Specific New Camera Wanted

[davidlomax]

I know this is a little similar to numerous other posts, but I non of them seemed to meet my requirements exactly, so here goes,

I am looking for a digital camera. I know NOTHING about photography, so I want a auto EVERYTHING. The camera must have 5m pixels (for publishing reasons) and be reasonably small. My final requirement is for a rapid 'shutter' repsonse time for taking action shots. I have a friend who is a keen mountinbike photographer, he has endless problems with the time period between pressing the button and the 'shutter' operating. Quick is good.

Finally, I dont have much cash and am looking for a good deal rather than state of the art technology (I Think!!). Any ideas?

Many Thanks,

Dave

[Margus]

Every digital has auto-mode available on all price ranges, no prob.

If not much money to spend - even the cheaper known ones (Nikon, Canon, Olympus etc) will perform well. Newer models of Nikon and Olypmus "feel" much quicker on "auto-mode" than older models judging from my practice. Just try them on the shop.

Margus

[This message has been edited by Margus (edited 07 May 2005).]

[Grant Johnson]

I agree with Margus, newer models are MUCH better on response time. I have a Canon A95 and an SD300 and both are good.

Auto-everything is indeed on all models, so what you need to look at is zoom - FORGET digital zoom - it's total BS - the only thing that matters is optical zoom, and size and battery life. Again newer models have much better life. So if you want good battery life, and short response time - and I agree you do - then you aren't going to get a bargain. The £50-100 you might save getting a less capable camera is nothing compared to the cost of the trip, so stop worrying about a deal and get the right one. Also get at least a couple of 1gb cards.

Finally, the MOST important thing of all - take a course in Composition! The best camera in the world can take a perfectly exposed picture - but the picture is still crap if you don't point in the right direction - and there's far more to it than you think.

A few hours in a composition course will reap you huge rewards.

For some real basics, come to my one hour composition lecture at the HU UK Meeting in June.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[davidlomax]

Ok, so I dont want a cheap and nasty camera, and I do want to spend an extra £50-100 to get somwthing decent. Can anyone give me a couple of models to look at to get myself started so that I have some idea what range I am in. Are you models you own good examples Grant?

Oh, and I'll be at the photo composition lecture!!!

Cheers,

Dave

[vagabond]

Take a look here.

[Grant Johnson]

I'm happy with both Canons - the SD300 is the perfect shirtpocket camera, and the A series wins lots of reviews. Match the exact model with your budget.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com