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Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter Villa: Sharing the Fun Together > The Darkroom: Photography and Videotaping
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Old 01-08-2008, 11:29 AM   #1
MattUGA
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Can somebody recommend me a sub $500 digital camera?

I'm sorry if this question is asked a lot here but I really need a camera recommendation. Our old camera is inadequate and failing. We would like a new camera so that we can take photos of our new baby and our family. However, I also want a decent zoom and to be able to take quality low light photos (like at WDW at night). While most of the photos will be for family things, I would like to be able to start taking nice quality photos of other things.

My goal would be for the camera to be easy to use (for the basic photos) but allow me to become a better photographer as I become familiar with all the settings etc. I want to use this camera to take photos for a book I'm possibly working on but at the moment, $500 is the cap I have instilled. So, the book idea might just have to wait. LOL

I really appreciate any advice.
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Old 01-08-2008, 11:43 AM   #2
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I have the Fuji Fine Pix S9000 and LOVE it! It's a 9 megapixel, 10X optical zoom with loads of manual features but is considered a "point and shoot". It's heavy to carry around at almost 2 pounds but i love the control it gives me to be creative (or go totally Auto if i feel like it).
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Old 01-08-2008, 12:03 PM   #3
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$500 is a lot of money for a camera, you should be able to do real good for less...

There are a number of high zoom, point and shoot type, cameras on the market right now. Fuji has always had good ones, Jan has a 10X Fuji and it...

Here is a site where you can compare and check out the various cameras...

Steve's Digicams - Main Menu

Scroll down and click on Our Reviews, and it lists the cameras by megapixels. When you bring that page up, it shows the optical zoom for that camera model so you can see what it is.

As you read the review for that camera, it will also show you want the pricing is at various on-line retailers, nice if you're working on a budget...

If you stay with any of the major brands, you should do good...
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Old 01-08-2008, 12:18 PM   #4
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Yes under $500 would be much better. haha What do you feel about the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS .

It has 8.0MP and a 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.
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Old 01-08-2008, 12:54 PM   #5
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Yes under $500 would be much better. haha What do you feel about the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS .

It has 8.0MP and a 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom.
An excellent camera.

We have a couple of users here with it, as well as the predecessors, the S-2 and S-3.

In fact, you might check your local Wal-Mart store, they're marking down the S-3 really cheap to get rid of them...
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Old 01-08-2008, 12:56 PM   #6
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Sorry to hound you with questions but is there a substantial difference in the S3 and S5? I wouldn't mind a discount!
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Old 01-08-2008, 01:03 PM   #7
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Smile Camera

I like our Kodak EasyShare Z710 7.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom. Price was good, easy enough for less-tech-inclined folk (DW) and enough features to be flexible. You might save enough money to get more than one, based on your budget. They also have one with digital stabilization.
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Old 01-08-2008, 01:14 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by MattUGA View Post
Sorry to hound you with questions but is there a substantial difference in the S3 and S5? I wouldn't mind a discount!
The S-3 is a 6MP, 12X Optical with IS.

For the average photographer, no big difference.

There are a few updated bells and whistles, but the S-3 is a great camera and many of the current owners aren't running out to upgrade...

Unless you're making really large pictures (larger than 8 x 10) 5 or 6MP is plenty....


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Old 01-21-2008, 02:53 PM   #9
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We bought the S3IS when it first came out and LOVE IT!!! It takes great pictures, is easy to use, and still allows for some manual settings if you prefer.

I'm not an expert but it has been a great camera for our family and 5 of my friends who I have recommended it to.
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Old 01-21-2008, 03:04 PM   #10
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Canon or Olympus are the best choice. I did a lot of research before since I am obsessed with pictures. I have the Olympus SP-500UZ and I love it.
Easy to use nice built in settings, nice grip (some cameras are very slippery ) and 10X Optical zoom (which is the one you want to so as to take pics from far away) You will not believe from how far i can take pictures at Disney and it looks like i am right there! The colors are gorgeous too and the pre-view window is big. Whatever model you choose it is good to read opinions and reviews on the product. Have fun!
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Old 01-21-2008, 06:41 PM   #11
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I have the S3 and love it. I got it for a great at Wal-Mart. They had marked down a lot of the older models.
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Old 01-22-2008, 02:23 PM   #12
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Before you buy a point and shoot camera, look at the Nikon D-40, especially if you want to do a book. Best Buy has the camera with an 18-55 lens for $549. I know that is $49 more than you want to spend, but it may be worth it. It is a 6MP camera. While that is not as much as some others, you will be able to get excellent prints, 11x14 and beyond. I have been using Nikons professionally for some 30 years and I have gotten great quality large prints from the older D1 and D2 model cameras. Mega-pixels aren't everything in a camera. A lot depends on how the image is processed in the camera and the quality of the lens. Nikon glass is excellent.
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Old 01-22-2008, 04:09 PM   #13
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We have the Canon S5-IS. It was $350 on sale before the holidays.
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Old 01-22-2008, 04:36 PM   #14
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i have a canon SD 550. 7.1 MP. somewhat outdated now, but I still love it. takes wonderful pictures. it cost me around $350.

there is a 12 MP kodak on qvc that I have my eye on too. it's less that $200 if i remember right, and it takes HD movies.
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Old 01-22-2008, 05:13 PM   #15
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i have a canon SD 550. 7.1 MP. somewhat outdated now, but I still love it. takes wonderful pictures. it cost me around $350.

there is a 12 MP kodak on qvc that I have my eye on too. it's less that $200 if i remember right, and it takes HD movies.
I believe that would be the Kodak Z1275, 12MP, IS, many modes, and small...

I bought one at WDW (paid a lot more than I should have, but my 10MP Canon A-640 just broke and I needed a pocket camera).

For a basic point and shoot, I it. It's very basic and takes great photos. It also has a text mode where I can photograph documents that works great.

I shoot a lot of video with it, and it does have the HD mode. 2 Gig SD card let's me take an hour of video at 640 x 480. I haven't had time to play with the HD video mode yet... It now has a 4GB SDHC card in it thanks to the sale at Office Depot this week...

Retail in most places is around $200 or less...
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