeks ago (under $200 with a ton of extras) and I went in with a die (singular dice) to see if it would take good macro pictures.  When I asked to take a picture with it the manager said sure, but the salesman ended up playing with the camera trying to take the picture (and not using the macro feature, so not doing a good job) for about 10-15 minutes instead of letting me try it out.  I almost just walked away without my die.  Then he said the $400-500 camera was better and I should buy one of those.

 

Needless to say I'm still using my "old" Kodak digital.