Confused

[btkh2001]

Hi,

I'm new in digital photography and is seriously considering getting a reasonably good digital camera (doesn't want to upgrade reguarly). I like to take nature photos or just about anything which is interesting.

I have read a fair bit on Canon S30, S40 & G2. Recently, my friend recommended me to consider Pentax Optio 330RS (or 430RS). Now, I'm really confused and simply cannot decide which one to buy. Any suggestion?



BT

[ken-w]

btkh2001 wrote:
I have read a fair bit on Canon S30, S40 & G2. Recently, my friend recommended me to consider Pentax Optio 330RS (or 430RS). Now, I'm really confused and simply cannot decide which one to buy. Any suggestion?


Welcome to the wonderful confusing world of digital cameras. The first thing I would suggest is to make a list of what you really want in a digital camera and then shortlist it to what you can afford (for instance, my camera wants would have meant a digital SLR, but my digital affords led me eventually to the G1). At the time, I had been looking at cameras from both Nikon and Olympus (I'm an Olympus SLR user), but an achilles heel of both at the time is that they didn't accept standard Type II compact flash cards - i.e. the IBM Microdrive.

I've found that lots of storage space is a must, because if you don't have it, you'll tend to start shooting at lower size or resolution (to save storage space) compromising the quality of your photos.

But there are many other features, macro capability, external flash, rotatable viewfinder, etc. Some people want to take mini-movies, others don't care. Some want to be able to hook the camera to a TV for a slideshow, others don't care for this feature. If you shortlist to what you really want then the choice becomes less confusing.

There are excellent camera review sites on the web, some of the best include: www.dpreview.com , www.steves-digicams.com , www.dcresource.com , www.imaging-resource.com

I did about 3 months of research before buying the G1 and I've never regretted the decision, a wonderful camera. When I eventually retire it I hope that digital SLRs will be in the consumer affordable range.

[Braveheart]

I was just as confused as you and purchased a 2 MP camera, PANASONIC. After taking a few pics I didnt like the image quallity and returned the camera for a refund. I then went out and got myself a G2, after clicking a few with my new G2, I am in love with it.

It's a great camera, good for newbies like myself and for more advanced photographers. With G2 you have plenty of room to advance and do things manually, instead of just point and shoot in auto mode.

Also, with arrival of G3, prices for G2 are dropping.

[mjmcgarry]

In addition to writing down your needs (simple vs lots of features; email only vs printing 8x10s), search for articles that compare digital cameras of the same category.

Just before I decided on the G2, PC Magazine ran an article comparing the G2 with other 3-4 MP cameras including Sony, Olympus, Nikkon, etc. I found the G2 had more of what I needed/wanted than the others. I was also partially influenced by my father who owns a D30 and G2.

Best advice, research and if you get a chance - test drive.

- Michael

[btkh2001]

Hi folks,

Thanks for all your advice. Deep inside, I'm all for the G2 and your advice reinforce my desire for this wonderful.


Cheers
BT