Is this a good digital camera?

[mainiac]

CASIO EX-Z700SR Silver 7.2 MP Digital Camera 1/2.5" CCD 2.7" 153K LCD 3X Optical Zoom 4X Digital Zoom

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830124008

Just want some opinions on this camera. Also if anyone knows any good sites for digital cameras? Thanks.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by mainiac Also if anyone knows any good sites for digital cameras?

Digital Camera Resource Page

Digital Camera Review

Imaging Resource

DC Views

DP Reviews

Steve's DigiCams

Cricket

[mairving]

I have a Casio that I bought for my wife last Christmas. The 2 features that she wanted the most were battery life and wanted one that took the picture without a lot of lag time like the Sony camera that we have. The Casio fit the bill and was a good bargain as well.

[Disgrace]

I would be cautious. I had a Casio digital camera and it was rubbish. It broke only a few weeks after use and even before that the battery was awful. I've been a Canon man since and happy.

[Stuey]

I don't see anything wrong with that camera, but I tend to be biased in favor of Canon as well. Check out a few reviews and comparisons at the sites Cricket linked to.

[David M]

I have a tiny little pocket sized Canon that I have been very happy with. It uses standard AA batteries. I just keep an extra set of AA's with me. No recharger hassles or having to buy an expensive rechargeable backup battery. The lag time is not so great that it is an annoyance. Most importantly, it takes great pictures.

[mainiac]

Canon SD1000 Silver 7.1 MP Digital Camera
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120148

this cannon is also pretty nice. Thanks cricket for the sites. The only problem I can foresee is that it has no image stabilization. Does anyone who has this camera have a problem with blurry pics? i also read that the flash is bad on this camera, is this true? Thanks

Also what kind of cannon do you have David M.? P.S. Happy Birthday

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by mainiac Canon SD1000 Silver 7.1 MP Digital Camera http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120148 this cannon is also pretty nice. Thanks cricket for the sites. The only problem I can foresee is that it has no image stabilization. Does anyone who has this camera have a problem with blurry pics? i also read that the flash is bad on this camera, is this true? Thanks Also what kind of cannon do you have David M.? P.S. Happy Birthday

Canon a570
I just purchased the a570 for my father. It's not quite as slim as the SD series of cameras. But, this one does have image stabilization, and accepts 2 AA batteries instead of requiring a proprietary battery. Its performance is pretty decent.

If size isn't too important, the a710IS has 6x magnification instead of a "mere" 4x.

If size REALLY isn't important, the S3 is a great camera as well. I have one with a lensmate adapter and standard UV lens, and it's quite the brick.

The flash on most cameras usually result in poor quality images. I usually disable my flash unless I really need it. Also, image stabilization is required most when you want high iso shots w/o flash, in low light settings, with a high optical zoom. I think that optical stabilization is essential for a superzoom (12x) camera, but only a minor feature on a pocket digicam.

[mainiac]

I really just want a nice slim camera that can't fit in my pocket and take nice decent pics.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by mainiac I really just want a nice slim camera that can't fit in my pocket and take nice decent pics.

You don't want it to fit in your pocket?

I don't think I'd get a Casio either. My co-worker had one and the picture quality wasn't so great. She replaced it with a Canon and is much happier now.

Cricket

[XenaWP]

Sony makes some nice slim cameras and their image quality is generally outstanding.

Personally I'd stick with one of the "major" camera makers: Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax. They've all been doing cameras for decades, and they do it best.

[mainiac]

Sorry I meant "can fit into my pocket." I would edit it but I can't. Why does the edit button go away after a certain period of time?

[glc]

Why does the edit button go away after a certain period of time?

We have chosen to have that ability expire after 12 hours for various reasons.

- Admin -

[mainiac]

I am going to buy the Canon SD1000 Silver 7.1 MP Digital Camera (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830120148), but I was just wondering if the battery that comes with the camera is any good? It is a rechargeable Lithium Battery NB-4L. This is my first digital camera so I am kind of new to this. Also, any reccomendations as to which type, brand, etc. of memory card I should buy? Thanks.

[Stuey]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00065ANYC/
Sandisk Ultra II 2 gb.

This card is on sale pretty often nowadays for $25 online or at Staples/Circuit City/etc. I like to use these memory cards to avoid any problems that might arise from taking long videos or many photos in a quick sequence. Even if you don't use the extra speed or notice a performance difference while using the camera, you'll definitely notice the difference the first time you attempt to transfer a full card's worth of photos to your computer.

Of course the battery it comes with is good as it was designed to match these devices.

There's a tradeoff that comes with these types of rechargeable batteries when you compare them to larger cameras that take AAs... If you go on vacation and you're out somewhere, you're not going to be happy if your juice runs out and you don't have a spare.

The huge advantage and main reason for these batteries is that allow for minimum camera size and allow for a decent number of shots before they run out of juice.

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by Stuey ... main reason for these batteries is that allow for minimum camera size and allow for a decent number of shots before they run out of juice.

Not to mention the proprietary design and the fact that Canon sells replacements for $40 a pop at a nice profit margin ....

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by XenaWP Not to mention the proprietary design and the fact that Canon sells replacements for $40 a pop at a nice profit margin ....

That's true of ALL camera manufacturers though. There are 3rd party batteries available but I wouldn't trust the imported versions at all.

[rwest]

I work at walmart in the photo dept. Based on what I see come back, this is where I stand on Brands.

1. Nikon, Cannon, Sony, and Fuji, are top grade cameras. I suggest these first. If I get one of these brands back, its usually been dropped or it's been operator error.

2. Kodak, Pentax, Casio, and belive it or not, HP come in second. These brands tend to come back once in while but not at a high rate. They're decent cameras and won't break your wallet. Granted, you'll find them priced from $100 to $300+ dollars, but the prices don't seem to reflect their reliabilty.

3. Samsung and Sanyo are the highest returned cameras. The only thing that's notable about these brands is that you get alot of camera from your money. They tend to come with a lot of features at lower price than thier counter parts. It's a crapshoot with these two. You may get lucky and get one that'll hold up for quite some time and also takes good pictures, but you could end up with one of the multiple returned ones I see.

[nocturnx]

Daily Deals:
http://dealnews.com/categories/Elect...meras/167.html

This looks like a particularly good deal and I might just get it myself, all the reviews I read for it were very positive.
http://dealnews.com/deals/Canon-Powe...ed/184963.html

Edit: I read a few more reviews and just ordered it lol. It will replace the junkie Fuji Finepix ive been using, it is totally awful, but its also 4 years old so I guess its lasted me well. Now stop posting "Is this a good ****?" threads because I always end up buying something haha.

[XenaWP]

Originally Posted by Stuey That's true of ALL camera manufacturers though. There are 3rd party batteries available but I wouldn't trust the imported versions at all.

That's true of all LITHIUM ION batteries. I was remarking that they are the ones that are proprietary, whereas the NiMH AAs are not proprietary (but are larger).

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by rwest I work at walmart in the photo dept. Based on what I see come back, this is where I stand on Brands. 1. Nikon, Cannon, Sony, and Fuji, are top grade cameras. I suggest these first. If I get one of these brands back, its usually been dropped or it's been operator error. 2. Kodak, Pentax, Casio, and belive it or not, HP come in second. These brands tend to come back once in while but not at a high rate. They're decent cameras and won't break your wallet. Granted, you'll find them priced from $100 to $300+ dollars, but the prices don't seem to reflect their reliabilty. 3. Samsung and Sanyo are the highest returned cameras. The only thing that's notable about these brands is that you get alot of camera from your money. They tend to come with a lot of features at lower price than thier counter parts. It's a crapshoot with these two. You may get lucky and get one that'll hold up for quite some time and also takes good pictures, but you could end up with one of the multiple returned ones I see.

I don't think that this is a fair standpoint.

Aside from the fact that your categorization resembles a pricing tier, Walmart isn't exactly known as the pro's choice regarding product selection - most of their camera inventory is targeted at beginners. The limited selection paired with cheaper pricing leads more customers to the "breakable" brands. In addition, there's also name recognition - a beginner may be more likely to purchase a Kodak or HP over the other brands.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Stuey I don't think that this is a fair standpoint.

I think this is just rwest's point of view from his own personal experiences...nothing more.

Originally Posted by Stuey Aside from the fact that your categorization resembles a pricing tier, Walmart isn't exactly known as the pro's choice regarding product selection

I don't think it's meant to be and I think WalMart just provides the merchandise their customer base is looking for. No professional photographer is going to go looking for a digital camera at WalMart...I think WalMart knows it's customers and brings in the type of digital cameras that would be appropriate for those customers.

Originally Posted by Stuey - most of their camera inventory is targeted at beginners. The limited selection paired with cheaper pricing leads more customers to the "breakable" brands. In addition, there's also name recognition - a beginner may be more likely to purchase a Kodak or HP over the other brands.

Sure, but like I said a professional or a serious amateur is not going to buy their camera from WalMart...they're going to go to a camera shop or a electronics store that has a better selection of cameras. Each type of store will bring in the product they know their customer base is looking for.

Cricket

[Stuey]

I think I came off a little too coldly - I do appreciate rwest sharing his comments, but wanted to make sure that nobody read it and then took it to mean that Pentax and Samsung cameras fall apart by themselves.

[glc]

I think that's exactly what he meant - they are not reliable cameras.

I also think you shouldn't diss Walmart - if they had the camera I wanted and the price was right, I'd buy it there. Not all the stuff they carry is low end. Example:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4891636

That's a serious camera there.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Stuey but wanted to make sure that nobody read it and then took it to mean that Pentax and Samsung cameras fall apart by themselves.

Yes, you're right they don't. I should have made that more clear. My obsevations are from one store in one locale. And were made, as cricket noted, with a very broad generalization from one guy.

Stuey I did leave out a few details that I tried to take into consideration:

1. We don't sell many high end cameras. But without running any real numbers and using just what I've seen, If you came to me looking for a quality camera I would show you a camera from group one. Cannon, Nikon, Sony or Fuji.

2. If a customer wants a decent digital camera and doesn't want to spend alot then I direct that person first to look at group two. Kodak, HP.... This is our largest amount of consumers who come to buy from us. Given the amount of customers who purchace these cameras, and note again without running any real numbers, the ratio of returns still seems to be higher on these brands than their group one counter brands.(ie Sony, Fuji, Nikon and Cannon)

3.We also have the consumer who wants alot of camera for thier money. They want all the features of a high end digital camera but really can't afford it. Here's where Samsung and Sanyo seem to fit the bill. We sell a ton of these Cameras, but they are the ones that appear to come back the most. I'm not saying these are bad camera's - there's just better choices for reliability.


Am I saying Sony cameras are better than Sanyo's? If you are currently in the market and plan to buy from Walmart...you betcha. But that is only based on the models we have to choose from - at my store. Could you find a better Samsung camera than a Nikon or Cannon? It may be possible, but from what I've seen probably not. And I'm pretty darn sure you won't at Walmart.

Ya' know I remeber back when Nikon only sold a high end camera and a kodak was just about the only choice for the average consumer. Today every maker has a camera for every kind of user and every maker has most likely released a dud in every category. Read the reviews and talk to a reputable seller, they usually know which cameras to stay away from.

Stuey I don't think you were being cold at all. You were doing what all of us try to do...protect the ill informed. I appreciate your candor. I can tell you've seen what I've seen. Walmart has a few idiots that seem to think they're paid on commision. You do have to be careful when talking to some Walmart employees. I take pride in myself for not being one of them.

[Stuey]

Originally Posted by glc I think that's exactly what he meant - they are not reliable cameras. I also think you shouldn't diss Walmart - if they had the camera I wanted and the price was right, I'd buy it there. Not all the stuff they carry is low end. Example: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4891636 That's a serious camera there.

Yes that is a serious camera, but you'll be hard pressed to find that at most Walmart retail stores. The last time I was in the camera section, I saw a beatup film SLR which hasn't been marketed for quite a few years now.

It all does make sense though. I've been in the accessory section at walmart a few times forcing myself to bite my tongue and not start arguing with what some of the employees were telling customers. Stuff like how a 128 mb card is better than a 2gb card because the camera operates faster with lower numbers, how digital zoom is better than optical zoom because it's "digital" - stuff like that.

Still, it's nice to know that there are guys like rwest out there steering customers the right way.

[rwest]

Thanx stu.
Walmart hasn't any kind of selection for film cameras that Iv'e seen. Yeh, the SLR canon your seeing, its all lens. Sure it's a cannon, but walmarts not got anything else to compare it to. Good lens, decent brand, if that's what you want right now. It's doable, but I'd look around more if I wanted an SLR.

As far as the employees, it's Walmart. We're lucky to have a well informed staff in my department. Walmart tries to have informed people in all departments, it's just not feasable. Unfortunately alot of people do get wrong information from poorly informed employees.

The biggest problem is turnover. The somewhat informed tend to get the information turned around and wrong, it's not neccessarily thier fault, they just didn't get the proper training. And then of course some just don't care.

Walmart's not Lowes or Home Depot. You ask some body in their department at one of these stores, if you blink your lost. Walmart on the other hand sits a new employee down in front of a computer and gives the trainee a crash course on the basics of the department and then throws the lamb to the wolves. This isn't done on purpose either, but because of the high turnover the new guy was badly needed a week ago anyway. The new guys supposed to have a mentor(I forget what they call it) and is not supposed to be left alone for two weeks. Add in the fact he or she might be eighteen point two years old and has the maturity of a rabbit. I think I should just stop here now. I could go on, but ....

[Strider]

A good online shopping website (decent prices) for digital cameras is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ and I have personally used B&H Photo for my recent purchases.

[Cricket]

The DELL web site also sells digital cameras for pretty good prices too.

Cricket

[TwoRails]

I have friends that have shopped at the brick-n-mortar B&H and love it. Some how I get their catalog from time to time and they sure have a lot of stuff.