Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3
1
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3
Editor's Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 is Digital Camera HQ's favorite affordable camera, with a stunning feature set that seems like a steal for under $200.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 is steady, even when you're not. This model replaces the affordable and compact LZ1 with some outstanding features. The Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) system of the LZ3 works hard to make sure none of your photographs are adversely affected by shaky hands or twitchy wrists. If you're concerned about blurry shots, this might be the camera for you. Be sure to check out the LZ5 as well, which has many of the same features but a larger number of megapixels.
Editor's Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 is Digital Camera HQ's favorite affordable camera, with a stunning feature set that seems like a steal for under $200.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 is steady, even when you're not. This model replaces the affordable and compact LZ1 with some outstanding features. The Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) system of the LZ3 works hard to make sure none of your photographs are adversely affected by shaky hands or twitchy wrists. If you're concerned about blurry shots, this might be the camera for you. Be sure to check out the LZ5 as well, which has many of the same features but a larger number of megapixels.
Specifications
- 5 megapixels
- 6x optical zoom / 7.5 digital zoom
- autofocus
- auto and manual exposure
- JPEG file format
- ISO 80-400
- 2 AA batteries
- movie mode
- 2" LCD screen
- Part Number: DMC-LZ3S
- UPC: 037988985371
- Release Date: Jan 10, 2006
Shop for LZ3 Accessories
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Frozen Pana Lumix DMC-LZ3 (dan9999 — 09/07/2009)
The buttons don't respond to any thing. The Wheel on the top is still working and so is the on/off switch.
When I try to take a picture nothing happens and it won't scroll back through on playback or let me access the menus.
Finally if I go to SC1/SC2 it keeps scrolling through all the options like a button is jammed down or there is a frozen command.
I have tried turning it off and on several times. Taking the batteries out and leaving them out for 24hours. Any ideas much appreciated.
reply to this comment
When I try to take a picture nothing happens and it won't scroll back through on playback or let me access the menus.
Finally if I go to SC1/SC2 it keeps scrolling through all the options like a button is jammed down or there is a frozen command.
I have tried turning it off and on several times. Taking the batteries out and leaving them out for 24hours. Any ideas much appreciated.
by James DeRuvo (09/07/2009)
It could be that some grit has stuck in the button and is jamming it. Try some canned air and cleaning your camera with a que tip and some rubbing alcohol. See if there's a firmware update. Download and install it. Also, underpowered batteries can cause performance issues in digital cameras. Make sure your batteries have an mAh of at least 2500 to handle the high energy needs of your camera.
If none of that restores your camera functions, you're looking at a camera repair.
reply to this comment
If none of that restores your camera functions, you're looking at a camera repair.
My Site 7 1 (blog — 08/07/2011)
Bertrand Russell~ Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised love of power.
- business-leads-generation.b...
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- business-leads-generation.b...
My LZ3 worked for a year exactly, and now it won't turn on. How can I get it to turn on? (violin486 — 09/13/2008)
I got the camera in December, 2006; it worked wonderfully for a year. It stopped turning on in early January 2008. I left it with my dad for a while, who got it to turn on again by holding the stabilize button. It worked for about 6 months, and now won't turn back on. My dad can't get it this time, either. I've bought new NMH rechargeable batteries and tried those, too. They didn't have any effect on the camera. I'd really like to keep this camera, any suggestions for how I can get it to turn on?
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Aditya D (09/14/2008)
If you hit the stabilize button and the camera turned on, its possible that something in the camera is loose, and either the stabilize button may have temporarily pushed it back in place, or the stabilize button triggered the on/off switch. It could actually be a variety of problems as well, even having to do with a broken connector the the battery. The good news is that it sounds like nothing major is broken, so it won't cost too much to repair, but the bad news is that to figure out what's wrong you'll probably have to take it to a camera repair shop, who will take it apart and can diagnose the problem.
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need installation help (jessicaz1 — 04/26/2008)
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steve mccall (04/26/2008)
hello jessica
can you tell me more information about what you wish to install
reply to this comment
can you tell me more information about what you wish to install
Can you take black and white photos with this camera? (maljones27 — 10/05/2007)
If so how do you do it?
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Matt (10/10/2007)
Yes, the DMC-LZ3 has this option. It's under Color Effect, on the third "page" of the normal menu options. It should be labeled B/W or MONOCHROME. The effect is also available during movie mode.
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talking about megapixels what is the size of a regular slr 35mm's images? how does this compare to the LZ3's image size and quality? (SamX — 07/02/2007)
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Ben Keough (07/12/2007)
Hi SamX,
You can't really compare digital images to film images in terms of resolution. A film negative can be blown up to almost any size without noticeable distortion, whereas a digital image has a very specific limit for magnification because it's made up of discrete pixels. Furthermore, a film image can be scanned into a computer at nearly any resolution given a scanner powerful enough.
Hope this helps!
reply to this comment
You can't really compare digital images to film images in terms of resolution. A film negative can be blown up to almost any size without noticeable distortion, whereas a digital image has a very specific limit for magnification because it's made up of discrete pixels. Furthermore, a film image can be scanned into a computer at nearly any resolution given a scanner powerful enough.
Hope this helps!
How is the Samsung S730 digital camera rated? (texiejane — 06/06/2007)
I know nothing about digital cameras.
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Joe (06/19/2007)
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dc-8600 traveler (felicia4318433 — 04/23/2007)
we bought the dc-8600 traveler back in dec. and olny used it a couple times now and the lens well not open what can i do to fix this problem.
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lia borst (04/26/2007)
I have the same problem! Switch power on and off. Power on, press menu and then you can make pictures. I'm not sure if it is a malfunction of the camera or my ignorence. Have the camera only a couple of days.
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I need a small digital camera under around $300 or less, that will be good for taking legible images of written documents in an archive. Any advice? (lrhj11525 — 04/21/2007)
I'm a history grad student and next year I'll be working in French archives, some of which permit scholars to take digital images of the documents. I'm in the market for a new digital camera and need one that is easily portable, inexpensive, and most importantly will take good close up images of documents that will be clear enough from me to read later on. I'd also be interested in any recommendations for a small portable tripod. Thanks, Lauren
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steve mccall (04/21/2007)
hello lauren
what you need is a camera with good spot metering.
this means the ability of the auto focus to center quickly on one object.
this is a feature of the lumix range of cameras from panasonic
i have a lz3 and often use it for this purpose.
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is a image taken by the lz3.
flickr.com/photos/geoffrey/... may also consider the new ls 60 which uses the same lumix system.
the best small portable tripod is :
iwantoneofthose.com/gorilla...
reply to this comment
what you need is a camera with good spot metering.
this means the ability of the auto focus to center quickly on one object.
this is a feature of the lumix range of cameras from panasonic
i have a lz3 and often use it for this purpose.
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is a image taken by the lz3.
flickr.com/photos/geoffrey/... may also consider the new ls 60 which uses the same lumix system.
the best small portable tripod is :
iwantoneofthose.com/gorilla...
lrhj11525 (04/26/2007)
Thanks so much Steve, your archival images look great. Other reviewers of the lz3 complain about it breaking early and easily. Did you have any problems like that?
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steve mccall (04/26/2007)
hello lauren
my fz3 has been through the wars it has been dropped at least 4 times
i have carried it around in a sports bag and it is still working
and to use that old pun "take a licking and still keeps clicking!"
reply to this comment
my fz3 has been through the wars it has been dropped at least 4 times
i have carried it around in a sports bag and it is still working
and to use that old pun "take a licking and still keeps clicking!"
Where are the Leicas? (SallyMaria — 04/15/2007)
I'm a novice. Why are no Leica cameras listed and a search brings me to Panasonic?
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steve mccall (04/16/2007)
leica make lenses for panasonic under the lumix brand
same camera but at a quarter of the price
but if you must have the "leica" brand
leica-camera.co.uk/photogra...
reply to this comment
same camera but at a quarter of the price
but if you must have the "leica" brand
leica-camera.co.uk/photogra...
SallyMaria (04/16/2007)
No, I don't have to have a Leica. But I'm researching, trying to find the right camera on a budget, and while it may sound odd, the Cannon's haven't felt right in my hand. I have a $800 Fuji which I can't use because most everything blurs, so I don't want to go there again. I'm not a professional, but need to photograph my art which has a lot of detail that has to be captured.
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steve mccall (04/16/2007)
hello sally
yes, the feel of a camera is very important it is like a pair of shoes.
it is a very personal experience
my choice would be the panasonic lumix range
if you are on a budget try
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is a photo taken with the lumix lz3 showing its mastery of detail.
flickr.com/photos/andreas_h...
reply to this comment
yes, the feel of a camera is very important it is like a pair of shoes.
it is a very personal experience
my choice would be the panasonic lumix range
if you are on a budget try
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is a photo taken with the lumix lz3 showing its mastery of detail.
flickr.com/photos/andreas_h...
SallyMaria (04/16/2007)
It looks good, but since I'm taking photos that may have to translate into large, framable prints, does it have enough MP's? LOL I think I have run out of points - and I don't have enough knowledge to earn any.
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steve mccall (04/16/2007)
the numbers of mega pixels is not the only factor in prints.
other factors are :
1.the quality of the lens .
2. the type of paper used.
3.. the sharpness of the original photo.
4. the type of printer used.
the lz3 produces pictures that are 2560 x1712 pixels in 3:2 mode which similar to normal 35mm film size
this will give you a 16in x 12 in print
if you need bigger try the lz7 or the new lz8
reply to this comment
other factors are :
1.the quality of the lens .
2. the type of paper used.
3.. the sharpness of the original photo.
4. the type of printer used.
the lz3 produces pictures that are 2560 x1712 pixels in 3:2 mode which similar to normal 35mm film size
this will give you a 16in x 12 in print
if you need bigger try the lz7 or the new lz8
Is there an inexpensive, quality digital camera for shaky hands? (bdbane — 04/11/2007)
I have shaky hands and I understand there are a lot of cameras with things like blur reduction, vibration reduction, anti-shake... Can someone point me towards a quality camera under $200 for my situation?
reply to this comment
steve mccall (04/11/2007)
hello bruce,
with shaky hands two things are important.
firstly : you need a camera that you grip easily a lot of modern digital cameras
are too small or shiny to afford a decent grip.
secondly: you need a good stabilization system.this will give you better photos.
I own a fz3 and would suggest that it meets the above criteria.
it may be an older model but it is still a quality camera at a very good price.
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
reply to this comment
with shaky hands two things are important.
firstly : you need a camera that you grip easily a lot of modern digital cameras
are too small or shiny to afford a decent grip.
secondly: you need a good stabilization system.this will give you better photos.
I own a fz3 and would suggest that it meets the above criteria.
it may be an older model but it is still a quality camera at a very good price.
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
bdbane (04/12/2007)
Thanks for the info. Another question - does Panasonic make quality cameras? My knowledge is limited to the film cameras I have used (Canon, Pentax, Nikon, Olympus, Konika)
reply to this comment
steve mccall (04/13/2007)
hello bruce,
from my point of view they do
another view
panasonic.com/consumer_elec... a experienced user you will know that the feel of a camera is personal.
there is no substitute for the hands-on experience.
reply to this comment
from my point of view they do
another view
panasonic.com/consumer_elec... a experienced user you will know that the feel of a camera is personal.
there is no substitute for the hands-on experience.
Terri (06/14/2009)
I need a camera that doesn't blur moving onjects.
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when i go to view the pictures on my camera it says no valid picture available adn wont work in my computer but it was always fine before. (amanda15937 — 04/03/2007)
When i go to view pictures on my camera it says no valid picture available. WHen i put the memory card into my computer the file that the camera is on the G drive comes up with the name DCIM which is what i use to view pictures, and it wont let me click it it is just a bunch of symbols. My camera has worked fine any other time but just stopped today.
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bukit97 (04/03/2007)
Your camera is probably OK, but the picture files just get some problem that prevents it from being read.
To check the camera, take out the memory card, close the battery cover and turn it on. It should allow you to take pictures or read the pictures taken inside the built in memory.
Coming to the pictures in the DCIM folder, you can do a simple file recovery to copy them to the computer.
I used to recommend Zero Assumption for recovering photos from memory cards. It is very straight forward, and there is even a tutorial to guide you if you need one. go to <a href="z-a-recovery.com/">... site</a> for the software and tutorial.
If you like to try something else, log on to <a href="morashik.com/recover-photos... site</a> and follow the instructions to get your pictures back.
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To check the camera, take out the memory card, close the battery cover and turn it on. It should allow you to take pictures or read the pictures taken inside the built in memory.
Coming to the pictures in the DCIM folder, you can do a simple file recovery to copy them to the computer.
I used to recommend Zero Assumption for recovering photos from memory cards. It is very straight forward, and there is even a tutorial to guide you if you need one. go to <a href="z-a-recovery.com/">... site</a> for the software and tutorial.
If you like to try something else, log on to <a href="morashik.com/recover-photos... site</a> and follow the instructions to get your pictures back.
kiara (05/21/2007)
That message came up on my camera a few times. What happened was that the setup file DCIM had an error in it, and I simply deleted it, AFTER I SAVED THE PICTURE FILES ( I suggest you follow bukit97's steps above). It was to do with the memory card, not the camera. Maybe try a different memory card to confirm if that is the issue.
If you definitely can't retrieve any pictures, I suggest delete the folder. When you take pictures with the same memory card, the camera automatically stores them in a new file.
NB: Have you checked that there is no new file like "###_PANA" or "###Media" that could have your pictures in it?
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If you definitely can't retrieve any pictures, I suggest delete the folder. When you take pictures with the same memory card, the camera automatically stores them in a new file.
NB: Have you checked that there is no new file like "###_PANA" or "###Media" that could have your pictures in it?
by James DeRuvo (08/27/2007)
I agree with Bukit. Although I haven't used Zero Assumption yet. I'm sure it's a good one. There's also "F-Recovery" to get back your pictures quite easily.
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A red flash occurs instead of the regular flash, but no picture is taken. Why? (rgb15709 — 03/26/2007)
The camera works fine outdoors. Indoors, the flash will work unless I use the telefoto, or am close up (5 feet) to the subject. Then only a red flash occurs,
and no picture is taken. I am using the Oxyride batteries that came with the
camera, so there is plenty of power. I've had the DMC-LZ3 two days. What
am I doing wrong? The flash is set to A (auto), but the same thing occurs on
all the other flash settings.
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and no picture is taken. I am using the Oxyride batteries that came with the
camera, so there is plenty of power. I've had the DMC-LZ3 two days. What
am I doing wrong? The flash is set to A (auto), but the same thing occurs on
all the other flash settings.
Kevin Greggain (03/29/2007)
The red flash is most likely the focus assist beam trying to find the subject. If the camera then does not flash, it could be the camera is having difficulty focusing on the subject itself..
An experiment would be to see if the camera indicates it is focus locked on the subject when the flash is not firing. Usually, the camera will not fire the flash unless it can focus.
If the light is lower, experiment by putting a bit more light on the subject and see if this improves the flash performance.
If not, it may be a defect in the flash, but it sounds like it is trying to work but just can't lock onto what you are trying to shoot.
Hope this helps.
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An experiment would be to see if the camera indicates it is focus locked on the subject when the flash is not firing. Usually, the camera will not fire the flash unless it can focus.
If the light is lower, experiment by putting a bit more light on the subject and see if this improves the flash performance.
If not, it may be a defect in the flash, but it sounds like it is trying to work but just can't lock onto what you are trying to shoot.
Hope this helps.
rgb15709 (03/29/2007)
To Kevin Greggain;
My LZ3 is working now. I suspect the authritus in my right forefinger is the
culprit. The button to take the picture is extremely hard to push all the way
down. My wife had no problem with it. I do appreciate knowing about the
"focus assist beam" about which I had not read. I'll try and find it in the user
manual. Thanks....
reply to this comment
My LZ3 is working now. I suspect the authritus in my right forefinger is the
culprit. The button to take the picture is extremely hard to push all the way
down. My wife had no problem with it. I do appreciate knowing about the
"focus assist beam" about which I had not read. I'll try and find it in the user
manual. Thanks....
I've been everywhere...is anyone else having troubles getting this camera to imprint a date on the pictures??? (vhasouth — 03/11/2007)
When I take pictures and I review them under the "slide"screen, there is ALWAYS date. However, when I download to my computer, take to a print shop (I've been to 3 different) I cannot manage to get a date. Please help. So far I've really liked this little camera.
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bukit97 (03/11/2007)
It only means the date is not stamped on the pictures.
To date stamp the pictures, go to this site and download Magitime :
keronsoft.com/magitime.html... and run the software will give you a screen with 2 columns. On the left column, click the plus sign to select the pictures to be date stamped.
The picture will be enlarged on the right column with date on it.
Move this date to a suitable corner and click " run ". It will save the date stamped picture to the hard disk. When you have finished with all of them, take these pictures to the shop and it will be printed with dates.
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To date stamp the pictures, go to this site and download Magitime :
keronsoft.com/magitime.html... and run the software will give you a screen with 2 columns. On the left column, click the plus sign to select the pictures to be date stamped.
The picture will be enlarged on the right column with date on it.
Move this date to a suitable corner and click " run ". It will save the date stamped picture to the hard disk. When you have finished with all of them, take these pictures to the shop and it will be printed with dates.
vhasouth (03/11/2007)
Thanks bukit97. So if my really slow brain is getting it...I cannot simply take out my memory card and go to a printer. I must -
#1 Download the software you referred me to
#2 Download the pics to my computer
#3 Take a CD of the pics to the print shop.
Is it always this difficult??? 1st digital camera and I'm thinking it may be more trouble than it's worth.
I do appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Panasonic after 3 phone calls has been no help. Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens and CVS had no clue and I had plans to go back to Circuit City. I'll give this a try first. :) As I said earlier, the quality of the pics are great, I'd just like to get all I paid for!!
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#1 Download the software you referred me to
#2 Download the pics to my computer
#3 Take a CD of the pics to the print shop.
Is it always this difficult??? 1st digital camera and I'm thinking it may be more trouble than it's worth.
I do appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Panasonic after 3 phone calls has been no help. Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens and CVS had no clue and I had plans to go back to Circuit City. I'll give this a try first. :) As I said earlier, the quality of the pics are great, I'd just like to get all I paid for!!
steve mccall (03/11/2007)
go to page 71 of user manual or
go to play on dial
press menu
select dp of print
make selection
make sure the shop uses dp of print protocol or pictbridge
reply to this comment
go to play on dial
press menu
select dp of print
make selection
make sure the shop uses dp of print protocol or pictbridge
How is the image capture speed of this camera, how do I find out? (Rufus — 02/27/2007)
ie: How fast will this camrea capture fast moving subjects?
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Rich Watson (02/28/2007)
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Alan Schamber (02/28/2007)
How will capture fast moving things... mmm depends on the light. If it's midday and outside, almost any camera can take fair pictures. But if there's no so much light... it depends on the lens construction, the sensor size, and the image procesor.
The LZ3 has a 2,8 f on the lens, which is preety nice, so you will be able to take pics at ISO 200, at about 1/60 in insides. It's not bad for a point & shoot camera, but if you need something like 1/100... you will have to raise the ISO to 400.
The pics of this camera are great, so don't be afraidl for ISO's up to 400.
Hope to be helpfull,
Alan.
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The LZ3 has a 2,8 f on the lens, which is preety nice, so you will be able to take pics at ISO 200, at about 1/60 in insides. It's not bad for a point & shoot camera, but if you need something like 1/100... you will have to raise the ISO to 400.
The pics of this camera are great, so don't be afraidl for ISO's up to 400.
Hope to be helpfull,
Alan.
does it take videos (cmaerarock — 02/04/2007)
Does the camera have a button on which you push to start recording a video?
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Rich Watson (02/05/2007)
You use the shutter button after you set the camera in video mode. But the camera doesn't record sound. :(
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Why are two pictures recorded on my card for each picture I take? (dhc10 — 02/02/2007)
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by James DeRuvo (02/05/2007)
Does it have a "burst mode" or mode for continuous shooting? Check your settings, you may have it set for that.
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Brenda Paro (02/09/2007)
That was my thought, too, that you are in some sort of mode that shoots more than one picture. Some cameras have a sort of bracketing mode where they shoot multiple times in a row to ensure that you capture a good image. This camera does have Burst mode (aka Continuous shooting). Check to make sure you're not in Burst mode (it will probably be under the same menu where you set the self-timer) and make sure you're not holding down the shutter button when you shoot. Let us know if that doesn't help.
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Alan Schamber (02/09/2007)
It may be the Burst mode, but you must hear the 2 shuts.
In some cameras, you can take pics in a mode, that it record it twice, but with different compression, or without it. Never heard if Panasonic did it, but, look at the image sizes, and you will know if's that.
Look into the manual to take that mode out.
Hope it is helpful,
Alan.
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In some cameras, you can take pics in a mode, that it record it twice, but with different compression, or without it. Never heard if Panasonic did it, but, look at the image sizes, and you will know if's that.
Look into the manual to take that mode out.
Hope it is helpful,
Alan.
Brenda Paro (02/09/2007)
Thanks, Alan, for mentioning that. That is exatly what I was trying to think of and couldn't- the mode that fires twice, once without compression and once with it. For some reason the word 'compression' was totally escaping me. I did not find any info on this camera having that, but that's the concept I was trying to think of. Dave, definitely check your manual for such a mode and see how to get out of it, or if all else fails do a factory reset and see if that solves the problem.
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dhc10 (02/09/2007)
Thanks for replying. Perhaps I mistakenly hit the burst button. I tried doing that but did not get the double images. I find no compression settings that may have caused the problem.
Dave
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Dave
dhc10 (02/09/2007)
I reset as Brenda suggested and will see in the future whether that solves the provlem. Thanks.
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When I take pictures of my children it looks like their hair is electrified - how can I correct this so I view the scene as it actually is? (cmiddleton3157 — 01/31/2007)
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Andrew Skinner (01/31/2007)
Cathy,
When you say "electrified" is their hair coming out too bright, or burnt looking? I'd make sure the camera is on auto settings and try to take a photo. If this doesn't work, you might play around with the ISO settings. If their hair looks too bright, set the ISO number lower. If it is too dark, set it a notch higher. Please come back and let me know what works for you.
Andrew
reply to this comment
When you say "electrified" is their hair coming out too bright, or burnt looking? I'd make sure the camera is on auto settings and try to take a photo. If this doesn't work, you might play around with the ISO settings. If their hair looks too bright, set the ISO number lower. If it is too dark, set it a notch higher. Please come back and let me know what works for you.
Andrew
cmiddleton3157 (02/15/2007)
Haven't had a free minute to make this adjustment but will do so soon. I appreciate your reply.
Cathy
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Cathy
Panasonic LZ3 or Canon A530? (BluEBirD — 01/31/2007)
I heard that the Canon image quality is better than that of panasonic
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Rich Watson (02/03/2007)
Hi Bluebird, I used to have a farm named Bluebird Farm.
Anyway, the Panasonic has some nice features for the money, particularly the IS (image stabilization). And the 6x optical zoom is great too, and the 2 inch LCD beats out the 1.8 incher on the Canon.
Drawbacks are plenty, though on the LZ3: The 'noise' of the photos can be excessive, there is no optical viewfinder, it weighs 8 oz., and THE MOVIE MODE HAS NO SOUND. Also if you want creative control, the manual mode on the LZ3 is poor. The Canon gives you full manual control, (if that's what you like) over the shutter speed, the f-stop, the ISO, the manual focus, the flash intensity, etc. The A530 weighs only 5.9 oz.
I would go with the A530, or even the A540 (just a bit more moolah).
Rich
reply to this comment
Anyway, the Panasonic has some nice features for the money, particularly the IS (image stabilization). And the 6x optical zoom is great too, and the 2 inch LCD beats out the 1.8 incher on the Canon.
Drawbacks are plenty, though on the LZ3: The 'noise' of the photos can be excessive, there is no optical viewfinder, it weighs 8 oz., and THE MOVIE MODE HAS NO SOUND. Also if you want creative control, the manual mode on the LZ3 is poor. The Canon gives you full manual control, (if that's what you like) over the shutter speed, the f-stop, the ISO, the manual focus, the flash intensity, etc. The A530 weighs only 5.9 oz.
I would go with the A530, or even the A540 (just a bit more moolah).
Rich
Ahmed Abou-Zeid (02/08/2007)
You are asking about two very simmiller camera's
But you are right the Canon is a little higher that the Panasonic LZ3 because it has a lot maore features, but also the Panasonic have a better Optical zoom and have an image stablizer and a bigger LCD.
reply to this comment
But you are right the Canon is a little higher that the Panasonic LZ3 because it has a lot maore features, but also the Panasonic have a better Optical zoom and have an image stablizer and a bigger LCD.
rgb15709 (03/26/2007)
My wife has a Canon 530, and I just bought the DMC-LZ3 because of the
6X zoom. But I've already found that in bright outdoor light the view-
finder (as on the Canon) would be helpful. The LCD screen is useless.
If you are going to use the disposable batteries, read PC World's review
about the Panasonic Oxyride batteries that come with the LZ3. It will be
helpful. The Oxyride is not available in the US until this summer, except
by mail order. Google "Gigaweb" for the best price. I like both cameras.
reply to this comment
6X zoom. But I've already found that in bright outdoor light the view-
finder (as on the Canon) would be helpful. The LCD screen is useless.
If you are going to use the disposable batteries, read PC World's review
about the Panasonic Oxyride batteries that come with the LZ3. It will be
helpful. The Oxyride is not available in the US until this summer, except
by mail order. Google "Gigaweb" for the best price. I like both cameras.
What under $200 digital camera is the most durable? I want a camera that isn't too fragile. (reno328 — 01/29/2007)
I am concerned about cameras that have quality issues. Easy to break or are so fragile they stop working quickly. I want something that can withstand being carried and move about.
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Joe (01/30/2007)
The Panasonic Lumix dmc LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the best camera in the price range you are looking for. It has amazing features for its size and price. Durable too.
Check out the excellent user reviews on the link above!
Good Luck
reply to this comment
Check out the excellent user reviews on the link above!
Good Luck
Brenda Paro (01/31/2007)
It doesn't get great reviews on this site, but I am a big fan of the Olympus Stylus 710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). I love the image quality and the price is well below $200. The main reason I am bringing it up is because, like most of the Olympus models, this camera has a very durable metal body (with, I think, some titanium mixed in) and is ding-proof as well as resistant to moisture. That doesn't mean you can drop it in the bathtub, but it is much more "travel friendly" and "weather friendly" than most cameras on the market. <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... the lineup of the other Olympus cameras if you want to check out models besides the 710.
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MSU Ben (11/04/2007)
Well, if you're looking for total reliability, the best cameras are the Nikon F series pro 35mm SLR bodies. These were (and are) used in the most inhospitable conditions in the world, and are probably the most durable cameras ever made. You can find a used Nikon F3 for under $200, and it features incredible weather sealing, simple design, and aperture priority exposure mode. An F3 will serve you well for years to come, and the image quality you'll get from manual focus Nikon lenses will beat the snot out of any miniature digital camera. The downside is that you'll have to buy film - slide film has the best quality. Of course, modern small digital cameras are more convenient, but an old pro camera will serve you much more reliably, and you'll even learn a thing or two about photography.
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I am contemplating buying this LZ3 against Nikon L3 Please advise about the picture quality of panasonic? (arifs — 01/23/2007)
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (01/23/2007)
Hi Arif,
You can see sample image galleries from each camera below:
L3 ( steves-digicams.com/2006_re... )
LZ3 ( steves-digicams.com/2006_re... )
Both cameras are rated moderately well by users/pro reviewers. They both have issues with build quality (they are very cheap cameras, after all) and with image quality. The Panasonic does fairly well outdoors in good light, but once you move indoors and the camera's auto mode bumps the ISO setting up, the image noise really starts to flood the picture. But check the shots for yourself and see what you think.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
You can see sample image galleries from each camera below:
L3 ( steves-digicams.com/2006_re... )
LZ3 ( steves-digicams.com/2006_re... )
Both cameras are rated moderately well by users/pro reviewers. They both have issues with build quality (they are very cheap cameras, after all) and with image quality. The Panasonic does fairly well outdoors in good light, but once you move indoors and the camera's auto mode bumps the ISO setting up, the image noise really starts to flood the picture. But check the shots for yourself and see what you think.
Good luck!
arifs (01/24/2007)
Thanks Ken,
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vhasouth (03/11/2007)
So far the LZ3 has made really wonderful sports shots. I have a baseball player and in several shots, the ball has been stopped perfectly and the action is not blurred. Though I've only used it a coule of weeks I'm impressed with the quality of the pics!!
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I need a camera that has short timeframe between when I take the pic and when it saves the pic - I take alot of pics of chn - who turn heads quickly. (sjgarcia — 01/21/2007)
The zoom is also important to me.
reply to this comment
winetime (01/21/2007)
How much are you willing to spend? This feature raises the price of the camera. The Canon 30D does an excellent job with rapid fire shots. A high speed digital card also increases the speed between shots. Of course you could go to film. There are LOTS of options there
reply to this comment
winetime (01/21/2007)
How much are you willing to spend? This feature raises the price of the camera. The Canon 30D does an excellent job with rapid fire shots. A high speed digital card also increases the speed between shots. Of course you could go to film. There are LOTS of options there
reply to this comment
sjgarcia (01/21/2007)
I would like to keep it under $400
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Rich Watson (02/01/2007)
The Nikon D40 dSLR is fast, too. Unfortunately, it is 6 bills, but that DOES include the lens.
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Rich Watson (02/01/2007)
The speed delay is frequently due to the auto-focus mechanism, trying to focus. If you turn that OFF, and hence use manual focus, then THAT would eliminate the problem.
If you have children focused at say, 8 feet away, AND you keep the F-opening small (meaning a larger number), then the 'field of focus' or 'depth of field' might be between 5 and 15 feet, and this upper limit perhaps being infinity (with a really small F-opening). So that is one way to photograph kids.
You need a camera that can be set for 'fully manual' mode. The Canon Powershot line does that (and there are many others that do as well) ---I'm just most familiar with the Powershot cameras. The beauty of digital is, you can experiment with different settings on a camera, and it doesn't cost you a fortune (like the old days, a dollar a print).
Rich
reply to this comment
If you have children focused at say, 8 feet away, AND you keep the F-opening small (meaning a larger number), then the 'field of focus' or 'depth of field' might be between 5 and 15 feet, and this upper limit perhaps being infinity (with a really small F-opening). So that is one way to photograph kids.
You need a camera that can be set for 'fully manual' mode. The Canon Powershot line does that (and there are many others that do as well) ---I'm just most familiar with the Powershot cameras. The beauty of digital is, you can experiment with different settings on a camera, and it doesn't cost you a fortune (like the old days, a dollar a print).
Rich
need users manual (Bevmur2 — 01/20/2007)
i need a users manual for my Panosonic Lumix DMC-LZ2
reply to this comment
bukit97 (01/20/2007)
You can easily get the user manual if you go to the panasonic site at
panasonic.com
case you have difficulties, this is the short cut :
service.us.panasonic.com/OP...
reply to this comment
panasonic.com
case you have difficulties, this is the short cut :
service.us.panasonic.com/OP...
Joan Waldron (07/07/2009)
I asked where to find a user manual for the fuji finepix j20 digital for some reason a printed one was not included I cannot read the enclosed disk for the user manual on my vista based compac pavillion by HP it is required to use the camera
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Panasonic LZ3 vs. Canon Powershot A710 IS (kplessel — 01/10/2007)
I am looking at buying a digital camera, and I want a good point an shoot, but also good for zoom and image stabilization. I was looking at these two cameras, and found that other than the megapixel difference (which I don't think we effect me), and price difference, I'm not sure why one is sooo much cheaper. Can anyone tell me why I should buy the more expensive A710IS?
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (01/10/2007)
Hi Kristin,
The LZ3 is indeed an incredible value. However, it is inferior to the A710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) in several ways, which I'll try to detail here.
1. Build quality. Many users of the LZ3 have reported issues with cameras simply failing after a few months. This will happen at least once in a while with any brand and any model--it's just the nature of delicate electronics--but the reviews section for the LZ3 here at DCHQ seems to indicate that it might be something of a trend.
2. LCD. The Canon has a 2.5" 115,000 pixel screen, while the LZ3 has a 2" 85,000 pixel screen, which is really quite poor for a camera these days.
3. Image noise, particularly in low light. The LZ3 has trouble with any ISO setting above 100, while the Canon fares significantly better. Pretty much any non-SLR digital is going to have issues with low light shooting, but Panasonic has unfortunately acquired something of a reputation for particularly poor noise levels.
4. Movie mode. The LZ3 doesn't offer audio recording in movie mode, which is going to be a serious showstopper for some people. The A710, on the other hand, includes a market-leading video mode--I personally own the S2 IS, which uses the same video mode, and I can guarantee you that it's fantastic.
This is not to say that the LZ3 isn't a good camera. It is, and it's incredibly feature-packed, especially for its price. The A710 IS is most definitely a better camera, but it's up to you to decide if it's worth the jump in price.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
The LZ3 is indeed an incredible value. However, it is inferior to the A710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) in several ways, which I'll try to detail here.
1. Build quality. Many users of the LZ3 have reported issues with cameras simply failing after a few months. This will happen at least once in a while with any brand and any model--it's just the nature of delicate electronics--but the reviews section for the LZ3 here at DCHQ seems to indicate that it might be something of a trend.
2. LCD. The Canon has a 2.5" 115,000 pixel screen, while the LZ3 has a 2" 85,000 pixel screen, which is really quite poor for a camera these days.
3. Image noise, particularly in low light. The LZ3 has trouble with any ISO setting above 100, while the Canon fares significantly better. Pretty much any non-SLR digital is going to have issues with low light shooting, but Panasonic has unfortunately acquired something of a reputation for particularly poor noise levels.
4. Movie mode. The LZ3 doesn't offer audio recording in movie mode, which is going to be a serious showstopper for some people. The A710, on the other hand, includes a market-leading video mode--I personally own the S2 IS, which uses the same video mode, and I can guarantee you that it's fantastic.
This is not to say that the LZ3 isn't a good camera. It is, and it's incredibly feature-packed, especially for its price. The A710 IS is most definitely a better camera, but it's up to you to decide if it's worth the jump in price.
Good luck!
What camera 5 MP & at least 5 X opt zoom, don't need movie mode. Just for use of close up shots of very small objects. (skf38 — 12/28/2006)
Need reccomendation of what camera (that is easy to use for first time novice) for tiny objects close up shots for sale of items on eBay. Told I need at least 5 MP and 5 X optical zoom. Don't need movie mode or distance capabilities. Are there any cameras EASY TO USE compatible with my HP Pavilion Home PC a720n (512 MB RAM, 200 GB HD, 2.0 USB Port). Point and Click sounds good to me?
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Sarah (12/29/2006)
The Canon A630 actually got really good reviews when it comes to taking photos in macro mode, which is what you would use if you are taking photographs of small objects on ebay. This camera has 8 MP and 4 optical zoom. I know that is less than what you said you wanted, but if taking pictures in macro mode is your highest priority, this is the camera I think you should go for. I have heard that this camera produces pictures in macro mode that are indistiquishable from a digital slr. To put a camera in this mode, click on the small flower on the back of the camera. This should toggle any camera in and out of macro mode. As far as easy to use, if you put it in automatic mode, you shouldn't have too much trouble. I don't see any reason it wouldn't be compatible with your computer as long as you are running Windows 2000 or better. Also, if you are doing a whole lot of photos and photo editing, I would recommend upgrading your RAM to 1GB (1024 MB). You can do this for under $100 usually and it is really easy to install, but that is just a suggestion, not a have to.
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skf38 (01/01/2007)
Thank you so much for your suggestion. Yes, it is very helpful and I believe it has put me on the right track. The 8 MP for the Cannon A630 is very desirable but only the 4 X optical zoom has me wanting to do a little better. I'm considering the Cannon Power Shot that has only 6 MP but 12 X optical zoom. I'm wondering if sacrificing the 2 MP for the additional zoom is advisable?
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Sarah (01/02/2007)
If you are referring to the S3IS, this is a great camera! It is even better than the A630, although I haven't heard any definit reports about the macro mode on this one. As far as the loss of MP, unless you are doing some pretty serious photo editing you won't notice the difference. If you don't mind the extra clunkiness, this camera is also a great choice.
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Sheila (01/02/2007)
Thanks Sarah, I appreciate your response. Yes, it is the S3IS I think I like for the 12X optical zoom. Since I will use it on a tripod to take close up shots, maybe the clunkiness won't matter? I don't plan on doing any serious photo editing since I want the objects to appear exactly "as they are" for sale on eBay. One of the reviews about the S3IS said "Apparently you need to press a button on the side if you want to use macro and after one picture, macro turns itself off. Super macro is even more difficult to use, as you have to press and hold the manual focus button while you try to focus on your subject." That has me a little concerned, but I won't be taking loads of pictures, possibly 15 per month and not all at one time. Most of the time I use my scanner and only need the camera when my items don't lay flat on the screen.
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Is Polaroid a520M 5.1-Megapixel Breast Cancer Awareness Digital Camera worth $99 dollars (dennismo1 — 12/26/2006)
It has 5.1-megapixel , 4x digital zoom, 2" LCD screen, Designer color, Video mode, PictBridge compatible
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/28/2006)
Hi Morgan,
Surprisingly, given its low price and the fact that Polaroid haven't exactly made a big splash in the digital camera business, many users seem to love this camera. However, when they say it's great, that statement is usually accompanied by a "for the price". You can see many such reviews here ( circuitcity.com/ssm/Custome... ).
Personally, I'd save up a bit more to get into the $150-200 range and go for a Fuji F650 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or a Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), as they're much more full-featured cameras at not that much higher of a price. For the extra $$$ you get optical zoom, manual control over settings like shutter speed and aperture, and all around better build quality.
That said, if you just want to point and shoot and you don't care about the extra bells & whistles, the Polaroid might meet your needs. Just remember that in digital cameras as in most things, you tend to get what you pay for.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
Surprisingly, given its low price and the fact that Polaroid haven't exactly made a big splash in the digital camera business, many users seem to love this camera. However, when they say it's great, that statement is usually accompanied by a "for the price". You can see many such reviews here ( circuitcity.com/ssm/Custome... ).
Personally, I'd save up a bit more to get into the $150-200 range and go for a Fuji F650 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or a Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), as they're much more full-featured cameras at not that much higher of a price. For the extra $$$ you get optical zoom, manual control over settings like shutter speed and aperture, and all around better build quality.
That said, if you just want to point and shoot and you don't care about the extra bells & whistles, the Polaroid might meet your needs. Just remember that in digital cameras as in most things, you tend to get what you pay for.
Good luck!
Annabelle (01/02/2007)
This camera is terrible! Do not buy it, TRUST ME! Waste of money even if it is only $99. I got mine as Christmas prestent from Circuit City because I needed a new digital camera and love the color pink. I got it and new it looked a little cheap. I played around with it, took pictures and the images were horrible!! If you're taking a close up with the flash your face is completely washed out! If you take it without a flash the image is so dark. Far away picutes also are bad. I was at a party and a friend had the Casio Exilim? and I held the exact images up next to each other and the difference was enormous. Please trust me and dont waste your money and time, spend a bit more for a better camera and you will not regret it. If you buy this cheap one, trust me you will regret it and return it as did I within a week. I now have the Kodak V705 in pink..No comparision. SO much better than the garbage polaroid!!! Be wise, dont buy this!!!!
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I NEED AN OPERATORS MANUAL FOR A SONY DSC S500 CAMERA (ELVIN — 12/26/2006)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC S500 OPERATORS MANUAL
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/27/2006)
Hi Elvin,
You can get the S500 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )'s manual here ( esupport.sony.com/US/perl/m... ).
Good luck!
reply to this comment
You can get the S500 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )'s manual here ( esupport.sony.com/US/perl/m... ).
Good luck!
what is the difference between lz3 and lz3s (yeolecrow — 12/24/2006)
Circuit city has a lz3 while walmart has a lz3s. Doen anyone know the difference?
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Sarah (12/25/2006)
Panasonic generally associates the last letter of their model number to indicate the physical color of the camera. In this case I am a bit stumped because they are both seemingly the same. However, I did a little research and I think that the LZ3 uses a smart media card and the LZ3S (Newer version) uses an SD card. If this is the case, you definitly want to go with the lz3s because smart media cards are pretty hard to find. SD cards are readily available and go on sale often.
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Pureblkgal (03/24/2007)
Thank you, this was very helpful. I'm not really tech literate, so the memory card thing was greek to me.
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Some of the language is confusing me. What is megaplex, SLR & the if the letters after the name mean something specific ? (Merica01 — 12/23/2006)
I am looking for a camera that is the stediest where my hand isn't, with the most zoom. However, I also do not know how to compare where languare i.e megaplex,SLR are used. That means nothing to me. IS there a code word for a steady camera, or extended zoom, simple, auto shoot. Things like that to tell the difference between each of the different models?
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/25/2006)
Hi Merica,
What you're looking for is a camera with an Image Stabilization system (IS). Some companies also refer to this technology as VR (for "vibration reduction"). Typically this is accomplished either by gyroscopes that move the lens to compensate for movement by your hand, or by a mechanism that moves the imaging sensor (aka the CCD).
Some of the best long zoom cameras with IS systems are:
Canon's S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Panasonic's FZ7 and FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Sony's H5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Kodak's P712 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
All of these have 10x or 12x optical zooms paired with very good Image Stabilization systems.
To your definition questions: a "megapixel" is a million pixels (the tiny dots which digital photos are made up of), so the more megapixels, the larger the image on your screen and the larger you can print those images; a "SLR" is a single lens reflex camera--you can recognize them primarily by the fact that they have removable lenses and by their huge price tags--they range from serious amateur to pro equipment; the letters after model names are pretty arbitrary, but sometimes (as in the case of the S2 IS and S3 IS) they mean something... it's pretty hard to tell sometimes.
Hope this helps!
reply to this comment
What you're looking for is a camera with an Image Stabilization system (IS). Some companies also refer to this technology as VR (for "vibration reduction"). Typically this is accomplished either by gyroscopes that move the lens to compensate for movement by your hand, or by a mechanism that moves the imaging sensor (aka the CCD).
Some of the best long zoom cameras with IS systems are:
Canon's S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and S3 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Panasonic's FZ7 and FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Sony's H5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Kodak's P712 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
All of these have 10x or 12x optical zooms paired with very good Image Stabilization systems.
To your definition questions: a "megapixel" is a million pixels (the tiny dots which digital photos are made up of), so the more megapixels, the larger the image on your screen and the larger you can print those images; a "SLR" is a single lens reflex camera--you can recognize them primarily by the fact that they have removable lenses and by their huge price tags--they range from serious amateur to pro equipment; the letters after model names are pretty arbitrary, but sometimes (as in the case of the S2 IS and S3 IS) they mean something... it's pretty hard to tell sometimes.
Hope this helps!
It Dave K. (08/11/2007)
It sounds as if you may be confused if you buy a camera which is too complicated or which has cryptic displays. Go to a store (and it may take a couple of tries, WalMart is bad for NOT doing this) which keeps the display cameras use-ready, with strong batteries and empty memory. You'll want to try them out, and find one which has strong selection of automatic modes to help you (action, macro, and so on). I cannot emphasize this enough, you want OPTICAL image stabilization, not DIGITAL image stabilization. Optical systems move elements of the lens to compensate for movement. Digital systems crop the sensor, removing some resolution, detail, and sharpness to accomplish the stabilization. Though rare a few years ago, optical IS is common now, and is a big help with super zooms. You might try the Kodak Z712. It retails for less than $250. That said, there are a plethora of excellent choices. Panasonics are very easy to use, but I was unimpressed with the image quality on mine. Most any quality brand (why doesn't anyone mention Nikon anymore?) of 10x+ zoom camera will give 4x6 prints that anyone would be happy with.
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All of which are generally in the same price range, which camera do u suggest out of: Sony Cybershot W70, Nikon Coolpix S9, or Canon SD600 (sophia — 12/20/2006)
For a college student. Looking for nice look, big LCD, good/ non-blurry images, under $250...
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/20/2006)
Hi Sophia,
Of these I'd recommend the SD600 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's got the best LCD, for one thing. For another, it's the smallest of the three (though they're all pretty similar in size). Finally, it has a better flash range than either of the other two, which is important when you're shooting in the dark or just in low-light situations (parties). Most importantly, though, Canon image quality is, in my experience, unmatched.
You should be aware that no ultracompact is going to be entirely blur-free, especially in low-light situations (unless you use flash all the time). Just a sad fact of the way digital cameras work.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
Of these I'd recommend the SD600 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's got the best LCD, for one thing. For another, it's the smallest of the three (though they're all pretty similar in size). Finally, it has a better flash range than either of the other two, which is important when you're shooting in the dark or just in low-light situations (parties). Most importantly, though, Canon image quality is, in my experience, unmatched.
You should be aware that no ultracompact is going to be entirely blur-free, especially in low-light situations (unless you use flash all the time). Just a sad fact of the way digital cameras work.
Good luck!
Sarah (12/22/2006)
Sophia,
Good luck finding any of those cameras under $250 in a retail store after you buy a memory card. Unfortunately cameras don't have enough internal memory now days to take more than a couple pictures, forcing buyers to purchase memory cards. A decent size card is going to cost about $50. Also, none of the cameras that you selected offer an image stabilizer. If you are taking photos in low light or want to reduce the likelihood of a blurred picture, this is a feature you are definitly looking for. All of the cameras that you selected are great, but for this I would recommend the Olympus FE-190. It is actually smaller than all of the cameras you mentioned, has a surprisingly large LCD, and has image stabilizer. In addition, this camera is only going to cost about $199 leaving you with pleanty of money to get a memory card and a case if you so desire.
reply to this comment
Good luck finding any of those cameras under $250 in a retail store after you buy a memory card. Unfortunately cameras don't have enough internal memory now days to take more than a couple pictures, forcing buyers to purchase memory cards. A decent size card is going to cost about $50. Also, none of the cameras that you selected offer an image stabilizer. If you are taking photos in low light or want to reduce the likelihood of a blurred picture, this is a feature you are definitly looking for. All of the cameras that you selected are great, but for this I would recommend the Olympus FE-190. It is actually smaller than all of the cameras you mentioned, has a surprisingly large LCD, and has image stabilizer. In addition, this camera is only going to cost about $199 leaving you with pleanty of money to get a memory card and a case if you so desire.
LOOKING FOR JST DSC-812 DIGITAL CAMERA (dlt1116 — 12/18/2006)
ANY INFORMATION ON 12.0MEGA PIXELS JAPAN TECHNOLOGY "JST DIGITAL cAMERA DSC-812"
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/18/2006)
Hi Debbie,
The fact that neither you nor I can find any information about this camera probably means that it's not worth finding out about. When it comes to digital cameras, if you've never heard of the brand, that's probably because they're not worth hearing about. There are several low-end manufacturers producing very cheap digitals, but they're also very low quality and support for them is bound to be non-existent. You'd be much better off saving up a little more money and hitting up one of the lower-end cameras from a major brand. Say... the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), the Panasonic LS2 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), or the Fuji F650 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Good luck!
reply to this comment
The fact that neither you nor I can find any information about this camera probably means that it's not worth finding out about. When it comes to digital cameras, if you've never heard of the brand, that's probably because they're not worth hearing about. There are several low-end manufacturers producing very cheap digitals, but they're also very low quality and support for them is bound to be non-existent. You'd be much better off saving up a little more money and hitting up one of the lower-end cameras from a major brand. Say... the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), the Panasonic LS2 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), or the Fuji F650 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Good luck!
Debbie Thompson (01/25/2007)
Thanks so much I unfortunately already bought the camera in New York and got the royal rip. Live and Learn thanks so much for your help
reply to this comment
Ann Quinn (03/04/2007)
I also bought a JST Digital Camera in New York in Broadway Camera Store at Time Square can't get it to charge , Have you tried calling store or sending it back I paid nearly $2000 USA for it they saw me coming!!!!! I am trying to get back some of my money on Insurance Will let you know me email is quinna@bigpond.com
reply to this comment
dxfactor (03/16/2007)
hey hi everybody for whoever read this, i got 1 of this jst digital camera dsc-812 gray color it looks nice but i don't know about the cam i'm trying to find some info but there is no much so if someone know some about it please you can hit me up w a note i'm from ny i will apreciate if you can help me thnanks.
reply to this comment
Janne (03/21/2007)
I also bought a DSC-812 in New York, same shop. I however only paid 224 USD including a 1 GB Kingston SD card. The information I've found is that it's a Zoran Cache camera (they make the basic card and then anyone can add their own outer housing). Mine charges okey, but the pic quality leaves a lot more to be desired!
reply to this comment
Adam (03/27/2007)
I bought one that looks exactly like it as a 6megapixel camera by Fujida in Hong Kong about a year and a half ago. I've had intermittent issues with the SD interface (none prevented using the camera, just previewing the pictures already taken), and the video could use a few more frames per second, but other than that it's worked fine. It's still a great deal so far (~$380 US including extra battery and 1GB SD card) and I still get compliments on it (Red anodized cover) almost everywhere I take it.
I looked up the JST name because I saw some in electronics stores in NYC when I was there last weekend.
reply to this comment
I looked up the JST name because I saw some in electronics stores in NYC when I was there last weekend.
Janne (03/28/2007)
It's also sold under the brand Technaxx: tradera.com/auction/Foto__K...
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kathy (06/23/2007)
okay, i just bought one of these and now am thinking i too got the royal rip-off. the guy in the store told me there was a warranty, but i can't find a warranty card. what's the dilly?
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Snd (08/10/2007)
i bought a JST DVC-512 and it was great at first it look class and everything, he told me there was a flash on it but when i got home i didnt find a flash on it any where. i got it last Dec in NYC in the same shop ye are on about i think but the guy in the store told me it was a new brand and its a up coming brand and i believed him, its worked up until last month and i really want to get it working again so i was hoping to find a company that deals with JST and i cant find them any where so i wont buy a item of a brand i dont know really well cause now i'm kicking myself!!!
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diane m (08/28/2007)
i also bought the dsc-812 digital camera in new tork, it takes great pictures and i like it but i accidently broke the cd software and cannot find another anywhere can anyone helpme with that. email me at alldaytruckin@aol.com
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Liam Heffernan (09/03/2007)
I also bought a JST 12 mega pixels digital camera but unfortunately lost all components need to charge battery - Li-ion 3.7v700mAh - need a charger can anyone help.
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I G KUMAR (09/03/2007)
My deepest sympathies to Debbie, Ann and others who got ripped off by the camera store in Times Square Broadway!! Last night, we were at that store too....and would have almost got ripped off as well....the aggressive salesman there was offering it for $1500 with 2 1 GB SD Card free!! Thankfully, my better senses prevailed...and I somehow excused myself out of the store...and probably would not have managed it, if the store was not closing...it was 11pm. I would say this is sad...since there are no authorities who can control and stop this menace. I doubt if there will be any, as US prides itself in stating that its a FREE country believing in free capitalist economy....so every scoundrel, thief, mugger abound....BUT more so, there are what I can say are Smooth Operators like the Banks, Credit Card Cos, Travel Sites, Hotels who also rip you off....only that, they make you take your money out of your pocket and give it to them....in perfect legal umbrella and with management completely hidden thru call centers and front line staff who cant do much about it, once you are ripped off. SO BEWARE ALL who TRAVEL in THE US OF A !!
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Jeff (09/09/2007)
My wife was just in NYC and bought a JST DVC-712 from Embassy Electronics at 717 Seventh Avenue, is this the same shop others are reffering to? Got it back home and can't figure out how to download video clips. After looking in the rather impressive box that it came in there were no instructions other than documentation of what the buttons control. We left a message for "Mike" the salesperson to please call 2 days ago.
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debbie (09/16/2007)
Hi :) everybody I bough a digital camera at NYC, the digital camera 12 Megapixels is a JST DSC-812 and so far it has worked fine; however I am wondering whether it was worth it. I pay $250 for the camera then $29 for a 2.0 GB memory card, a total of $279. Then i told the salesman that the camera was too expensive!!! he only gave me a leather protection component for the camera for free, expressing that $279 was the final price. I still think that the camera with the 2.0 GB was too expensive!!!!! I wonder how much this camera is worth in other stores... I'm searching through the internet, but there is no information about it. If anybody paided more or less than that, please let me know.... my email address is devigemr@yahoo.com
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Jean Mi (09/16/2007)
Hi everybody!
Nice to see that I m not the only one having been ripped off in Broadway NYC. The worse is that I hesitated between a cheaper Sony and this *** of JST. I guess I got impressed by the slim black shape, large screen and the big letters saying 12 Megapixels. I was charged like 350 US, with memory cards. This camera takes OK pictures, BUT
1) The flash is too weak to take any pictures after 6 pm, and takes ages to charge back after each pictures
2) Has an 8X DIGITAL zoom, which is perfectly useless
3) Has softwares flaws, crashes sometimes
4) Doesn t adapt automatically to the light level, one has to do it MANUALLY, going through the menus !!!
5) My personal favourite: the colours and luminosity are different from what you see before taking the picture.
reply to this comment
Nice to see that I m not the only one having been ripped off in Broadway NYC. The worse is that I hesitated between a cheaper Sony and this *** of JST. I guess I got impressed by the slim black shape, large screen and the big letters saying 12 Megapixels. I was charged like 350 US, with memory cards. This camera takes OK pictures, BUT
1) The flash is too weak to take any pictures after 6 pm, and takes ages to charge back after each pictures
2) Has an 8X DIGITAL zoom, which is perfectly useless
3) Has softwares flaws, crashes sometimes
4) Doesn t adapt automatically to the light level, one has to do it MANUALLY, going through the menus !!!
5) My personal favourite: the colours and luminosity are different from what you see before taking the picture.
Ann Quinn (09/16/2007)
Why don't we all write a letter to Mayor of New York telling of our disgust that this camera store on Broadway is rippping us off and see if we get a response. I have tried calling the store but each time left hanging and then told you need to talk to ***** and he is not in today.
Regards
Ann Quinn
PS Would love to send you a photo of me but my JST digital camera is not working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reply to this comment
Regards
Ann Quinn
PS Would love to send you a photo of me but my JST digital camera is not working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I G KUMAR (09/20/2007)
Ann,
Writing to the Mayor of NYC sounds good....but if I may add the kind of experiences I have had with the likes of Bank of America (theres a $ million class action suit (for selling the personal info database of the bank customers) from California which the bank is trying to settle off-court), Hertz, Marriott, Travelocity and the numerous rip-off Internet sites that skim few $ off your account every month....then I guess writing to the President may be needed!! LOL
reply to this comment
Writing to the Mayor of NYC sounds good....but if I may add the kind of experiences I have had with the likes of Bank of America (theres a $ million class action suit (for selling the personal info database of the bank customers) from California which the bank is trying to settle off-court), Hertz, Marriott, Travelocity and the numerous rip-off Internet sites that skim few $ off your account every month....then I guess writing to the President may be needed!! LOL
dlt1116 (09/20/2007)
To all of you that got ripped off at Broadway in N.Y. I was relentless in calling sending letters finally they exchanged the useless JST camera for a cheaper Olympus camera but at least it takes pictures at night. The only reason they did was a friend was in NY and made a stink in the store. I wish there was some way to warn others from shopping there! Maybe a letter to the mayor is a good idea or we could start a petition!
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Jeff (09/22/2007)
If everyone that has been ripped off would file a report with the NYC BBB (www.newyork.bbb.org) perhaps they might take some action. Anyone needing software you might try www.blazevideo.com.
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Jeff (09/22/2007)
DEBBIE THOMPSON
(dlt1116)
Who finally exchanged it for you? We have been calling and faxing and still getting the run around, I know hard to believe!
I filed a dispute with our credit card company but they gave no assurances.
It was interesting to see that they only have 1 complaint in the last 12 months to the BBB.
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(dlt1116)
Who finally exchanged it for you? We have been calling and faxing and still getting the run around, I know hard to believe!
I filed a dispute with our credit card company but they gave no assurances.
It was interesting to see that they only have 1 complaint in the last 12 months to the BBB.
jennifer doran (09/24/2007)
well, well, well..I disputed the charges with Amex to no avail..
It is despicable that this is going on in our country...somebody know a lawyer out there???
JST, Advanced digital lens..ouch..$ 7500,00!Jennifer doran
reply to this comment
It is despicable that this is going on in our country...somebody know a lawyer out there???
JST, Advanced digital lens..ouch..$ 7500,00!Jennifer doran
Lynne Snyder (09/30/2007)
I too was ripped off, but it was my own fault! I did not recognize the brand name of the camera, I thought the salesgirl was too pushy, yet I still bought the damn camera, hoping I was getting a "real bargain" I only paid $400 but that was about $375 more than the stupid thing is worth. Like we are warned constantly BUYER BEWARE!, and I really wasn't. So, I will chalk it up to experience, and you can bet it won't happen again. I do intend to notify the BBB in NYC, but I am sure nothing will come of it, as I believe that the BBB is also a big scam otherwise this master of rip off would have been closed long ago as I am sure there are many many people that have been scammed just like we were.
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rippedoff (10/20/2007)
I bought the DVC-712 also from embassy electronics, when I got back home the actual start button was missing, and that area broken. what a ripoff, but I am back in NYC next week and will be visiting them with a printoff of all these complaints.
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Eslie King (10/25/2007)
How amazing! I was looking for imformation on my recently bought DSC 812 (from Broadway Cameras NYC) when I came across this web site. The problem with mine is that as soon as there is no daylight there is no image! I also couldn't download the photos that I took in New York and when I put the memory card back in the camera all the images had been deleted.
My partner bought a laptop from the same store and has an unexplained debit for over $300 on his bank statement.
I'm not sure where we go from here but as so many of us have been ripped off ,there must be something we can do.
reply to this comment
My partner bought a laptop from the same store and has an unexplained debit for over $300 on his bank statement.
I'm not sure where we go from here but as so many of us have been ripped off ,there must be something we can do.
rippedoff (10/25/2007)
Hi Elsie, hopefully you paid with a debit or credit card, if so contact them and explain your situation, but first contact the store and complain, you will probably get a rejection, but thats what you need to give your card company the go ahead to chase it for you. good luck...
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Tim the muppet!) (11/07/2007)
Hi, just stumbled across this message board, after looking for info on DVC512! I went into the store with the sole intention of buying some speakers! Instead bought the 512, wide angle lense, 2 gig card for $1000, what a muppet!!!!! The first one I bought froze, returned to the store, they replaced it, the second one also stopped working after about an hour, spoke to the hotel manager re the laws in the USA. Armed with this info, I went back a third time, again they replaced it, (is there anyone reading this thinking I am an idiot?!!) However, used it for the remainder of my stay and it worked fine. Even at home after a month of regular use, it's still great and get loads of comments about it. Even so, please be aware, they must be on commission and see us mugs coming!! Still get my speakers!!
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rippedoff (11/07/2007)
Last week the House of Lords (UK) upheld the fact ‘Section 75’ protection applies when you buy things abroad. So buy something costing over £100 on your credit card and the card company is equally liable with the retailer if things go wrong. As faulty products bought abroad can be a nightmare to handle, this means you can simply call your card company instead, making it very valuable extra protection. Thus always spend on a credit card (not debit card) when buying valuables abroad
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Howie (11/19/2007)
Although I don't know exactly the model number but it does sound like the one everyone in this blog is talking about....JST camera. It is being offered on QVC and QVC.com for $234.96. A co-worker bought this and was showing it to me...it looks great and I was thinking of getting one myself...but all the negative feedback from all of you convinced me to look elsewhere. Although I feel your pain and agony...please know you have saved at least one person from spending hard earned money on crap.
Thank you all!!!!
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Thank you all!!!!
Franco (11/20/2007)
I am such a muppet after 2 hours being in new york i do the same jsut wanted to buy a camera and these guys did the same with me same thing i have been ripped of so bad , cant belive that in new york they allos this to go on .
Its bad enough to be ropped but then but the credit card compnay as well as they have the merchant status to allow this to go on .. i will be taking this further and please spread teh news the more people subscribe to this thread and leave and email the better .. gong to the sotr tomrrow to sort it out ,, but dont what good its going to do ..
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Its bad enough to be ropped but then but the credit card compnay as well as they have the merchant status to allow this to go on .. i will be taking this further and please spread teh news the more people subscribe to this thread and leave and email the better .. gong to the sotr tomrrow to sort it out ,, but dont what good its going to do ..
Ann Guish (11/26/2007)
Oh well, another mug was born this week. I cannot believe I was drawn into this ring of fire. My purchase of a JST 712 was completed after stepping into 51st Computers & Electronics 780 7th Avenue N.Y. The sales guy was really friendly, welcoming, personable and the ultimate conman who subsequently turned out to be a complete bastard!!
My tale follows the similar pattern to that of all the other threads, in that, I, for some reason purchased an inferior quality non branded product and SD cards for over 1300 dollars, this being a special offer to me because he liked me so much, incidentally he reduced the price from 2400 dollars obviously a very highly inflated price.
Having realised fairly quickly after purchasing, and then looking closer at the unit, it was clear I had been conned!.... I took advantage of going online in my hotel, and in doing so found this site, and my decision to take action immediately was based on the facts displayed in these threads.
I took the camcorder and SD cards back and requested a refund, but was told that refunds would not be given, only exchanges were possible. Bearing this in mind I went for the damage limitation option, and agreed to exchange the unit and cards for two branded items, both 2007 models. These, as with every other product in the shop were hugely overpriced and I had to negotiate carefully with them whilst liasing with a friend who had Internet access in England, this action was carried out in an attempt to recover my potential losses. Even though I paid over the top for both items, the alternative was to potentially lose everything!
I can only conclude by saying that nobody should venture anywhere near these outlets, if you do, be prepared to be lied to and cheated. Don't ask advice because they will tell you absolutely anything to get a sale, infact they will tell you the the inferior product which has a bigger profit for them, is far better than the superior product just so they can make the con even better for themselves. Better still don't even look in their windows, walk straight by..
This company and few others in New York are taking full advantage of tourists and preying on their vulnerability and should be reported, as I shall be doing in the very near future with the NYC BBB.
reply to this comment
My tale follows the similar pattern to that of all the other threads, in that, I, for some reason purchased an inferior quality non branded product and SD cards for over 1300 dollars, this being a special offer to me because he liked me so much, incidentally he reduced the price from 2400 dollars obviously a very highly inflated price.
Having realised fairly quickly after purchasing, and then looking closer at the unit, it was clear I had been conned!.... I took advantage of going online in my hotel, and in doing so found this site, and my decision to take action immediately was based on the facts displayed in these threads.
I took the camcorder and SD cards back and requested a refund, but was told that refunds would not be given, only exchanges were possible. Bearing this in mind I went for the damage limitation option, and agreed to exchange the unit and cards for two branded items, both 2007 models. These, as with every other product in the shop were hugely overpriced and I had to negotiate carefully with them whilst liasing with a friend who had Internet access in England, this action was carried out in an attempt to recover my potential losses. Even though I paid over the top for both items, the alternative was to potentially lose everything!
I can only conclude by saying that nobody should venture anywhere near these outlets, if you do, be prepared to be lied to and cheated. Don't ask advice because they will tell you absolutely anything to get a sale, infact they will tell you the the inferior product which has a bigger profit for them, is far better than the superior product just so they can make the con even better for themselves. Better still don't even look in their windows, walk straight by..
This company and few others in New York are taking full advantage of tourists and preying on their vulnerability and should be reported, as I shall be doing in the very near future with the NYC BBB.
rippedoff (11/26/2007)
Hi Ann,
sorry you fell into the same pit, could you please advise, what is--NYC BBB. and I for one will follow the same route, as should all the posters in this thread.
good luck
reply to this comment
Hi Ann,
sorry you fell into the same pit, could you please advise, what is--NYC BBB. and I for one will follow the same route, as should all the posters in this thread.
good luck
Antonella (12/10/2007)
Hi to all!
I'm on the same situation......i buy a video camera on this shop....they tell me the price (1400,00$)and then my refuse...they ask me if it's good 900$.....
and so....i buy this......
but now i see on web site that the rates of this camera is 240$.......
what can i do????????????
i payed with credit card......
help me
reply to this comment
I'm on the same situation......i buy a video camera on this shop....they tell me the price (1400,00$)and then my refuse...they ask me if it's good 900$.....
and so....i buy this......
but now i see on web site that the rates of this camera is 240$.......
what can i do????????????
i payed with credit card......
help me
Frank (12/30/2007)
Hi
I also purchased this JST-712 and cannot get this to down load to my computer
cannot locate company will also have to go to the BBB if I do not get help
reply to this comment
I also purchased this JST-712 and cannot get this to down load to my computer
cannot locate company will also have to go to the BBB if I do not get help
JS (01/20/2008)
I bought a JST dsc-812 on broadway at new york the the price on the box was 1200$ and i bought it for 80$ after 2hours of dealing! Its the worst camera I ever bought, can only take good picture if the light is perfect and really nothing moving. The batterie is already dead after 4month and they dont sold-it nowhere. The only good thing about this camera is the video in divx, you can make a movie of almost 2h on a 1gig sd card the quality is not so bad. But never pay more than 100$ for a cheap camera like this!
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David, Levy (01/21/2008)
HI, i am sorry to disappoint you guys but luckily i had a pleasant sale in one of those stores, somehow i was treated well and got what i wanted for a fair price.
I hope all of you guys can settle your problems amicably with your salespeople.
Good luck
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HI, i am sorry to disappoint you guys but luckily i had a pleasant sale in one of those stores, somehow i was treated well and got what i wanted for a fair price.
I hope all of you guys can settle your problems amicably with your salespeople.
Good luck
They saw me coming (01/23/2008)
I am sorry to say that I too was conned on Broadway, near Times Square, between 53rd & 54th street. Millennium Cameras. The salesman charmed me for 30 minutes and reduced the price from $1200 to $600. I really should have known better and listened to my husband! I only wanted a digital camera but came out with the 12 megapixel JST camcorder. I immediately realised it was no good but was told no refunds. Same scenario as above, got an Olympus in exchange. Thankfully it is a good camera but the deal cost me $700 (£360), I could get the camera here in the UK for £160. The other part of the con was that when I told the shop on my third return visit that another shop one block down was selling the Olympus for $149 ($500 less!) they sent their boy with us to check and would you believe it as soon as we got there the salesman there had 'just sold' the last one and swore it was $800 and we had been dreaming. WARNING TO ANYONE DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THE CAMERA SHOPS ON BROADWAY AND TIMES SQUARE, THEY ARE CON MEN!!
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Frank (01/26/2008)
Has anyone found out how to contact JST we cannot get any information.
Have purchased JST DVC 712 canot get store to help with information. Problem is cannot get zoom to focus properly, video pictures are blurry as wellas still pictures. also cannot get vedio from camcorder to computer
can any one help with the above problems
reply to this comment
Have purchased JST DVC 712 canot get store to help with information. Problem is cannot get zoom to focus properly, video pictures are blurry as wellas still pictures. also cannot get vedio from camcorder to computer
can any one help with the above problems
Yet another tourist mugged on Broadway (02/13/2008)
We found this web site just hours after our purchase of a JST 712. We tried to get our money back after reading the unfavourable reviews but could not even get an exchange. All the staff in the shop had shift changed by the time we returned 2 hours later so we couldn't even speak to the smug salesman who served us. We were told JCT was part of JVC and the product was fully warranted, but like others when we got the product home there was no warranty, and JVC has no connection whatsoever to JST. We even called the Police who also tried to get a refund on our behalf, but to no avail. The Police Officer told us they deal with these clowns ripping tourists off along Broadway on a daily basis and they are unable to do anything about it. Just for the record we shopped in BROADWAY CAMERAS at 1550 BROADWAY NY. If anyone needs help or support in trying to get some sort of resolution in stopping this apparent legalised extorsion, then count me in.........and I thought NY was supposed to have been cleaned up, it appears a trail of scum has been missed along Broadway.
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Jeff (02/13/2008)
If everyone that has been ripped off would file a report with the NYC Better Business Bureau (www.newyork.bbb.org) perhaps they might take some action. Anyone needing software you might try www.blazevideo.com.
reply to this comment
Yet another tourist mugged on Broadway (02/13/2008)
Thanks Jeff, have gone directly to www.newyork.bbb.org website and complained online. Hopefully everyone else will follow and we can get some action. Come on everyone get onto the NYC BBB site, its very easy to complete and get your complaints heard by someone who may actually get a result.
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Katy (02/20/2008)
DO NOT SHOP IN LE PETIT INC. 501 5th Ave Sales Person JOEY... I bought 2 JST Cameras for $600 which I have now realised is FAR too much. It is a VERY basic camera which they persuaded me was better than the other models I was looking at. I have written a complaint to BBB as they are now refusing to give me a refund.
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R.C. (02/25/2008)
My friend recently bought a 712 camera from a store on broadway, not sure which store, but he paid around $850. I looked at the camera, it is a piece of plastic junk. It has no warranty card, no website for support,no place of manufacture, no contact address, very little instructions for operation and really, no special features at all! The most expensive part of the camera was the box and the 1 gb sd card. I feel sorry for the guy, he feels really ripped off (even though most of this was his fault for not checking it out thoroughly). Has anyone had any success in returning the camera with receipt for a refund or is he stuck with the (white elephant) camera??
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Frank (02/26/2008)
Frank,
Can anyone help as to what we do re: jst712 camcorder that is not operating
I guess they saw us coming. We get no help from store in la where we purchased
So next step wrote to Fla. BBB waiting for ans. in the mean time can any one help
reply to this comment
Can anyone help as to what we do re: jst712 camcorder that is not operating
I guess they saw us coming. We get no help from store in la where we purchased
So next step wrote to Fla. BBB waiting for ans. in the mean time can any one help
rippedoff (02/26/2008)
hya frank,
unfortunately you have been ripped off, just like the rest of us, if you are in the place that you bought the camera go back in and create a noise and copy these notes and take them with you I was fortunate and nagged the CC company and the refunded half of my payment = £300. try thr financvialombudsman if you are uk based tho,
reply to this comment
unfortunately you have been ripped off, just like the rest of us, if you are in the place that you bought the camera go back in and create a noise and copy these notes and take them with you I was fortunate and nagged the CC company and the refunded half of my payment = £300. try thr financvialombudsman if you are uk based tho,
Tenhis (03/01/2008)
Hello,
I went to this store with my family to buy post cards. A clerk called Gino pick me up and started to pursue me buying a radar detector. I said no but he insisted looking at the device. He lied all the details (undetectable, battery operated etc) and began to show the price instead and reducing it. From 799 he went to 599 and quite quickly to 499. I still said no and he went away. The other clerk whispered to me that this was a very good price. Gino came back and said, ok, as you are the first customer of today, I'll give it for 399 and the rest of the goods (a very over priced 137 Lumix camera battery, a t-shirt and the 20 postcards) for free.
As being experienced traveler (+40 countries) and never cheated before in even very odd countries (like remote Russia, Kazakstan, MEXICO, Brazil etc.) and circumstances I really regret my tiredness (we just flew in the night before) and jetlag that I did not recognize the con.
After returning home I checked the price level in the internet and found out this KAT DLS315 would normally cost around 50!!! And as a climax I used the "detector" the first day at home and got caught by the police: fine for using the device 1600€! That is 2370...
I'm so pissed of to be frank. And it does not comfort me that I found numerous writings in the internet of similar happenings. (1st attempt from Google: newyork.citysearch.com/revi... )
Please shut down this shop immediately and start paying people their losses, if only you can. And arrest the personnel. I can confess.
All the prices at the shops' goods are twice to ten times more than appropriate and the clerks are lying. This is a shame for NYC. Such a shop at such a location!
Br, Andy
Ps. I wrote this to New York Post, NY DCA and others: nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/...
reply to this comment
I went to this store with my family to buy post cards. A clerk called Gino pick me up and started to pursue me buying a radar detector. I said no but he insisted looking at the device. He lied all the details (undetectable, battery operated etc) and began to show the price instead and reducing it. From 799 he went to 599 and quite quickly to 499. I still said no and he went away. The other clerk whispered to me that this was a very good price. Gino came back and said, ok, as you are the first customer of today, I'll give it for 399 and the rest of the goods (a very over priced 137 Lumix camera battery, a t-shirt and the 20 postcards) for free.
As being experienced traveler (+40 countries) and never cheated before in even very odd countries (like remote Russia, Kazakstan, MEXICO, Brazil etc.) and circumstances I really regret my tiredness (we just flew in the night before) and jetlag that I did not recognize the con.
After returning home I checked the price level in the internet and found out this KAT DLS315 would normally cost around 50!!! And as a climax I used the "detector" the first day at home and got caught by the police: fine for using the device 1600€! That is 2370...
I'm so pissed of to be frank. And it does not comfort me that I found numerous writings in the internet of similar happenings. (1st attempt from Google: newyork.citysearch.com/revi... )
Please shut down this shop immediately and start paying people their losses, if only you can. And arrest the personnel. I can confess.
All the prices at the shops' goods are twice to ten times more than appropriate and the clerks are lying. This is a shame for NYC. Such a shop at such a location!
Br, Andy
Ps. I wrote this to New York Post, NY DCA and others: nyc.gov/html/dca/html/home/...
jimmy (03/09/2008)
fortunately for me , i got JST over the weekend and paid by cheque to the dealer and the dealer is yet to get the pay from my bank. you know what i am going to do first thing tomorrow, i am going to either call up the cheque or freeze my account.
Debbie and others should accept my sympathy bcos the cost of the camera is too much for someone to lose
reply to this comment
Debbie and others should accept my sympathy bcos the cost of the camera is too much for someone to lose
RICHARD PORTSMOUTH UK (05/23/2008)
Yep me too. brought a ******* jst dvc 712 camcorder last nov 2007, paid over £600 for the camcorder and a cobra radar detector, 12 megapixels. My mobile got better recorder and image play back (3 mps), and i brought that to be a phone. it was New York, Broadway! This sort of wide spread scam could not possibly exist. Used a Debit card by mistake as in a hurry, (sound familiar,) No joy with bank for a claim, using the unfit for purpose sale of goods act, as design for consumer protection. it does not cover debit cards, always use a credit card abroad and you should be protected on sales over £50-100, check with your credit card company.
If you take the memory card out your should be able to put into any computer sd card slot to down load and edit using existing free software . Re-charging can be done via a computer USB port .
if any one wants to cut and paste this for the NYBBB your more than welcome.
Good luck
reply to this comment
If you take the memory card out your should be able to put into any computer sd card slot to down load and edit using existing free software . Re-charging can be done via a computer USB port .
if any one wants to cut and paste this for the NYBBB your more than welcome.
Good luck
Yet another tourist mugged on Broadway (05/24/2008)
Forget NYBBB, went down that route and they have as much power as if you'd sent your own mum back to the store on your behalf to get a refund. Complete waste of time, but they were very polite and nice people if that's any consolation................... NYC = Nab Your Cash!
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another one bites the dust (06/08/2008)
hi - same here but seems the poison has leeched into san francisco - same problems with JST camera and we also lost over 800 pics - hubby finally realised that it was a dud - TOO LATE NOW - back in oz - so buyer beware in wharf area
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Ltavarez (06/23/2008)
Hey everyone, it's sad to know that that this is happening, we go on vacation to visit one of the greatest city's in the world and it turns out we get more than we bargain for. I too bought a JST camera at the NY Broadway camera store. Fortunately I bought the camera realizing that it was a cheap camera and I needed to take pictures from my NY vacation. The camera I took on vacation fell at the M&M store and broke, so I decided to purchase this cheap camera. My issue is that I can't download my pictures to my PC because I lost the cable that lets me download from my camera to my PC. Apparently I cant find the site on the web in order to purchase the cable, so I'm stuck with a cheap camera and now I can download my pictures because I can't find the cable. Good luck to everyone.
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rippedoff (06/23/2008)
LTavares hello,
let me know how i can contact you, you can have mine its no use to me at present the camera is shot
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let me know how i can contact you, you can have mine its no use to me at present the camera is shot
arie c. (10/04/2008)
I've joined the club. Bought my JST today. I'm charging the battery like hell, but it doesn't work. To bad my flight is tomorrow early in the morning. So I can't get back. Luckily I was hesitant with this aggressive salesman at Times Square. This rip-off costed me only $110 (including the 2gb card). They're a bunch of jerks. I am going to throw this junk away. It is a waste of the space in my suitcase. And I like tho forget this sooner than later.
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arie c. (10/04/2008)
By the way, they preferred cash, now I know why. There is no way that I can get my money back
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marg (11/10/2008)
Me too - purchased JST DVC-512 from Lafnac Digital Computers 42nd Street - completely taken in - on short city break having good time did not choose carefully as normal - no instructions and cannot download onto laptop, I am so cross. Thought I would find instructions on web, found thyis site instead.
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sean (01/21/2009)
Alright, so everyone is in agreement about the dodgy sales of this product.
Where do we get information on JST?
Is there a .pdf on the use of camera, where can you get extra batteries, technical questions or troubleshooting, anyone????
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Where do we get information on JST?
Is there a .pdf on the use of camera, where can you get extra batteries, technical questions or troubleshooting, anyone????
Rainflower (03/14/2009)
I am living in in the caribbean and i got one of this JST DSC 812 camera as a gift from my friend in NY. This camera is like TRASH. This is the worst camera i have ever behold in my life. It is only fit for the dumpster. Doesn't worth a dime.
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not happy (08/31/2009)
Their still at it ripping off. They will ripoff the wrong guy and he will drive a boat through their store.
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hutch (10/07/2009)
I and my friend bought a JST DVC-973 digital camera from Bray something or other at 1550 Broadway, NY, NY in April this year for Canadian dollar 432.42, I should have know when the guy was telling me it was regualar 2000.00 US$ that it was a piece of junk. It will take decent pictures when ever you can get it to work as I have to constantly take the battery out of it and in the booklet there is no web site or Mfg name or any toll free number, I will be going back to New York very soon and I plan to pay them a visit and take my lawyer with me. This sort of rip off is bad for tourism and the Mayor of New York should be informed as soon as I can get a message to him. Is anyone else out there having an issue with anything from that same shop. Bernie from Canada.
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What can you tell me about the Sony Cybershot DSC S500. It's on sale for $149. (tm6321 — 12/13/2006)
I'm looking for an easy to use camera that is not too expensive for a 15 year old that may or may not use it very much.
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Brenda Paro (12/13/2006)
I don't know a whole lot about this camera, other than it's an entry-level point and shoot, very basic, with 6 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. I think it would be just fine for a casual 15 year old user. They could get some good prints with 6 megapixels, and I haven't heard anyone badmouthing it so I'm sure the image quality is just fine. =)
If you're feeling unsure, there are quite a few other cameras in this same price range that you can consider, that we do have reviews on. The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) retails for $150.00 and is listed as our best camera under $200. It's got 5 megapixels, 6x zoom and is very simple to use with good image quality.
<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is our list of lowest-priced digital cameras, if you want to browse the descriptions and reviews. Let me know if you have questions about another model!
reply to this comment
If you're feeling unsure, there are quite a few other cameras in this same price range that you can consider, that we do have reviews on. The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) retails for $150.00 and is listed as our best camera under $200. It's got 5 megapixels, 6x zoom and is very simple to use with good image quality.
<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is our list of lowest-priced digital cameras, if you want to browse the descriptions and reviews. Let me know if you have questions about another model!
is the memory expandable ? (chandracchud — 12/12/2006)
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Ben Keough (12/13/2006)
Hi Chandra,
The LZ3 takes SecureDigital memory cards, so yes, you can expand the memory from the built-in 14mb. In fact, you really have to if you want to have any kind of shooting capacity at all. The camera should work just fine with SD cards up to 2gb in size.
Good luck!
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The LZ3 takes SecureDigital memory cards, so yes, you can expand the memory from the built-in 14mb. In fact, you really have to if you want to have any kind of shooting capacity at all. The camera should work just fine with SD cards up to 2gb in size.
Good luck!
Trying to decide between Olympus FE-170 or 180 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 or LZ5 as gift for novice user age 21. Which would you recommend and why (dovetail1 — 12/10/2006)
Gift is for my daughter who is attracted to the automatic settings and user-friendly tutorial emphasized by the manufacturer but will also be used by my husband who has some non-digital photography experience and wants to be able to override manual settings. I do graphic design and would like to be able to make posters and close-ups. All of us are novice digital camera users and not sure how to combine the megapixels, zoom, image stabilization, and ease of use of various models to come up with the best camera for us. Would like to keep it under $200 including memory card.
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Ben Keough (12/11/2006)
Hi,
As simple point-and-shoot automatics, the Olympus FE-180 and the two Panasonics should be fine. I'd recommend seriously against the FE-170, as it's heavily inferior to its big brother and, honestly, a pretty terrible camera. The other three are competent, even good beginner digitals. However, if your husband wants to override manual settings he's going to run into trouble with these models. None of them offer very much manual control, which is common with cameras under $200.
I've done some research, and very few of the well-rated cameras in your price range offer full manual controls. The best of these is the Kodak EasyShare C875 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which offers several quasi-manual modes as well as a fully manual setting. It's got a 4.33/5.0 rating here at DCHQ and similarly positive reviews elsewhere around the 'net. It's retailing around $179 at places like Amazon.com. With a decent memory card, you should be able to just squeak in under $200 (or maybe a few dollars over).
Good luck!
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As simple point-and-shoot automatics, the Olympus FE-180 and the two Panasonics should be fine. I'd recommend seriously against the FE-170, as it's heavily inferior to its big brother and, honestly, a pretty terrible camera. The other three are competent, even good beginner digitals. However, if your husband wants to override manual settings he's going to run into trouble with these models. None of them offer very much manual control, which is common with cameras under $200.
I've done some research, and very few of the well-rated cameras in your price range offer full manual controls. The best of these is the Kodak EasyShare C875 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which offers several quasi-manual modes as well as a fully manual setting. It's got a 4.33/5.0 rating here at DCHQ and similarly positive reviews elsewhere around the 'net. It's retailing around $179 at places like Amazon.com. With a decent memory card, you should be able to just squeak in under $200 (or maybe a few dollars over).
Good luck!
what cameras have date and time stamp capability? (dennishydro59 — 12/10/2006)
am looking for an inexpensive digital camera that will show date and time when the pics are emailed.
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Ben Keough (12/10/2006)
Hi Dennis,
The Panasonic Lumix LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a nice pick for a very cheap digital camera that still produces good quality images (and, yes, will let you date/time stamp the images). It can be had for as low as $150 from the good retailers (Amazon, etc). Hope this helps. :)
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The Panasonic Lumix LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a nice pick for a very cheap digital camera that still produces good quality images (and, yes, will let you date/time stamp the images). It can be had for as low as $150 from the good retailers (Amazon, etc). Hope this helps. :)
dennishydro59 (12/10/2006)
Thank you, I have a LZ-2 and an LZ-3. If you know a way that would be great. As I checked the book and called the company and they do not know how to do it....
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Ben Keough (12/10/2006)
Dennis,
Apologies, it seems I mistook the ability to print the photos with the date/time for the ability to stamp the photos with the date/time in-camera.
The LZ3 cannot do this--it can only give you the option to print the photos with the date. If you've already got a LZ3, you may be interested in knowing about ways to put a timestamp on the photos yourself.
You can:
(assuming you're working under Windows XP)
1. Get the pictures from your camera using My Computer (connect camera to computer via USB cable, open My Computer, select your camera from the list of devices, select the pics you want and drag them to the folder you want to put them in).
2. Right click on the image file and select properties. Click on the Summary tab. Click the Advanced button. The date and time the picture was taken will be listed there.
3. Use a photo editing program to add them to the picture.
There are also several programs that will do this for you (SnapTouch ( snaptouch.com ), for example).
As to other lower-cost cameras that will actually do this for you in-camera...
The Kodak EasyShare C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a very cheap and very good camera that offers the ability to stamp the date/time on your photos in-camera (really! I swear I'm right this time!) in a variety of ways. It gets pretty good ratings from users and it got DCHQ's Editor's Choice award for best beginner digital camera.
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Apologies, it seems I mistook the ability to print the photos with the date/time for the ability to stamp the photos with the date/time in-camera.
The LZ3 cannot do this--it can only give you the option to print the photos with the date. If you've already got a LZ3, you may be interested in knowing about ways to put a timestamp on the photos yourself.
You can:
(assuming you're working under Windows XP)
1. Get the pictures from your camera using My Computer (connect camera to computer via USB cable, open My Computer, select your camera from the list of devices, select the pics you want and drag them to the folder you want to put them in).
2. Right click on the image file and select properties. Click on the Summary tab. Click the Advanced button. The date and time the picture was taken will be listed there.
3. Use a photo editing program to add them to the picture.
There are also several programs that will do this for you (SnapTouch ( snaptouch.com ), for example).
As to other lower-cost cameras that will actually do this for you in-camera...
The Kodak EasyShare C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a very cheap and very good camera that offers the ability to stamp the date/time on your photos in-camera (really! I swear I'm right this time!) in a variety of ways. It gets pretty good ratings from users and it got DCHQ's Editor's Choice award for best beginner digital camera.
dennishydro59 (12/11/2006)
Thanks alot. I will look into the other camera as my job sometimes requires upwards of a 100 pictures. I already edit every picture for focus and brightness and this would just delay me further.
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tina (03/16/2007)
sony dsc p100 and p200 do it.
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dean (04/13/2008)
Sony dsc p72 does it also
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ladyt609 (11/22/2008)
The Canon PowerShot A470 does it. But the time stamps as military time. But please note the date/time stamp will not work in digital zoom mode.
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zi (03/22/2009)
hi please help i need a camera that could provide date,month, year, and time. when i email it. price doesn't matter. thanks
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jak (04/17/2009)
I am also quite interested in the same question as zi: time/date stamp on each digital photo image file (i. e. in-camera). However, I do not see any answer to the question posed by zi. I would also like the camera to be zoom (more than 5x optical).
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shelliethefirest (06/26/2009)
So can anybody tell me why the printed date stamp does not appear in the technical specification for each camera mentioned above
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Vic (08/10/2009)
Kodak and Nikon make most cameras that can do it on photo.
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Alley (09/02/2009)
I am to seeking cameras that have the time AND date printed on images feature.
we have always bought Ricoh cameras as we find they are the only brand that consistently have it.
I know for a fact these models have them as we have previously owneed them.
300g, R2, R3, R4, R40, R5, R6, R7, G4, GX & RR30
Ricoh is not a commonly found brand unfortunately.
hope this helps.
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we have always bought Ricoh cameras as we find they are the only brand that consistently have it.
I know for a fact these models have them as we have previously owneed them.
300g, R2, R3, R4, R40, R5, R6, R7, G4, GX & RR30
Ricoh is not a commonly found brand unfortunately.
hope this helps.
MC (09/10/2009)
I have the an HP R707 and it prints the time and date on the pictures
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Devilmaycare (12/30/2009)
I have the Lumix TZ5 and it has the option in camera after the picture is taken. A little inconvient but not as bad and not at all.
the TZ5 you have to have in view, tools, text stamp, single or multi, and more questions to answer.
My canon does it auto under certain settings I like it best for work related pictures requiring a date/time stamp.
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the TZ5 you have to have in view, tools, text stamp, single or multi, and more questions to answer.
My canon does it auto under certain settings I like it best for work related pictures requiring a date/time stamp.
What is the eaisiest digital camera to use? (OSUman — 12/09/2006)
i am trying to get my mom something that is easy to use and is like a regular camera because she has a hard time with more advanced technology.
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Ben Keough (12/10/2006)
Hi Jonathan,
Koday's EasyShare line are among the easiest-to-use cameras on the market today. Most of them offer very good image quality, solid automatic shooting modes, and, as I said, great ease of use. The EasyShare C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), for example, earned DCHQ's Editor's Choice award for best beginner digital camera. It's got a great 7 megapixel sensor, lots of features tailored to beginners (in-camera red-eye reduction, photo touchups, etc), and intuitive controls. If I had to make a recommendation with no other qualifications than ease of use, it's the one I'd make. Good luck!
reply to this comment
Koday's EasyShare line are among the easiest-to-use cameras on the market today. Most of them offer very good image quality, solid automatic shooting modes, and, as I said, great ease of use. The EasyShare C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), for example, earned DCHQ's Editor's Choice award for best beginner digital camera. It's got a great 7 megapixel sensor, lots of features tailored to beginners (in-camera red-eye reduction, photo touchups, etc), and intuitive controls. If I had to make a recommendation with no other qualifications than ease of use, it's the one I'd make. Good luck!
Brenda Paro (12/14/2006)
The C743 that Ben mentioned (or its cousin the C643 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )) are both ridiculously easy to use. You literally pick them up and put in the batteries and turn them on. Downloading photos takes seconds, too. They are pretty much foolproof, and excellent image quality plus fast response times too.
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Dr Dish (12/14/2006)
My sister was the shutter bug in our family. She would shoot rolls and rolls of film on each of our numerous events. She claimed that she was fine without digi cameras. Hard sell. Then she received a birthday present and it was a C743 camera. Now she says "what took so long to get a simple to use camera as this. I have no room in my life for technical "gadgets". This camera will now be my main picture taking platform. She thanked her brother at CBS TV Hollywood for enlightning her on Digital Photography!
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antonio morse (04/29/2007)
need software 2 download photos easyshare c743
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I am buying a digital camera for my 72 year mom. I want the camera that is the easiest to use. Any recommendations? (joemiz — 12/08/2006)
I need the camera that is the easiest to take a picture and get it printed. Simple, simple, simple
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Joe (12/08/2006)
Not to say that your 72 year old Mother is in anyway like a baby, but I have seens baby use the Panasonic DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is that easy. It really is the best quality point and shoot with great results. A quick glance at the instuctions when you have specific function question is all that is needed if you get stuck, but most of the time the directions are not even needed. Get the batteries going and take the camera out of the box and you will be taking pictures before your Mother can say "happy new year!"
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Brenda Paro (12/08/2006)
I would point you towards the Kodak Easyshare C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) myself, which our editors marked as "best camera for beginners" this year. Super easy to use (both shooting and downloading), and easy to operate so even if they can't see terribly well they won't get confused trying to remember where certain menus are, etc. Plus you can put it in Auto mode and get some extremely quality pics without much fuss.
I'm not saying Joe's vote isn't a great one- just offering another option for you to check out. =)
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I'm not saying Joe's vote isn't a great one- just offering another option for you to check out. =)
Giligan Goley (05/09/2007)
I would suggest, if anything a Canon camera, perhaps the A710, which would be large enough for her to grasp easily, and it has the optical Image Stabilizer, which, by the way, works very well, so that she could take decent shots anywhere basically. It is only $256 at Newegg.
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What do you think of the Kodak C530 for a novice user? (macdoni — 12/05/2006)
I see your review of the C533 but not C530. And how do these compare to the Kodak C743?
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Ben Keough (12/05/2006)
Hi Mary,
The C530 has one big advantage over the other cameras you've mentioned, and that is that it's very, very cheap. The reason it's so cheap, however, is that it cuts big corners in certain areas. The biggest is its lack of an optical zoom lens, which severely cuts down on the kinds of shots you can take. You'll essentially be limited to the same kind of shots you'd get out of a disposable film camera. Given that it's so cheap, I wouldn't expect much from its image quality, either. On the other side of the coin, it's very easy to use and doesn't have much to distract you from the business of just snapping shots.
Personally, I'd suggest going toward something with a little more versatility--that way you won't find yourself frustrated with the C530's limitations in a few months and spending even more on a replacement. The C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) would be a good bump up in terms of features (7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and a much bigger LCD display) for only about $50 more (it's at $150 at Amazon.com right now). We at DCHQ have given it our Editor's Choice Award for Best Digital Camera for Beginners, and users seem to agree.
Also, if you don't mind looking outside of the Kodak line, I'd recommend the Panasonic Lumix LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which got our award for Best Camera Under $200 (currently also around $150). It includes optical image stabilization, a 6x optical zoom, and 5 megapixels. Users seem to love it.
Hope this helps!
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The C530 has one big advantage over the other cameras you've mentioned, and that is that it's very, very cheap. The reason it's so cheap, however, is that it cuts big corners in certain areas. The biggest is its lack of an optical zoom lens, which severely cuts down on the kinds of shots you can take. You'll essentially be limited to the same kind of shots you'd get out of a disposable film camera. Given that it's so cheap, I wouldn't expect much from its image quality, either. On the other side of the coin, it's very easy to use and doesn't have much to distract you from the business of just snapping shots.
Personally, I'd suggest going toward something with a little more versatility--that way you won't find yourself frustrated with the C530's limitations in a few months and spending even more on a replacement. The C743 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) would be a good bump up in terms of features (7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom, and a much bigger LCD display) for only about $50 more (it's at $150 at Amazon.com right now). We at DCHQ have given it our Editor's Choice Award for Best Digital Camera for Beginners, and users seem to agree.
Also, if you don't mind looking outside of the Kodak line, I'd recommend the Panasonic Lumix LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which got our award for Best Camera Under $200 (currently also around $150). It includes optical image stabilization, a 6x optical zoom, and 5 megapixels. Users seem to love it.
Hope this helps!
Questioning the 7.5 digital zoom option (jlbucc — 12/04/2006)
Your website states that the Panasonic LZ3 has 6x optical/7x digital zoom but when I linked onto the vendor's websites who sell this camera, they only list it as having 4x digital zoom....which is correct?
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Ardi Ounapuu (12/04/2006)
The Panasonic LZ3 has 6x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 7.5x extended optical zoom. So the information is basically correct on both web sites. Extended zoom and digital zoom, however, always reduce the image quality. So it would be good idea to say that this camera has just 6x zoom that truly magnifies the frame without any reduction of picture quality.
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is it true that the LZ3 does not have a microphone?? in that case shooting movies would be practically useless!!! (abcdef — 11/30/2006)
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camera? (11/30/2006)
Yes, the LZ3 lacks audio in its movies. It's a budget camera.
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looking_for_audio_panasonic (02/04/2007)
It'd be great if you could have provided the models of Panasonic that *do* have microphones.
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Americo (02/04/2007)
what are the equivalent cameras ( >7mpixles, 10x zoon) that have audio?
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Is Panasonic a decent brand in digital cameras? (mightylore — 11/29/2006)
I have never used a Panasonic digital camera and have been researching the Lumix DMC-LZ3. (Is this a nice camera?) I never thought that a Panasonic-brand digi-cam sounded like a wise choice; what-with other competitors such as Nikon, Sony and Canon. Can someone please advise? Thanks!
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (11/29/2006)
Hi,
Panasonic has a very solid reputation in digital cameras. Their FZ series, for example, compete with the best from Canon and Sony in the stabilized ultrazoom category.
The LZ3 is a fine camera, and as you can see it's gotten the award for best camera under $200 from DCHQ. Users rate it high for its ease of use as well as its great features and extremely reasonable price. It's probably one of the best starter digitals you could buy.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
Panasonic has a very solid reputation in digital cameras. Their FZ series, for example, compete with the best from Canon and Sony in the stabilized ultrazoom category.
The LZ3 is a fine camera, and as you can see it's gotten the award for best camera under $200 from DCHQ. Users rate it high for its ease of use as well as its great features and extremely reasonable price. It's probably one of the best starter digitals you could buy.
Good luck!
Brenda Paro (12/01/2006)
You will hear some complaints that the Panasonic image sensor is noisier than comparable cameras from other brands. I don't necessarily think that's true; and even if it is, it is more of an issue as the megapixels increase. This particular camera with its 5 megapixels creates what I think are beautiful images.
<a href="panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global... a sample gallery; typically these can be touched up of course, but I've seen this camera in person too and think the image quality shown here is pretty dependable in terms of what it really does.
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<a href="panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global... a sample gallery; typically these can be touched up of course, but I've seen this camera in person too and think the image quality shown here is pretty dependable in terms of what it really does.
I'm intrested in the Panasonic Lumix LZ3. How long does it take from the time you push the button until it takes the picture. (mhschilt — 11/29/2006)
Also can you use recharable batterys and can they be charged in the camera or do you need a seperate charger. Thanks for helping me.
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Brenda Paro (11/29/2006)
The LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has been clocked with a shutter lag (button push to actual shot time) of just under half a second. This is pretty decent. The time will of course vary if you are using flash, zoom etc.
It takes AA batteries; I would buy NiMH rechargeables with a separate charger. I think there is an AC adaptor available.
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It takes AA batteries; I would buy NiMH rechargeables with a separate charger. I think there is an AC adaptor available.
I'm looking to buy a camera for $2-300. What's the best bang for my buck? (lms1130 — 11/26/2006)
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (11/26/2006)
Hi Stella,
There are lots of different kinds of cameras that fit into your price range. I can help you narrow them down, but first I need you to answer a few questions.
1. How will you be using the camera? Are you mainly a point-and-shoot photographer, or do you enjoy messing with manual settings and taking photos for their own sake?
2. Does size matter to you? Do you need a camera that can fit easily into your pocket or are you okay with carrying it in a bag?
3. Are there any features you really want? High megapixels? Long zoom? Image stabilization? Any of these will help me narrow it down.
Thanks!
reply to this comment
There are lots of different kinds of cameras that fit into your price range. I can help you narrow them down, but first I need you to answer a few questions.
1. How will you be using the camera? Are you mainly a point-and-shoot photographer, or do you enjoy messing with manual settings and taking photos for their own sake?
2. Does size matter to you? Do you need a camera that can fit easily into your pocket or are you okay with carrying it in a bag?
3. Are there any features you really want? High megapixels? Long zoom? Image stabilization? Any of these will help me narrow it down.
Thanks!
Andrew Skinner (11/27/2006)
Stella,
This camera is a great choice. You might try using the DCHQ Digital Camera Gift Guide ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). You can pick cameras based on lifestyle, skill level, and price range. The cameras in your price range ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are also a good place to start. You should really ask what you want to use the camera for before you buy one as well. Will this be for parties and social functions, do you want to take landscape shots, or something completely different? These are all things to take into consideration. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
reply to this comment
This camera is a great choice. You might try using the DCHQ Digital Camera Gift Guide ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). You can pick cameras based on lifestyle, skill level, and price range. The cameras in your price range ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are also a good place to start. You should really ask what you want to use the camera for before you buy one as well. Will this be for parties and social functions, do you want to take landscape shots, or something completely different? These are all things to take into consideration. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
lms1130 (11/27/2006)
I do like to take pictures and would like to have different settings such as black and white. I definitely don't want something too bulky, easy to carry. I honestly don't a lot about megapixels or any of that. Is more better? I also want something that zooms well and just takes an overall good quality picture. I also want a camera that's easy to work with and figure out. Thanks!
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (11/27/2006)
Stella,
As Andrew said, the LZ3 is a great choice. If you want to spend a little more, the Canon A630 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and A640 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are also very good cameras, as is the A710 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which features a stabilized 6x zoom.
The A640 is at the higher end of your price range, but it's got almost a perfect 5-star rating here on DCHQ and I always feel comfortable recommending Canon's A-Series. They're simple to use but extremely powerful, and feature tons of manual options for someone who wants to get a little more serious about their art.
None of these are small enough to fit completely comfortably in your pocket, but they're a bit smaller than the size of your (my) open palm and would definitely fit into a jacket pocket or a purse without much trouble.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
reply to this comment
As Andrew said, the LZ3 is a great choice. If you want to spend a little more, the Canon A630 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and A640 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are also very good cameras, as is the A710 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), which features a stabilized 6x zoom.
The A640 is at the higher end of your price range, but it's got almost a perfect 5-star rating here on DCHQ and I always feel comfortable recommending Canon's A-Series. They're simple to use but extremely powerful, and feature tons of manual options for someone who wants to get a little more serious about their art.
None of these are small enough to fit completely comfortably in your pocket, but they're a bit smaller than the size of your (my) open palm and would definitely fit into a jacket pocket or a purse without much trouble.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
lisasturm (05/10/2007)
I LOVE my Canon A630 - so does my mom. We got ours for $213 from pcrush.com in March. They are now priced at about $190. DO NOT BUY REFURB - it's not worth the risk at this low price for new!
For price, features, modes, user controls, range, macro, accessories, quality, etc, - look no further.
As for megapixels, my friend who is a pro photographer for over 26 years (used to shoot for National Geographic) said, and this is a quote, "Unless you are shooting for a magazine and the picture is going to be on a 30 foot by 50 foot billboard, there is no reason to get more than 8 MP's". Of course he has a 10 MP 20D, but that's how he eats!
So, as far as I am concerned, this is the last camera I will ever own. I also got a 5 year warranty from Repair Tech for about $45. So, at least until the year 2012, I will have a kick-ass camera. (In fact, a few of my pictures have already been approved for sale on a stock photo site).
reply to this comment
For price, features, modes, user controls, range, macro, accessories, quality, etc, - look no further.
As for megapixels, my friend who is a pro photographer for over 26 years (used to shoot for National Geographic) said, and this is a quote, "Unless you are shooting for a magazine and the picture is going to be on a 30 foot by 50 foot billboard, there is no reason to get more than 8 MP's". Of course he has a 10 MP 20D, but that's how he eats!
So, as far as I am concerned, this is the last camera I will ever own. I also got a 5 year warranty from Repair Tech for about $45. So, at least until the year 2012, I will have a kick-ass camera. (In fact, a few of my pictures have already been approved for sale on a stock photo site).
i am looking for help buying a camera for my 12 year old niece. (gk1965 — 11/25/2006)
good morning. it's that time of the year again, and i am longing for the days of lincoln logs and barbie dolls. i know nothing about cameras. i use a throw away camera when i need to take a picture about once every two years and then i never get it devloped. i need an inexpensive, easy to use digital camera for my 12 year old niece. one, i think, that has some of the extra features. although, i don't know what the extra features are. or that she can build on to. does that make sense? from looking on line, i think i like the canon a530. simple advice is graciously requested. thank you, grace
reply to this comment
tharrison (11/25/2006)
Grace --
You're a nice aunt! The A530 is a fine camera, with essential features and a solid reputation. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has one feature that makes it cool -- a longer zoom, and it's a little smaller than the A530. But it's a bit more expensive. Also consider theKodak Easyshare C533 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which is well liked by users.
Maybe someone else can buy some rechargeable AA batteries and a SD memory card which she'll probably need to make the camera more useful, but I would say you have set a high bar for other aunts/uncles by giving such a nice gift! Lucky niece!
reply to this comment
You're a nice aunt! The A530 is a fine camera, with essential features and a solid reputation. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has one feature that makes it cool -- a longer zoom, and it's a little smaller than the A530. But it's a bit more expensive. Also consider theKodak Easyshare C533 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which is well liked by users.
Maybe someone else can buy some rechargeable AA batteries and a SD memory card which she'll probably need to make the camera more useful, but I would say you have set a high bar for other aunts/uncles by giving such a nice gift! Lucky niece!
Brenda Paro (11/26/2006)
Grace,
Your own idea of the Powershot A530 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) gets two thumbs up from me. I always direct 'newbies' to the Powershots (or the Kodak Easyshares) because they are ridiculously easy to use, and they really do produce quality images. I own a Powershot A series camera myself and it has never let me down. The menus are simple, the camera body is durable and easy to hold, and the options give you just enough control- there are lots of fun settings like Portrait or Landscape, or you can choose Manual exposure and learn the settings yourself, or just put it in Auto and click away.
Also, in terms of buying for a young photographer I think buying a Canon is a great idea since they make good stuff and if she gets used to them early on, she'll be able to choose wisely later on when she wants the really fancy stuff. =)
reply to this comment
Your own idea of the Powershot A530 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) gets two thumbs up from me. I always direct 'newbies' to the Powershots (or the Kodak Easyshares) because they are ridiculously easy to use, and they really do produce quality images. I own a Powershot A series camera myself and it has never let me down. The menus are simple, the camera body is durable and easy to hold, and the options give you just enough control- there are lots of fun settings like Portrait or Landscape, or you can choose Manual exposure and learn the settings yourself, or just put it in Auto and click away.
Also, in terms of buying for a young photographer I think buying a Canon is a great idea since they make good stuff and if she gets used to them early on, she'll be able to choose wisely later on when she wants the really fancy stuff. =)
Read reviews complaining about L3 flash being poor. How bad is it? (jkksacto — 11/20/2006)
Nikon Coolpix L3 flash. Have any of you experienced (or heard of) this problem?
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/20/2006)
Have heard that the flash is weak, and in indoor or dim shots you have to adjust the exposure compensation in order to get good results, which can be a big pain.
reply to this comment
jkksacto (11/21/2006)
Thanks Brenda, then would you say there is really not much wrong with the flash, but rather, people are not using this camera correctly?
The reason I ask is there are two possibilities, here: 1) People are misusing their cameras and are ignorant of its features or 2) the flash really is inadequate. One is a problem that can be overcome through proper use. The other is a problem that suggest: "Don't buy this camera."
reply to this comment
The reason I ask is there are two possibilities, here: 1) People are misusing their cameras and are ignorant of its features or 2) the flash really is inadequate. One is a problem that can be overcome through proper use. The other is a problem that suggest: "Don't buy this camera."
R K Nagpal (11/21/2006)
I have found the flash of L3 a Marvel in this category unfortunately the features are tiresome and boring. The features/settings should be user freindly ; Just look and shoot. The shot/picture quality specially the close-up is really worst.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/21/2006)
Hi Jeff,
I consider this particular camera to have an inadequate flash. That's of course just my opinion.
Two ways to look at it- one is that in the right hands, this camera can take good pictures. But the thing is, if you have to make adjustments to compensate for a weak flash and the settings are not user friendly as they are, sure, if you know how to adjust them you can fix the problem, but why spend your time doing that if you don't have to? Even good photographers sometimes like to just point and shoot, and in my opinion this camera doesn't do a very good job with that.
reply to this comment
I consider this particular camera to have an inadequate flash. That's of course just my opinion.
Two ways to look at it- one is that in the right hands, this camera can take good pictures. But the thing is, if you have to make adjustments to compensate for a weak flash and the settings are not user friendly as they are, sure, if you know how to adjust them you can fix the problem, but why spend your time doing that if you don't have to? Even good photographers sometimes like to just point and shoot, and in my opinion this camera doesn't do a very good job with that.
jkksacto (11/21/2006)
Brenda, you're absolutely right about that. I don't want to hassle through taking "extemporaneous" Xmas day photos. I just want to shoot 'em. Actually, the only reason I'm shopping is I'm going to start selling on ebay and I need to show pictures. Otherwise I don't need one. I already have a Pentax auto 110, SLR, wide angle lens, filters, telephoto lens, doubler, strong flash attachment, tripod, cable release, etc. but its now obsolete because of digital. Can't even buy the film anymore.
Many thanks to you both for your thoughts and wisdoms. You've helped me a lot.
Most gratefully,
jeff kim - sacramento, california
p.s. Anybody got any suggestions for a good, cheap DC that cost around 120.00?
reply to this comment
Many thanks to you both for your thoughts and wisdoms. You've helped me a lot.
Most gratefully,
jeff kim - sacramento, california
p.s. Anybody got any suggestions for a good, cheap DC that cost around 120.00?
Brenda Paro (11/22/2006)
Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )= everyone's fave this year for under $200 it seems. =)
reply to this comment
Giligan Goley (05/09/2007)
I have owned this camera for around 8 months. It has a horrible flash at some events, I take a picture with all the way up to +2 exposure compensation and it still was extremely dark.
reply to this comment
what do you look for when you purchase a digital camera? (Ab2007 — 11/18/2006)
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (11/18/2006)
Alex,
What you really want to ask yourself is what you want to use the camera for. You might want to check out DCHQ's <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... Camera Gift Guide</a> to see what camera fits your lifestyle the best.
The camera you have listed above is a good starter camera at 5 megapixels for good photos and prints easily up to 8x10. The 6x optical zoom will give you decent zoom qualities. If you want to shoot in lower light settings, the max ISO setting of 400 might be a little low (try a 800 or 1600). Another thing to watch out for is the need for AA batteries. Regular alkalines can wear out quickly. If you do choose this camera, I would recommend getting some rechargeable Ni-MH or lithium ion AA batteries so they will last longer. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
reply to this comment
What you really want to ask yourself is what you want to use the camera for. You might want to check out DCHQ's <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... Camera Gift Guide</a> to see what camera fits your lifestyle the best.
The camera you have listed above is a good starter camera at 5 megapixels for good photos and prints easily up to 8x10. The 6x optical zoom will give you decent zoom qualities. If you want to shoot in lower light settings, the max ISO setting of 400 might be a little low (try a 800 or 1600). Another thing to watch out for is the need for AA batteries. Regular alkalines can wear out quickly. If you do choose this camera, I would recommend getting some rechargeable Ni-MH or lithium ion AA batteries so they will last longer. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
I have been reading reviews and comparing all the details for weeks now and its making me crazy! I just need a good camera! (mikaela86 — 11/17/2006)
My biggest concern is finding a camera with the least delay when I snap the pic. I know after reading all of these reviews that it is just part of the digital camera deal but I do know that some are better than others too. I have a 2 year old and I need a camera that will capure all of his funny moments!- the camera I have now is so slow that the moment passes and the the picture snaps - it's so frusterating!!! Other than that I don't need a whole lot of horns and wistles. The one I have now has a zillion setting I've never even used. Just point and shootis all I realy need to do I'm not a professional :). Anyhow it just seems like I will find a camera that sounds good and then the reviews are 50/50%. Some love it some hate it and it's scary when the ones that hate it bring up things like the LCD cracking and 5 in a row all say it . Kinda of makes you forget the good stuff. Anyhow I'm looking to get a camera very soon! before christmas- something hopefully in the $200- to just under $300 price range. Can you give me any advice or suggestions? Thank you so much Mikaela
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (11/19/2006)
Mikaela,
There is a camera around $215 that should suit your needs just fine. The Panasonic FX01 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) rates highly and gets good comments on shutter lag and power up time. It even has a nice wide angle lens for good family shots and landscape shots. It also comes in with 6 megapixels, making the resolution good enough to print photos easily up to 8x10's. Its ability to go up to ISO 1600 also makes it good for lower light settings. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
reply to this comment
There is a camera around $215 that should suit your needs just fine. The Panasonic FX01 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) rates highly and gets good comments on shutter lag and power up time. It even has a nice wide angle lens for good family shots and landscape shots. It also comes in with 6 megapixels, making the resolution good enough to print photos easily up to 8x10's. Its ability to go up to ISO 1600 also makes it good for lower light settings. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
Will the LZ3 take good panoramic/scenic shots? (Eli — 11/16/2006)
Our daughter is a budding photographer (11th grade) and likes taking close up shots. She needs a good zoom capability but also a camera that takes good, sharp scenic shots. She would like an SLR but we think a littlel more knowledge before such a purchase would be in order. So, a camera with excellent zoom, good panoramic ability and some manual controls to begin learning about some of the finer points in taking pictures. Also, she often photographs children and needs a reasonably short lag time between shots so as not to miss a twirl, smile or tumble.
reply to this comment
Joe (11/17/2006)
This is a great camera but if your daughter is serious about digital photography she would really benefit from a dSLR camera. The LZ3 is really a point and shoot camera that is for casual picture takers. And when it comes down to it your daughter is going to need more power and control. In the long run, assuming it is in your price range, I would suggest an entry level SLR. This way she can really explore photography and learn how to use a camera that is atleast modeled after a super expensive pro style camera. Plus as she grows the camera can grow with her with the addition of advanced lens, including a nice macro lens for the close up shots she enjoys taking. I feel a true SLR is a very wise investment. Anything less she will grow out of in a few weeks, seriously.
The Nikon d50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the camera that I would recommend. It is affordable for the style and it has all the features you need. Plus it is very highly reviewed. Very popular camera, a real work horse.
Good Luck,
Hope I helped.
reply to this comment
The Nikon d50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the camera that I would recommend. It is affordable for the style and it has all the features you need. Plus it is very highly reviewed. Very popular camera, a real work horse.
Good Luck,
Hope I helped.
What is a good digital camera for a grandma? (easy to use and see settings) (karpow — 11/16/2006)
camera body not too small, but not too big either.
A zoom would be nice.
reply to this comment
A zoom would be nice.
Andrew Skinner (11/16/2006)
You will probably want to get a point and shoot camera ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). These are not ultra compacts, and are not the size of a dSLR or extended zoom camera either. The Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is inexpensive and decently easy to use. Reviews ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) have called the camera "easy to use" when compared to other digital cameras, and "not an exercise in finger contortions" with the button arrangement and size. It should work wonderfully for a grandma. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Andrew
under $200 with sports setting and other advance features (Teresa — 11/14/2006)
looking for minimum 5mp with some advance features for gift for teen with an interest in photography and has a class in yearbook currently. I am concerned with battery life. We have an Olympus Stylus Verve 4.0 and like the size but not opposed to something a bit larger (harder to lose).
reply to this comment
Joe (11/14/2006)
The most capable camera in that price range is the Panasonic DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) plus you are left with $50 to get another memory card and some more rechargeable AA batts, amazing deal. Great little camera, check out the reviews for yourself.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (12/21/2006)
Hi,
I noticed you haven't marked a Best Answer... are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just one or two days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed you haven't marked a Best Answer... are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just one or two days. Good luck!
Which camera would you reccommend. The Kodak EasyShare C743 or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 (Jason — 11/13/2006)
The two seem very close in price. The Kodak has more megapixels a greater ISO and a bigger LCD. The Panasonic has optical image stabilization. I've never owned a digital camera before but they both appear to be equally as easy to use.
THANKS
reply to this comment
THANKS
Joe (11/14/2006)
They are both very easy to use and quality machines but I would have to suggest the Panasonic LZ3 over the Kodak. Because unless you are printing your photos at a very high size the MP will not be very important. And one you get past ISO 800 you start to get considerable noise in your shot so it becomes very difficult to get a quliaty image at say 1600 ISO.
The Panasonic's image stablization is a feature that will be very helpful and it alone is the reason to get the camera over the Kodak.
reply to this comment
The Panasonic's image stablization is a feature that will be very helpful and it alone is the reason to get the camera over the Kodak.
does this camera have an optical viewfinder (philip marchese — 11/13/2006)
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/13/2006)
No, it doesn't. Too bad, too, but this is largely due to the effort to make the LCD screens as large as possible for viewing purposes, but without enlarging the cameras, camera manufacturers have gotten away from optical viewfinders.
reply to this comment
i lost my download cord (geting pic off camera on to computer...where can i get a replacement (Bren — 11/13/2006)
I have a DMC-LZ3 and lost my cord to get pics off? Where can i get a replacement?
reply to this comment
K75rider (11/13/2006)
Bren,
You have a couple of options.
The LZ3 uses an USB cable. You can get this at any electronics store or on-line. If you are not familiar with the cable, you may be better off taking your camera to the store with you and asking for a USB cable.
A second alternative is to pop the SD/MMC card out of the camera and insert it into the smart card reader many PC have.
This is a very inexpensive cable.
reply to this comment
You have a couple of options.
The LZ3 uses an USB cable. You can get this at any electronics store or on-line. If you are not familiar with the cable, you may be better off taking your camera to the store with you and asking for a USB cable.
A second alternative is to pop the SD/MMC card out of the camera and insert it into the smart card reader many PC have.
This is a very inexpensive cable.
Can this camera fit in my jean pocket? (brm2300 — 11/12/2006)
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (11/12/2006)
Not sure how baggy your jeans are, but the dimensions of the camera are 3.94 x 2.44 x 1.77 inches, so it shouldn't fit too badly.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Andrew
What is the difference between optical stabilization and digital stabilization? (Lori J. — 11/12/2006)
Does one of the stabilizations really make a difference for an amateur photographer? I want to get a digital camera for my dad. I am frustrated with how hard it is to hold my digital camera still to get a good picture.
reply to this comment
Lan (11/12/2006)
Optical Image Stabilization refers to the ability of the camera to shift the CCD sensor or the lens (in Pentax's case) to compensate for an unsteady hand taking a shot. This will reduce blur in the resulting photo.
Digital stabilzation is when the camera uses software to compensate for camera shake, by speeding up the ISO, which degrades the quality of the resulting photo.
All information was taken from thsi link: digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
reply to this comment
Digital stabilzation is when the camera uses software to compensate for camera shake, by speeding up the ISO, which degrades the quality of the resulting photo.
All information was taken from thsi link: digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
Can u suggest me before buying a didgital camera, what r the features I should see? (hrushikesh — 11/12/2006)
Tell some good quality camera, like long battery backup, good picture quality, lens, zoom, etc..
reply to this comment
Joe (11/17/2006)
There are many good camera that excel in some of the catagories more so than others. But you seem to be looking for well rounded cameras that have everything. Here are a few:
The Sony H5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) excellent zoom and advanced picture quality.
The Panasonic Lz3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which has amazing features for an affordable price.
and The Kodak v610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which truely is FULLY LOADED.
(guitar solo)
reply to this comment
The Sony H5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) excellent zoom and advanced picture quality.
The Panasonic Lz3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which has amazing features for an affordable price.
and The Kodak v610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which truely is FULLY LOADED.
(guitar solo)
Ben Keough (12/15/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
Does Samsung make any good digital cameras? (Jim Kincaid — 11/10/2006)
WalMart has the Samsung s500 digital on sale for $129.00.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/17/2006)
I am not a huge fan of Samsung, but that may very well be because I just don't hear that much about them and haven't experienced use of their cameras since the very early days. It is sort of strange but they just don't show up in the review dept. that often- nobody seems to review them because they aren't part of the 'top three' or something.
With that said, since I don't have any specific advice for you, I went to a few sites whose reviews I usually trust, and found their takes on this particular camera:
<a href="asia.cnet.com/reviews/digit... One</a>
<a href="dcresource.com/reviews/came... Two</a>
Hope that helps.
reply to this comment
With that said, since I don't have any specific advice for you, I went to a few sites whose reviews I usually trust, and found their takes on this particular camera:
<a href="asia.cnet.com/reviews/digit... One</a>
<a href="dcresource.com/reviews/came... Two</a>
Hope that helps.
good Photo/edit software to use with the LX3? (Art — 11/07/2006)
Am looking for a software program similar to Kodak easyshare to transfer, file, & edit photos from the Panasonic DMC-LX3. I have read that the LX3 is a really good camera (for the money) but the software that comes with it is not user friendly. thanks for any help!
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/07/2006)
You deserve much better than kodak easyshare for transfer, file and edit. It's bloatware.
Two options - 1) Google's <a href="picasa.google.com/">... 2</a>. It's FREE! 2) <a href="adobe.com/products/photosho... Photoshop Elements</a> for more advanced work. About $90.
AS for transferring, get a memory card reader and plug your cards into it. Windows will recongnize it as a drive and then it's a simple matter of dragging from one and dropping to another. Best, and easiest, way.
reply to this comment
Two options - 1) Google's <a href="picasa.google.com/">... 2</a>. It's FREE! 2) <a href="adobe.com/products/photosho... Photoshop Elements</a> for more advanced work. About $90.
AS for transferring, get a memory card reader and plug your cards into it. Windows will recongnize it as a drive and then it's a simple matter of dragging from one and dropping to another. Best, and easiest, way.
I am looking for a small digital camera--any brand, with certain necessary features. (Lonnie Moore — 11/06/2006)
I am looking for a small digital camera with the following minimum features: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 viewing screen, enhansed low light capability. I have checked several sites and am quite confused and find it hard to locate the information. Can you please make a few suggestions? Lonnie
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (11/06/2006)
Lonnie,
You might try the Canon SD900 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), the Fuji F20 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), or the Panasonic FX07 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). All have an ISO setting of 1600 for lower light settings. They are all 6.3 megapixels and up and have over 3x optical zoom.
Andrew
reply to this comment
You might try the Canon SD900 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), the Fuji F20 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), or the Panasonic FX07 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). All have an ISO setting of 1600 for lower light settings. They are all 6.3 megapixels and up and have over 3x optical zoom.
Andrew
Darlene Mortensen (11/28/2006)
The Canon Powershot SD900 compact camera has a powerful punch with 10 megapizels. The pictures are outstanding. The detail is so vivid you feel like you could reach out and touch a leaf in the photo. I have had mine since it first came out and just love it. Battery life is great. I can take several days of photos, looking at the results several times and never have to worry about my battery dying. I also can take beautiful, clear photos without the flash the majority of the time. I highly recomend it!
reply to this comment
What is the best buy for first time buyer? (Mark Rudolph — 11/06/2006)
I have never used a digital camera but I would like to start.Iam planning on putting things on ebay,email pictures etc.What would you recommend?
reply to this comment
Joe (11/07/2006)
The best camera for your level is the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It has all the features you need, 5MP, ^x optical zoom, and a great price. Check out the amazing user reviews for it as well.
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What is the Best camera under $200? Im replacing my broken Fuji A330. (Matt — 11/06/2006)
Im looking for a similar camera to my Fuji A330, maybe lighter and slimer if possible but overall I liked my A330 so something similar in any brands. Ive been looking at the Fuji A500, Samsung S500, Canon A530 and Sony DSC-S500, which camera is best out of those and do you have recommendations on other ones I may have missed.
Thanks
Matt
reply to this comment
Thanks
Matt
Joe (11/07/2006)
The best camera for that price range is the Panasonic Lumix LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for sure. It is truely amazing for the price. I has 5 MP, 6X optical, good low light, it is compact, and saves batteries. Awesome camera, better than most $100 more in price, seriously.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (12/07/2006)
Hi there,
I noticed you haven't marked a "Best Answer"... are you still in need of help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed you haven't marked a "Best Answer"... are you still in need of help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
Is there a marine case for this model available? (DeepFreez — 11/06/2006)
Is there a marine case for other models that will work for this model?
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Andrew Skinner (11/06/2006)
It does not look like there is a marine case available for this camera right now.
Andrew
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Andrew
i am from lebanon.how can i buy it? (mayez — 11/04/2006)
i am from lebanon.i dont now where can i found this product in lebanon.
i am from north of lebanon(tripolie).and i want to now the price please.thanks
reply to this comment
i am from north of lebanon(tripolie).and i want to now the price please.thanks
Katy (11/04/2006)
Ebay is a wonderful place to buy and sell. I have seen the panasonic for as little as $144.00 and as high as $227.84.
Hope that helps!
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Hope that helps!
dig camera girl (11/09/2006)
you can buy this camera new and used on amazon.com
although i can not say for sure if they ship where you live, i have used them many times for various items and have had no problems at all
reply to this comment
although i can not say for sure if they ship where you live, i have used them many times for various items and have had no problems at all
What camera is the best to use in dark places and from far away for less than $100. (Monica — 11/01/2006)
I am going to a wersteling event and it is dark and we are going to be sitting a little far away but not to far and I want to get excelent not good but excelent pictures and I have heard that a digital camera is the best but I dont know which one is. Please help!
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/02/2006)
Hi Monica,
I really don't know if you can get excellent digital photos in low light on a camera for under $100. If I were you, I would up my price range just a little and check out the Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Your low light shots won't necessarily be perfect, as it sometimes takes a pretty complicated/ expensive camera to get good shots in low light. But compared to comparable cameras this one has great all-around performance and I think you'd be pleased with the photos.
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I really don't know if you can get excellent digital photos in low light on a camera for under $100. If I were you, I would up my price range just a little and check out the Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Your low light shots won't necessarily be perfect, as it sometimes takes a pretty complicated/ expensive camera to get good shots in low light. But compared to comparable cameras this one has great all-around performance and I think you'd be pleased with the photos.
Which camera you would choose LZ2;LZ3;LZ5 can not decided (Joshko — 11/01/2006)
I can not decided which one will be the best for my needs.
Quickly take good picture
Make some movies (good quality)
I read reviews and I am totally confused. Price max is about 250$
If you need more details I will provide but tell me please what is advantage with each model.
Please, please...
I have to make purchase before this weekend.
reply to this comment
Quickly take good picture
Make some movies (good quality)
I read reviews and I am totally confused. Price max is about 250$
If you need more details I will provide but tell me please what is advantage with each model.
Please, please...
I have to make purchase before this weekend.
tharrison (11/25/2006)
The LZ5 has 6 megapixels, the LZ3 has 5. Otherwise they are very similar cameras. The LZ2 is older.
Unless you are planning to take pictures that you enlarge to poster size, 5 megapixels is probably plenty, so save a few dollars and buy the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
reply to this comment
Unless you are planning to take pictures that you enlarge to poster size, 5 megapixels is probably plenty, so save a few dollars and buy the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
LZ5 panosonic digital camera (Dennis F Branche — 10/31/2006)
I read the specs and reviews of the Panosonic LZ3 camera. It said I should consider going up to an LZ-5 and I cannot find a listing for it. Is there such a camera?
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Joe (10/31/2006)
Yes read about it here ( dpreview.com/news/0601/0601... )
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http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_LZ3/4505-6501_7-31660593.html (mic — 10/30/2006)
Cnet.com gave the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 a rating of 6.4 out of 10, here's the link:
reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_... site rated it as the best digital camera under $200. I am trying to make an informed decision. This would be my first digital camera. Why the discrepancies in the ratings?
reply to this comment
reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_... site rated it as the best digital camera under $200. I am trying to make an informed decision. This would be my first digital camera. Why the discrepancies in the ratings?
Joe (10/31/2006)
I don't speak for the site but I feel the Panasonic LZ3 IS the best camera in its price range. And HQ gives you a completation of reviews from various sites, not just one opinion. Plus you can read the many positive user reviews from people that have and love this camera. I seems to just be a matter of opinion. Go to a store and cheak the camera out for yourself and if you would give it high than 6.4 stars and you like it you should buy it online where you can get some great deals.
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If you have to choose, what is better, more megapixels or more optical zoom settings? (Vanessa Mulnix — 10/29/2006)
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Brenda Paro (10/29/2006)
It really depends on what you want to do- and the thing is, they go together. If you have a 7 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom, you will get a better-looking zoomed image than if you have a 3 megapixels camera with a 10x zoom.
My instinct is to say, choose megapixels over mega-zoom, because with enough megapixels you can always crop and blow up the picture later and create the same effect as a long zoom- without losing image quality like you would with a low-megapixel, long-zoom camera.
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My instinct is to say, choose megapixels over mega-zoom, because with enough megapixels you can always crop and blow up the picture later and create the same effect as a long zoom- without losing image quality like you would with a low-megapixel, long-zoom camera.
Is a TRAVELER DC-8600 digital a good camera? (S. Mattox — 10/29/2006)
Never heard of the brand before but is advertised for $199.99 and it is an 8.1MP camera and kit. I am a novice and just looking for something inexpensive and easy to work...plus for selling on E-Bay. Thanks
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/29/2006)
I'm far from being a camera snob, and I hate to say it but there's a reason there are "big names" in the digital camera world, and you get what you pay for. 8 megapixels for this price pretty much tells you what you'll be getting.
The thing is, people fall for megapixel-cramming all the time. The truth is that megapixels are amazingly cheap and easy to add to a camera, and with a high megapixel count someone out there will buy it. But chances are really, really good that the rest of the camera is junk.
I'm speaking from experience... I knew someone once who bought an off-brand digital and the thing ate up four packs of batteries in one day, then died for good. I'd buy a 4 megapixel Canon for around the same price if I were you. Trust me, it will be much better.
<a href="avforums.com/forums/showthr... a debate on this exact issue... sort of interesting. Even the same camera you mentioned.
If you need help choosing a camera, let me know. I can point you in a good direction depending on what kind of features you're looking for. And in the meantime, I suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Amazing camera for really cheap.
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The thing is, people fall for megapixel-cramming all the time. The truth is that megapixels are amazingly cheap and easy to add to a camera, and with a high megapixel count someone out there will buy it. But chances are really, really good that the rest of the camera is junk.
I'm speaking from experience... I knew someone once who bought an off-brand digital and the thing ate up four packs of batteries in one day, then died for good. I'd buy a 4 megapixel Canon for around the same price if I were you. Trust me, it will be much better.
<a href="avforums.com/forums/showthr... a debate on this exact issue... sort of interesting. Even the same camera you mentioned.
If you need help choosing a camera, let me know. I can point you in a good direction depending on what kind of features you're looking for. And in the meantime, I suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Amazing camera for really cheap.
Mark (11/05/2006)
I was not sure if Traveler DC 8600 was a good value or not, since I owned only top names in DC before. I must tell you I am impressed, really. What a great camera for the price. For people who have never owned one saying they are not good, they are WRONG. I am now trying to buy several for Christmas presants. Do not hestitate if your looking for a 8.1 with 6X optical. I am always unsure about Aldi electronics, but will not hesitate anymore.
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M.Bonifas (11/08/2006)
I have a Traveler DC6000 6 megapixel. It's an off brand here in the US but popular in Europe. The camera works great. I've had it almost 3 years. The batteries that came with the camera last about 18 months and then need to be replaced. Got them for $10 on line.
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M.Bonifas (11/08/2006)
Bought mine at Aldi's also. Since Aldi's is a German company, many of their electronics are European and considered "off brands" here in the US.
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Esther (11/10/2006)
My mother recently retired and bought herself this exact camera. She had no idea how to use it, so I took it with me for about a week and took a couple hundred photos. The good points are: antishake feature, video with sound, the HUGE preview screen, and I personally liked the different 'filters' you could use when taking the photo-the usual mono and sepia along with red, blue, green, yellow and purple. I got some really pretty shots with those. I know you can add the color later, but who does with snapshots? It made it more fun to use. Two other features I liked were the macro and super macro settings, you could take a good shot of something that was practically against the lens. Got some good 'bug and flower' shots with that. The other feature I liked playing with was the panoramic mode, where it guides you to line up a series of photos to join together.
With the various color settings, light settings and a fairly decent optical zoom, it is a good camera and VERY easy to learn to operate. I sat down with her last night and in twenty minutes, she could use the settings, upload the pictures and do all the other stuff like delete pictures from the camera that were no good and use the self-timer. It is a good 'first' camera for her situation.
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With the various color settings, light settings and a fairly decent optical zoom, it is a good camera and VERY easy to learn to operate. I sat down with her last night and in twenty minutes, she could use the settings, upload the pictures and do all the other stuff like delete pictures from the camera that were no good and use the self-timer. It is a good 'first' camera for her situation.
Tom (11/21/2006)
I recently did a lot of research on this camera before I purchased one at Aldi. You can download the manual for this camera at <a href="traveler-service.com/front_... href="traveler-service.com/front_... href="traveler-service.com/front_... href="traveler-service.com/front_... and it will explain everything. Also, in my research I discovered that this camera very well may be "rebadged" from the Vivitar 8600. You can google that information. Now that I have read in a review above that Aldi is a German company it all makes sence. The camera has a 3 year warranty. Any company that sticks their neck out that far with a product must be confident that it is quality.
The company support phone number is 1-800-270-5071. I called with two questions. Is the lens plastic or glass? Which battery should I use? The lens is glass and probably a vivitar lens. The batteries they recommend is either Panasonic, SanDisk or Fuji. It is a 1050mAh 3.7v DC rechargable battery. I could write more but I think you have the idea. This a great little camera at a very good price. The camera is still in the box. I am taking my time reading the 91 page manual that comes with the camera.
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The company support phone number is 1-800-270-5071. I called with two questions. Is the lens plastic or glass? Which battery should I use? The lens is glass and probably a vivitar lens. The batteries they recommend is either Panasonic, SanDisk or Fuji. It is a 1050mAh 3.7v DC rechargable battery. I could write more but I think you have the idea. This a great little camera at a very good price. The camera is still in the box. I am taking my time reading the 91 page manual that comes with the camera.
Steve (11/24/2006)
I bought the Aldi Slimline X5, 5.2 Megapixel camera two years ago. I liked it so much, that I went back and bought 3 more, that is a camera for everyone in my family. I think I recall that I paid $149 for it, and to be honest it has been the best dang digital camera I have owned. The thing is small, and powerful, but still hampered by the 200 ASA hi end range, so low light situations are a problem. Over all I would rate the camera at a 9.5 for enjoyement and quality.
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Tom (11/24/2006)
In the last week I have used the camera. I am not a pro photographer but I work with photographs all the time in Adobe Photoshop. The sample shots I worked with were taken at 1600 x 1200 using the flash. If printed the size would be about 12 x 9! It brings "Brenda P's question of the quanity of megapixals. But, in talking to friends about this topic I found that this gives plentyful room for cropping. Also, in your prefered software you can adjust down in pixel size, going in the other direction is nasty. Give me the power Maw, I know where the brake is located! Be aware of people that report "not" to be snobs but toss their but-ts around. The manual states that a 1gb SD card will hold, at the highest quality (fine), 902 images. Holy Cow, for me that's a lifetime of photo journalism. All of the selections on the camera made me a little concerned. Could I figure out all these options? I found it very easy and well laid out. As a novice I was very impressed with customer service. They are right at the touch of the dial. In my three converstations I found them great. I'll give Steve his 9.5 rating. Very few times in my life have I purchased something that I can rate at 9.5. Hampered by the 200 ASA setting is something I probably won't get to too soon but I will be aware of his thoughts if I am challenged by this lighting situation. I appreciate the point made. It's a slam dunk on my end and I too would purchase this camera for family and friends. I give the camera a 9.5 as well. Heck, I'm a handsome guy but my feet are too big. So, there you go. Exactly, I have found enjoyment and quality in working with the Traveler DC 8600 camera. Isn't life all about enjoyment and quailty and not how many megapixels you have in the bank?
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Angie (02/10/2007)
I just bought a traveler camera from aldi's and never thought I would like anything better than a kodak or cannon but I love the camera it is easy to use and has some cool features on it. Would tell anyone t buy one and try it. This is a traveler dc 8600 and better yet it was on sale at aldi's an after christmas special.
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Tom (02/11/2007)
Great Angie,
I noticed on the packaging box that the camera accepts a 2gb SD card. In the manual it states 1gb. I called the customer service and I was told that the manual was published too late to change the information. The DC 8600 does accept a 2gb SD card as the box states. It's great that you received a discount. That was my intention but the Aldi store near me solded out the 7 they had for the Christmas season. The person at customer service I spoke with recommends a Sandisk, Toshiba or Panasonic brand you are going to use a 2gb SD card. Once again, I think the 3 year warrenty speaks for the quality of the camera and the company that makes the item.
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I noticed on the packaging box that the camera accepts a 2gb SD card. In the manual it states 1gb. I called the customer service and I was told that the manual was published too late to change the information. The DC 8600 does accept a 2gb SD card as the box states. It's great that you received a discount. That was my intention but the Aldi store near me solded out the 7 they had for the Christmas season. The person at customer service I spoke with recommends a Sandisk, Toshiba or Panasonic brand you are going to use a 2gb SD card. Once again, I think the 3 year warrenty speaks for the quality of the camera and the company that makes the item.
Chris (02/24/2007)
I, too, bought this camera and love it! I did have a problem with mine and called them. I explained the problem and they immediately told me to send it in. I sent it out and got my new camera within 2 weeks of calling them. They really stood behind their guarantee, too!
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newby (04/12/2007)
Ricoh has some nice big-zoom camera's with stabilizer and wide-angle lens for around the same price.
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Rosemary Kelleher (04/14/2007)
Hello - I too own the Traveler DC8600 bought from Aldi 2006.
It is a great camera, 2.8 LCD screen and best of all Macro & Super Macro facility. I won't consider buying a camera unless it has a Macro feature as I take a lot of close-up flower shots. I have had great results with this 8.1 MP. No problems at all with the camera itself - however I have 1 extra lithium battery that we got from Aldi plus the 2 that came with it but 2 of the 3 after having charged them ok ( I thought) aren't working. I have just put the 3rd previously working one on charge but don't know if it will take the charge, so whether the charger is faulty or not I'm not sure until it comes off charge. I am searching the web for a spare replacement rechargeable lithium-ion battery but can't find the correct one - does anyone out there know where/who I can buy one from please ? If & when Aldi's have them in stock they are about 50 euro here in Ireland, I am trying to find a cheaper one.
(Located one - See below)
I would not swop this DC8600 camera - only to update to more MP's if they do one in future. Also - does anyone out there know how to get the video-clips onto the computer please ? I am not very technical.
I highly recommend this camera, it's great !
Some news which may be helpful to others out there - After a frustrating, fruitless search on the web for batteries and getting no-where I have found out today (17th April) that my batteries have not died completely. The battery charger is faulty. My husband obtained a different Tel. No. for Traveler support from Aldi's here in Cork, Ireland. I rang the support No. and was told to charge the battery IN the camera using the charger lead (AC Power adapter - Page 24 in Manual). I didn't know the battery could be charged in the camera. Page 24 says the LED light flashes green when charging and lights green (steady) when it's completed.
So hey-presto - my battery IS flashing so it's not dead after all. The support line lady was very helpful and said if I tried this way first it would prove if the charger was faulty or not. It is the charger and she said to phone them again if it was not working and they would send me a replacement. So for anyone who needs another support No. to ring it is (00) 800 78772368.
I am delighted that it's the charger and not the bats as now it is on charge ok it will be ready before some tree paeony buds open so I will be in business again as usual getting close-up and personal with some flowers.
So don't throw away your batteries until you have tried charging them IN the camera first before you give up. Hope this was helpful.
Bit more news - Yesterday evening I rang the 1800 2705071 support line and was advised that the Acer Model No. CR-8530 is the correct battery for the DC8600 from www.star-battery.com @ $14.98 but it was 1100mAh not 1050mAh so not sure if this one will do.
Guy in a camera shop today said it wouldn't make much difference the extra bit of power.
Evening 17th - Just taken it off charge via the AC Power adapter with bat IN camera and it works !
Sorry this info is rather long but want to share what I have learned in last few days.
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It is a great camera, 2.8 LCD screen and best of all Macro & Super Macro facility. I won't consider buying a camera unless it has a Macro feature as I take a lot of close-up flower shots. I have had great results with this 8.1 MP. No problems at all with the camera itself - however I have 1 extra lithium battery that we got from Aldi plus the 2 that came with it but 2 of the 3 after having charged them ok ( I thought) aren't working. I have just put the 3rd previously working one on charge but don't know if it will take the charge, so whether the charger is faulty or not I'm not sure until it comes off charge. I am searching the web for a spare replacement rechargeable lithium-ion battery but can't find the correct one - does anyone out there know where/who I can buy one from please ? If & when Aldi's have them in stock they are about 50 euro here in Ireland, I am trying to find a cheaper one.
(Located one - See below)
I would not swop this DC8600 camera - only to update to more MP's if they do one in future. Also - does anyone out there know how to get the video-clips onto the computer please ? I am not very technical.
I highly recommend this camera, it's great !
Some news which may be helpful to others out there - After a frustrating, fruitless search on the web for batteries and getting no-where I have found out today (17th April) that my batteries have not died completely. The battery charger is faulty. My husband obtained a different Tel. No. for Traveler support from Aldi's here in Cork, Ireland. I rang the support No. and was told to charge the battery IN the camera using the charger lead (AC Power adapter - Page 24 in Manual). I didn't know the battery could be charged in the camera. Page 24 says the LED light flashes green when charging and lights green (steady) when it's completed.
So hey-presto - my battery IS flashing so it's not dead after all. The support line lady was very helpful and said if I tried this way first it would prove if the charger was faulty or not. It is the charger and she said to phone them again if it was not working and they would send me a replacement. So for anyone who needs another support No. to ring it is (00) 800 78772368.
I am delighted that it's the charger and not the bats as now it is on charge ok it will be ready before some tree paeony buds open so I will be in business again as usual getting close-up and personal with some flowers.
So don't throw away your batteries until you have tried charging them IN the camera first before you give up. Hope this was helpful.
Bit more news - Yesterday evening I rang the 1800 2705071 support line and was advised that the Acer Model No. CR-8530 is the correct battery for the DC8600 from www.star-battery.com @ $14.98 but it was 1100mAh not 1050mAh so not sure if this one will do.
Guy in a camera shop today said it wouldn't make much difference the extra bit of power.
Evening 17th - Just taken it off charge via the AC Power adapter with bat IN camera and it works !
Sorry this info is rather long but want to share what I have learned in last few days.
juan argentina (04/20/2007)
la camara es muy buena y la consegui a tan solo 60 dolares
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Rosemary Kelleher (04/20/2007)
To Juan - Argentina - Sorry I don't speak Spanish so don't know exactly what you have written.
I can only guess at what some of the words mean
"The camera is my good? .... only 60 dollars ?
reply to this comment
I can only guess at what some of the words mean
"The camera is my good? .... only 60 dollars ?
freddyzdead (05/19/2007)
I was pleased to see all the positive comments here. This is a very good camera as far as I can see, although I've only had it a few days. Brenda P should keep her mouth shut concerning things about which she knows nothing.
The camera has a lot of features you only find on expensive Nikon, Canon, etc., such as aperture/shutter priority, manual focus, backlight correction and so forth.
I would recommend it to anybody.
reply to this comment
The camera has a lot of features you only find on expensive Nikon, Canon, etc., such as aperture/shutter priority, manual focus, backlight correction and so forth.
I would recommend it to anybody.
Paul_London (05/27/2007)
I also have the Traveler DC8600 and it's superb quality, but I have a problem!
I lost the charger while on holiday and I can't find one anywhere on the net for it? 5 volt 3 amp, nothing out there with the right plug. Any ideas?
reply to this comment
I lost the charger while on holiday and I can't find one anywhere on the net for it? 5 volt 3 amp, nothing out there with the right plug. Any ideas?
Rosemary Kelleher (05/28/2007)
Hello Paul London :
Did you read my info above re my faulty charger ? I rang the support line and the lady was very helpful and said she would send me a new charger. I am still waiting to receive this
after 3-4 weeks so perhaps she got my address wrong or maybe it's still on it's way
so why don't you give them a ring and see if they will send you out a new one. They may send it out free or for a small fee - it would be worth trying. Meanwhile try charging the batteries IN the camera on the docking station that came with the kit with the power cable which you use with the charger.
Hope this solves your problem until you get a new charger. All the best - Rosemary, Ireland.
The two support line No's are
00 800 78772368 and 1800 270 5071.
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Did you read my info above re my faulty charger ? I rang the support line and the lady was very helpful and said she would send me a new charger. I am still waiting to receive this
after 3-4 weeks so perhaps she got my address wrong or maybe it's still on it's way
so why don't you give them a ring and see if they will send you out a new one. They may send it out free or for a small fee - it would be worth trying. Meanwhile try charging the batteries IN the camera on the docking station that came with the kit with the power cable which you use with the charger.
Hope this solves your problem until you get a new charger. All the best - Rosemary, Ireland.
The two support line No's are
00 800 78772368 and 1800 270 5071.
Dagmar De Kee (06/03/2007)
hello,
after making my first photo's on holiday I wanted to transfer them on to my computer.
after connecting the camera to the computer the USB screen appears correctly, but after pressing the SET-button nothing happens! my computer doesn't recognize the camera (windows xp). there's nothing under 'removable disk'. so I am not able to transfer the photo's I've made.
Is there anyone who can give me a solution?
reply to this comment
after making my first photo's on holiday I wanted to transfer them on to my computer.
after connecting the camera to the computer the USB screen appears correctly, but after pressing the SET-button nothing happens! my computer doesn't recognize the camera (windows xp). there's nothing under 'removable disk'. so I am not able to transfer the photo's I've made.
Is there anyone who can give me a solution?
Paul_London (06/04/2007)
Thanks for the info recarding charger, I contacted the customer services number and they are sending me a free replacement power supply.
Take care
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Take care
STL John (06/13/2007)
We bought two of these outstanding cameras in November of 2006. My 12 year old takes wonderful pictures with it, easy as pie. One of the two cameras stopped working suddenly, so I called the help line. They said to send it in. TWO DAYS LATER, we got a new replacement camera. If you can find one of these cameras still in stock at Aldi, buy it.
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aliceca9 (07/19/2007)
Does the Acer 02491-0028-01 Battery fit with this model? I find a battery in <a href="atbattery.org">www....
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Rosemary Kelleher (07/20/2007)
Up-date on faulty charger -
After waiting weeks to receive a replacement charger for Traveler DC8600 which never arrived (perhaps the lady got my address wrong) imagine my surprise when on Thursday 28th June 07 Aldi's had an upgrade 10.1MP Traveler at an unbelievably far lower price (€199.99) (£134.49) than the DC8600. (€279.99) I bought one and was going to give my daughter the DC8600 and try again to get replacement charger for it, however as the DC8600 was still under guarantee my husband took it back 5 days later. Fortunately they had 1 DC-XZ6 left so he got a refund and bought it.
The faulty charger proved to be a blessing in disguise. Can things get any better ? Upgrade on pixels and much lower price.
Also Aldi's had 2GB SD cards on sale that day for €16.99 (£11.42) approx.
What a great deal - well done Traveler,
I am so pleased. They now have the support line Tel. No's on the box - very helpful.
reply to this comment
After waiting weeks to receive a replacement charger for Traveler DC8600 which never arrived (perhaps the lady got my address wrong) imagine my surprise when on Thursday 28th June 07 Aldi's had an upgrade 10.1MP Traveler at an unbelievably far lower price (€199.99) (£134.49) than the DC8600. (€279.99) I bought one and was going to give my daughter the DC8600 and try again to get replacement charger for it, however as the DC8600 was still under guarantee my husband took it back 5 days later. Fortunately they had 1 DC-XZ6 left so he got a refund and bought it.
The faulty charger proved to be a blessing in disguise. Can things get any better ? Upgrade on pixels and much lower price.
Also Aldi's had 2GB SD cards on sale that day for €16.99 (£11.42) approx.
What a great deal - well done Traveler,
I am so pleased. They now have the support line Tel. No's on the box - very helpful.
Jaap van Ganswijk (10/08/2007)
There is a new Aldi here in the Netherlands/Groningen/Hoornsediep 147-153 and they are offering some old products with quite big discounts and the Traveler DC-8600 is offered for 125 instead of 179 euro and I'm thinking of buying one. A lot of people here and on the other froum are very pleased with it and I very much like the quality of the photos (thanks!). I'm looking for a camera that can take macro pictures and this one seems to be able to do that (upto 2 cm!). I would prefer AA batteries/accu's, but having a spare accu might also work. The only thing I wonder about is the video capability. I read in a message that it can do 30 FPS, but at what resolution? Can someone post a small video somewhere? And how good is the audio?
Currently I have a 3 megapixel Kodak from several years back, which I got for free when changing my energy provider. It's a nice camera with a quite good picture quality, but it has no zoom, no macro, videos without sound at a low frame rate and low resolution.
I have also looked at low cost camera's from Kodak and Samsung, but they usully lack some of my requirements (BTW. I don't care much about zoom...).
In the analog era I had a SLR with several lenses, but I think that digital SLR is kitsch. The benefits are smaller than the disadvantages. (Except for professionals perhaps.)
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Currently I have a 3 megapixel Kodak from several years back, which I got for free when changing my energy provider. It's a nice camera with a quite good picture quality, but it has no zoom, no macro, videos without sound at a low frame rate and low resolution.
I have also looked at low cost camera's from Kodak and Samsung, but they usully lack some of my requirements (BTW. I don't care much about zoom...).
In the analog era I had a SLR with several lenses, but I think that digital SLR is kitsch. The benefits are smaller than the disadvantages. (Except for professionals perhaps.)
Ollie (10/08/2007)
I bought the camera today at the new Aldi, Hoornse Diep/Groningen/Netherlands and i read the reviews who seamed very positive. Also the service of the company seems to be good. So i'm glad i bougt it. But now i have to read the manual so i know pricisly how to use it. But Jaap if you want to buy the camera you must not wait to lang because normaly this kind of products are sold out quickly at the Aldi. But if i would you i buy one soon because al the aldi is cheap but the quality of the products is very good. Good luck
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Jaap van Ganswijk (10/09/2007)
Correction: It was priced down from 199.99 not 179 euro.
I bought the camera this afternoon at about 15:30 (local time) and have been playing with it, since I came home. It's a really amazing camera and so much better than the old (2001?) Kodak CX7310 that I'm used to. It also exceeds my expectations on all apects that I was looking for (and a lot that I was not looking for).
The picture quality is very good (as others already proved in the thread on the other forum site) and the macro capabilities are also amazing! The video quality is also very good (640x480 at 30 frames per second with sound!) and you can zoom during filming, although it upsets the auto-focus so it starts readjusting, but serious filmers almost never zoom...
(Btw. I have been checking the stats of similar Kodak and Samsung cameras and they never are as good.)
Thanks Ollie for your encouragement! I'm familiar with the Aldi problem of having too few items per shop on the famous wednesday morning (I also lined up outside a Aldi once before opening at 8:30), but in this case they have plenty of stock. I estimate that they still had about 250 cameras left today, which is not much less than yesterday, but perhaps they also have some stock in the back and fill up the stock in the store from time to time. I also didn't see many customers buy a camera, so sales aren't going that fast.
I disagree that Aldi only sells high quality products. I haven't bought earlier Aldi's Traveler camera's because of bad reviews on the WWW. But in general a store chain that sells one-off products that it's not specialized in will try only to sell good stuff because it doesn't want complaints.
But anyway this camera is so good that instead of giving my old Kodak to my mother permanently I suggested that she should buy a Traveler DC8600 too. Impressed by the photos I showed on her and my TV and the movie I showed on mine she is now seriously considering buying one too.
I have put some photos and a video here:
xs4all.nl/~ganswijk/travele... the material is made without a tripod and my hands have become less steady over the years. The picture of my mother was done with flash. The macro picture of my keyboard was done with an about 9 watt energy saving bureau lamp from the left (yes, I don't clean my keyboard often enough ;-) and the movie was shot quite late in the day and using the 220V to 5V converter as power source because the battery gave up after all of my experiments. Still amazing how much power the accu still had after being in the package for probably several months!
As Ollie I now have to go study the manual in details to get to know every aspect of this amazing camera!
I wonder if my mother will do the same should she buy one. As most women she tends to only use the automatic setting of cameras...
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I bought the camera this afternoon at about 15:30 (local time) and have been playing with it, since I came home. It's a really amazing camera and so much better than the old (2001?) Kodak CX7310 that I'm used to. It also exceeds my expectations on all apects that I was looking for (and a lot that I was not looking for).
The picture quality is very good (as others already proved in the thread on the other forum site) and the macro capabilities are also amazing! The video quality is also very good (640x480 at 30 frames per second with sound!) and you can zoom during filming, although it upsets the auto-focus so it starts readjusting, but serious filmers almost never zoom...
(Btw. I have been checking the stats of similar Kodak and Samsung cameras and they never are as good.)
Thanks Ollie for your encouragement! I'm familiar with the Aldi problem of having too few items per shop on the famous wednesday morning (I also lined up outside a Aldi once before opening at 8:30), but in this case they have plenty of stock. I estimate that they still had about 250 cameras left today, which is not much less than yesterday, but perhaps they also have some stock in the back and fill up the stock in the store from time to time. I also didn't see many customers buy a camera, so sales aren't going that fast.
I disagree that Aldi only sells high quality products. I haven't bought earlier Aldi's Traveler camera's because of bad reviews on the WWW. But in general a store chain that sells one-off products that it's not specialized in will try only to sell good stuff because it doesn't want complaints.
But anyway this camera is so good that instead of giving my old Kodak to my mother permanently I suggested that she should buy a Traveler DC8600 too. Impressed by the photos I showed on her and my TV and the movie I showed on mine she is now seriously considering buying one too.
I have put some photos and a video here:
xs4all.nl/~ganswijk/travele... the material is made without a tripod and my hands have become less steady over the years. The picture of my mother was done with flash. The macro picture of my keyboard was done with an about 9 watt energy saving bureau lamp from the left (yes, I don't clean my keyboard often enough ;-) and the movie was shot quite late in the day and using the 220V to 5V converter as power source because the battery gave up after all of my experiments. Still amazing how much power the accu still had after being in the package for probably several months!
As Ollie I now have to go study the manual in details to get to know every aspect of this amazing camera!
I wonder if my mother will do the same should she buy one. As most women she tends to only use the automatic setting of cameras...
Phil (11/08/2007)
I'm interested in possibly purchasing Travelers latest camera. The Traveler
DC-XZ6 10.1 megapixel digital camera. I'm wondering if this model is basically
the same as the DC-8600 but with added megapixels, or simply a better
upgrade. If anybody has tested this new model out, could you please let
me know of the overall quality of the camera. Phil
reply to this comment
DC-XZ6 10.1 megapixel digital camera. I'm wondering if this model is basically
the same as the DC-8600 but with added megapixels, or simply a better
upgrade. If anybody has tested this new model out, could you please let
me know of the overall quality of the camera. Phil
Rosemary Kelleher (11/09/2007)
Hi Phil - I already have the DC-XZ6 10.1MP (see my posting of Fri. July 20th above) I am not very technical but as far as I know it is much the same as the DC-8600 with more pixels, plus usual Macro and Super Macro, so you can get very close.
I get excellent results with this camera, I don't have any complaints about it at all. It's like my right arm, I wouldn't be without it.
I usually photograph flowers and the camera records amazing detail when you view photos on computer.
If it's still available snap it up quickly before someone else does, it is very good quality, I'm sure you will be very pleased with it.
Aldi have another Traveler camera on offer this week (11th Nov) but it's only 7MP @ €119.00. Comes with 512MB SD card,
2 batteries/charger etc.
All the best - Rosemary, Ireland.
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I get excellent results with this camera, I don't have any complaints about it at all. It's like my right arm, I wouldn't be without it.
I usually photograph flowers and the camera records amazing detail when you view photos on computer.
If it's still available snap it up quickly before someone else does, it is very good quality, I'm sure you will be very pleased with it.
Aldi have another Traveler camera on offer this week (11th Nov) but it's only 7MP @ €119.00. Comes with 512MB SD card,
2 batteries/charger etc.
All the best - Rosemary, Ireland.
sidfishn (11/17/2007)
I have a Traveler DC 6900 that I took on a trip in the Canadian rockies. I took probably 800 pictures with it. The only problem I had, was A lot of the pictures were blurred. This was because I was taking them out of bus and train windows. Out of the 800 pictures, I got rid of about 75, so I don't figure that is too bad. I have had the camera less than a year, when they came out with the DC XZ6, so I went out and bought one of those too. It has a 6x optical zoom instead of the 3x that is on the other camera. I am still playing with that one, and trying to fina a spare battery for it. I love all three Traveler cameras that I now own.
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wilfried (01/14/2008)
I HAD BUY A DC8600 ITS A VERY GOOD CAMERA BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM THE LENS WON4T OPEN IN HIS TATALITY
SO I HAVE PICTURES WITH A BLACK STRIPE
I WISH TO LET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE ITS STILL IN WARANTY BUT I DON4T NOW WHAT TO DO CAN ANYBODY HELP PLEASE
CHARLOTTE STEYAERT
reply to this comment
SO I HAVE PICTURES WITH A BLACK STRIPE
I WISH TO LET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE ITS STILL IN WARANTY BUT I DON4T NOW WHAT TO DO CAN ANYBODY HELP PLEASE
CHARLOTTE STEYAERT
Rosemary Kelleher (01/15/2008)
To Charlotte Steyaert - Hello - First make sure the camera batteries are fully charged but if you have already checked this - either :-
Go back to Aldi's with your receipt and tell them the problem you are having with your DC8600. Ask them if they will contact the Traveler Support Line for you as the camera is faulty and they sold it to you (under your consumer rights).
They may just want to give you your money back and not a replacement if they haven't got one in stock.
Alternatively you can ring the Traveler Support Line ( I gave two numbers above) which are 00 800 78772368 or 1800 270 5071
the first number is to ring from Ireland but if either of these No' are no good, go online to their website
www.traveler-service.com or ask Aldi's to provide the correct telephone No. + codes for your country.
Or, ask for your money back from Aldi and wait until they have another upgrade Traveler camera.
See my entry above of Friday July 20th - I had the DC8600 and upgraded to the DC-XZ6 which is a 10.1 mega pixel camera.
Hope this will prove useful to you and you get the problem sorted out.
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Go back to Aldi's with your receipt and tell them the problem you are having with your DC8600. Ask them if they will contact the Traveler Support Line for you as the camera is faulty and they sold it to you (under your consumer rights).
They may just want to give you your money back and not a replacement if they haven't got one in stock.
Alternatively you can ring the Traveler Support Line ( I gave two numbers above) which are 00 800 78772368 or 1800 270 5071
the first number is to ring from Ireland but if either of these No' are no good, go online to their website
www.traveler-service.com or ask Aldi's to provide the correct telephone No. + codes for your country.
Or, ask for your money back from Aldi and wait until they have another upgrade Traveler camera.
See my entry above of Friday July 20th - I had the DC8600 and upgraded to the DC-XZ6 which is a 10.1 mega pixel camera.
Hope this will prove useful to you and you get the problem sorted out.
wilfried (01/17/2008)
hi
my question is my digital camera 9 months old and i don't now where i have to send it for repair the lens doesn't open whole so i have pic; with a black stripe
can someone help me with that
charlotte tkhs
reply to this comment
my question is my digital camera 9 months old and i don't now where i have to send it for repair the lens doesn't open whole so i have pic; with a black stripe
can someone help me with that
charlotte tkhs
Phil (01/17/2008)
Hi Charlotte
To find out where to send your Traveler DC8600 for repair,
Their is a USA number which is 1-800-270-5071. Their is also
an international number which is 01 1800 7877 2368. The
internet support address is www.traveler-service.com
I've been real impressed with rhe traveler digital cameras.
Great prices too. I'm getting ready to purchase the new
10.1 megapixel model. Good luck Phil
reply to this comment
To find out where to send your Traveler DC8600 for repair,
Their is a USA number which is 1-800-270-5071. Their is also
an international number which is 01 1800 7877 2368. The
internet support address is www.traveler-service.com
I've been real impressed with rhe traveler digital cameras.
Great prices too. I'm getting ready to purchase the new
10.1 megapixel model. Good luck Phil
Nat (01/30/2008)
Does anyone know of anywhere in Australia where I can purchase a charger for a Traveler DC8600 (8.1mp) digital camera as ive lost mine.
cheers
nat
x
reply to this comment
cheers
nat
x
Ken (02/03/2008)
I'm interested to learn what owners of Aldi Traveler digital cameras think about the lack of a manual viewfinder to supplement the large LCD screen. As I understand it, in bright sunny situations, most LCD screens are unviewable for taking photos, hence the need for a manual viewfinder. So from experiece, have owners at times found it to be a problem? TIA. Cheers.
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Rosemary Kelleher (02/04/2008)
Hi Ken - I agree that in bright sunlight it is difficult to view the subject in the LCD screen but speaking as a person who has to use glasses I have never found a small viewfinder to be of much good as I can't see what's in it, the subject is too small.
Some months ago I bought an LCD screen hood from 7-Day Shop UK which is made from black material and velcro and sticky tape which fits over screen like an open box to shade it from sunlight but it's not very good. There is another brand of camera (A Fuji I think) which has an integral metal hood which one can open and I wish Traveler would do something like this. It may be worth writing to them and ask if they can manufacture a metal hood to fit their cameras, then the camera would be perfect.
All the best - Rosemary.
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Some months ago I bought an LCD screen hood from 7-Day Shop UK which is made from black material and velcro and sticky tape which fits over screen like an open box to shade it from sunlight but it's not very good. There is another brand of camera (A Fuji I think) which has an integral metal hood which one can open and I wish Traveler would do something like this. It may be worth writing to them and ask if they can manufacture a metal hood to fit their cameras, then the camera would be perfect.
All the best - Rosemary.
ken (02/04/2008)
Hi Rosemary, thanks for the reply. I think I've partly solved your problem ... contact lenses lol.
Viewfinder-less cameras have been around for quite a while now so you would think the penny would have dropped by now in the R&D departments of camera manufacturers.
Then again ... probably not. Expect they're all blokes.
Which leaves me with the quandary about buying or not an Aldi Traveler DC-XZ6 this coming Thursday here in Oz. Cheers.
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Viewfinder-less cameras have been around for quite a while now so you would think the penny would have dropped by now in the R&D departments of camera manufacturers.
Then again ... probably not. Expect they're all blokes.
Which leaves me with the quandary about buying or not an Aldi Traveler DC-XZ6 this coming Thursday here in Oz. Cheers.
Rosemary Kelleher (02/05/2008)
Hi Ken - Thanks for your suggestion re contact lenses - good idea but better than that I'd like to get my eyes lasered to restore better vision.
Why don't you buy the Traveler DC-XZ6 anyway although it doesn't have the desired viewfinder - if you don't get on with it you can always take it back for a refund. For the money I think it is an excellent camera and I've never had any problems with the camera itself. Let's hope Traveler are working on an integral pull out LCD hood for their next one.
I may very well contact them and put that suggestion to them.
Long may the sun shine on your LCD screen in OZ !
We don't get so much of it here in Ireland.
Cheers - Rosemary.
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Why don't you buy the Traveler DC-XZ6 anyway although it doesn't have the desired viewfinder - if you don't get on with it you can always take it back for a refund. For the money I think it is an excellent camera and I've never had any problems with the camera itself. Let's hope Traveler are working on an integral pull out LCD hood for their next one.
I may very well contact them and put that suggestion to them.
Long may the sun shine on your LCD screen in OZ !
We don't get so much of it here in Ireland.
Cheers - Rosemary.
Ken (02/06/2008)
Hi Rosemary, like any surgery, laser treatment carries a risk, so please think carefully first and also select a top practitioner for the procedure. Anything less is a bigger risk. I imagine laser surgery in Ireland would be pretty expensive too.
Interesting discovery on the US Aldi site ... goto aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm. Under the menu heading "Special Purchases/Now available while stocks last", they are selling off the leftover cameras for $US200. Now that is only $AU220 or 135 Euro or 101 UK pounds. But they're selling it here tomorrow for $AU299!! So I'm thinking to take a gamble and they may drop the price here as well after the initial selling week has finished and they have leftover stock. I know they do this here as well from time to time. Anyway, as with most Aldi gear, if you miss the present model of something, simply wait a bit longer for the next updated you-beaut model to arrive.... probably with an LCD hood too ... haha
I could be wrong but my understanding is that Aldi prescribe the specifications they want in a product and they get someone to make it. So then that product is exclusive to Aldi and not available in that exact form anywhere else under a different badge. I know there are similar models available, but not necessarily exactly the same. So what I'm saying then is, probably requests to change specifications of a product, ie LCD hood, would have to be put to Aldi first, rather than the manufacturer.
Ireland eh. I was there all too briefly in 2002. The very morning I arrived on your shores at Dublin in my hire car, I inadvertently discovered a common practice of your school kids on their bicycles .... riding down the middle of the road where there is queued traffic. I had reason to do a quick u turn and yes ... you guessed it, collected a girl on her bike, she tore straight into the side of the car. Seems the Irish are made of pretty tuff stuff, she got up, regathered her composure, got back on her bike and was off like a shot, never to be seen again. Welcome to Ireland ... lol
So yes Rosemary, if you want sunshine and lovely beaches to photograph ... come on down! ... lol. Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
Interesting discovery on the US Aldi site ... goto aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm. Under the menu heading "Special Purchases/Now available while stocks last", they are selling off the leftover cameras for $US200. Now that is only $AU220 or 135 Euro or 101 UK pounds. But they're selling it here tomorrow for $AU299!! So I'm thinking to take a gamble and they may drop the price here as well after the initial selling week has finished and they have leftover stock. I know they do this here as well from time to time. Anyway, as with most Aldi gear, if you miss the present model of something, simply wait a bit longer for the next updated you-beaut model to arrive.... probably with an LCD hood too ... haha
I could be wrong but my understanding is that Aldi prescribe the specifications they want in a product and they get someone to make it. So then that product is exclusive to Aldi and not available in that exact form anywhere else under a different badge. I know there are similar models available, but not necessarily exactly the same. So what I'm saying then is, probably requests to change specifications of a product, ie LCD hood, would have to be put to Aldi first, rather than the manufacturer.
Ireland eh. I was there all too briefly in 2002. The very morning I arrived on your shores at Dublin in my hire car, I inadvertently discovered a common practice of your school kids on their bicycles .... riding down the middle of the road where there is queued traffic. I had reason to do a quick u turn and yes ... you guessed it, collected a girl on her bike, she tore straight into the side of the car. Seems the Irish are made of pretty tuff stuff, she got up, regathered her composure, got back on her bike and was off like a shot, never to be seen again. Welcome to Ireland ... lol
So yes Rosemary, if you want sunshine and lovely beaches to photograph ... come on down! ... lol. Cheers. Ken
Rosemary Kelleher (02/06/2008)
Dear Ken - Hello again - Thank you very much for your concern re my eyes. I can't afford to have them lasered at present, it's just a wish to be able to see better without any manmade lenses of any description between me and the world. Of course if I did get them done then I would be very careful who I chose to do them. I was told by a camera shop guy in UK that Traveler cameras are made by Vivitar. It is interesting what you say about Aldi requesting the specifications first. Yes, I agree the longer you wait the better the camera gets. I am not Irish, my husband is but he lived in UK for 36 years before we came here. We are selling up this spring and going back to UK. Regarding your experience in Dublin (the girl on her bike whom you scooped up) here in Cork the pedestrians are suicidal, they recklessly cross the road without looking to see if anything is coming, it is rather scary but none of them seem to get run over, the drivers must be used to it. Different thing at night though as we are quite rural out of Cork city -
quite a few people get killed on the roads because they don't bother to wear any reflective gear, they think they are invincible.
I'd love to visit OZ, maybe one day, I could do with some sun and I could take scores of photos with my trusty Traveler camera.
Next time I go to Aldi I will ask them if it is so that they call the shots re the camera specs. - meanwhile I hope you pick up a bargain priced Traveler - happy snapping and thanks v. much for the info. I will now visit the website you posted.
All the best - Rosemary.
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quite a few people get killed on the roads because they don't bother to wear any reflective gear, they think they are invincible.
I'd love to visit OZ, maybe one day, I could do with some sun and I could take scores of photos with my trusty Traveler camera.
Next time I go to Aldi I will ask them if it is so that they call the shots re the camera specs. - meanwhile I hope you pick up a bargain priced Traveler - happy snapping and thanks v. much for the info. I will now visit the website you posted.
All the best - Rosemary.
Ken (02/07/2008)
Hello all, just an update on internet research on the Traveler DC-XZ6 digital camera.
It's possible this camera is manufactured by a Taiwanese company called Premier Image, their camera brand name is Foxconn.
They have a "Power Zoom Series" of small footprint cameras, in particular the model .. Foxconn DS-A650. For more info, goto: premierimage.com.tw/product... . This seems to be the exact same camera.
For a test report of the Traveler DC-XZ6 camera, there is a german site that has a rough english test possibly worth a read, goto: 64.233.179.104/translate_c?... who really DOES manufacture this camera? Who knows. Maybe time will reveal all. Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
It's possible this camera is manufactured by a Taiwanese company called Premier Image, their camera brand name is Foxconn.
They have a "Power Zoom Series" of small footprint cameras, in particular the model .. Foxconn DS-A650. For more info, goto: premierimage.com.tw/product... . This seems to be the exact same camera.
For a test report of the Traveler DC-XZ6 camera, there is a german site that has a rough english test possibly worth a read, goto: 64.233.179.104/translate_c?... who really DOES manufacture this camera? Who knows. Maybe time will reveal all. Cheers. Ken
Rosemary Kelleher (02/08/2008)
Hello again Ken - Just went to the test report site that you posted above to see what they say about it. Did you read it yourself or understand what they are saying. Although it's in English it's like gobbledygook, only a few sentences make any sense, other phrases and words are rather amusing so I couldn't understand what they were on about, there is a lot lost in the translation.
I think one would have to be a perfectionist to complain about this camera. I find it very good for the use I want to put it to and get great results. Thanks & bye for now.
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I think one would have to be a perfectionist to complain about this camera. I find it very good for the use I want to put it to and get great results. Thanks & bye for now.
Ken (02/09/2008)
Hi Rosemary - yes like I said before, it's "rough english". I find it novel to see online test reports from users who have put the camera through its paces and come up with pretty much diametrically opposed views on it. Without having yet had the opportunity to try it myself, I tend to think any fair-minded person would accept that for the money, it's a steal. Go to review most of the "name brand" cameras of a similar footprint and discover plenty of problems there, usually for a lot more money. So at the moment, I'm hanging out for a "clearance" price locally and all being well, hot foot it to Aldi then.
Cheers. Ken
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Cheers. Ken
Tom (02/13/2008)
Try looking at the MINOX DC 1022 ... I think you'll find it matches this new Traveler 10.1 Mp (DC-XZ6) camera exactly.
minox.com/index.php?id=206&... used to be the maker of specialty and "spy" cameras. Don't know how they stack up today in the digital world. Since this carries a different brand name, the actual specs may differ from the Minox version ... or maybe not. ;-)
reply to this comment
minox.com/index.php?id=206&... used to be the maker of specialty and "spy" cameras. Don't know how they stack up today in the digital world. Since this carries a different brand name, the actual specs may differ from the Minox version ... or maybe not. ;-)
Ken (02/14/2008)
Gday Tom,
Yes the Minox seems to be exactly the same camera and with a named MINOCTAR lens, whereas we don't really know the maker of the Traveler lens. The same? Of course, Aldi's version also has more accessories than what's available with the Minox, which makes the Traveler a more complete and workable package.
Rosemary, I went back to Aldi the other day to check availability and found they only had the display one left so I bought it there and then, worrying I'd miss out. So I'm trying it out and the more I delve into its capabilities, the more I'm impressed. Plus 3 years warranty and a 60 day trial return policy by Aldi aint half bad eh. Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
Yes the Minox seems to be exactly the same camera and with a named MINOCTAR lens, whereas we don't really know the maker of the Traveler lens. The same? Of course, Aldi's version also has more accessories than what's available with the Minox, which makes the Traveler a more complete and workable package.
Rosemary, I went back to Aldi the other day to check availability and found they only had the display one left so I bought it there and then, worrying I'd miss out. So I'm trying it out and the more I delve into its capabilities, the more I'm impressed. Plus 3 years warranty and a 60 day trial return policy by Aldi aint half bad eh. Cheers. Ken
Rosemary Kelleher (02/16/2008)
Hi again Ken - So glad you snapped one up. I saw a lone DC-ZX6 the other day in Aldi's sitting in their display cabinet at €169.99. Their leaflet for 17th-21st shows they will be having a Traveler DC7900 7MP on Thursday 21st Feb, price at €89.99 so that will be a good bargain too, although a step backwards in MP's but ok for some folks use.
I only hope Charlotte Stayaert above sorted her camera problem out -
perhaps she will let us all know how it turned out for her.
Just looked at the Minox DC 1022 that Tom gave info on - at €329.00 I think I will stick with the Traveler brand. Hope you get some good shots with yours. It would be nice if we could post some of our photos on here so others can see what good results the Traveler gives then I could see your sand & surf pics (if you will be taking beach scenes) . I haven't had time yet to come to grips with all the different settings etc on mine.
If I did though the results would probably be a lot better. I'm thinking of the anti-shake feature and the sport setting - because I was in too much of a hurry to capture a moment (moving children) I didn't concentrate on focusing and many pics were out of focus so there is yet a lot to learn about it and try to remember all the available settings.
Anyway, happy snapping and bye for now. Hope you let us know what you think of your camera soon. - Rosemary
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I only hope Charlotte Stayaert above sorted her camera problem out -
perhaps she will let us all know how it turned out for her.
Just looked at the Minox DC 1022 that Tom gave info on - at €329.00 I think I will stick with the Traveler brand. Hope you get some good shots with yours. It would be nice if we could post some of our photos on here so others can see what good results the Traveler gives then I could see your sand & surf pics (if you will be taking beach scenes) . I haven't had time yet to come to grips with all the different settings etc on mine.
If I did though the results would probably be a lot better. I'm thinking of the anti-shake feature and the sport setting - because I was in too much of a hurry to capture a moment (moving children) I didn't concentrate on focusing and many pics were out of focus so there is yet a lot to learn about it and try to remember all the available settings.
Anyway, happy snapping and bye for now. Hope you let us know what you think of your camera soon. - Rosemary
sidfishn (02/16/2008)
While playing with my DC XZ6 camera, it hung up on me. It wouldn't do anything including turn off. So, I pulled the battery out and that solved the problem. When I put it back in, everything worked fine. The only problem I have, is that I paid 200.00 for the camera. I walked into the store a month ago and they had it marked down to 129.00. I haven't inquired as to whether it is the original display model or just the last one they have. Also, I read on the internet that the same battery that fits the 8300 will fit this camera. Has anyone tryed an 8300 battery in a DC XZ6?
reply to this comment
Ken (02/16/2008)
Hi Rosemary, thanks a lot for all that ... I look forward to our exchange of thoughts and ideas. Well it now looks like we're both on a similar learning curve ... lol. Might have to start the "R&K S.I.G." here ... haha
170 Euro eh. We was robbed here! .. lol. That's about $AU275. We paid $AU299.
Charlotte's camera problem. Has she lost the warranty doccos that came with the camera? I expect each country has a supplied phone link to a helpdesk. Failing that, romp up to the nearest Aldi and ask for assistance. If the camera has been damaged, hence not covered under warranty, then the warranty people would still fix it but at her cost.
Now Rosemary, I declare the R&K S.I.G. is now in session, please stop slouching and pay attention!! haha ... joking.
From what you are telling me, my first thought then was "practice makes perfect". You and I are going to have to put in to get the results we'd like with this compact camera. We can mess about with the settings all we like, but the most fundamental requirement to taking a sharp photo is keeping the camera as still as possible when the camera clicks. Also, getting it focused first (that's the push to halfway and stopping on the shutter button) is mandatory. Try taking a few photos without stopping halfway first and you'll see what I mean. So recapping, camera (and you) movement when the camera clicks gives you blurry pics, plus not allowing the camera to auto focus gives you out of focus pics. Now do those 2 naughty things together and you've got a dogs breakfast. I guess it comes down to figuring out what's comfortable for you to set yourself in a braced/balanced stance or lean against something fixed or use a tripod to get the fundamentals working in your favour. Practice, practice, practice is what's needed here during the learning curve stage. Think outside the square, ask questions etc.
Sport setting. Yes well just leaving the camera on auto for an action shot will give you blurry subject matter in the pic. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because at times, you may want to show the subject is moving, hence the blur. Otherwise, change the camera setting to SCN/sport. The other thing to try (using various settings) is to pan the camera during a shot ie., stay on the moving subject as you take the shot, then see the results ... see if the subject is in focus and with a blurred background. Just try it ok.
The other setting I haven't used yet is SCN/splash water. Must be different but it does suggest movement too.
Anti shake. Ok well let's try this together and see if we can see a difference. Try taking pics both ways, firstly in the usual way of auto or sport setting or whatever whilst improving technique of holding/keeping still the camera during the camera click. Then do the same but use anti-shake setting. Check the results both on the LCD and transfer to your PC to view on the monitor. Report back. Game on?
Showing pics. I've not mastered uploading pics to forums such as this so I don't know about that yet. In any event, it's early days yet, need to practice first to see about improved picture making techniques and getting results worth showing. Sure I can do beach shots, sand and surf here etc., just so long as you lot don't all emigrate here and clutter the place up ... haha. Heh Rosemary, I'm down to about 56 days left to practice before I decide whether or not to get a refund ... lol
Talking about the Li-ion battery for this camera, has anyone delved into trying to find a source for it?
So far, I can't find one worldwide online, nor could Aldi's helpdesk here in Oz for this camera. They've agreed to make enquiries and get back to me (don't hold my breath?). Let me be clear on this. There are batteries available that have lower mAh's ie, 1050 and 1100mAh, but NO 1250mAh batteries, 2 of which capacity came with the camera. Reason I'm persueing this is because I tend to agree the camera seems to be a tad power hungry, hence you could run out of power during a prolonged photography session. For your info, in case it's different to yours, the battery supplied here in Oz is Model no. DS8330-1 3.7volt 1250mAh Li-ion battery, Part no. 02491-0054-06, made in China. Go check for yourselves please, see if you can find a source/link for a 1250mAh battery that fits. I'd appreciate feedback.
Cheers.
Ken
reply to this comment
170 Euro eh. We was robbed here! .. lol. That's about $AU275. We paid $AU299.
Charlotte's camera problem. Has she lost the warranty doccos that came with the camera? I expect each country has a supplied phone link to a helpdesk. Failing that, romp up to the nearest Aldi and ask for assistance. If the camera has been damaged, hence not covered under warranty, then the warranty people would still fix it but at her cost.
Now Rosemary, I declare the R&K S.I.G. is now in session, please stop slouching and pay attention!! haha ... joking.
From what you are telling me, my first thought then was "practice makes perfect". You and I are going to have to put in to get the results we'd like with this compact camera. We can mess about with the settings all we like, but the most fundamental requirement to taking a sharp photo is keeping the camera as still as possible when the camera clicks. Also, getting it focused first (that's the push to halfway and stopping on the shutter button) is mandatory. Try taking a few photos without stopping halfway first and you'll see what I mean. So recapping, camera (and you) movement when the camera clicks gives you blurry pics, plus not allowing the camera to auto focus gives you out of focus pics. Now do those 2 naughty things together and you've got a dogs breakfast. I guess it comes down to figuring out what's comfortable for you to set yourself in a braced/balanced stance or lean against something fixed or use a tripod to get the fundamentals working in your favour. Practice, practice, practice is what's needed here during the learning curve stage. Think outside the square, ask questions etc.
Sport setting. Yes well just leaving the camera on auto for an action shot will give you blurry subject matter in the pic. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because at times, you may want to show the subject is moving, hence the blur. Otherwise, change the camera setting to SCN/sport. The other thing to try (using various settings) is to pan the camera during a shot ie., stay on the moving subject as you take the shot, then see the results ... see if the subject is in focus and with a blurred background. Just try it ok.
The other setting I haven't used yet is SCN/splash water. Must be different but it does suggest movement too.
Anti shake. Ok well let's try this together and see if we can see a difference. Try taking pics both ways, firstly in the usual way of auto or sport setting or whatever whilst improving technique of holding/keeping still the camera during the camera click. Then do the same but use anti-shake setting. Check the results both on the LCD and transfer to your PC to view on the monitor. Report back. Game on?
Showing pics. I've not mastered uploading pics to forums such as this so I don't know about that yet. In any event, it's early days yet, need to practice first to see about improved picture making techniques and getting results worth showing. Sure I can do beach shots, sand and surf here etc., just so long as you lot don't all emigrate here and clutter the place up ... haha. Heh Rosemary, I'm down to about 56 days left to practice before I decide whether or not to get a refund ... lol
Talking about the Li-ion battery for this camera, has anyone delved into trying to find a source for it?
So far, I can't find one worldwide online, nor could Aldi's helpdesk here in Oz for this camera. They've agreed to make enquiries and get back to me (don't hold my breath?). Let me be clear on this. There are batteries available that have lower mAh's ie, 1050 and 1100mAh, but NO 1250mAh batteries, 2 of which capacity came with the camera. Reason I'm persueing this is because I tend to agree the camera seems to be a tad power hungry, hence you could run out of power during a prolonged photography session. For your info, in case it's different to yours, the battery supplied here in Oz is Model no. DS8330-1 3.7volt 1250mAh Li-ion battery, Part no. 02491-0054-06, made in China. Go check for yourselves please, see if you can find a source/link for a 1250mAh battery that fits. I'd appreciate feedback.
Cheers.
Ken
Ken (02/16/2008)
Gday Sid,
The other thing to try re your camera problem, although it may not apply for a Li-ion type battery, is to fully discharge/recharge the battery several times, particularly when newish. Try it, won't hurt.
Also, dirty or inadequate contact continuity between the battery and the camera can cause a problem. Happens also in phones and MP3 players.
Sure the 8300 battery fits ... but it's less mAh capacity than what's supplied with the DC-XZ6 ... in Oz anyway. Not good enough IMHO. It'd be one of the lower capacity batteries mentioned in my post above.
As far as I can deduce from my online searching, NO ONE has a replacement 1250mAh battery listed for the Traveler DC-XZ6. Now if you can prove me wrong, I'd love to hear from you. Suppliers? ... HELP!! Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
The other thing to try re your camera problem, although it may not apply for a Li-ion type battery, is to fully discharge/recharge the battery several times, particularly when newish. Try it, won't hurt.
Also, dirty or inadequate contact continuity between the battery and the camera can cause a problem. Happens also in phones and MP3 players.
Sure the 8300 battery fits ... but it's less mAh capacity than what's supplied with the DC-XZ6 ... in Oz anyway. Not good enough IMHO. It'd be one of the lower capacity batteries mentioned in my post above.
As far as I can deduce from my online searching, NO ONE has a replacement 1250mAh battery listed for the Traveler DC-XZ6. Now if you can prove me wrong, I'd love to hear from you. Suppliers? ... HELP!! Cheers. Ken
Reg (02/18/2008)
Hi Rosemary
Have you looked at putting your pictures on www.panoramio.com you can put the camera details olongside.
Reg
reply to this comment
Have you looked at putting your pictures on www.panoramio.com you can put the camera details olongside.
Reg
Rosemary Kelleher (02/18/2008)
Hello Reg - Many thanks for giving me the website above.
I may try posting some photos there when I have a bit more time to do it and if it's easy to do. Very helpful, thanks. Rosemary.
reply to this comment
I may try posting some photos there when I have a bit more time to do it and if it's easy to do. Very helpful, thanks. Rosemary.
Rosemary Kelleher (02/18/2008)
Hello again Ken - Firstly , the batteries supplied with the DC-XZ6 here have exactly the same model and part no's. as yours in Oz. I just did another fruitless & frustrating web search for spares to no avail.
Even the Traveler website doesn't show them. I'll have to make a phone call to the helpline. It's nice to have a spare or two for emergencies.
Thanks for your advice which I will put into operation and see what results I get. I think the problem I had was that I just clunked the shutter down fully without doing the halfway focusing bit.
I love your sense of humour, you make me laugh. No, I won't be emigrating to Oz. Even though I'd like more sun I think Oz would be much too hot for me. My brother went there once and left after about 3 days because he couldn't stand the heat. Perhaps that was because he lives in much colder climes in Canada. If we can't clutter your beaches with our persons perhaps we can clutter up the Panorimio website kindly given by Reg with the stunning results of our Travelers (if I can manage it.)
I am a techniphobe - why do these technical buffs make things so complicated for ordinary mortals. Why can't all these gadgets be controlled by voice command. These days one has to have a mental library of all the abbreviations for so many gadgets, DVD-R or RW, CD-R or RW, MP3's etc. the list goes on and on.
I've only just learnt how to burn my video clips onto a disc.
We still can't set up our TV to record to HD or DVD and I just about manage to make a call on a mobile phone. I need a team of 5 year olds to get everything going.
Returning to the digital cameras - a few years back before I had one I took some photos using a roll film camera of my pet wild rabbit eating ice-cream.
I had about 15 rolls stuffed in the fridge because I couldn't afford to get them developed and gradually got them developed as and when hoping to see the rabbit photos. I went through the whole lot but no rabbit. I think the film must have come out of the spool and so I was taking nothing.
I lost precious unrepeatable shots because of that and the rabbit later died.
If I had had a digital camera at that time it wouldn't have happened.
I think that is one big advantage with digital, you can see instant results whether good or bad and know that you have your subject photographed.
Meanwhile I will try the Sport & Splash Water & Anti-shake modes and see what I get and let you know. All the best for now - Rosemary.
Hope we won't get chucked off the DA forum for being too lengthy.
Re Charlotte - The camera is under guarantee for 3 years so won't her till receipt still cover it as it sounds as if the camera was faulty and not because of any damage she did to it.
reply to this comment
Even the Traveler website doesn't show them. I'll have to make a phone call to the helpline. It's nice to have a spare or two for emergencies.
Thanks for your advice which I will put into operation and see what results I get. I think the problem I had was that I just clunked the shutter down fully without doing the halfway focusing bit.
I love your sense of humour, you make me laugh. No, I won't be emigrating to Oz. Even though I'd like more sun I think Oz would be much too hot for me. My brother went there once and left after about 3 days because he couldn't stand the heat. Perhaps that was because he lives in much colder climes in Canada. If we can't clutter your beaches with our persons perhaps we can clutter up the Panorimio website kindly given by Reg with the stunning results of our Travelers (if I can manage it.)
I am a techniphobe - why do these technical buffs make things so complicated for ordinary mortals. Why can't all these gadgets be controlled by voice command. These days one has to have a mental library of all the abbreviations for so many gadgets, DVD-R or RW, CD-R or RW, MP3's etc. the list goes on and on.
I've only just learnt how to burn my video clips onto a disc.
We still can't set up our TV to record to HD or DVD and I just about manage to make a call on a mobile phone. I need a team of 5 year olds to get everything going.
Returning to the digital cameras - a few years back before I had one I took some photos using a roll film camera of my pet wild rabbit eating ice-cream.
I had about 15 rolls stuffed in the fridge because I couldn't afford to get them developed and gradually got them developed as and when hoping to see the rabbit photos. I went through the whole lot but no rabbit. I think the film must have come out of the spool and so I was taking nothing.
I lost precious unrepeatable shots because of that and the rabbit later died.
If I had had a digital camera at that time it wouldn't have happened.
I think that is one big advantage with digital, you can see instant results whether good or bad and know that you have your subject photographed.
Meanwhile I will try the Sport & Splash Water & Anti-shake modes and see what I get and let you know. All the best for now - Rosemary.
Hope we won't get chucked off the DA forum for being too lengthy.
Re Charlotte - The camera is under guarantee for 3 years so won't her till receipt still cover it as it sounds as if the camera was faulty and not because of any damage she did to it.
Reg (02/18/2008)
Hi Ken
Have a look at www.watchbattery.co.uk they have a lot of camera batteries,it is a question of matching it up to the camera.
Reg.
reply to this comment
Have a look at www.watchbattery.co.uk they have a lot of camera batteries,it is a question of matching it up to the camera.
Reg.
Ken (02/19/2008)
Gday ALL .... and Rosemary lol,
Reg, I checked out www.watchbattery.co.uk but with no joy. Actually I found it a pretty difficult site to navigate and search ... seen much better user-friendlier sites than this one.
Well surprise surprise, a rep for the camera helpdesk rang me back last night, he tried to find a 1250mAh battery online while we were talking but with no joy either. Fancy that eh. Essentially what I gleaned from what he was telling me was that for the camera, their stance was that they are responsible to consumers for the camera and camera specific accessories, but not for "consumables", for example, the soft camera pouch and the battery. So they say if we need "consumables" for this camera, that's for us to find a suitable source in the marketplace, not them. So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, we're on our own. I guess an analogy would be that when you buy a new car, there is a vehicle warranty but not on tyres, battery, fanbelt etc etc. They are consumables, they wear out and have to be replaced by you the owner when needed.
I guess my gripe is that despite there being a known Chinese manufacturer of the 1250mAh battery that marketers/manufacturers have chosen to fit in this camera, the same people haven't bothered to go the extra step to ensure the battery can be sourced somewhere on this planet as a consumer replacement. Probably take one phone call to do that. How good are they eh?
On a brighter note, he did say that for the duration of the 3 year camera warranty, in the event you have a problem with any of the camera specific accessories, [possibly drop them, lose them, defective etc., [spin em a yarn etc.]), they will send you a free replacement.
Now here's something re the battery you may consider pursuing in UK ... a 1200mAh battery from dc-battery.co.uk/advanced_s... confusing thing about this though is that if you do a search on other camera battery source websites for this part number, they usually list its capacity as 1100mAh, NOT 1200mAh. Try this please and see what you come up with, also try an email enquiry to the dc-battery UK website and see if they will confirm that it is 1200mAh capacity. I've tried doing that here on the dc-battery Oz website but have yet to receive a reply. Please let us know how you get on.
Rosemary, re Oz. I'm wondering where your brother was he couldn't stand the heat for 3 days and left. All I know is this place has been overun by UK migrants (and others) over 200 years, only a confused few have gone back. In recent years, we hear news about summer heatwaves in UK where the natives have been dropping in the street like flies. So there you go ... lol.
Camera speed setting. Just read a bit more in the camera docs. The other (manual [advanced]) setting you can also try for a moving subject is "Tv" on the top rotary dial. These manual setting combinations of shutter speed/aperture size roughly equate with what photographers are familiar with if they have had experience manually setting older film type cameras, SLR's etc. Maybe something for you later on after more experience.
I look forward to hearing from you about the Sport and Splash Water and Anti-shake modes, Rosemary. Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
Reg, I checked out www.watchbattery.co.uk but with no joy. Actually I found it a pretty difficult site to navigate and search ... seen much better user-friendlier sites than this one.
Well surprise surprise, a rep for the camera helpdesk rang me back last night, he tried to find a 1250mAh battery online while we were talking but with no joy either. Fancy that eh. Essentially what I gleaned from what he was telling me was that for the camera, their stance was that they are responsible to consumers for the camera and camera specific accessories, but not for "consumables", for example, the soft camera pouch and the battery. So they say if we need "consumables" for this camera, that's for us to find a suitable source in the marketplace, not them. So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, we're on our own. I guess an analogy would be that when you buy a new car, there is a vehicle warranty but not on tyres, battery, fanbelt etc etc. They are consumables, they wear out and have to be replaced by you the owner when needed.
I guess my gripe is that despite there being a known Chinese manufacturer of the 1250mAh battery that marketers/manufacturers have chosen to fit in this camera, the same people haven't bothered to go the extra step to ensure the battery can be sourced somewhere on this planet as a consumer replacement. Probably take one phone call to do that. How good are they eh?
On a brighter note, he did say that for the duration of the 3 year camera warranty, in the event you have a problem with any of the camera specific accessories, [possibly drop them, lose them, defective etc., [spin em a yarn etc.]), they will send you a free replacement.
Now here's something re the battery you may consider pursuing in UK ... a 1200mAh battery from dc-battery.co.uk/advanced_s... confusing thing about this though is that if you do a search on other camera battery source websites for this part number, they usually list its capacity as 1100mAh, NOT 1200mAh. Try this please and see what you come up with, also try an email enquiry to the dc-battery UK website and see if they will confirm that it is 1200mAh capacity. I've tried doing that here on the dc-battery Oz website but have yet to receive a reply. Please let us know how you get on.
Rosemary, re Oz. I'm wondering where your brother was he couldn't stand the heat for 3 days and left. All I know is this place has been overun by UK migrants (and others) over 200 years, only a confused few have gone back. In recent years, we hear news about summer heatwaves in UK where the natives have been dropping in the street like flies. So there you go ... lol.
Camera speed setting. Just read a bit more in the camera docs. The other (manual [advanced]) setting you can also try for a moving subject is "Tv" on the top rotary dial. These manual setting combinations of shutter speed/aperture size roughly equate with what photographers are familiar with if they have had experience manually setting older film type cameras, SLR's etc. Maybe something for you later on after more experience.
I look forward to hearing from you about the Sport and Splash Water and Anti-shake modes, Rosemary. Cheers. Ken
Rosemary Kelleher (02/19/2008)
Hi Ken - Thanks for the website re the batteries, I'll take a look tomorrow as it's a bit late now. It seems incredible that Traveler don't supply spares.
SD cards are consumables and they sell those from time to time so why not the bats ?
Re my brother in Oz - I forgot to mention he was only there on his hols,
he didn't emigrate which was just as well really. Shame he didn't give his body thermostat more time to adjust, perhaps he just didn't fancy dying of heatstroke.
My pre-digital camera was a Minolta SLR and I never did use it to it's full capacity. I didn't have time to wade through all the technical stuff but fortunately it was auto-focus and so I managed ok.
My above mentioned brother is a photographer - he posts some of his work on www.smugmug.com If you put in the search facility either -
naturalwestphotoramas or john w hall you will get him up.
He does supersize panoramic photos of the rockies etc and also photos of the First Nations people when they have their festival in Banff.
I just looked and it seems he hasn't posted anything this year.
I'll have to search for a moving subject down town, cars, people etc as nothing much on the move in the garden yet to try out the differnt modes.
I'll report back soon - all the best - Rosemary.
reply to this comment
SD cards are consumables and they sell those from time to time so why not the bats ?
Re my brother in Oz - I forgot to mention he was only there on his hols,
he didn't emigrate which was just as well really. Shame he didn't give his body thermostat more time to adjust, perhaps he just didn't fancy dying of heatstroke.
My pre-digital camera was a Minolta SLR and I never did use it to it's full capacity. I didn't have time to wade through all the technical stuff but fortunately it was auto-focus and so I managed ok.
My above mentioned brother is a photographer - he posts some of his work on www.smugmug.com If you put in the search facility either -
naturalwestphotoramas or john w hall you will get him up.
He does supersize panoramic photos of the rockies etc and also photos of the First Nations people when they have their festival in Banff.
I just looked and it seems he hasn't posted anything this year.
I'll have to search for a moving subject down town, cars, people etc as nothing much on the move in the garden yet to try out the differnt modes.
I'll report back soon - all the best - Rosemary.
Ken (02/20/2008)
Hi Rosemary,
Well fancy that .... my Traveler is replacing a Minolta SLR too ... model SRT Super or else known as SR-T303. Great minds think alike eh ... lol. The cost of films and film processing have pretty much killed it off. Museum piece?
If anyone has something to add to the battery debacle debate, please feel free to comment here. Aldi, where are you hiding?
Cheers. Ken
reply to this comment
Well fancy that .... my Traveler is replacing a Minolta SLR too ... model SRT Super or else known as SR-T303. Great minds think alike eh ... lol. The cost of films and film processing have pretty much killed it off. Museum piece?
If anyone has something to add to the battery debacle debate, please feel free to comment here. Aldi, where are you hiding?
Cheers. Ken
Jaap van Ganswijk (02/21/2008)
Please note that the capacity of an accu isn't a functional requirement, so it doesn't matter if the accu is 1100 or 1200 mAh or whatever and perhaps the first supplier is just being more honost, because it's hard to measure the exact capacity of an accu. Just make sure that the format and the voltage is the same. BTW. Beware of Chinese fake products! I prefer to buy camera's etc. with standard AA or AAA-cells so I can use the latest/cheap accu's but in case of the Traveller DC-8600 I made an exception because the camera came with two (DS8330-1) accu's (3.7V, 1250 mAh). Smaller, higher voltage accus like these allow the designers to design smaller, slicker camera's. And I read that people managed to find replacement accu's.
As regards all the settings: Yes, I'm also still learning but at least there is a lot to learn! Usually I start by using the standard settings and check by zooming in if the result is sharp enough etc. When not I'll try other settings depending on the situation. When you are using a tripod and have a subject that doesn't move you can for example increase the shutter time to say 0.5 s and still have a very small diafragm for optimum sharpness over a large depth area. (Very useful for close-up shots).
BTW. I think I described that I also persuaded my mother to buy the same camera, but she feels it's way to complicated and might better have kept using my old 3.1 Mpixel Kodak camera. Well, she still can... BTW. Before I made her use that she didn't want to use a digital camera anyway but kept buying analog camera's. The advantage of having two of the same camera is that we can share the loader and the accus and the knowledge about the camera...
reply to this comment
As regards all the settings: Yes, I'm also still learning but at least there is a lot to learn! Usually I start by using the standard settings and check by zooming in if the result is sharp enough etc. When not I'll try other settings depending on the situation. When you are using a tripod and have a subject that doesn't move you can for example increase the shutter time to say 0.5 s and still have a very small diafragm for optimum sharpness over a large depth area. (Very useful for close-up shots).
BTW. I think I described that I also persuaded my mother to buy the same camera, but she feels it's way to complicated and might better have kept using my old 3.1 Mpixel Kodak camera. Well, she still can... BTW. Before I made her use that she didn't want to use a digital camera anyway but kept buying analog camera's. The advantage of having two of the same camera is that we can share the loader and the accus and the knowledge about the camera...
Jaap van Ganswijk (02/21/2008)
As regards SLR's: I still have my good old Practica Super TL2 which was amazing technology back then (around 1976) although it came from Eastern Germany. (Richer people could afford Olympus, Canon and Nikon camera's and even more poorer people than me had to do with Russian Xenix (?) camera's) SLR's were great for film and the only way to go, but I don't think they are still as useful in the digital era. There are several apects: First of all in a digital camera the foto-element is also used to provide the viewer with it's image so one doesn't need a mechanically moving mirror (and with a mirror the cutout is never exactly the same as that of the foto-element. Furthermore it's impossible to watch the image as it's being recorded which makes recording movies for example impossible.
And then there is the element of dust on the foto-element. With analog film it would be removed every frame when you transported the film, but on a digital foto-element it will accumulate.
reply to this comment
And then there is the element of dust on the foto-element. With analog film it would be removed every frame when you transported the film, but on a digital foto-element it will accumulate.
Ken (02/22/2008)
Gday Jaap,
Thanks for your imput about the subject of a replacement battery. I agree caution is needed in the selection of a battery, some may be duds and even dangerous, others, and I assume the battery that came with the camera is amongst them, are fine. Being merely an end user of this camera, I think it shouldn't be rocket science trying to sort which battery to buy, hence if I stick with the original battery model/brand, find a supplier, buy it and then get on with my life. Seems that may be too much to ask. Still, from what you say about mAh claimed capacities, at this stage, I'm thinking then the battery available at the supplier at dc-battery.co.uk/advanced_s... is the best I can find so far.
I see from your previous post that you bought the Traveler DC-8600. So I'm wondering what is different about it to the Traveler DC-XZ6 I just bought? One thing (I think) is that yours has a viewfinder of some sort, either digital or optical ... yes? If so, I would have liked that. Anything else important? Cheers.
Ken
reply to this comment
Thanks for your imput about the subject of a replacement battery. I agree caution is needed in the selection of a battery, some may be duds and even dangerous, others, and I assume the battery that came with the camera is amongst them, are fine. Being merely an end user of this camera, I think it shouldn't be rocket science trying to sort which battery to buy, hence if I stick with the original battery model/brand, find a supplier, buy it and then get on with my life. Seems that may be too much to ask. Still, from what you say about mAh claimed capacities, at this stage, I'm thinking then the battery available at the supplier at dc-battery.co.uk/advanced_s... is the best I can find so far.
I see from your previous post that you bought the Traveler DC-8600. So I'm wondering what is different about it to the Traveler DC-XZ6 I just bought? One thing (I think) is that yours has a viewfinder of some sort, either digital or optical ... yes? If so, I would have liked that. Anything else important? Cheers.
Ken
Jaap van Ganswijk (02/22/2008)
I guess all of those batteries are OK as long as the partnumber is correct and you're buying it from a reliable brand (as all seem to be). They will probably have a single source so it doesn't make much difference which one you buy. My camera uses the P/N 02491-0054-04 which has a slightly different shape but is probably very similar. BTW. My original batteries were also made in China. I'm not saying that products from China are bad, but that you need to get them through a reliable channel (ie. a Western company with a reputation to loose).
As regards the Traveler DC-XZ6: This thread is about the DC-8600 and not any Traveler camera. ;-) I have just tried to find something about your camera, but couldn't... Please send us a link to a relevant site. After my camera had been sold here at a new branch of Aldi for quite a long time (and many of them were left over) they tried to sell a similar camera with 10 Mpixels instead of 8.1 but for 175 euro instead of 125 euro. I think that 8.1 Mpixels is already more than you need in 99% of the cases so I'm very happy with my camera. In fact I have reduced the resolution setting of my mothers camera quite a lot to save harddisk space but still allow 10*15 cm prints of enough quality. She has a 4 Gbyte harddisk. I have two 500 Gbyte drives (mainly for games...). Of course I'd gladly help her transfer her OS and data to a new harddisk if only she would make her mind about needing a bigger harddisk. I also installed one of my old CD-writers so she can put the photo's on CD-R's. But she seems to think it's too complicated. Mothers! ;-)
As regards the viewfinder: No, my camera doesn't have one and I think it's the right way to go. I never used the viewfinder on my old Kodak digital camera (which I got for free when switching my energy supplier ;-). Once you have an LCD on the back showing you more or less exactly how your picture will look, why use a viewfinder with all of it's problems? And I don't even wear glasses. ;-)
Another problem is zooming. How can you ever show zooming in a viewfinder (except with a mirror reflex camera (SLR) of course), but that has other drawbacks as I tried to describe.
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As regards the Traveler DC-XZ6: This thread is about the DC-8600 and not any Traveler camera. ;-) I have just tried to find something about your camera, but couldn't... Please send us a link to a relevant site. After my camera had been sold here at a new branch of Aldi for quite a long time (and many of them were left over) they tried to sell a similar camera with 10 Mpixels instead of 8.1 but for 175 euro instead of 125 euro. I think that 8.1 Mpixels is already more than you need in 99% of the cases so I'm very happy with my camera. In fact I have reduced the resolution setting of my mothers camera quite a lot to save harddisk space but still allow 10*15 cm prints of enough quality. She has a 4 Gbyte harddisk. I have two 500 Gbyte drives (mainly for games...). Of course I'd gladly help her transfer her OS and data to a new harddisk if only she would make her mind about needing a bigger harddisk. I also installed one of my old CD-writers so she can put the photo's on CD-R's. But she seems to think it's too complicated. Mothers! ;-)
As regards the viewfinder: No, my camera doesn't have one and I think it's the right way to go. I never used the viewfinder on my old Kodak digital camera (which I got for free when switching my energy supplier ;-). Once you have an LCD on the back showing you more or less exactly how your picture will look, why use a viewfinder with all of it's problems? And I don't even wear glasses. ;-)
Another problem is zooming. How can you ever show zooming in a viewfinder (except with a mirror reflex camera (SLR) of course), but that has other drawbacks as I tried to describe.
sidfishn (02/22/2008)
Be careful with battery co's. I tried to order a battery from Zbattery co. on the internet last night, and along with the credit card #, they also wanted the security number off the back of the card. Thinking this to be strange, I called the credit card co. this morning and asked them about this. The guy from India told me that that was very unusual and he would not reccomend giving it out.
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Jaap van Ganswijk (02/22/2008)
The problem with credit cards is that there was no password except for the expiration date and that is easy to guess. In the old days you'd give your credit card to a clerk and he would check your number with a list of withdrawn cards (or hw would phone the credit card company), make a copy with a special device and you'd have to sign that copy (as far as I know from TV ;-). For payment over the internet that all doesn't work so the security number was introduced. I see it as a pin code/password. Of course you should only give it to people that you trust, but consider that credit card companies know about these problems and companies claiming money from them are scrutinized quite thoroughly. Also consider that the credit card companies factor in quite a big factor for fraud losses and therefore charge more to their customers (mostly the providers of goods and services because they are more professional about the percentages involved).
I think that you can safely give the 'security' number to companies that you trust.
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I think that you can safely give the 'security' number to companies that you trust.
Rosemary Kelleher (02/22/2008)
Hi Ken - The only difference as far as I recall between the DC-8600 & DC-XZ6 is the MP's - The DC-8600 is 8.1 mp's
The Minolta I have (still) is a 7000. There is something wrong with the shutter, it sticks and I haven't bothered to have it repaired.
As you say - a museum piece.
Hi Jaap - Sorry, we (Ken & I) are losing the plot & straying from the thread re the DC-8600 but it all seems helpful and entertaining and if only owners of the DC-8600 can post info what are owners of the DC-XZ6 going to do, just watch and keep quite, ha ha
I'll just keep it short and sweet in future - (I hope)
All the best 2U both - Rosemary.
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The Minolta I have (still) is a 7000. There is something wrong with the shutter, it sticks and I haven't bothered to have it repaired.
As you say - a museum piece.
Hi Jaap - Sorry, we (Ken & I) are losing the plot & straying from the thread re the DC-8600 but it all seems helpful and entertaining and if only owners of the DC-8600 can post info what are owners of the DC-XZ6 going to do, just watch and keep quite, ha ha
I'll just keep it short and sweet in future - (I hope)
All the best 2U both - Rosemary.
Raj (02/23/2008)
Please help me if I can use 8 GB memory card in my Traveler DC 8300 8.1 megapixel digital camera which I had purchased from Aldi, Sydney Australia about two years back. It is working well with 512 SD Memory card which came along with the camera when I had purchased it ?
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Jaap van Ganswijk (02/23/2008)
Please consider that 2^32=4G so with a 32-bits processor you can expect to get problems at 2 G (when using signed integers or a memory split in system memory and user memory or whatever) and at least at 4G.
My DC-8600 seems to work fine with a 2 Gbyte SD card though...
Why push your luck, just try if a 4 Gbyte card works and otherwise buy several 2 Gbyte cards.
Why would you need a 8 Gbyte card? At 3 Mbyte per picture you can take 2700 pictures. Earlier generations of people died of old age before taking that many pictures! And have you considered how long it takes to read or write such a card even over a USB 2.1 connection? ;-)
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My DC-8600 seems to work fine with a 2 Gbyte SD card though...
Why push your luck, just try if a 4 Gbyte card works and otherwise buy several 2 Gbyte cards.
Why would you need a 8 Gbyte card? At 3 Mbyte per picture you can take 2700 pictures. Earlier generations of people died of old age before taking that many pictures! And have you considered how long it takes to read or write such a card even over a USB 2.1 connection? ;-)
Ken (02/24/2008)
Gday all,
For specs etc. on Traveler cameras goto: h8349.serverkompetenz.net/h... website states DC-8300 supports 1Gb SD card. Interesting though, Traveler website states DC-8600 also supports 1Gb, yet earlier in this thread, Tom (11/2/2008) found out it supports 2Gb. So who knows, maybe the DC-8300 does as well. Try it and see.
At best, Raj's 8Gb SD card would be handy as a portable data storage device.
Jaap, in answer to a comment you made earlier about viewfinders, my wifes digital camera has a viewfinder capable of being focused to suit ones eye and importantly, also zooms in and out, gives a similar view then to the LCD display, only smaller. So its very good in bright light situations where the view on the LCD screen is impossible.
Rosemary, I see what you mean about Aldi selling SD cards but not batteries ... a 2Gb SD card is available in Aldi UK at the moment.
Maybe it will eventually be available here in OZ too. A query I have though is about the write speed rating of SD cards on offer. It isn't stated anywhere what is the maximum speed rating of an SD card the Traveler camera supports. Obviously it would make sense to use the fastest memory SD card the camera supports, but we don't know what that is. For instance, an SD card I would consider buying is the Sandisk 2Gb Extreme III SD card, but I don't know if the camera supports that writing speed. Similarly, the 2Gb "High Speed" SD card Aldi is selling at the moment .... what does that mean ... "high speed"? Compared to what? Specs? Who knows. I understand not all digital cameras support the higher memory write speeds. Yet it is important to exploit the write speed a camera supports, to do otherwise simply means hanging about falling asleep while the data is being written to the memory and you can't do a thing until it's finished. So the quicker the write, the quicker you can get on with doing the next task with the camera. Clues anyone?
Cheers. Ken
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For specs etc. on Traveler cameras goto: h8349.serverkompetenz.net/h... website states DC-8300 supports 1Gb SD card. Interesting though, Traveler website states DC-8600 also supports 1Gb, yet earlier in this thread, Tom (11/2/2008) found out it supports 2Gb. So who knows, maybe the DC-8300 does as well. Try it and see.
At best, Raj's 8Gb SD card would be handy as a portable data storage device.
Jaap, in answer to a comment you made earlier about viewfinders, my wifes digital camera has a viewfinder capable of being focused to suit ones eye and importantly, also zooms in and out, gives a similar view then to the LCD display, only smaller. So its very good in bright light situations where the view on the LCD screen is impossible.
Rosemary, I see what you mean about Aldi selling SD cards but not batteries ... a 2Gb SD card is available in Aldi UK at the moment.
Maybe it will eventually be available here in OZ too. A query I have though is about the write speed rating of SD cards on offer. It isn't stated anywhere what is the maximum speed rating of an SD card the Traveler camera supports. Obviously it would make sense to use the fastest memory SD card the camera supports, but we don't know what that is. For instance, an SD card I would consider buying is the Sandisk 2Gb Extreme III SD card, but I don't know if the camera supports that writing speed. Similarly, the 2Gb "High Speed" SD card Aldi is selling at the moment .... what does that mean ... "high speed"? Compared to what? Specs? Who knows. I understand not all digital cameras support the higher memory write speeds. Yet it is important to exploit the write speed a camera supports, to do otherwise simply means hanging about falling asleep while the data is being written to the memory and you can't do a thing until it's finished. So the quicker the write, the quicker you can get on with doing the next task with the camera. Clues anyone?
Cheers. Ken
Rosemary Kelleher (02/24/2008)
Hi Ken -(and Tom) As I remember we were told by an Aldi lady that on the DC-8600 box it was supposed to have stated that it supported a 2GB SD card but it only said 1GB because because the boxes were printed too early, so people thought it wouldn't take a 2Gb card which it did.
I have in the camera at the moment another brand of high speed SD card, Dane-elec (133xs which I think is high speed) and it is working fine, but as you say high speed compared with what.
I got it from www.7dayshop.com (uk) I looked for the battery on here too but they didn't have it.
How are you liking the camera so far - have you had good results ?
Bye for now - Rosemary.
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I have in the camera at the moment another brand of high speed SD card, Dane-elec (133xs which I think is high speed) and it is working fine, but as you say high speed compared with what.
I got it from www.7dayshop.com (uk) I looked for the battery on here too but they didn't have it.
How are you liking the camera so far - have you had good results ?
Bye for now - Rosemary.
Jeannie (02/26/2008)
Hi Ken & other,
Hope this helps you out. I have a Traveler DC-Xz6 digital camera that I just ordered batteries for. The website is star-battery.com/DIGITAL_CA... First I t/w the company to make sure this battery fits and I ordered 2 because they are on sell for $11.09 and minimum shipping is $8.00 (if you get one or two, same price). I purchased my camera after seeing my niece's pictures that she took w/her camera. ALL her pictures look like postcards and they all are of professional quality, with details that are fabulous! She had an DC8600 1st then upgraded to the DC-xz6 and says she will continue to use both. Some of her pic's of bumble bees and flowers she has had blown up in size and framed. They look better than any picture you could by in a store and they were taken in her own back yard. So beautiful with details. She also has pic's of jet's flying that are unreal. (no blures)
One of the things I like about the DC-XZ6 is that you can use it as a video camera for up to 2 hours, never needing the big video camera again. Just ordered batteries that should be here in 5 days. (Rollei- DP 8300 or DS 8330) DRL002 Hope this helps everyone!!
Jeannie
reply to this comment
Hope this helps you out. I have a Traveler DC-Xz6 digital camera that I just ordered batteries for. The website is star-battery.com/DIGITAL_CA... First I t/w the company to make sure this battery fits and I ordered 2 because they are on sell for $11.09 and minimum shipping is $8.00 (if you get one or two, same price). I purchased my camera after seeing my niece's pictures that she took w/her camera. ALL her pictures look like postcards and they all are of professional quality, with details that are fabulous! She had an DC8600 1st then upgraded to the DC-xz6 and says she will continue to use both. Some of her pic's of bumble bees and flowers she has had blown up in size and framed. They look better than any picture you could by in a store and they were taken in her own back yard. So beautiful with details. She also has pic's of jet's flying that are unreal. (no blures)
One of the things I like about the DC-XZ6 is that you can use it as a video camera for up to 2 hours, never needing the big video camera again. Just ordered batteries that should be here in 5 days. (Rollei- DP 8300 or DS 8330) DRL002 Hope this helps everyone!!
Jeannie
Ken (02/27/2008)
Gday Rosemary and Jeannie and ALL,
Rosemary, no I haven't done much lately, still getting to know it mostly. The feature I really like on this camera that I haven't seen before is in photography mode ... the quick method of "reviewing last photo/delete option." Just pressing the SET button brings up the last photo to view, if you want to delete it, hit the trash button, hit the set button ... and its gone. Very efficient. I also like the way multiple thumbnail photos can be viewed together and you can mark all the photos you don't want and do a bulk delete in one go.
Ok well I have yet to decide on a 2Gb SD card, the Sandisk Extreme III is available here so I'm tempted to go that way at the moment.
Jeannie, it seems to be unclear how much credence should be given to stated mAh capacity of these batteries, your new one is listed as 1100 mAh whereas the battery that came with the camera states 1250mAh capacity. It may be interesting if you could report back here after you've used the new batteries for a while, whether or not you can discern that your new batteries generally last as long between re-charges as the original "higher capacity" ones. Cheers. Ken
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Rosemary, no I haven't done much lately, still getting to know it mostly. The feature I really like on this camera that I haven't seen before is in photography mode ... the quick method of "reviewing last photo/delete option." Just pressing the SET button brings up the last photo to view, if you want to delete it, hit the trash button, hit the set button ... and its gone. Very efficient. I also like the way multiple thumbnail photos can be viewed together and you can mark all the photos you don't want and do a bulk delete in one go.
Ok well I have yet to decide on a 2Gb SD card, the Sandisk Extreme III is available here so I'm tempted to go that way at the moment.
Jeannie, it seems to be unclear how much credence should be given to stated mAh capacity of these batteries, your new one is listed as 1100 mAh whereas the battery that came with the camera states 1250mAh capacity. It may be interesting if you could report back here after you've used the new batteries for a while, whether or not you can discern that your new batteries generally last as long between re-charges as the original "higher capacity" ones. Cheers. Ken
Reg (03/01/2008)
Hi Rosemary, I have come across a site that is listing Traveller batteries, it may be of some use.
Regards Reg.
payless-batteries.co.uk/pro...
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Regards Reg.
payless-batteries.co.uk/pro...
Reg (03/01/2008)
Hi Rosemary, Back again, found another site, this one has an Australian link as well.
Regards Reg.
gogo-power.co.uk/product_in...
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Regards Reg.
gogo-power.co.uk/product_in...
Jaap van Ganswijk (03/02/2008)
As regards the speed of SD-cards. I looked into this issue some time ago and the speed is expressed in CD-drive speed (!) which was originally 150 kbyte/s, which is enough for hifi stereo audio data. As most of you probably know CD-drives never got faster than 52x and that is because a CD can explode when spun around faster. Modern SD-cards are usually 66x as of december 2005 but high-speed SD cards can be something like 133x (but of course this keeps increasing).
You can find more details here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secur... regards the cameras not being able to 'support' a fast SD-card: Any device will support any high speed SD-card but is it capable of providing the data fast enough? Well 133x=133x150 kbyte/s=20 Mbyte/s and a modern processor (as used in these cameras) should be able to provide the data with that speed.
BTW. The given speed is probably the read-speed and not the write speed.
Here are some other useful remarks about which speed card to buy:
gadgetspage.com/cameras/und... fully agree with him that when a high speed version only costs 25% more you should go for that but also cosider that the slowest versions usually are already high-speed (50x or more). This is typically a market where some parties try to make money by selling 'quality conscious people' the 'best quality' by just putting an ultra/gold/platinum sticker on some of the standard products...
(As a technician I prefer to buy the cheapest product or to see concrete specifications...)
BTW. When you have trouble reading an SD-card with a certain universal card reader, try another one. I have found that some are better than others and sometimes a very cheap one (no brand, sold in the Wibra here in the Netherlands for about 8 euro) is better than a more expensive one (Sweex, sold for about 15 euro).
reply to this comment
You can find more details here:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secur... regards the cameras not being able to 'support' a fast SD-card: Any device will support any high speed SD-card but is it capable of providing the data fast enough? Well 133x=133x150 kbyte/s=20 Mbyte/s and a modern processor (as used in these cameras) should be able to provide the data with that speed.
BTW. The given speed is probably the read-speed and not the write speed.
Here are some other useful remarks about which speed card to buy:
gadgetspage.com/cameras/und... fully agree with him that when a high speed version only costs 25% more you should go for that but also cosider that the slowest versions usually are already high-speed (50x or more). This is typically a market where some parties try to make money by selling 'quality conscious people' the 'best quality' by just putting an ultra/gold/platinum sticker on some of the standard products...
(As a technician I prefer to buy the cheapest product or to see concrete specifications...)
BTW. When you have trouble reading an SD-card with a certain universal card reader, try another one. I have found that some are better than others and sometimes a very cheap one (no brand, sold in the Wibra here in the Netherlands for about 8 euro) is better than a more expensive one (Sweex, sold for about 15 euro).
Rosemary Kelleher (03/02/2008)
Hello Jaap - Just went to the gadgets page you posted above and found it very interesting re speeds of cards. I am rather confused about the replacement batteries for the Traveler cameras. In your posting of Thursday Feb 21 you say the capacity doesn't really matter, that it can be lower than original battery. What will this mean in use - does it mean that the battery will just deplete it's power faster and need a recharge more frequently ? Will it work as well as a 1250 mAh ? Being of the older generation and not very technical I don't understand all the specifics of batteries and SD cards. I can well understand your mother being confused about all the complexities of these things.
Reg ; Thanks for the websites re batteries but not sure if any of them are suitable, trying to find out from Jaap above. The Part No. for my Traveler is 02491-0054-06 (1250 mAh)
Thanks to you both - Rosemary.
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Reg ; Thanks for the websites re batteries but not sure if any of them are suitable, trying to find out from Jaap above. The Part No. for my Traveler is 02491-0054-06 (1250 mAh)
Thanks to you both - Rosemary.
Reg (03/02/2008)
Hi Rosemary, Re the battery life, the difference between 1250 and 1100 is that you have just under nine tenths of energy in the smaller, this means it will not last quite as long before reqireing a recharge. the voltage is the same in each case which is more important, it would be nice to locate a 1250 battery all the same. Regards Reg.
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Jaap van Ganswijk (03/03/2008)
Yes, Reg is right. Capacity is like a bucket of water. When you have a ten liter bucket it contains ten liter, but when you have a bigger bucket it contains more water. In this case the batteries are the same size but because of better technology (they claim) it contains more energy. The only thing that is relevant for the camera is the voltage and cameras have to be very tolerant because as the battery empties, the voltage gets gradually lower. The battery is nominally 3.7 V but a full battery is probably say 4.2V and an empty one is probably around 3.2 V. (If you want to know for sure buy a 'multimeter' for say 4 euro (5 dollar) and turn the dial to a scale 20V of voltage and measure it between the + and - poles. (I gave my mother such a multimeter already years ago but she doesn't dare to use it...). By the way I saw an auto-ranging multimeter at the local 'Action!'- store lately for 4 euro I think. I should have bought it, just to learn from it! (In that case you'd just select the voltage mode and it will determine the range itself.)
BTW. As regards batteries, there are much more serious problems than the (hypothetical) energy capacity. Some batteries (NiCd for example) lose capacity when you don't fully charge and discharge them each time. This is called the memory effect. They will remember the last levels of charge and discharge and won't go outside of those borders the next time. NiMH which is often used in recharchable AA and AAA batteries doesn't have the memory effect, but loses it's charge at a rate of say 5-10% a month, which makes it hard to store loaded batteries. (A solution is to keep the battery in the loader all of the time where it is being trickle-fed).
I don't know much yet about the Lithium Ion battery technology used in our batteries, but as I understood the batteries seem to age quite fast. (That is losing their capacity over time.) That means you will have to buy new batteries every 5 years for example. Suppose the capacity loss is 10% per year, that means that a 1250 mAh battery will become a 1125 mAh after a year (of laying in a warehouse for example).
Personally I prefer cameras that use standard AA or AAA rechargable batteries because you can keep a pool of cheap, recently recharged batteries for all kinds of devices and use a semi-professional loader. (Batteries are currently 5 euro per 4 AA/AAA batteries at Aldi). Another advantage is that the batteries can use the latest technology. And yet another advantage it that you can also take some regular (non-rechargable) batteries along as a backup or you can buy them localy, for example when you are on vacation. My mother took my old Kodak 3.1 Mpixel camera (which uses 2 AA batteries) on a boat trip to Norway last summer and recharging the batteries in foreign situations can be a much larger problem than just buying non-rechargables (which have a higher voltage and a much larger capacity by the way...).
Well, considering all of this I bought the Traveler DC-8600 because of it's other merrits and the fact that it came with two accus/batteries and a loader and a pouch and cables etc. whereas a lot of other brands seem to charge an excessive amount extra for the optional 'extras'.
And of course because of the specs that I'm interested in:
- enormous macro-zooming (I want to be able to photograph
a single flower close up)
- semi-serious movie-making (640*480 at 30 fps with sound)
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BTW. As regards batteries, there are much more serious problems than the (hypothetical) energy capacity. Some batteries (NiCd for example) lose capacity when you don't fully charge and discharge them each time. This is called the memory effect. They will remember the last levels of charge and discharge and won't go outside of those borders the next time. NiMH which is often used in recharchable AA and AAA batteries doesn't have the memory effect, but loses it's charge at a rate of say 5-10% a month, which makes it hard to store loaded batteries. (A solution is to keep the battery in the loader all of the time where it is being trickle-fed).
I don't know much yet about the Lithium Ion battery technology used in our batteries, but as I understood the batteries seem to age quite fast. (That is losing their capacity over time.) That means you will have to buy new batteries every 5 years for example. Suppose the capacity loss is 10% per year, that means that a 1250 mAh battery will become a 1125 mAh after a year (of laying in a warehouse for example).
Personally I prefer cameras that use standard AA or AAA rechargable batteries because you can keep a pool of cheap, recently recharged batteries for all kinds of devices and use a semi-professional loader. (Batteries are currently 5 euro per 4 AA/AAA batteries at Aldi). Another advantage is that the batteries can use the latest technology. And yet another advantage it that you can also take some regular (non-rechargable) batteries along as a backup or you can buy them localy, for example when you are on vacation. My mother took my old Kodak 3.1 Mpixel camera (which uses 2 AA batteries) on a boat trip to Norway last summer and recharging the batteries in foreign situations can be a much larger problem than just buying non-rechargables (which have a higher voltage and a much larger capacity by the way...).
Well, considering all of this I bought the Traveler DC-8600 because of it's other merrits and the fact that it came with two accus/batteries and a loader and a pouch and cables etc. whereas a lot of other brands seem to charge an excessive amount extra for the optional 'extras'.
And of course because of the specs that I'm interested in:
- enormous macro-zooming (I want to be able to photograph
a single flower close up)
- semi-serious movie-making (640*480 at 30 fps with sound)
Rosemary Kelleher (03/03/2008)
Hi Reg & Jaap - Thank you both so much for explaining about the capacity of the batteries in terms I can understand. Jaap, your analogy to a bucket of water was very helpful, you have educated me.
I will read your info again & again.
As I said somewhere above, I won't consider buying a camera that doesn't have a Macro facility and that's the reason I bought first the DC-8600 and then upgraded to the DC-XZ6 both with Macro & Super Macro as I photograph flowers more than anything else. I've had stunning results with both cameras. When you import the photos to the computer you can see details which are invisible to the naked eye, hairs in foxglove throats, bristles on flies, pollen grains etc. Iris petals look like white prawn crackers, crisp and glistening. The cameras open up a whole new world which is truly amazing to see. Many thanks again 2U both - Regards, Rosemary.
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I will read your info again & again.
As I said somewhere above, I won't consider buying a camera that doesn't have a Macro facility and that's the reason I bought first the DC-8600 and then upgraded to the DC-XZ6 both with Macro & Super Macro as I photograph flowers more than anything else. I've had stunning results with both cameras. When you import the photos to the computer you can see details which are invisible to the naked eye, hairs in foxglove throats, bristles on flies, pollen grains etc. Iris petals look like white prawn crackers, crisp and glistening. The cameras open up a whole new world which is truly amazing to see. Many thanks again 2U both - Regards, Rosemary.
Jaap van Ganswijk (03/04/2008)
I used to have a Practica Super TL2 mirror reflex camera (from Eastern Germany, and therefore affordable) and making macro photos was very cheap: for about $10 one could buy a set of low-tech rings (11 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm) that you could screw between the lens and the camera. (You could also combine several for up to a total of 61 mm) and that would turn your camera almost into a microscope! ;-) But it's nice that it's now incorporated in quite a low cost camera like ours. It saves a lot of screwing time and having to slep the rings around.
As regards seeing details that you can't see with the naked eye: Scanners are also quite good at this: The human eye is quite compatible with a scan of 300 DPI (dots per inch) but modern scanners can scan at about 2400 DPI which is equal to using a magnification of 8! Try scanning a black and white 'photo' in a newspaper!
They were selling a Traveler microscope at Aldi here (well it was in the folder) for about 50 euro, but I had already bought a Bresser one from Lidl (for 60 or 70 euro) some years ago which seems to be slightly better. Both microscopes also have an ocular with a digital USB camera but it has quite a low resolution (at lest on my Bresser: 352*288 or such). Besides the USB ocular the microscopes are quite good on a just below professional level. It's similar to or better than we had in high school and what a chemistry student in a university would have had. When you have never used a microscope it's really a good introduction! (But read the manual very carefully, it's easy to push the lens through the specimen glass...). BTW. if anyone knows where to buy a better USB ocular for the Bresser microscope or a ring to attach our camera to it let me know. BTW. one of the biggest improvements for microscopes like these is the use of bright LEDs to illuminate the specimen from the top and/or the bottom. When I was young it had to be done with a bright 60W lightbulb and a mirror bellow the specimen and that created quite a lof of heat (cooking your sample) and you couldn't move the microscope even a mm or the light would change... That is all much simpler now but it's still a lot of work to make nice pictures.
Here some pictures from another (French-speaking) user:
users.skynet.be/chricat/usc...
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As regards seeing details that you can't see with the naked eye: Scanners are also quite good at this: The human eye is quite compatible with a scan of 300 DPI (dots per inch) but modern scanners can scan at about 2400 DPI which is equal to using a magnification of 8! Try scanning a black and white 'photo' in a newspaper!
They were selling a Traveler microscope at Aldi here (well it was in the folder) for about 50 euro, but I had already bought a Bresser one from Lidl (for 60 or 70 euro) some years ago which seems to be slightly better. Both microscopes also have an ocular with a digital USB camera but it has quite a low resolution (at lest on my Bresser: 352*288 or such). Besides the USB ocular the microscopes are quite good on a just below professional level. It's similar to or better than we had in high school and what a chemistry student in a university would have had. When you have never used a microscope it's really a good introduction! (But read the manual very carefully, it's easy to push the lens through the specimen glass...). BTW. if anyone knows where to buy a better USB ocular for the Bresser microscope or a ring to attach our camera to it let me know. BTW. one of the biggest improvements for microscopes like these is the use of bright LEDs to illuminate the specimen from the top and/or the bottom. When I was young it had to be done with a bright 60W lightbulb and a mirror bellow the specimen and that created quite a lof of heat (cooking your sample) and you couldn't move the microscope even a mm or the light would change... That is all much simpler now but it's still a lot of work to make nice pictures.
Here some pictures from another (French-speaking) user:
users.skynet.be/chricat/usc...
Rosemary Kelleher (03/05/2008)
Hello Jaap - What a strange series of coincidences - above (Feb 21st 08) you mentioned that you had/still have a Russian Xenix SLR
Well, tonight I just dug out of a dusty old plastic bag two (shamefully dusty) old Russian Zenits - one is a Zenit-E with Helios-44-2 2/58 lens (SLR I think, it's quite bulky) and the other a Zenit 3M with Helios-44, 2/58 lens not sure if it is SLR, both are quite heavy.
I think the shutter is stuck on one of these Zenits and not sure if the other still works. Both with viewfinders which Ken would love.
Next coincidence, also in bag are three (equally dusty) screw-in extension rings which you mention above to facilitate getting closer to image/object. One is about 1" in height including screw thread, next is just over 1/2" and last is just under 1/2" making a total of 2+1/4" including all knurled edges of rings.
I remember using them once trying to photograph a bug of some sort, it turned out ok but focusing at close range was very difficult.
Both the cameras & rings belonged to my father. He had a collection of old cameras. If he were still alive today he would be amazed at the advanced technology and would love all the digital cameras and their capabilities and ease of use.
Next, I had given me last year a BioLux microscope 40x-1024x from Lidl. I used it briefly but hadn't put the software into computer as not sure if it was safe, then the bulb blew and we couldn't buy right size to replace it, then a few days ago my husband found a spare in the box. I haven't had time to try it again - I suppose the software disc is safe to run ?
Tonight, I only just looked at your video clip and photos of your (dusty) keyboard ha ha, so we have that in common too.(dust).
I don't know how I missed them before but I could not find the photo of your mother. By the way, flowers & bugs are much more interesting than dusty keyboards.
And finally, back to the Traveler cameras, in Aldi's here they still had (a couple of days ago) one of each of the Traveler DXZ-6 10.1mp €169.99 & DC-7900 7.1 mp €69.99 but they haven't restocked with the DC8600. Wonder what will be next ?
We haven't heard from Ken for a few days - are you still out there Ken and just busy with your Traveler ?
All the best - Rosemary.
reply to this comment
Well, tonight I just dug out of a dusty old plastic bag two (shamefully dusty) old Russian Zenits - one is a Zenit-E with Helios-44-2 2/58 lens (SLR I think, it's quite bulky) and the other a Zenit 3M with Helios-44, 2/58 lens not sure if it is SLR, both are quite heavy.
I think the shutter is stuck on one of these Zenits and not sure if the other still works. Both with viewfinders which Ken would love.
Next coincidence, also in bag are three (equally dusty) screw-in extension rings which you mention above to facilitate getting closer to image/object. One is about 1" in height including screw thread, next is just over 1/2" and last is just under 1/2" making a total of 2+1/4" including all knurled edges of rings.
I remember using them once trying to photograph a bug of some sort, it turned out ok but focusing at close range was very difficult.
Both the cameras & rings belonged to my father. He had a collection of old cameras. If he were still alive today he would be amazed at the advanced technology and would love all the digital cameras and their capabilities and ease of use.
Next, I had given me last year a BioLux microscope 40x-1024x from Lidl. I used it briefly but hadn't put the software into computer as not sure if it was safe, then the bulb blew and we couldn't buy right size to replace it, then a few days ago my husband found a spare in the box. I haven't had time to try it again - I suppose the software disc is safe to run ?
Tonight, I only just looked at your video clip and photos of your (dusty) keyboard ha ha, so we have that in common too.(dust).
I don't know how I missed them before but I could not find the photo of your mother. By the way, flowers & bugs are much more interesting than dusty keyboards.
And finally, back to the Traveler cameras, in Aldi's here they still had (a couple of days ago) one of each of the Traveler DXZ-6 10.1mp €169.99 & DC-7900 7.1 mp €69.99 but they haven't restocked with the DC8600. Wonder what will be next ?
We haven't heard from Ken for a few days - are you still out there Ken and just busy with your Traveler ?
All the best - Rosemary.
Jaap van Ganswijk (03/06/2008)
Ah, yes it was Zenith (or Zenit? ;-) and not Xenix (which was an early Unix version). But I have never had one. Fortunately my parents were modestly rich enough so I could buy a Praktica. East European cameras were much better than Russian stuff. BTW. I did have a 6x6 cm box-camera from Russia with two lenses at the front, the lower one for the actual camera and the upper one for the part with a static mirror which had a mat glass at the top. The lenses were coupled using tooth-wheels (?). It was an interesting concept but not perfect. I bought it for about 22 euro just for fun, but later when I studied Industrial Design a fellow student and friend wanted to buy it from me, so I sold it to him. Because of the 6x6 cm negatives you could use the camera to produce big foto posters. Professional cameras for magazines and posters always used 6x6 cm negatives but used the mirror reflex camera mechanism instead of two lenses and a static mirror.
The shutters of the Zenith's were made of a kind of asphalted cloth and very prone to failure (a friend in high school had one I think). BTW. The much more sophisticated metal shutter in my Praktica also had to be repaired later.
The Zenith camera's also used P-thread (Praktica-thread) I think. The first standard for lenses. It was very easy to find cheap lenses and other parts because it was all very standardized. Later Olympus, Canon and Nikon etc. all introduced their own 'standards'. Well bajonet connections can save a lot of time when exchanging lenses and the camera's got more and more electronical and less mechanical of course.
Focussing at close range is always very difficult and that is where a mirror reflex camera can be very handy, but not when the subject is moving. I hat I lot of tame mice back then and they tend to move. Our Traveler camera's have a setting where it takes 3 photo's in rapid succession or keeps taking photo's in rapid intervals. I haven't experimented with it yet. Of course you can't use flash at close range so you need to set-up a well lit scene which takes quite a lot of planning. I bought two 5 dollar bureau 12 V halogen lamps some time ago but both have died in the mean time because the internal transformator gave up. I'll buy some more of them later, hopefully of a better quality.
As regards the software for the Biolux: I think you can trust that. BTW. the driver for the camera is generic I think, so it's already present in Windows XP and Vista and you can also use other software to capture the images or the 'movie' from the camera. I have several programs from other webcams, scanners, videocards etc. so I'm not sure if I used the software that came with the microscope. But I always trust software from serious companies. Most software that comes with products like these are downgraded versions of the professional version. I think that this microscope came with Ulead's photo-express SE (special edition). You can probably also download it from their site for free.
With the bulb that blew, you mean the LED? It's amazing how powerful and multicolored LED's have became over time. As far as I can oversee I think all of those kinds of LED's should be compatible and shouldn't cost more than say one dollar. I'd worry more about getting a LED that emits enough light and in all colors than if it uses the 'correct' amount of power. The power unit should be able to accomodate any LED. Most LED's need a voltage of about 1.5V I think. BTW. I didn't find a spare LED in the box...
Anyway, a LED blowing up is very unlikely unless perhaps you reverse the current. (But I'd have to check that. Does your husband tend to experiment with these things?)
The photo of my mother:
xs4all.nl/~ganswijk/travele... the dusty keyboard: Well I was impressed by the macro
capabilities of the camera and these were all photos and movies
made soon after buying the camera. Sometimes when I see
demo photos I doubt that an amateur could make them within
say a week.
As regards keyboard hygiene: I have seen much worse keyboards
in my life because I have used a lot of second hand keyboards
over the years... (I'm using another second hand keyboard in the
mean time by the way...)
As regards Aldi and their cameras: I think that the DXZ-6 and DC8600
are too similar to keep offering them both but they seem to think
that a cheap non-zooming camera with only 7 megapixels for 70
euro might appeal to part of the 'masses' and my mother would
probably like it's snapshot-camera-like qualities. And frankly, a
moving lens is way to expensive when you can replace it with a
(in the mean time cheap) multi-megapixel sensor that most people
don't need and with which you can do the zooming digitally?
Most people don't seem to be smart enough (as we are) to
appreciate the macro capabilities of cameras. ;-)
reply to this comment
The shutters of the Zenith's were made of a kind of asphalted cloth and very prone to failure (a friend in high school had one I think). BTW. The much more sophisticated metal shutter in my Praktica also had to be repaired later.
The Zenith camera's also used P-thread (Praktica-thread) I think. The first standard for lenses. It was very easy to find cheap lenses and other parts because it was all very standardized. Later Olympus, Canon and Nikon etc. all introduced their own 'standards'. Well bajonet connections can save a lot of time when exchanging lenses and the camera's got more and more electronical and less mechanical of course.
Focussing at close range is always very difficult and that is where a mirror reflex camera can be very handy, but not when the subject is moving. I hat I lot of tame mice back then and they tend to move. Our Traveler camera's have a setting where it takes 3 photo's in rapid succession or keeps taking photo's in rapid intervals. I haven't experimented with it yet. Of course you can't use flash at close range so you need to set-up a well lit scene which takes quite a lot of planning. I bought two 5 dollar bureau 12 V halogen lamps some time ago but both have died in the mean time because the internal transformator gave up. I'll buy some more of them later, hopefully of a better quality.
As regards the software for the Biolux: I think you can trust that. BTW. the driver for the camera is generic I think, so it's already present in Windows XP and Vista and you can also use other software to capture the images or the 'movie' from the camera. I have several programs from other webcams, scanners, videocards etc. so I'm not sure if I used the software that came with the microscope. But I always trust software from serious companies. Most software that comes with products like these are downgraded versions of the professional version. I think that this microscope came with Ulead's photo-express SE (special edition). You can probably also download it from their site for free.
With the bulb that blew, you mean the LED? It's amazing how powerful and multicolored LED's have became over time. As far as I can oversee I think all of those kinds of LED's should be compatible and shouldn't cost more than say one dollar. I'd worry more about getting a LED that emits enough light and in all colors than if it uses the 'correct' amount of power. The power unit should be able to accomodate any LED. Most LED's need a voltage of about 1.5V I think. BTW. I didn't find a spare LED in the box...
Anyway, a LED blowing up is very unlikely unless perhaps you reverse the current. (But I'd have to check that. Does your husband tend to experiment with these things?)
The photo of my mother:
xs4all.nl/~ganswijk/travele... the dusty keyboard: Well I was impressed by the macro
capabilities of the camera and these were all photos and movies
made soon after buying the camera. Sometimes when I see
demo photos I doubt that an amateur could make them within
say a week.
As regards keyboard hygiene: I have seen much worse keyboards
in my life because I have used a lot of second hand keyboards
over the years... (I'm using another second hand keyboard in the
mean time by the way...)
As regards Aldi and their cameras: I think that the DXZ-6 and DC8600
are too similar to keep offering them both but they seem to think
that a cheap non-zooming camera with only 7 megapixels for 70
euro might appeal to part of the 'masses' and my mother would
probably like it's snapshot-camera-like qualities. And frankly, a
moving lens is way to expensive when you can replace it with a
(in the mean time cheap) multi-megapixel sensor that most people
don't need and with which you can do the zooming digitally?
Most people don't seem to be smart enough (as we are) to
appreciate the macro capabilities of cameras. ;-)
Rosemary Kelleher (03/06/2008)
Hi Jaap - Ah yes, I just viewed the photo of your mother - the problem before, I did not wait long enough for it to come through completely so I saw just the wall above your telephone. Your mother looks to be a very nice lady. I can see that you are a bit of a bookworm too. Re the LED (?) that came with the microscope, the one that blew is a screw-in bulb (well, it looks like an ordinary tiny light bulb to me) and it's about the size of a thumbnail but round with two little filaments inside. The spare found in the box is smaller (size of little finger nail). Tonight a second tiny bulb has been found so we are thinking that perhaps the bigger one that blew must have been the wrong bulb and we have come to the conclusion that the guy who gave me the microscope (my husband's friend) must have had a go using it and put the wrong (bigger) bulb in it. He's the type of guy who would mend your car with a hammer so no wonder it blew. The spare was found in a small round recess in the polystyrene packing (inside) so have another look in your packaging if you still have it. What is the difference in appearance between a tiny bulb and an LED ? I have a resin gingerbread house that lights up with (I presume) LED's ? but haven't looked at them at close range.The tinier bulbs have two filaments in them also and are stamped in the metal part with SE 12V 2.2W. We just tried viewing a horse fly's leg and it's in focus ok.
Talking of the mechanics in the old cameras, I'm just looking at the Minolta manual and a blow out of all the works inside the camera -
about 7 circuit boards or more plus numerous sets of cogwheels etc. I haven't a clue what's inside a digital camera but I guess it's nowhere near as complex as SLR's. Thank God I don't need to know what inside to be able to use a digital.
I have plenty of dead butterflies that didn't make it through hibernation over the years so I'm going to take some "dust" off a wing and have a look under the microscope. I've seen them before and they look like roof tiles in different shapes and sizes.
Re the dust, it's everywhere, one can't get rid of it even if you dust each day it comes back down again, very frustrating and not worth bothering about really. My brother once had a 3d camera - I don't know how frequently he used it or what happened to it.
I often wonder if someone will invent a holographic imaging camera /+ tv's so we can see things in 3D, maybe it's impossible but reminds me of a sci-fi film with Walter Pidgeon in it, Robby the robot. The evil side of his conscience manifests itself as the monster of Id. Can't remember the title but he spins a disc on a table and a 3d image appears for a few moments.
Sorry, strayed from the thread again re the DC-8600 so maybe you can keep it going telling us about your results.
Thanks for all the additional info - Regards - Rosemary.
PS - I remembered the film title - it was Forbidden Planet.
Also in my posting above of Wed March 05 I made a typing error, the price of the
DC-7900 7.1mp Traveler was €89.99 not €69.99 - sorry if I misled anyone.
reply to this comment
Talking of the mechanics in the old cameras, I'm just looking at the Minolta manual and a blow out of all the works inside the camera -
about 7 circuit boards or more plus numerous sets of cogwheels etc. I haven't a clue what's inside a digital camera but I guess it's nowhere near as complex as SLR's. Thank God I don't need to know what inside to be able to use a digital.
I have plenty of dead butterflies that didn't make it through hibernation over the years so I'm going to take some "dust" off a wing and have a look under the microscope. I've seen them before and they look like roof tiles in different shapes and sizes.
Re the dust, it's everywhere, one can't get rid of it even if you dust each day it comes back down again, very frustrating and not worth bothering about really. My brother once had a 3d camera - I don't know how frequently he used it or what happened to it.
I often wonder if someone will invent a holographic imaging camera /+ tv's so we can see things in 3D, maybe it's impossible but reminds me of a sci-fi film with Walter Pidgeon in it, Robby the robot. The evil side of his conscience manifests itself as the monster of Id. Can't remember the title but he spins a disc on a table and a 3d image appears for a few moments.
Sorry, strayed from the thread again re the DC-8600 so maybe you can keep it going telling us about your results.
Thanks for all the additional info - Regards - Rosemary.
PS - I remembered the film title - it was Forbidden Planet.
Also in my posting above of Wed March 05 I made a typing error, the price of the
DC-7900 7.1mp Traveler was €89.99 not €69.99 - sorry if I misled anyone.
Ken (02/08/2009)
Gday All, For the Traveler DC-XZ6 camera, the specifications state a maximum 2Gb SD memory card is supported.
I have just tried a 4Gb SDHC (Class 6 Higher Speed) memory card and it does recognise the full capacity! Be aware, it is possible a standard speed 4Gb SD card may not work, I cannot confirm this as I don't have one.
Also, I haven't yet tried any higher capacity cards than 4Gb. Good news I think anyway.
reply to this comment
I have just tried a 4Gb SDHC (Class 6 Higher Speed) memory card and it does recognise the full capacity! Be aware, it is possible a standard speed 4Gb SD card may not work, I cannot confirm this as I don't have one.
Also, I haven't yet tried any higher capacity cards than 4Gb. Good news I think anyway.
keith taking photos of a night time (04/06/2009)
i have a dc-8600 camera can anybody tell me how to take photos of night time. daytime i can see my screen clear but of a night time i cant see who i am taking photos of, is there a mode you have to go into if so can someone let me know please.
reply to this comment
fred (08/27/2009)
hello Keith,
there is a good Forum exact for the Traveler Digital Cameras. Traveler-forum.de it is german, but most
do quite write English well.
Traveler dc-8600 for night short, I would turn to the "red hand" and not on automatic "A"
That increases the the sensibililty. But you must hold it very quiet as you might know. Best a stativ or wall
or so..
Hope this helps
fred
for batteries: amabilidade2002.com/cellpho... Traveler DC-8300, DC-8500, DC-8600
Traveler DC-XZ6 etc..
reply to this comment
there is a good Forum exact for the Traveler Digital Cameras. Traveler-forum.de it is german, but most
do quite write English well.
Traveler dc-8600 for night short, I would turn to the "red hand" and not on automatic "A"
That increases the the sensibililty. But you must hold it very quiet as you might know. Best a stativ or wall
or so..
Hope this helps
fred
for batteries: amabilidade2002.com/cellpho... Traveler DC-8300, DC-8500, DC-8600
Traveler DC-XZ6 etc..
what's the best lens for a digital camera right now? (Melanie — 10/28/2006)
I've heard that the sony lens is the best right now and want to know if that affects the quality of pictures and which one is best
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (10/28/2006)
Melanie,
Picking the "best" lens really depends on the types of shots the photographer wants to take. Wether you have a SLR or a point and shoot with an adapter, you have to know what kind of lighting you'll be in, what your subject is going to be, and any other pertanent information. For low lighting situations, you have to pick a lens that will have a wider aperture (for SLR cameras). For shooting wildlife, you will need a large focal length because you can't always get close up for good shots. Saying one lens is "the best" really depends on what its being used for.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Picking the "best" lens really depends on the types of shots the photographer wants to take. Wether you have a SLR or a point and shoot with an adapter, you have to know what kind of lighting you'll be in, what your subject is going to be, and any other pertanent information. For low lighting situations, you have to pick a lens that will have a wider aperture (for SLR cameras). For shooting wildlife, you will need a large focal length because you can't always get close up for good shots. Saying one lens is "the best" really depends on what its being used for.
Andrew
How long do you have to wait to take the next picture? I realize it depends on the setting. (Greg Lucas — 10/27/2006)
I would like to take pictures of my grandson's soccer games, so will I be able to take photographs quickly?
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/28/2006)
Hi Greg,
This camera might be ok... but you might want to keep looking. It has average-to-fast times on everything, with about half a second shutter lag (from when you push the button to when the shot actually fires) and just under 2 seconds between photos when you're using the largest resolution (this gets shorter as you use lower resolutions). It also has what is called a burst mode, which is where you set it to take pictures in rapid succession when you push the shutter once. It takes about 3 photos every second which is pretty decent.
There are faster ones out there, but this one is pretty respectable. If you're looking for something faster, let us know what other features you like and we can try to point you in a good direction.
reply to this comment
This camera might be ok... but you might want to keep looking. It has average-to-fast times on everything, with about half a second shutter lag (from when you push the button to when the shot actually fires) and just under 2 seconds between photos when you're using the largest resolution (this gets shorter as you use lower resolutions). It also has what is called a burst mode, which is where you set it to take pictures in rapid succession when you push the shutter once. It takes about 3 photos every second which is pretty decent.
There are faster ones out there, but this one is pretty respectable. If you're looking for something faster, let us know what other features you like and we can try to point you in a good direction.
Greg Lucas (10/30/2006)
That is very helpful, thank you very much
reply to this comment
Greg Lucas (10/30/2006)
That is very helpful, thank you very much
reply to this comment
Please tell me if it has a quick shutter lag? (RobertaS — 10/26/2006)
times between pictures
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/26/2006)
This camera has a quite-respectable shutter lag time of just under half a second (it slows down just a tad in full autofocus tele mode, which all digital cameras do). If you really want to speed it up, press the shutter button down halfway before you take the picture, and give it a second to frame the shot. Then push it the rest of the way down when you're ready for the photo. This reduces shutter lag to less than .02 seconds. It's a great trick for any digital camera if shutter lag is a problem.
reply to this comment
RobertaS (11/06/2006)
Brenda deserves 20 points plus
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/06/2006)
Thanks. =)
reply to this comment
How does the Panasonic LZ3 color and sharpness compare with Canon A540 or Kodak Z650? (Dennis — 10/26/2006)
reply to this comment
love this camera (11/03/2006)
i own this camera and my best friend owns the canon a 540. I have done an extensive comparison on the 2 cameras. As far as the color,clarity and sharpness of the pictures, the two cameras are running a even race. I can tell no difference between the 2 most of the time. The few times i have noticed a difference,I believe, is simply because I am a better photographer than my friend. I am a professional. I chose this camera bercause i wanted something compact to always leave in my glovebox of my cars...I bought 2. I always have my big SLRs but there has been many many times this has fit the bill perfectly and it is so easy to use. I WOULD HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA as well as the panasonic TZ1 (10 times zoom).
reply to this comment
DG (11/03/2006)
Thanks very much for your kind response.
reply to this comment
I need a camera[inexpensive] can take picture and load onto computer, to sell on ebay (Vincent A. Monaco — 10/26/2006)
just an inexpensive camera [digital] to take pictures download to computer to sell items on ebay. Ease of use is also important.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/26/2006)
Just about anything will work for you since for posting pictures online, you don't need many megapixels.
I'd try one of the following. They are all cheap yet reliable and more-or-less "plug and play" when it comes to downloading photos onto your computer:
Canon Powershot A410 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Nikon Coolpix L4 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
reply to this comment
I'd try one of the following. They are all cheap yet reliable and more-or-less "plug and play" when it comes to downloading photos onto your computer:
Canon Powershot A410 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Nikon Coolpix L4 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
is 3MP a good choice? (nicole dickinson — 10/26/2006)
reply to this comment
Joe (10/27/2006)
It is pretty much standard now to get at least 5MP because with that you can print high quality images up to 8x10 in size. But I feel if you are just using the camera for pictures on the computer and emailing them and maybe some slideshows on the computer or websites it isnt really bad. But if you want to get a new camera with all the great bells and whistles you should go for at least 5 MP. A camera like the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is 5 MP as well asa great camera for only $150, so getting 3 megapixels does not make very much sense anymore.
reply to this comment
what zoom do you need for a med foto (mihaela — 10/25/2006)
i what to speend around 200£ and to get a camera wich give me med to good guality.
reply to this comment
Joe (10/25/2006)
A good camera that has a great medium range zoom for around the price I think you are looking for is the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). I has everythign you are looking for. Very highly reviewed as well!
reply to this comment
How long do batteries last on this camera (Mary — 10/25/2006)
I had a camera that used AA batteries at one time that literally would only take 3 or 4 pictures before I had to change the batteries. I stopped using it, and put off buying another digital camera since.
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (10/28/2006)
Mary,
This camera will take up to 250 pictures (CIPA Standard) with included AA Oxyrideâ„¢ Batteries. If you upgrade to rechargeable lithium ion or Ni-MH batteries, you'll see even better life.
Andrew
reply to this comment
This camera will take up to 250 pictures (CIPA Standard) with included AA Oxyrideâ„¢ Batteries. If you upgrade to rechargeable lithium ion or Ni-MH batteries, you'll see even better life.
Andrew
How fast does this take pics? From when you press the button until the shot is clicked? (newgirl — 10/24/2006)
reply to this comment
TYLER RAKES (11/05/2006)
THIS CAMERA TAKES THE PICTURE PRETTY QUICKLY. I AM NOT A REAL FAN OF DIGI'S FOR THAT VERY REASON. MY WIFE AND I GOT THIS CAMERA YESTERDAY AND PLAYED AROUND WITH IT SOME.
AS LONG AS THE SUBJECT IS IN FOCUS IT CLICKS OFF ALMOST INSTANTLEY.
reply to this comment
AS LONG AS THE SUBJECT IS IN FOCUS IT CLICKS OFF ALMOST INSTANTLEY.
Ben Keough (12/07/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
Grainy, blurry, or poorly exposed pictures...?! (New Mom — 10/24/2006)
I just bought this camera to replace a Fuji Finepix that died. The Fuji was several years old and only 2 MP. It was a basic point-and-shoot, fully automatic camera. However, it took such crisp, clear, sharp, detailed photos in any well-lit setting. Not so with the LZ3...??? I've read the manual cover-to-cover (really!!)...and I'm choosing the scene mode that best matches the shooting situation...or even using their Simple Mode...but three out of four pictures are grainy, blurry, underexposed or overexposed. And don't even try capturing good photos of the baby! Her slightest movement comes out terribly blurred in the picture...as if the shutter speed is way too slow...?!! What am I doing wrong? The reviews on this camera are so positive, but my out-dated Fuji took much better pictures for me!! Help!
reply to this comment
TYLER RAKES (11/05/2006)
SOUNDS LIKE A BAD CAMERA, OR POSIBLEY YOU HAVE ONE OF THE MANY SETTINGS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. I CAN TAKE PICTURES OF MY MOVING CAT OR 737'S AT TAKE OFF AND THEY COME OUT CRYSTAL CLEAR. TRY RESETING THE CAMERA.
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Ben Keough (12/07/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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What is the f-stop on this camera (Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3)? (Rudy — 10/24/2006)
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Fulvio (10/24/2006)
F2.8
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/07/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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Polaroid I733LP digital camera, is it any good? (Randy James — 10/23/2006)
My daughter wants to buy this digital camera is it a good choice?
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Joe (10/27/2006)
To be honest Polaroid makes pretty poor digital cameras. The Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a much better entry level point and shoot that takes high quality pictures from a reputable brand.
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kristen (11/10/2006)
first i want to say that i actually have this camera..and the pictures and features are amazing!!!!!!!...u can check out other reviews..it never got a bad rating..i love this camera and it was definately a steal at under 200 bucks
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/07/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
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best digital camera around $100 (e c barber — 10/23/2006)
take pictures of flowers and butterflies
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Brenda Paro (10/23/2006)
I would highly recommend kicking up your price range just a little and going for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Gets great reviews esp. for its low price, and you'll like the 6x zoom.
<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is our full list of lowest priced cameras.
reply to this comment
<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... is our full list of lowest priced cameras.
e c barber (10/30/2006)
I took Brenda P's advice. It was a huge help.
Thank you
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Thank you
if no viewfinder how can see pictures to take (Vincent A. Monaco — 10/23/2006)
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Brenda Paro (10/23/2006)
When it says No viewfinder, what it means is that there is not a separate "eyepiece" that you look through to take a picture. Some digital cameras have these- it makes them more like regular film cameras. With this camera and others that don't have viewfinders, you use the LCD screen on the back to frame and take the picture.
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ease downloading to computer (Vincent A. Monaco — 10/23/2006)
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TYLER RAKES (11/05/2006)
INSTALL THE PROGRAMS, TURN YOUR CAMERA ON, PLUG IT IN, UPLOAD IT INTO YOUR COMP. EASY AS THAT.
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Vincent A. Monaco (11/05/2006)
thanks for your help
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what is the battery life? (Anjan — 10/23/2006)
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dig camera girl (11/09/2006)
i have used rechargeables nimh 2500 amh. with these batteries at full charge i get around 400 to 450 shots out of 1 charge.
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i'm looking for the best rated digital camera for a novice with some zoom and red eye out that is under $200.00 (cathy — 10/22/2006)
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Joe (10/22/2006)
I would highly recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is a great camera that is well reviewed. 6xoptical zoom and every easy to use. One of my favorite camera and by far the best deal out there at under $200.
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is the pentax e10 worth buying? (SARAHH — 10/21/2006)
i am a 13 yearold and i want to take pictures of me+myfreinds and stuff. i know that the battery is bad. so if i use recharable batteries, will that help?
reply to this comment
Joe (10/22/2006)
Wus (arrow point up)
If you want a nice camera that is cheap and easy to use but still takes great photos I would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) over the Pentax. It has more features and it is more highly review by users that have had great success with this model. The pentax isn't bad and having rechargeable batts is the only way to go with a camera that has bad batt life, but the Panasonic is really te best way to go. $150 which is amazing. Takes extra good pictures of friends.
reply to this comment
If you want a nice camera that is cheap and easy to use but still takes great photos I would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) over the Pentax. It has more features and it is more highly review by users that have had great success with this model. The pentax isn't bad and having rechargeable batts is the only way to go with a camera that has bad batt life, but the Panasonic is really te best way to go. $150 which is amazing. Takes extra good pictures of friends.
Could anyone recommend an affordable digital camera for a 12 year old, who likes to take stop frame animation indoors? (Mel — 10/21/2006)
Would also have to have a built in tripod mount. As one camera I was interested in didn't have one.
Thanks in advance!
reply to this comment
Thanks in advance!
C. Clement (10/21/2006)
I am not sure if you would consider this "affordable" but it does have the feature your looking for. has the option for movies at 5 fps (frames pre second).Panasonic's DMC-TZ1 it can be found online for a bit less then stores. But if your like me you may want to go to a store and check it out first.. I like to touch and try the cameras first. I did try this camera out and LOVED it... but I did not need many of the features it had such as the one your looking for... but it was one of the last 2 I was choosing from.
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Does this camera has a View Finder? (H Neeves — 10/20/2006)
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bongo tedesco (10/21/2006)
No, it does not. And in bright light that is a problem.
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Can anyone tell me how the red eye reduction feature is on the LZ3? (tom — 10/20/2006)
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tom (10/20/2006)
oops....didn't get the whole question in "Can anyone tell me how the red eye reduction feature is on the LZ3? Thanks, Tom
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Andrew Skinner (10/26/2006)
Tom,
The red eye reduction tool on most cameras is hit or miss. The beauty of digital technology though, is the photographer's ability to use software to correct it after the picture is taken. You can get software that works well for this around $100 now. I personally use PaintShop Pro ( store.corel.com/webapp/wcs/... ). I've found its very user friendly, and doesn't hog your memory like Photoshop does.
Andrew
reply to this comment
The red eye reduction tool on most cameras is hit or miss. The beauty of digital technology though, is the photographer's ability to use software to correct it after the picture is taken. You can get software that works well for this around $100 now. I personally use PaintShop Pro ( store.corel.com/webapp/wcs/... ). I've found its very user friendly, and doesn't hog your memory like Photoshop does.
Andrew
tom (10/27/2006)
Thanks so much!
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What would be a camara comparable to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 that does have a view-finder? (UM — 10/20/2006)
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Andrew Skinner (10/26/2006)
UM,
You might try the Canon S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Fuji S5200 Zoom ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Both have the 5 megapixel (+) quality of the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) but have the viewfinder as well. Both are slightly more expensive though.
Andrew
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You might try the Canon S2 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Fuji S5200 Zoom ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Both have the 5 megapixel (+) quality of the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) but have the viewfinder as well. Both are slightly more expensive though.
Andrew
Ben Keough (12/06/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 have a view-finder? (UM — 10/20/2006)
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camera? (10/20/2006)
No, the LZ3 has done away with the optical viewfinder, instead relying on its 2.0-inch LCD screen.
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Will the Lumix DMC-LZ3work with rechargeable AA's? (James — 10/20/2006)
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Brenda Paro (10/20/2006)
Hi James,
Yes, it can. this camera comes packaged with Panasonic's Oxyride AA batteries (longer life than alkaline), but it can also use alkaline and rechargeable NiMH AAs.
reply to this comment
Yes, it can. this camera comes packaged with Panasonic's Oxyride AA batteries (longer life than alkaline), but it can also use alkaline and rechargeable NiMH AAs.
I need a very durable camera - not too expensive (sharon — 10/19/2006)
dropped my canon so many times its dead. any ideas
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Joe (10/20/2006)
The Panasonic DMC LZ# ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is an amazing camera for the price. It is highly reviewed and highly recommended. It will not take a bunch of drops like most cameras. I recommend getting a small case for it or a wrist tie so you won't drop it so much. There are some "drop resistance" cameras like the Plympus Stylus 740 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) which can take a drop up to 1.5 meters. But it will cost you twice as much. Maybe you should just buy 2 Panasonics if you think you are going to drop it a bunch, so you will always have a back up.
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Does this camera have audio in the movie mode? (LAC — 10/19/2006)
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Joe (10/19/2006)
Yes it does have audio and it is very good for a camera in this price range.
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camera? (10/20/2006)
Sorry to spoil the good news in this question, but the Panasonic LZ3 *does not* have sound in movie mode. The DCHQ page ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for the camera indicates that it only features "movie mode," not "movie mode with sound," and this page ( imaging-resource.com/PRODS/... ) from Imaging Resource backs it up.
If you want a similar camera with sound, you need to check out the Panasonic LZ5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
reply to this comment
If you want a similar camera with sound, you need to check out the Panasonic LZ5 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Can someone please recommend a cheapish camera with proper 640 * 480, 30fps and sound video functions (Dammy G — 10/19/2006)
Hi, i'm looking for a cheapish camera with decent video capabilities.
640 * 480 at 30fps with sound and no limits on how long I can record for.
Please help me, Thanks
reply to this comment
640 * 480 at 30fps with sound and no limits on how long I can record for.
Please help me, Thanks
by James DeRuvo (10/24/2006)
If you're referring to video functions only, all still cameras that I know have a limit to recording time. This is largely governed by how much space you have left on your recording media.
Might I recommend the Pure Digital point and Shoot camcorder? You can get a 30 minute version for about $99. The new 1 hour version has improved color and audio performance. Both units plug into your PC for transfer afterwards.
It's a great camera for what you're looking for.
reply to this comment
Might I recommend the Pure Digital point and Shoot camcorder? You can get a 30 minute version for about $99. The new 1 hour version has improved color and audio performance. Both units plug into your PC for transfer afterwards.
It's a great camera for what you're looking for.
I am looking for inexpensive digital camera for someone that still uses film. (Jessica — 10/18/2006)
I want to buy a camera for my mother in law for christmas. She is still using a very old film camera. She has one of the old long skinny cameras. She doesnt take a huge amount of pictures and it needs to be very easy to use. I don't want to confuse her at all. She is afraid of digital because she thinks she will delete them all. Any suggestions.
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Andrew Skinner (10/21/2006)
Jessica,
The Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) should be more than fine for a beginner. You might also look through Digital Camera HQ's gift guide ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) to find just the right camera for her.
Andrew
reply to this comment
The Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) should be more than fine for a beginner. You might also look through Digital Camera HQ's gift guide ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) to find just the right camera for her.
Andrew
$200 with good zoom and rechargable- MAC compatible (Jordan — 10/18/2006)
I am looking for a small digital camera that will take great 4x5 photos. Traveling to Europe and need something that is easily rechargable; no buying batteries. But once I return, I will use this camera for taking pictures of people mostly. Can you recommend something with good zoom, rechargable batteries, small and for about $200?
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dig camera girl (11/09/2006)
this camera is your best chaoice in my opinion(panasonic lz3). I have boght 2 for myself and 2 for fmily members. for under $200 it is by far your best buy and takes wonderful photos. If you shop around you could potentiall get it around $155. That is when i bought my first one and liked it so much i went back to the store to get the second before the sale was over
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dig camera girl (11/09/2006)
this camera is your best chaoice in my opinion(panasonic lz3). I have boght 2 for myself and 2 for fmily members. for under $200 it is by far your best buy and takes wonderful photos. If you shop around you could potentiall get it around $155. That is when i bought my first one and liked it so much i went back to the store to get the second before the sale was over
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Jordan (11/09/2006)
I found what I was looking for, through this sight! I did some research and went to Kits Camera and fell in love with the Nikon S6. Only problem was that is was $350, plus $50 for a warranty, plus $50 for a memory card. I found a better deal here. I ended up not only with the camera I wanted, but since it was a special edition, I got it in white to match my iBook. I spent more than I originally planned ($250), but what a steal! I love my new camera and can't get enough of it!
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Best under$130 for taking close-ups of pets? (Wheekie — 10/18/2006)
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Brenda Paro (10/18/2006)
There isn't a huge selection under $130, but I would highly recommend spending a tiny bit more for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's got great performance for the price tag, is easy to use and has a 6x optical zoom which would be nice for your purposes.
You can also review our low-priced cameras listed <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
reply to this comment
You can also review our low-priced cameras listed <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
which camera would you recommend the Panasonic DMC-LZ3 or the Fujifil a600? (Bryce Cazier — 10/16/2006)
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Joe (10/18/2006)
I would highly recommend the Panasonic DMclz3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) over the Fuji. The panasonic takes great photos and it is cheaper, tons of features. Check out the high reviews. And best value under $200!!
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (12/01/2006)
Hi,
I noticed you haven't marked a response as "Best Answer" yet. Are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately it looks like questions are being answered within one or two days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed you haven't marked a response as "Best Answer" yet. Are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately it looks like questions are being answered within one or two days. Good luck!
How about a view finder? ( Ann K. — 10/16/2006)
I had just about settled on this camera (shopping) but was advised to get one with a view finder due to "screen washout" in outdoor/sun light. Is that a problem for one who takes mostly outdoor photos?
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by James DeRuvo (10/17/2006)
I would agree with that assessment. Additionally, screens use up battery power. If you can rely on a viewfinder and turn off that lcd screen, you'll be able to devote much more power to shooting pics.
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Ann K. (11/02/2006)
Thank you. I took your advise!
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love this camera (11/03/2006)
i purchased this camera for pics of my kids mainly,alot of which are outside. I have had NO PROBLEMS with seeing the LCD in the sun light with the purchase of a flip up sunscreen for the LCD. The sunscreen cost alittle under $20.I have been EXTREMELY satisfied with it.
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Ann K. (11/03/2006)
Thank you. I will use your suggestion for S I L who didn't get a camera with a view finder and wishes he had. This might be a solution for him. Too late for me. I bought a different camera because of the issue.
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WHAT IS THE BEST DIGITAL CAMERA THATS NOT TOO EXPENSIVE (NBERG789@AOL.COM — 10/16/2006)
I DON'T WANT TO SPEND MORE THAN 250.00 AND I WANT A CAMERA FOR DUMMIES WITH A BIG SCREEN
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Brenda Paro (10/16/2006)
The Canon Powershot A620 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great camera for close to $250.... the screen is only 2 inches but it has a nifty swivel. It's very user-friendly.
You might also like the Fuji Finepix F30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Pentax Optio A10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Both have nice 2.5 inch LCDs and both offer auto settings for the beginner.
And, the other one we always mention to people as an excellent easy-to-use camera for cheap is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Bargain price, fun to use, quality images. Two-inch screen.
reply to this comment
You might also like the Fuji Finepix F30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Pentax Optio A10 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Both have nice 2.5 inch LCDs and both offer auto settings for the beginner.
And, the other one we always mention to people as an excellent easy-to-use camera for cheap is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Bargain price, fun to use, quality images. Two-inch screen.
aug_aug (11/29/2006)
Definitely the F30. I've done tons of research on cameras but was in the same price range. For 250.00 (Butterfly Photo website) + 50.00 Fuji mail-in rebate = 200.00 plus: right now circuit city has a 2 gig card for 50.00. Quite the setup for 250.00.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (12/01/2006)
Hi,
I noticed you haven't marked a response as "Best Answer" yet. Are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately it looks like questions are being answered within one or two days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed you haven't marked a response as "Best Answer" yet. Are you still looking for help? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question at digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. Lately it looks like questions are being answered within one or two days. Good luck!
Ahmed Abou-Zeid (02/08/2007)
I prefer Canon PowerShots A640
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Alan Schamber (02/09/2007)
Here you've got some cameras for less than 250 bucks:
* Kodak C875.
* Panasonic LZ5
* Olympus Stylus 740
* Pentax Optio A10
* Samsung L85
* Panasonic TZ1
* Nikon Coolpix L5
* Sony W70
Take a close look for each. But... I've like to say my own point of view: The best one, is the Panasonic because of the 10x optical zoom (with Leica lenses...), but it's also too big comparing it to the Nikon L5 that has a high quality lens of 5x. The Kodak also have 5x, but Nikon has the best Image procesor, so you may have better pictures. The Olympus is not bad, but you can have something better for that price. The Samsung is an excellent camera, with 5x and a bigger sensor, which will make higher quality pics (and bigger, with 8 mp).
So... buy the Panasonic if you don't care of the size. If not, the Nikon L5, or the Samsung.
Hope to be helpful,
Alan.
reply to this comment
* Kodak C875.
* Panasonic LZ5
* Olympus Stylus 740
* Pentax Optio A10
* Samsung L85
* Panasonic TZ1
* Nikon Coolpix L5
* Sony W70
Take a close look for each. But... I've like to say my own point of view: The best one, is the Panasonic because of the 10x optical zoom (with Leica lenses...), but it's also too big comparing it to the Nikon L5 that has a high quality lens of 5x. The Kodak also have 5x, but Nikon has the best Image procesor, so you may have better pictures. The Olympus is not bad, but you can have something better for that price. The Samsung is an excellent camera, with 5x and a bigger sensor, which will make higher quality pics (and bigger, with 8 mp).
So... buy the Panasonic if you don't care of the size. If not, the Nikon L5, or the Samsung.
Hope to be helpful,
Alan.
Pete (02/17/2007)
Canon SD600
Big screen, easy, good
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Big screen, easy, good
whats the best camera for an art student under $200.00 (Randy — 10/16/2006)
digital small easy to use plugs into computer laptop
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Brenda Paro (10/16/2006)
Try the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). As long as your laptop has a USB port it will connect. Great little camera, especially for the price!
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As a first time buyer, can I get a decent camera for under $200? (Roger Higgs — 10/16/2006)
The camera will only be used casually but it would be nice if I could occationally enlarge some photos.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/16/2006)
Absolutely. I would go with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's gotten fantastic reviews, is easy to use and has 5 megapixels which is good enough to enlarge photos almost as big as you please.
In order to print photos up to about 8x10, what you really need is 4 megapixels or so (anything above that is just cake). If you want to do some comparison shopping, <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... our list of point and shoot cameras; you can narrow it down by megapixels and price. Hope that helps!
reply to this comment
In order to print photos up to about 8x10, what you really need is 4 megapixels or so (anything above that is just cake). If you want to do some comparison shopping, <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... our list of point and shoot cameras; you can narrow it down by megapixels and price. Hope that helps!
digital camera for nature shots (Melvin — 10/15/2006)
camera for under $400.00 for all around use.
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (11/10/2006)
Hi, I noticed that your question hasn't been responded to yet. Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on DigitalCamera-HQ.com, so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
Andrew
reply to this comment
Andrew
please recommend an inexpensive digital camera for a novice/ (Lois Kenny — 10/15/2006)
We are expecting a new baby shortly, and would love an easy to use camera with the best photos. thank you.
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Joe (10/15/2006)
I would highly recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC lz3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It is the perfect point-and-shoot that is under $200. But don't let this price make you think this is not a quality product because it has many great features and takes quality pictures. You can get your photos printed out at a nice resolution to send to frind. It also takes great photos to be emailed and/or posted on a website where most baby pictures seem to live. 5 megapixels, 6x optical zoom, autofocus, auto and manual exposure, ISO 80-400, 2 AA batteries, and movie mode are all the goodies you need, especially as a novice.
Good luck with your new baby.
reply to this comment
Good luck with your new baby.
Lois Kenny (10/15/2006)
Thank you, so much, Joe, for your help. I will certainly take your advice seriously and look forward to many wonderful baby shots. Lois
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age appropriate (Renée — 10/15/2006)
inexpensive starter camera for an 11 year old
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Joe (10/15/2006)
The Panansonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is the perfect camera from a young adult, assuming you want to take quality pictures and not have the camera be a "toy". This camera is not only inexpensive but also offers all of the great features cameras that are twice as much have. 5 megapixels, 6x optical zoom / 7.5 digital zoom, autofocus, auto and manual exposure, JPEG file format, ISO 80-400, 2 AA batteries, movie mode, 2" LCD screen.
A great camera for anyone, excellent price, quality, and easy to use.
Check you the high reviews too!
reply to this comment
A great camera for anyone, excellent price, quality, and easy to use.
Check you the high reviews too!
SONY S30 IS THERE A CHEAPER CAMERA FOR TAKING PICTURES 0F SPOONS OR COINS FOR SELLING (R G RICHARDS — 10/15/2006)
reply to this comment
Joe (10/15/2006)
The Panasonic Lumiz DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a nice inexpensive camera that has all the features you need, most notably the Mega O.I.S. (optical image stabilization) system and 6x optical zoom. Great reviews too!
Ciao!
reply to this comment
Ciao!
what is the best camera for around $200? (Robert Adams — 10/15/2006)
I am a real estate broker. I will only be using the camera for taking pictures inside and downloading to the MLS system.
reply to this comment
Joe (10/15/2006)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great low price/ high qulaity camera from a great brand. The 5 megapixels, 6x optical zoom / 7.5 digital zoom, autofocus, auto and manual exposure, 2 AA batteries, movie mode are all perfect for this prive range. It comes highly recommended and it is great for what it seems like you would be using it for.
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I want to buy a digital camera which has image stabilization so that I can shoot in low light. I have a limited budget so which camera should I buy (Suhaib — 10/14/2006)
I thought I would go for Panasonic but heard that its picture quality is not good and it can shoot well in low light, the image noise increase drastically. I have heard good reviews of Canon S2 IS and SD 700 IS but they are expensive. I have also thought about Sony T 9 and T 30. So which camera should I buy. Please Help Me
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/14/2006)
Are you thinking of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )? It has optical image stabilization and does some really good work considering its low price tag.
The Cybershot T30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a fantastic camera (a little more bang for your buck than the T9 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), I think).
What other features are important to you aside from IS? That may help us point you to a better choice.
One thing- don't worry overly much about reviews unless everyone is saying a particular thing about a camera... lots of times I've bought a camera that got reviewed poorly for something and found later that it wasn't a problem at all. So just be wary of that.
reply to this comment
The Cybershot T30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a fantastic camera (a little more bang for your buck than the T9 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), I think).
What other features are important to you aside from IS? That may help us point you to a better choice.
One thing- don't worry overly much about reviews unless everyone is saying a particular thing about a camera... lots of times I've bought a camera that got reviewed poorly for something and found later that it wasn't a problem at all. So just be wary of that.
Suhaib (10/14/2006)
Features that are important to me are image quality, colour , shooting in low light as I often have to do when in parties or out at night and most of all the budget.
I can spare to about $300. Please guide me to the best camera with these features.
reply to this comment
I can spare to about $300. Please guide me to the best camera with these features.
Brenda Paro (10/14/2006)
The T30 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) might be a good choice for you. It is just over 300 dollars at most places (there are some prices listed to the right-hand side of the page if you click on that link).
A few others to consider:
Canon Powershot A85 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ): I own this camera and I love its low light images. They sometimes do have a yellow cast to them, which I think looks great and so usually don't take out, but if you have a photo editing program the yellowness can easily be removed with the color balance tool. Takes perfectly colored daytime pictures.
Another great one to look at is the FZ20 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), although again a little above your price range. Also check out the Sony Cybershot P150 or its cousin the P200 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for very true colors, low image noise and good twilight modes. Both retail for around 200 dollars and can be found on Amazon.com.
reply to this comment
A few others to consider:
Canon Powershot A85 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ): I own this camera and I love its low light images. They sometimes do have a yellow cast to them, which I think looks great and so usually don't take out, but if you have a photo editing program the yellowness can easily be removed with the color balance tool. Takes perfectly colored daytime pictures.
Another great one to look at is the FZ20 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ), although again a little above your price range. Also check out the Sony Cybershot P150 or its cousin the P200 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for very true colors, low image noise and good twilight modes. Both retail for around 200 dollars and can be found on Amazon.com.
Can anyone help me decided on which camera would be the best way to go for a mom who takes pics of everyone and every event? (Tami — 10/13/2006)
I take a ton of pics of the kids, and everything else that catches my eye! I went digital with a kodak easy share, because my husband suggested digital and the docking printing station. I like seeing the pics and getting rid of whatever I don't want as it happens. I took an interest in the sony cybershot when I saw a commercial about someone taking a pic of a moving target and it still came out crystal clear. Is that really true? This is my problem, I'm not great at being still and not shakey, or capturing a moving target! So, needless to say most of my pics are blurry. I love taking pictures and was hoping for some suggestions!! Any and all info/help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!! Tami
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/13/2006)
Hi Tami,
Wouldn't it be nice if a camera could take a picture of anything and come out crystal clear? =) While that isn't quite possible, if you have a problem with camera shake you'll want to look for a camera with image stabilization, which will help cut down on blur even when the camera and subject are moving. It isn't a magic tool, but image stabilization can definitely improve your pictures.
I recommend what's called Optical Image Stabilization over the alternative (Digital Image Stabilization), because Optical is more effective and doesn't cut into your image quality like Digital can do.
You didn't mention your price range, but if you're looking for a quick-reacting camera that is easy to use, has image stabilization and is portable, here are just a few to look at:
Canon Powershot A710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (these are super user-friendly)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (super cheap and super good quality)
You might also get some answers from our <a href="digitaladvisor.com/guides/f... Guide</a>, it is really good at helping you narrow down what features matter most to you. Feel free to come back and ask if you're still not pointed in the right direction. =)
reply to this comment
Wouldn't it be nice if a camera could take a picture of anything and come out crystal clear? =) While that isn't quite possible, if you have a problem with camera shake you'll want to look for a camera with image stabilization, which will help cut down on blur even when the camera and subject are moving. It isn't a magic tool, but image stabilization can definitely improve your pictures.
I recommend what's called Optical Image Stabilization over the alternative (Digital Image Stabilization), because Optical is more effective and doesn't cut into your image quality like Digital can do.
You didn't mention your price range, but if you're looking for a quick-reacting camera that is easy to use, has image stabilization and is portable, here are just a few to look at:
Canon Powershot A710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (these are super user-friendly)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (super cheap and super good quality)
You might also get some answers from our <a href="digitaladvisor.com/guides/f... Guide</a>, it is really good at helping you narrow down what features matter most to you. Feel free to come back and ask if you're still not pointed in the right direction. =)
Tami (10/14/2006)
First of all Thank you Brenda for your help!!! I appreciate it tons!!! I didn't put in a price range, because I really don't have one set just yet. Seeing as I'm cluess as to what I need, I don't want to lose out on something long lasting and great because I wanted to go the less expensive route. (even tho I am pretty cheap!) :) I have had this Kodak easy share DX4530 (not even knowing if this is a good camera) for about 4 years I think. The only thing that got me looking was the commercial for that Sony cyber shot I mentioned earlier. This got me interested in looking for a new camera because a lot of my pics were blurry in different ways. With all honesty, I don't even know everything my camera does!!! I am kinda simple...I love great pics and memories, but don't necessarily know much about picture taking at this point other than what looks good in the view finder or the screen at that particular moment. Point and shoot I guess. Again, thank you and I am looking forward to any other advice you may have :) !!! Thanks- Tami
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/14/2006)
The Easyshare DX4530 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) really is an excellent camera, with good saturated colors and clear images, especially for the price... really can't beat it for a mid-level beginner's camera. It has more megapixels (and a few more features) than many out there for comparable prices that are a lot harder to use!
With that said, if you do want to upgrade and you're having problems with blur, first narrow down what's causing the blur. You won't be able to take pictures while you're jogging no matter how good your camera is. =) But if the problem is coming from typical camera shake then definitely look into one of the ones mentioned above with image stabilization (preferably Optical).
Just to show you an example, <a href="dcresource.com/reviews/cano... review</a> for the Powershot A710 (mentioned above) shows the difference that image stabilization makes. Click on the link and scroll almost halfway down the page to the two side-by-side pictures of the vitamin bottle. One of them is taken with IS and the other without. Definitely helps with camera shake!
reply to this comment
With that said, if you do want to upgrade and you're having problems with blur, first narrow down what's causing the blur. You won't be able to take pictures while you're jogging no matter how good your camera is. =) But if the problem is coming from typical camera shake then definitely look into one of the ones mentioned above with image stabilization (preferably Optical).
Just to show you an example, <a href="dcresource.com/reviews/cano... review</a> for the Powershot A710 (mentioned above) shows the difference that image stabilization makes. Click on the link and scroll almost halfway down the page to the two side-by-side pictures of the vitamin bottle. One of them is taken with IS and the other without. Definitely helps with camera shake!
what is the general recommended pixel range for domestic use? (koke — 10/13/2006)
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camera? (10/13/2006)
Anything over 5 megapixels will provide high-quality images. Definitely not lower than 5. If you're looking to make prints larger than 4"x6" you may want to head up to 7 megapixel territory.
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how does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 do on battery life? (J-Mo — 10/12/2006)
Battery Life
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Andrew Skinner (10/12/2006)
J-Mo,
The Panasonic DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has a battery life of up to 250 pictures (CIPA Standard) with included AA Oxyrideâ„¢ Batteries. This is taken from the spec page on the Panasonic site ( www2.panasonic.com/webapp/w... ).
Andrew
reply to this comment
The Panasonic DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has a battery life of up to 250 pictures (CIPA Standard) with included AA Oxyrideâ„¢ Batteries. This is taken from the spec page on the Panasonic site ( www2.panasonic.com/webapp/w... ).
Andrew
J-Mo (10/13/2006)
Andrew-
yeah, from the specs page....i want real life experience - how is it really. Thank you for taking time to answer though.
reply to this comment
yeah, from the specs page....i want real life experience - how is it really. Thank you for taking time to answer though.
Brenda Paro (11/29/2006)
Hello,
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer. Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer. Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
J-Mo (01/26/2007)
Hi everyone. I haven't marked any answer as best answer because I only had one answer and I knew that from the spcs page (no offense Andrew). However, to answer my own question (I went ahead and purchased this camera) for those of you considering this camera. The battery life is (so far) has been awesome. Even non-rechargeable batteries work great. One day I noticed that my camera had been left on and the power save was activated. It must have been on for 2 or 3 days. I still had full power batteries. I am very impressed. My old digital...I was lucky to get through one event of picture taking on one set of batteries.
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please recommend a digital camera for my husband who is only used to operating point and shoot cameras, he needs to photograph interiors and buildings. (victoria — 10/12/2006)
simple to operate, needs to be able to zoom in on fireplaces etc.. if a digital slr can be put on an automatic setting maybe this could be an option.
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Joe (10/12/2006)
I would highly recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC lz3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is a fine camera with all the features you need. Plus it is very easy to use and very inexpensive for a digital camera at around $170. Highly reviewed as well.
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Brenda Paro (10/12/2006)
I second the Panasonic. Another good little durable, easy to use camera is the Canon Powershot A610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). The zoom is 4x (compared to the Panasonic's 6x) but it does well in low/ natural light and is extremely effective particularly for its price range.
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (11/29/2006)
Hello,
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer. Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
reply to this comment
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer. Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
spookie (03/12/2007)
i am looking for a cannon automatic
very simple to use point and shoot
digita with a 4x zoom if possible
reply to this comment
very simple to use point and shoot
digita with a 4x zoom if possible
Alan Schamber (03/12/2007)
Hello...
First of all, you should know something about cameras to decide for youself, because that's what you should do.
Any digital camera comes with automatic settings... including DSRLs.
The image quality in interior shots, is defined by two things, depending on each model and brand. In one hand, you've got the sensor size, and the number of pixels (in other words, how big each pixel is...): that determines how much light is going to reach each pixel, so it also determines if noise (or any other image issue) is going to be visible, or not. In the other hand, it's the image processor. Some brands use strong noise reduction, that it reduces noise but also detail. How much noise you want visible, and how much detail you want to preserve, is going to lead you to a brand.
As this is leading you to a study of each model, and each brand itself... and I supose you don't have the time to do it (if not, you would have done it, without asking these guys that don't have anything else to do...) I will recomend you some cameras... the best of each style.
Ultra-Compact: Fujifilm F30.
Point & Shoot: Canon Powershot G7.
Large Zoom Point & Shoot: Fuji S6000 fd.
DSRL, under $600: Pentax K100 D.
DSRL, under $1000: Nikon D80.
I hope this helps you...
Alan.
Note: the fujis are best of it's class, with no discussion because of the high quality sensors (super CCD), while the others can be discussed.
reply to this comment
First of all, you should know something about cameras to decide for youself, because that's what you should do.
Any digital camera comes with automatic settings... including DSRLs.
The image quality in interior shots, is defined by two things, depending on each model and brand. In one hand, you've got the sensor size, and the number of pixels (in other words, how big each pixel is...): that determines how much light is going to reach each pixel, so it also determines if noise (or any other image issue) is going to be visible, or not. In the other hand, it's the image processor. Some brands use strong noise reduction, that it reduces noise but also detail. How much noise you want visible, and how much detail you want to preserve, is going to lead you to a brand.
As this is leading you to a study of each model, and each brand itself... and I supose you don't have the time to do it (if not, you would have done it, without asking these guys that don't have anything else to do...) I will recomend you some cameras... the best of each style.
Ultra-Compact: Fujifilm F30.
Point & Shoot: Canon Powershot G7.
Large Zoom Point & Shoot: Fuji S6000 fd.
DSRL, under $600: Pentax K100 D.
DSRL, under $1000: Nikon D80.
I hope this helps you...
Alan.
Note: the fujis are best of it's class, with no discussion because of the high quality sensors (super CCD), while the others can be discussed.
spookie (03/13/2007)
Allen
Thank you so much for the reply
the cannon power shot SD900 will work out great for me and i will look at the S600FD
Thank you agin for your time
Earlene
reply to this comment
Thank you so much for the reply
the cannon power shot SD900 will work out great for me and i will look at the S600FD
Thank you agin for your time
Earlene
steve mccall (03/13/2007)
I recomend the panasonic fz3 for 4 reasons
1. very good 6x optical zoom
2. optical image stabliser
3 venus engine plus which is designed for use in interiors
4 automatic mode setting such as party and candelight
great for someone who is used to point and shoot
reply to this comment
1. very good 6x optical zoom
2. optical image stabliser
3 venus engine plus which is designed for use in interiors
4 automatic mode setting such as party and candelight
great for someone who is used to point and shoot
Best Bargain Basic Beginner Digital Camera (Brad Watkins — 10/11/2006)
I want to buy a digital camera. I am not a serious photographer and just want something compact and flexible with zoom and good contrast.
reply to this comment
camera? (10/11/2006)
I think you'll find just what you're looking for in these Great Bargains ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and Beginner Camera ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) guides.
Pay special attention to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's got 6x zoom and a 5MP sensor all for under $200. A great deal.
reply to this comment
Pay special attention to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It's got 6x zoom and a 5MP sensor all for under $200. A great deal.
by James DeRuvo (10/11/2006)
Dont' forget DHQs top recommendation - The Kodak Easy Share Line. Particularly, the Easy Share C743. ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
There are many things to like about the Easy Share system. But the thing I like the most is it's undelete capability. You hit the wrong button or delete an image too fast, you get a "do-over!"
For a beginner, that's an important feature.
reply to this comment
There are many things to like about the Easy Share system. But the thing I like the most is it's undelete capability. You hit the wrong button or delete an image too fast, you get a "do-over!"
For a beginner, that's an important feature.
what is the best brand to buy (Cheryl — 10/10/2006)
I am interested in a digital camera and i want to buy the best camera for my money
reply to this comment
Joe (10/11/2006)
Well there really isn't a single "best brand" there are several very high quality brands that are reliable such as Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic.
If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use for a first time buyer and crammed with features for a good price I would have to suggest two cameras to choose from;
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is amazing and it only around $160. It takes 5 megapixel stills which is high enough to print out 8x10 quality photos from a printer and has 6x optical zoom, plus tons of other little tricks to help you take great colorful stills.
Also the Canon a610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great buy wit 6 MP and 4x optical zoom. Takes quality pictures as well.
But really anything in this price range from one of the brands mentioned above is going to be very good quality.
reply to this comment
If you are looking for a camera that is easy to use for a first time buyer and crammed with features for a good price I would have to suggest two cameras to choose from;
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is amazing and it only around $160. It takes 5 megapixel stills which is high enough to print out 8x10 quality photos from a printer and has 6x optical zoom, plus tons of other little tricks to help you take great colorful stills.
Also the Canon a610 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great buy wit 6 MP and 4x optical zoom. Takes quality pictures as well.
But really anything in this price range from one of the brands mentioned above is going to be very good quality.
Cheryl (10/11/2006)
Thanks, That helps alot
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Heinz H in NJ (10/21/2006)
We have both a Panasonic LUMIX DMX-LZ3S (6 x Zoom, image stabilization) and the Canon A610 (4 Zoom, and optical view finder).
The A610 beats the Pansonic hands-down at low light levels. The image stabilization is worth little, since with low light the flash comes on/ is required anyway. Also, the sheer weight of the A610 constitutes "stabilization" of sorts: you will hold the amera steady.
The Panasonic does not have a view finder. Really annoying at low light levels!
Unexpected, the A610 is excellent to photograph documents at low light levels, e.g. checks, letters, other photographs.
If we had to do it again, we would forsake "image stabilization" and buy a 2nd A610.
reply to this comment
The A610 beats the Pansonic hands-down at low light levels. The image stabilization is worth little, since with low light the flash comes on/ is required anyway. Also, the sheer weight of the A610 constitutes "stabilization" of sorts: you will hold the amera steady.
The Panasonic does not have a view finder. Really annoying at low light levels!
Unexpected, the A610 is excellent to photograph documents at low light levels, e.g. checks, letters, other photographs.
If we had to do it again, we would forsake "image stabilization" and buy a 2nd A610.
Cheryl (10/21/2006)
Thanks!
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which camera is easiest to operate for seniors (a camera that is is user friendly) (Mickey — 10/10/2006)
no red eye, adjusts to light, auto zoom, labeled operating buttons on camera . a camera that you can operate without studying a book , yet at a good price
reply to this comment
Joe (10/11/2006)
What you are looking for is called a "point and shoot" camera. I would suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is very easy to use, cheap but still high quality. The features you might be missing out on are for more advance photography that is unneed for the casual user. It is very high reviewed as well.
If you are willing to spend more money I would suggest the Canon a710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is easy to use and it is very powerful. The main benefit of this camera is the Image Stablization which helps keep your pictures free of blur. No camera really has large labeled buttons because smallest is best in the digital camera world it seems but this is the same camera my grandfather has and he doesn't have trouble with the buttons. Basically the important buttons are big so it isn't really a problem for people of any age.
reply to this comment
If you are willing to spend more money I would suggest the Canon a710 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is easy to use and it is very powerful. The main benefit of this camera is the Image Stablization which helps keep your pictures free of blur. No camera really has large labeled buttons because smallest is best in the digital camera world it seems but this is the same camera my grandfather has and he doesn't have trouble with the buttons. Basically the important buttons are big so it isn't really a problem for people of any age.
very simple, and durable/robust, camera for a 6-year old, which? (Hanne Alsen — 10/10/2006)
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
Since all cameras are pretty much easily broken because of the LCD screen, the small moving parts, and the fine glass lenses I would recommend getting a high qulaity camera that is inexpensive. You never know what a 6 year old will do, perhaps do for a swin with the camera or feed it some soup, so the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is what I would suggest getting. It is a great camera and it can take a bit of a beating, but best of all it is cheap for digital cameras.
good luck
reply to this comment
good luck
dirkjanboon (04/19/2008)
it depends how your six year old child is with his or hers things, digital camera are fragille gear and your child should be told to handle it with care , if he or she is not up to handling delicate equipment like a digital camera with care i should wait until he or she is older.
There are few brands that make good camera's panasonic is one of them but also this olympus is a good camera my advice would be go to a great shopping mall and take you child with you see how he or she reacts if you give the camera to the child , some childern know that it is expensive and handle it with care some childern don't the like to play and touch the camera too hard on fragile places like the lcd
reply to this comment
There are few brands that make good camera's panasonic is one of them but also this olympus is a good camera my advice would be go to a great shopping mall and take you child with you see how he or she reacts if you give the camera to the child , some childern know that it is expensive and handle it with care some childern don't the like to play and touch the camera too hard on fragile places like the lcd
what type of dtorage cards does this take (Doc — 10/09/2006)
We know almost nothing about digital cameras. We need to know what type of storage cards, flash cards or whatever they're called this particular camera uses.
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
You need either an SD card or a MMC card. I would go with an SD card because it is the only one you can take movie footage with on this camera. Here is a link ( amazon.com/SanDisk-SDSDB-51... ) to what they look like and where you can buy one. 512mb is a large amount holding hundreds of picture.
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What camera should I buy if I want re chargable batteries and a fast flash? (Flash Delay — 10/09/2006)
I'd like to buy a digital camera that takes pictures quickly (especially with a flash). I have a Canon powershot and it takes a long time for the flash to charge. I also go through AA batteries way to quickly. I would like a camera that has re chargable batteries (preferable a camera with the charger included) and one that takes pictures quickly. Any megapixel over 3 is fine. I don't want to spend more than $200. Can you help?
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
This is the camera you are looking for! The Panasonic Lumix Dmc Lz 3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). It has all the important features, plus it is small, takes 2 AA batts that you can get rechargable AA for that last a long time. But if you have to have a lithum ion batt that has a charger then you should get the Fuji Finepix f20 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) for a few more bucks.
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/03/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
reply to this comment
jhjor (12/07/2006)
Thanks for your speedy response. I can answer your question in one word: black. The icons show across the top, but the background is black. I took a picture and the picture frame showed a black image. When you mention distortion I did have an earlier experience prior to having this black image in viewfinder problem. I would turn on camera, on auto, and found it had streaks (maybe having a problem getting it in focus?), but it did clear up and was successful in getting the picture. It did happen several times during that session. When I opened up to see pictures taken, not all were there. So I guess you could say that "streaks" equal distortion? I thought I did thorough research on digital cameras, but I think there is a "dirty" little secret as to the lack of the life time of these cameras. I did not see one word mentioning that a $400 camera is considered a disposal item! Your advise re investing in new is right on point. I am handy, so I might check out Ebay. Just as I at the end of writing this note, my husband walked in the door and had purchased a Fujifilm Fine Pix F20. I had done some research for the first time at the "DigitalCameraHQ" website and they rated this high and containing "6th generation technology in something I don't remember, but that sounded good to me. If you have time to respond to the black image diagnosis, I would be appreciative. Joanne
reply to this comment
jhjor (12/07/2006)
I just purchased a FujiFilm Finepix F20 with rechargeable Li-on rechargable battery with fast flash start up. But it also has picture stabilization which is an anti-blur mode which is very nice feature Joanne
reply to this comment
ahs1957 (02/22/2007)
I have two Fuji cameras: an A303 (2 AA batteries) and an S5100 (4 AA batteries.) The S5100 flash recovers much more quickly and I attribute that to its having twice the battery capacity. The voltage is also twice as high. As a crude approximation I'd say having a higher voltage in the camera helps make the charge time shorter. when you charge the flash you take energy out of the battery. With 4 AA cells you can get twice the energy while stressing the individual cells no more than when you have 2 AA cells.
The proprietary battery in the F20 is a 5 V battery. It could be expected to recharge quickly, too.
reply to this comment
The proprietary battery in the F20 is a 5 V battery. It could be expected to recharge quickly, too.
What is the best digital camera for a child? (Peggy Sue — 10/09/2006)
The child is a girl who will be nine years old soon. She has no experience with digital photography. Her family has a Mac computer.
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
Basically you want to get a camera that takes quality pictures but is easy to use and durable. Here are a few suggestions for nice cameras that won't break the bank and won't be complicated for a child:
Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Canon A530 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
reply to this comment
Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Canon A530 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
a good beginners digital camera under £165 (jordan — 10/09/2006)
i will use it for taking pictures of people moving alot as well as still life
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great buy for the money. It has a lots of great features like 6x optical zoom and 5 megapixles. It will be perfect for what you like to photograph plus the price is right.
Very highly reviewed camera as well.
Ciao
reply to this comment
Very highly reviewed camera as well.
Ciao
need 5 or more op.zoom & super macro (ray — 10/09/2006)
I need an all purpose camera but must include very close capability for jewelry photos
reply to this comment
Joe (10/10/2006)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) has the zoom you are looking for plus great macro settings. It also has a image stablizattion feature that helps keep those macro shots in focus and free from blur. This is a very important feature when it comes to macro photography.
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what camera is easy to use? (Good-son-in-law — 10/07/2006)
mother-in-law, technologically impaired, wants to buy a digital camera that's easy to use. Any suggestions?
reply to this comment
Joe (10/09/2006)
I would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) it is a very afforadable price (as far as digital cameras go) and it is very easy to use. Plus unlike other easy to use cameras this has a lot of power behind it so just because you are camera impaired you don't have to suffer bad pictures.
If you are will to pay a bit more the Canon Powershot A630 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is easy to use and a great value for the amount of features it has.
Check them both out, see what you are willing to spend. Good luck. They are both excellent cameras.
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If you are will to pay a bit more the Canon Powershot A630 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is easy to use and a great value for the amount of features it has.
Check them both out, see what you are willing to spend. Good luck. They are both excellent cameras.
whats the best basic digital camera for my son who is mentally challenged ? (mary-claire — 10/07/2006)
He wants to post pictures on his myspace page, and needs a simple camera that is also good quality. We don't have a lot of money to spend.
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Joe (10/09/2006)
I would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) you get a lot for your money (about $160) and it is very easy to use. This is the kind of camera that has a good amount of power but not so much that you end up paying for features that you don't even need. This is a very simple, out of the box and shooting type camera.
Send us his myspace page if he ever gets an pictures up I would love to see them.
Good luck
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Send us his myspace page if he ever gets an pictures up I would love to see them.
Good luck
mary-claire (10/09/2006)
Hello!...Thank you SO much for your answer! This sounds perfect. He has'nt got his page up and running yet, but is very excited about it, and is working on it with a vengence!...I will surely send you his page.
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My Cannon powershot S1 can not take stop action shots. There's about a .5 second delay from when you push the botton and win the actual shot is taken. How can I make sure any new camera I buy will take stop action shots? (clyde vickers — 10/07/2006)
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/07/2006)
Hi Clyde,
This delay between when the button is pushed and the shot is taken is known as shutter lag and can sometimes be a problem with digital cameras. You'll want to look for a new camera with as short a shutter lag time as possible. A few good ones to look at:
-Panasonic FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (high end price range but shutter lag of fractions of a second)
-Kodak Easyshare DX6440 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Also, more high-end DSLRs (thousand-dollar price range and such) will have much less shutter lag than a typical point and shoot.
Another quick tip- prepare yourself to take the shot by half-depressing the shutter button before the "action shot" is ready. Half-depressing the button will frame the shot but not take the picture. Then when the action really happens, push the button down the rest of the way. This will eliminate a lot of problems with shutter lag because the delay is being caused partially by the shot framing, so get that out of the way before you actually take the picture.
reply to this comment
This delay between when the button is pushed and the shot is taken is known as shutter lag and can sometimes be a problem with digital cameras. You'll want to look for a new camera with as short a shutter lag time as possible. A few good ones to look at:
-Panasonic FZ50 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) (high end price range but shutter lag of fractions of a second)
-Kodak Easyshare DX6440 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
Also, more high-end DSLRs (thousand-dollar price range and such) will have much less shutter lag than a typical point and shoot.
Another quick tip- prepare yourself to take the shot by half-depressing the shutter button before the "action shot" is ready. Half-depressing the button will frame the shot but not take the picture. Then when the action really happens, push the button down the rest of the way. This will eliminate a lot of problems with shutter lag because the delay is being caused partially by the shot framing, so get that out of the way before you actually take the picture.
clyde vickers (10/08/2006)
Wow! Thanks Brenda. I'll try the tip of 1/2 depressing the button. Is shutter lag a specification that the manufacture denotes in the same manner as megapixels etc?
Clyde
reply to this comment
Clyde
Brenda Paro (10/08/2006)
Hi Clyde,
If the shutter lag is good (i.e. fast), then the manufacturer will often time it and advertise it, but it's not a set specification (at least, not a public one). For the most part it is camera reviewers that put the camera through field tests and publish the results, including shutter lag.
If you're curious about lag on a certain camera, try going to www.google.com and searching for the name of the camera and the words "shutter lag." You should be able to find lots of reviews and responses that will tell you how well the camera performs in that area.
reply to this comment
If the shutter lag is good (i.e. fast), then the manufacturer will often time it and advertise it, but it's not a set specification (at least, not a public one). For the most part it is camera reviewers that put the camera through field tests and publish the results, including shutter lag.
If you're curious about lag on a certain camera, try going to www.google.com and searching for the name of the camera and the words "shutter lag." You should be able to find lots of reviews and responses that will tell you how well the camera performs in that area.
which cameras offer the lithium ion battery....I hate using AA batteries (CH — 10/07/2006)
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Gail Pheister (10/07/2006)
i just bought my sister the sony DVD105 camcorder. it has the lithium ion battery and they are dropping in price. they do stills or video and burns it on a mini-disk or you can dump to computer, usb i think. she loves it. came with an extra lithium ion battery and charger when i ordered the bag too.
reply to this comment
Gail Pheister (10/07/2006)
i just bought my sister the sony DVD105 camcorder. it has the lithium ion battery and they are dropping in price. they do stills or video and burns it on a mini-disk or you can dump to computer, usb i think. she loves it. came with an extra lithium ion battery and charger when i ordered the bag too.
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tharrison (10/07/2006)
AA vs propritary Lithium is a love-hate thing. Travelers love AA, others like lithium. Most camera makers like lithium for two reasons: 1) they can make them in a size and shape that fits their camera, and 2) they get more moeny as they wear out after a while and need to be replaced.
Look at the specs of the cameras you're interested in; we almost always list the kind of battery they use. The Canon A series mostly use AA, so you can stay away from those, and some Kodaks use AA. Otherwise most cameras use Lithium
reply to this comment
Look at the specs of the cameras you're interested in; we almost always list the kind of battery they use. The Canon A series mostly use AA, so you can stay away from those, and some Kodaks use AA. Otherwise most cameras use Lithium
How much is it? (April — 10/06/2006)
How much would this camera cost?
reply to this comment
Brenda Paro (10/06/2006)
Hi April,
This camera is retailing at 179.99 at Circuit City and at similar prices at other places. Take a look at the reviews page for it ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and there are "merchant offers" listed down the right-hand side with prices and links to buy.
reply to this comment
This camera is retailing at 179.99 at Circuit City and at similar prices at other places. Take a look at the reviews page for it ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and there are "merchant offers" listed down the right-hand side with prices and links to buy.
how much does a nikon S7c cost? (12/10/2006)
a circut city it is 179.00
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why is my lumix dmc-lz3 taking three pictures at a time? (Shayna Gersher — 10/06/2006)
I think the problem is linked to the memory card flashing red with a red arrow through it? I don't know what that means.
reply to this comment
camera? (10/06/2006)
You have the camera in Burst Mode. The button on the lower right hand side of the camera should have what looks like 3 sheets of paper above it. There should also be that same icon on the LCD display. Press the button until the icon on the display disappears.
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steady shot digital camera below 350 dollars (thetoe — 10/06/2006)
hi, could i find a digital camera having less than one second shutter lag time with minimum 3x optical zoom and 5 MP density, having steady shot feature. I repeat, "Steady Shot Feature".
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (10/06/2006)
There are lots of cameras that support your specifications. The Nikon Coolpix S6 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) are just a couple. You can browse by price or by MegaPixel capability on the left hand side of the Digital Camera HQ ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) site as well.
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can it shoot wide angels (ed — 10/05/2006)
need wide angle lens to shoot swimming pools
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camera? (10/05/2006)
It does not appear that the Panasonic LZ3 is capable of wide angle shots.
You can find a helpful list of Wide-Angle cameras in this helpful article ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). There are plenty of great cameras that will suit your needs.
Hope this helps.
reply to this comment
You can find a helpful list of Wide-Angle cameras in this helpful article ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). There are plenty of great cameras that will suit your needs.
Hope this helps.
how much is shipping? (Mandy — 10/05/2006)
reply to this comment
camera? (10/05/2006)
The shipping const for the Panasonic DMC-LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) will depend on which merchant you buy it from. If you click the merchant links on the LZ3 product page, you should see how much each will charge you for shipping.
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is konaki a trusted brand to buy? if so, is is mac compatible (aaron LaVigne — 10/04/2006)
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Joe (10/08/2006)
It is mac compatable but no it really isn't a trusted brand. If you are looking for a great affordable camera you would be much better off with the Panasonic DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). This camera has a lot of great features and it will last you much longer than a second rate brand, TRUST ME.
Ciao!
reply to this comment
Ciao!
Are there any reasonably priced digital cameras with a flash that will fire instantly instead of having to energize first? (Curtis Price — 10/01/2006)
reply to this comment
Joe (10/04/2006)
For cameras in the lower price range there will always be a bit of flash charge time but most are quite minimal. The Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) is a great cheap camera with a quick flash.
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I want to take a picture at my son's basketball game inside the gym (Stephanie — 10/01/2006)
I want a camara that can take pictures inside the school gyms
reply to this comment
Joe (10/04/2006)
Most all new cameras are up to this duty, but I am assuming you want a camera that can capture the action. So I would have to recommend either the Sony W100 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) because of its burst shot feature (meaning it takes a series of shots quickly in a row to capture action) and its great flash.
Or the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Check out the reviews on each and see which best fits your budget and feature desires.
reply to this comment
Or the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Check out the reviews on each and see which best fits your budget and feature desires.
Joe (11/28/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you havent marked any replies as the best answer. Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on Digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck.
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what is the best camera for e-bay (max — 10/01/2006)
what is the best camera to make pictures for e-bay???
reply to this comment
Joe (10/04/2006)
Well really any camera made in the last 5 years would be fine because ebay photos are pretty limited. I would suggest the Panasonic Lumix DMC LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) because it is a great very inexpensive camera that is perfect for what you are trying to do. Plus it is a well rounded camera as well so you aren't limited to just ebay photos. Very highly reviewed.
reply to this comment
Joe (11/28/2006)
Hi, I noticed that you havent marked any replies as the best answer. Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on Digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck
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Which is the best camera in 5-6 megapixel cateogary? (Shubham — 09/27/2006)
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camera? (09/27/2006)
I'd say probably the Canon SD700 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ) or the Panasonic LZ3 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ).
You can find out what 5 and 6 MP cameras are the highest rated by checking the 5 and 6 MP sections here:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
reply to this comment
You can find out what 5 and 6 MP cameras are the highest rated by checking the 5 and 6 MP sections here:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
can you recommend me to buy the best digital camera with the price below $200? (eda — 09/26/2006)
reply to this comment
eda (09/26/2006)
I have no answer!!!! I want you to help me...can you help me??please...
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camera? (09/26/2006)
Hi there!
You can find our listing of under $200 cameras here ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
I'd personall suggest the Panasonic LZ3, or Fuji FinePix F470. Check them out:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
reply to this comment
You can find our listing of under $200 cameras here ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )
I'd personall suggest the Panasonic LZ3, or Fuji FinePix F470. Check them out:
digitalcamera-hq.com/digita...
Does Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 use an SD card? (anonymous — 09/26/2006)
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camera? (09/26/2006)
Yes, it does.
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Which compact digital? (jane m — 08/07/2006)
I have a budget about one hundred pounds to buy slim cool digital camera. for cool 15 yr old dude.need viewfinder as well as lcd. He needs to do close up work photographing his artwork. Could push budget a bit...about 5/6m pixels I imagine.. please advise
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Re: Which compact digital? (tharrison — 08/07/2006)
Jane --
The viewfinder is getting to be a thing of the past on the ultra-compact models; they need to replicate the optics of the real cameras lens, and take up room that could otherwise be used for the new larger LCD screens (and cost more). And viewfinders are so "2005", that any self-respecting 15-year-old dude would think you were trying to pawn off some pre-historic junk on him :-).
But the close-up of art part makes for a real challenge. For this, you probably want a camera with a longer-than-average zoom (4x or even more), and you really need to be able to focus carefully, so manual focus is probably a good idea. The thing is, manual focus is sometimes implemented through the LCD, not through an actual optical viewfinder. This means you need good eyesight and a large screen.
So are you sure you need the viewfinder? A really big LCD screen (2-1/2" or better) are what's hot these days. They are not as fast as a real viewfinder, which can make careful composition of fast-action shots hard, but for art and closeups, they are really quite good.
Consider the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Nikon S6</a>. Review, as with most of Nikon's non SLR models are mixed, but it's got a large screen, and needs no wires to download to the computer (cool, baby). People are not thrilled with Nikons -- I wonder if this is just because they have such a great name for themselves with SLRs. Then again, we have watched them put out ho-hum cameras for the last few years; this one is one of the first to suggest they are able to do something different and interesting.
Panasonic, the least cool brand in history, has a pretty well-respected camera line, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Panasonic DMC LZ3</a> is getting pretty good reviews. It's got a longer zoom, which is a good thing. But Panasonic? Yes, they make really good cameras, but their image (pun, sorry) may not be so great with teens.
Pentax also does a good job with small digitals, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Pentax M10</a> might fit your requirements. It has a larger screen and manual and auto-focus modes. If only it had more zoom...
Maybe someone else has some other ideas! I haven't actually used any of these cameras, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Tom
reply to this comment
Jane --
The viewfinder is getting to be a thing of the past on the ultra-compact models; they need to replicate the optics of the real cameras lens, and take up room that could otherwise be used for the new larger LCD screens (and cost more). And viewfinders are so "2005", that any self-respecting 15-year-old dude would think you were trying to pawn off some pre-historic junk on him :-).
But the close-up of art part makes for a real challenge. For this, you probably want a camera with a longer-than-average zoom (4x or even more), and you really need to be able to focus carefully, so manual focus is probably a good idea. The thing is, manual focus is sometimes implemented through the LCD, not through an actual optical viewfinder. This means you need good eyesight and a large screen.
So are you sure you need the viewfinder? A really big LCD screen (2-1/2" or better) are what's hot these days. They are not as fast as a real viewfinder, which can make careful composition of fast-action shots hard, but for art and closeups, they are really quite good.
Consider the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Nikon S6</a>. Review, as with most of Nikon's non SLR models are mixed, but it's got a large screen, and needs no wires to download to the computer (cool, baby). People are not thrilled with Nikons -- I wonder if this is just because they have such a great name for themselves with SLRs. Then again, we have watched them put out ho-hum cameras for the last few years; this one is one of the first to suggest they are able to do something different and interesting.
Panasonic, the least cool brand in history, has a pretty well-respected camera line, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Panasonic DMC LZ3</a> is getting pretty good reviews. It's got a longer zoom, which is a good thing. But Panasonic? Yes, they make really good cameras, but their image (pun, sorry) may not be so great with teens.
Pentax also does a good job with small digitals, and the <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... target="_blank">Pentax M10</a> might fit your requirements. It has a larger screen and manual and auto-focus modes. If only it had more zoom...
Maybe someone else has some other ideas! I haven't actually used any of these cameras, so take my words with a grain of salt.
Tom
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 2.0 out of 5
Just died
(jeanne winsky — 01/24/2009)
I recieved this camera as a gift about 1 1/2 years ago. Camera was working great. Loved it. Then all of a sudden the screen went black. Thinking that I might have pushed a button on the menu that did something to cause the "black out" I had my camera friend look at it. Friend looked at it and said that there was dirt on the lense internally. I needed to get a hold of the company and get it replaced. Back to it as a gift. I have no bill of sale. So therefore no warrenty.. Was told that I had to send in with camera $52 for diagnosis fee. Then was told the starting rate for repairs is an additional $111. Operator told me that the fees would cover the shipping and handling. So nice of her. So the total for repairs would be equal to purchasing a new one. This is a no brainer. Any one want a broken camera????
- 5.0 out of 5
Love It!
(J-Mo — 08/16/2007)
I find it this camera to be awesome. It is a decent size, the pictures are nice, it is user friendly, and the battery life....I give it a 10. I dont know how many times I have found that the camera was accidently left on and the batteries still good! It has an auto-"sleep" mode which is awesome. For an low cost digital, this is the way to go! I have been very happy with it.
- 5.0 out of 5
Love It
(Thor — 07/12/2007)
I really like this camera. The photo quality is excellent and the 6x optical zoom was much better than anything else in its price range. Some have expressed concerns with it's durability, but mine has survived several drops, most recently a 4 foot drop onto my concrete garage floor 2 days ago. Wish that the video had sound, but I didn't buy it for recording video clips, so that's not too important to me. All in all a great camera and easy to use.
- 5.0 out of 5
I love it!
(Erol Palmer — 06/14/2007)
This camera is awesome!Some people don't like it because the have not read the instructions fully. It has a ton of features!
- 3.0 out of 5
Love-hate camera
(Peter — 02/20/2007)
The 'anti-jiggle' tech is very good. Camera is compact and easy to use. Lots of nice features. I can't live with 'no sound with video' and no view-finder.
- 2.0 out of 5
Turn the camera off and on again message is driving me nuts!
(Margaret — 02/10/2007)
I really like my camera EXCEPT when it keeps asking me to turn it off and on again, and it won't turn it back on for up to an hour. I just can't rely on it. It's random and doesn't always happen, or may not happen for about 500 shots, then it starts doing it again with a vengeance! I haven't been able to get it fixed or find out why it is doing this. I've tried all sorts of things, eg different batteries, memory cards, different settings, to no avail. Any help would be most appreciated
- 3.0 out of 5
Nice pictures, but like carrying around an egg
(Don — 02/03/2007)
This camera takes great pictures for the price, but one little bump and it's shot! Mine tumbled about 16 inches off a chair and landed on a thick carpet and the lens will no longer retract and a constant error message of "turn camera off then back on again" appears on the screen. Physical damage not covered under warranty. Spoke with someone else who purchased this camera and it broke while walking around with it in a case. Works nice, but keep it in a bullet proof container!
- 3.0 out of 5
Fragile Camera
(Nick Shadle — 01/31/2007)
I absolutely loved this camera. It was the first camera that I actually took time to learn inside and out. This camera took some awesome pictures. I even shot a music video with it.
(To view the video visit: www.youtube.com/thepsychonubs)
Then one day it just stopped working. The lens won't retract and anytime I try to do anything with it I get an error message saying "Please turn camera off and then on again"
Good camera, but fragile. The cost to get it repaired is almost as much as a new one.
I'm pissed I gotta ditch this camera...
- 3.0 out of 5
Awesome but fragile
(J.M. — 01/18/2007)
The camera is so awesome that I cried when it broke so soon after purchase. It is slippery
- 5.0 out of 5
excelent compact camera
(Vali — 12/30/2006)
Hi! I own this camera for almost 6 months. It's an excelent camera in it's segment, i allready took many pictures with it and i'm trully satisfied. I love the big zoom range and details that photos has. I recommend it camera to all beginners, and i can say that only disavantage for me is that it hasn't manual modes (such as for shutter an aperture priority). Have fun with it!
- 3.0 out of 5
Shucks
(Kendi Cumberbatch — 12/27/2006)
Just got my camera and the features seem great but I do think that it is a bit misleading to say that it records in movie mode when it doesn't record sound. While it is not a camcorder it would have been fun to record those short fun clips some times.
- 5.0 out of 5
Wow, Am VERY impressed!!
(Don H. — 12/23/2006)
I bought this camera today on an impulse at Best Buy. I returned home and started testing it out (primarily the macro function, to take pictures of my error coin collection), and I can't believe the detail that this camera can pick out! I don't even have a light, I just used the flash.
- 5.0 out of 5
Lumix 5 Megapix
(Wolfgang — 12/20/2006)
Awesome camera! still learning all of the available functions. Takes good movies too, but I thought it would record sound when I made the purchase, oh well. Over all a very good digi-cam!
- 1.0 out of 5
Panasonic Lumix
(Gilmore — 12/06/2006)
The digitals went and the warranty was voided because they said it was physical damage. No way. Will never purchase another panasonic camera again because they do not stand behind the product. The camera was used on a vacation and broke, BETWEEN PICTURES, while being carried. It was a very hot day. Maybe the heat?? Even so, that is a manufacturing flaw. Spent too much money.
- 5.0 out of 5
Great 2nd Camera
(William Y — 12/04/2006)
I own a large DSLR and wanted a small camera to take on business trips. This camera is a gem. Easy to use, great ergonomics and great results. Manual is crystal clear, providing detailed instructions on the vast number of options. You can't go wrong.
- 2.0 out of 5
Great picture until unit stop working.
(Al — 11/26/2006)
Best camera I owned do far. Easy to use. Good pictures. But all of a sudden one day It started putting white horizontal lines across the whole photos, making photos completely useless. Tried every thing in the menu, no avail. Contacted Panasonic, but they say it will be covered only for parts, I have to pay both way shipping + labor!!!
- 5.0 out of 5
FABULOUS!
(Stacy Soderborg — 11/08/2006)
I love this camera! It is so easy to use. When looking at cameras too many of them were very complicated. I highly recomend this camera. Great picture quality.
- 4.0 out of 5
thanks for the reviews
(elleon713 — 11/04/2006)
first, thank you to all the reviewers who helped us purchase our second digital camera. after reading the reviews at cnet.com i had dispared of finding a good quality camera under $200. but, on the suggestion of another reviewer i looked on this site and i could not have been more impressed by the degree and competence of the reviewers. so, again thank you.
the camera, on first inspection, feels solid. buttons are arranged comfortably so holding the camera does not become an exercise in finger contortions even with its small size and shape. the lcd screen is the menu button, zoom, mode dial and optical image stabilizer button are well configured for comfortable manipulation while shooting.
the operators manual does a fine job of explaining the basic layout of the camera as well as the many options available for taking pictures. although, i dont know when i will require a specific mode for food or fireworks photographs but who knows.
the camera was easy to take out of the box and use from the first. and, i was taking pictures, changing the default settings and enjoying the camera within twenty minutes of taking it out of the box.
a note to perspective buyers: invest in a memory card from the first. the built in memory only saves about 14 pictures.
also, because of the camera's small size, plastic frame and obvious lcd screen you may want to grab a camera case before leaving the store. i love the feel of this camera but i do notice myself worrying about my three year old grabbing it when i set it down on the table.
thanks again for all the reviews, you made this an easy and painless purchase.
- 5.0 out of 5
Best deal for max features
(owen — 10/27/2006)
The LZ3 is rare in that it offers a high optical zoom of 6x, an image stabilizer, and 1600 ISO capability for low light, all for around $160. Any other camera with these high quality features will typically run for $250-$300. I appreciate its compact design because most with 6x optical zoom are significantly larger. I like that it uses AA batteries as well because I hate running out of battery in the middle of the day and having no backup. Lithium ions ($50 and up) are too expensive to buy extras. I travel often and this camera has adapted well to all the various conditions. If you are a student like me, every dollar counts! This camera gives you every feature you want short of an SLR and it does it all for about half the cost of comparable models from Canon or Olympus. If you can find it for about $160, it's the best compact digital around today.
- 5.0 out of 5
do it!
(Alec — 10/09/2006)
ok for six months i am very happy with my purchase of my camera. with all the setups and do hickeys you can do on this camera it willgive you a heart attack. should be well over 200 dollars but take advantage ang get this camera great pics
- 5.0 out of 5
Best Value on Market Today
(Sean Riggs — 09/12/2006)
After doing extensive research, I concluded that this camera was the best value out there - 5 megapixels, 6x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, only 2 AA batteries - all for $170. After 7 weeks of use (this is my 2nd digital camera), I am convinced I made the right decision. Picture and design quality are excellent.
- 5.0 out of 5
Great pictures and features.
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
Easy to use and to download onto computer. Comes with usb cable. Uses 2 AA batteries. Batteries only last a few days. Had to get recharable batteries and recharger. Does not have viewfinder.
- 5.0 out of 5
First Digital Camera Purchased
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
First digtal camera ever owned. Really think it Is truly a beginners camera for sure! Lots of simple to understand features . The instruction booklet is very user friendly. Although short time owner heard about some cameras that do not live up to the "hype". Bought this at Circut City along with other PC goodies.
Very happy Owner.
- 4.0 out of 5
Does everything that I need
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
Picture quality is good. Features and ease of use all good. I'd buy it again. (In fact I am — I lost mine and miss it)
- 5.0 out of 5
Awsome
(Jason — 02/15/2006)
We recently went on a trip to Disneyland, and every picture we took were excellent. The stabilizer was a life saver because we were not always able to be perfectly still while taking pictures. It was really great that our pictures taken on the rides or of our party on the rides in sports mode were very clear.
