Camera for log photos

Daniel S. · #1 04-02-2012, 10:57 PM

Hey guys.
What seems to be the best "economical" camer for log photos and all around use?. I've beenusing a combination of a Cannon powershot SD770 IS (which is old)and my cell (new droid razr) I can't seem to get good quality shots with either they seem to be gainy or out of focus, or washed out. I'm getting frusterated and about to go out and buy a new camera for my project log.

thanks

Jerry Cochran · #2 04-02-2012, 11:28 PM

I always have my iPhone with me anyway so usually just use it. Simple controls, take time to focus accurately. About as easy and less cumbersome than "real" cameras....

Bob Axsom · #3 04-03-2012, 12:40 AM

A good camera is well worth the money for all of your applications like vacations as well as build log photos. I started with a Minolta XD11 film camera many years ago and it is still good but I read about Doug Reeves Cannon XT and I think he is pretty serious about his photography so I bought a Cannon Rebel XT and it has been very effective in producing nice clear and sharp focused images. I think we paid around $800 for it. There will come a time when that is all you have left and you want good quality.

Bob Axsom

Danny7 · #4 04-03-2012, 01:33 AM

I have an older model, but the power shot 710 takes excellent pictures. The newer model is the 720, but they are both discontinued. review here. it is discontinued but you can still get them, around $75 for a decent one: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...2E/ref=lh_ni_t

Kyle Boatright · #5 04-03-2012, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny7

I have an older model, but the power shot 710 takes excellent pictures. The newer model is the 720, but they are both discontinued. review here. it is discontinued but you can still get them, around $75 for a decent one: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...2E/ref=lh_ni_t

Excellent recommendation. A relatively inexpensive camera which takes good pictures and which you won't worry too much about when you leave it in the shop 24/7.

The smart phone suggestion is a good one too.

flion · #6 04-03-2012, 07:25 AM

I've been using a Sony Cyber-shot for years. My current one is a model DSC-H55. It has a few features I really appreciate. Like all digital cameras, you can take a large number of pictures without worrying about running out of film. This lets you experiment with settings to get good shots, though the automatic settings are usually good. Sometimes in tight or busy locations I have to turn the auto-focus off and at other times I have to manually call for the flash.

One feature in a digital camera that is important is optical zoom. Optical zoom is better quality than digital zoom. Most digicams have both but the optical is what matters when you are shopping.

The Cyber-shot also uses an SD card for storing pictures. No more wires or running the camera while downloading pictures; just pop out the card and stick it in the port on your computer (most modern computers, especially laptops, have card-reader slots built in). I purchased the largest capacity card my camera would take and a spare battery and charger, too. The card holds hundreds of hi-res pictures and the battery is good for hours; I have yet to run out of either unless I forget to put a freshly-charged battery in when I go to the shop.

larrynew · #7 04-03-2012, 07:53 AM

Canon Power Shot that I bought used online. Works well but the most important feature I'll look for with my next is compatibility with an Eye-Fi card. It's an SD card with a built-in wifi antenna. Automatically sends pics and videos where you select. I send them to my computer hard drive and to my online Picassa web album. The cards are inexpensive with no fees or subscription. Other features are nice like automatic purging of photos that have been confirmed transfered to maintain a selectable percentage of free memory on the card. Of course, the capability will probably be in a new camera.

RVG8tor · #8 04-03-2012, 07:59 AM

I have the Power Shot A620, 7.1 Mega Pixel with 4x optical zoom. It has been a great camera. I have dropped it many times and it just hangs on. Just at SnF I dropped it and a button fell off, snapped the button back in place an back in business.

The most important feature I want in a camera like this is the batteries, I want them to take normal everyday batteries. I don't like having to put the camera on a charger when I travel and trust me I have forgotten the charger. I find it is more difficult to find a camera that does not require it's own charger. I hang on to this old thing for just that reason. A set of 4 AA batteries gets me a couple of month use.

When you are in the shop and you need the picture to post to VAF with a question, you sure don't want to have to wait on the camera to charge up.

Cheers

drycreek · #9 04-03-2012, 08:03 AM

I have an Canon ELPH 300 HS. It currently runs for about $170. It takes the best pictures outdoors like most cameras do, but it is okay indoors. The nice thing is I have it with me all the time, because of its size. Check out my blog for the pictures taken with it. All the pictures on the first page were taken with it, save the last one.

shuttle · #10 04-03-2012, 08:09 AM

I agree with the recommendation to go for powerful optical zoom capabilities.

I've had many years good service from a Panasonic DMC TZ7 and got my wife a TZ8 for her birthday several years back which has worked well too. All of the pictures I've ever posted on VAF were taken with my TZ7. Models later than these have even more powerful zooms. The TZ20 has 16x zoom, 14Mpixel sensor, full HD movie plus GPS!

Only shortcoming is the lack of a viewfinder. The LCD screens are good but can be a little problematic in bright sunny conditions.

I think the Panasonic DMC TZ range many be called the DMC ZS range in the USA. Latest models may not meet your "economical" price category but you may find a good deal on ebay for one of the earlier models (new or refurb).