Canon A400 is a good buy [Archive] - United Subang Jaya Web Forum

LXDGRT

04-10-2004, 06:32 PM

Not bad lah but too still too bulky. And 3.1 MegaPixel is still no shiok when you wanna take a subject who just happens to be too far away.

A 4.1 is really great. I just crop off the unwanted areas and I will have a close up of the subject.

For that, for real budget purpose, I prefer the Sony VX Smartzoom DSC P43. Only RM900+ with Stand, Carry Bag, 4 rechargeable batteries.

Size is much smaller (If you pay more you can get even thinner ones). I just put into into the Spiderman Wrist Pouch which I 'borrowed' from my daughter and off I go on a 'shooting spree'.

And yunno what? There are unbelievable lots of features inside which if you care to explore, you will find it.

Then there is no slide covers which will eventually spoil quite quickly. They are impractical. This one has a small button which you have to 'purposely' switch on or off.

I also like it because I use Sony Videocam, Sony Clie PDA, Sony Erisson handphone, etc. And that is where I can transfer images and information all over the place. Shiok man: Especially when I Zoom into the images on my PDA!

fRaNkY

05-10-2004, 05:26 PM

I know what you are saying and I have a Sony P092 which now is still selling about RM13XX and it is a 5.0mp DSC camera.

But, How many pictures can you take on a 4.1mp camera on a 16mb card that comes with it? Or did you buy a 256mb card that cause you another RM150+++?

If u buy the sony adapter, you can even access to a range of filters and zoom lenses (teleconverter) for 30mm, 37mm and 38mm size mount which was produce for the use by video cameras and other digital cameras. The accesories mentioned int the booklet. You can get most of the mentioned accessories at KLCC Sony Wing store.

If you want to zoom and take faraway things, perhaps you should consider a Digital SLR cameras like Canon 300D(<RM3299), Canon 10D, Canon 1D or Nikon ranges. You can use canon of EF range of zoom lenses or nikkor lenses.

What I mentioned is, it is a compact, budget and easy to use camera for Newbies.

LXDGRT

05-10-2004, 10:35 PM

Actually I already had a 64 and 128mb Memory Stick which I use for my PDA, so no big deal lah - more so since I can store mixed data. And then I can view and edit my pixes on my PDA.

As for SLR, ....ooooh.... I just love SLRs. I have 3 analog ones. I stayed away from Digital SLRs because the lenses were not interchangeable then.

Now....if there are affordable Digital SLRs with interchangeable lens, I will seriously consider.

Now.....anybody want my P43?

fRaNkY

06-10-2004, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by LXDGRT

Now....if there are affordable Digital SLRs with interchangeable lens, I will seriously consider.

Canon says you can exchange (zoom) EF lenses from analogue to digital. I havent tried. Maybe I will try it tonight. Will let you know if it works.

I am keeping my P092 for daily use. Cant lug the big heavy SLR daily.

fRaNkY

08-10-2004, 10:33 AM

Yup its working. Tried 2 analogue canon lenses with the 300D and it works as advertised.

LXDGRT

10-10-2004, 11:14 PM

Fantastic! Now how much is that SLR Digital Camera?

I do carry the P43 digital camera for my family pictures but when it come to "Shots To Keep" I would still use my Analog SLR because it captures what I really want (until such time I upgrade to the Digital SLR, of course).

fRaNkY

12-10-2004, 11:29 AM

The 300D is about RM3300 without CF card. Comes with a lense, Body, Battery, Charger, Strap, Adobe, Stitch software, USB cables, Video cable.

You can get it from USJ Summit - Bintang Maju or sumthing like that.
Next to the Stage in G Flr. Well, if you cant get that price. Let me know. :D

I will send you Canon EOS range of accessories file. As file too big cannot attach :mad: cheers!

RJBrown

14-10-2004, 11:28 AM

fRaNkY

15-10-2004, 09:17 AM

The answer is obvious. DIGITAL :p

Based on the purchasing trend among my friends and myself it is DIGITAL camera. Especially, when the prices had dropped.

The camera shops also told me that they are lucky if they can sell one Analogue SLR every 3 months.

You can go shop around and ask around. I know there is a Photo Fair at MidValley now.

Dreamer

15-10-2004, 08:42 PM

Can you guys enlighten me which is the preferred choice now, film or digital? I am looking to buy one camera. Owned a Canon A1 (such a long time ago!) and like to take potraits, but my lens cannot be serviced anymore. Body still workable. So, should I look for a lens for my Canon A1 or look for a Digital camera. Budget for camera RM2000. Thanks mates.

RJ, like fRaNkY said... it's obviously Digital. Go to any camera shop, and they will hv lots of digital cameras on display compared to film. If your budget is below 2k, then you hv lots of choices to choose from. You can get the Fuji S7000(prosumer) 6MP. That's my previous camera and I hv lots of fun using it. Lots of features and superb macro. You might want to check out my photo album at http://fireblade74.fotopic.net. Other cameras to consider is the Konica Minolta Z3 and Panasonic FZ-10. Both offer 12x stabalized optical zoom with manual mode. It boils down to personal preference. Some ppl like small cam that's easy to carry around. Some prefer big ones that's more solid to hold and offer more feature. Hope this helps... :)

RJBrown

16-10-2004, 10:10 AM

RJ, like fRaNkY said... it's obviously Digital. Go to any camera shop, and they will hv lots of digital cameras on display compared to film. If your budget is below 2k, then you hv lots of choices to choose from. You can get the Fuji S7000(prosumer) 6MP. That's my previous camera and I hv lots of fun using it. Lots of features and superb macro. You might want to check out my photo album at http://fireblade74.fotopic.net. Other cameras to consider is the Konica Minolta Z3 and Panasonic FZ-10. Both offer 12x stabalized optical zoom with manual mode. It boils down to personal preference. Some ppl like small cam that's easy to carry around. Some prefer big ones that's more solid to hold and offer more feature. Hope this helps... :)

Thanks Franky and Dreamer, What's your opinion on Nikon Coolpix

Dreamer

16-10-2004, 10:14 AM

RJ, which coolpix model are you referring to? The Coolpix models range from 2mp right up to 8mp.

RJBrown

16-10-2004, 10:30 AM

RJ, which coolpix model are you referring to? The Coolpix models range from 2mp right up to 8mp.
4 mega pixel

RJBrown

16-10-2004, 10:50 AM

4 mega pixel
I am also looking at coolpix 5200

Dreamer

17-10-2004, 11:12 AM

These 2 models that you mention are good, but lacking in the manual mode/control. Most of the shooting modes are preset. Why don't you consider the Canon A85(4mp) or A95(5mp), which hv full manual modes and can add on filters for future needs. And they are using AA batteries which are widely available compared to the Nikon's proprietary battery. :)

fRaNkY

19-10-2004, 12:48 PM

Thanks Franky and Dreamer, What's your opinion on Nikon Coolpix

My friend bought a Nikon Coolpix 3200 for RM888 - free 128m, tripod, aluminium case, lcd protector, free photos from Midvalley exhibition.

Its a 3.2 mp, I still think Canon A400 at RM699 a better buy.

Before you buy, you should think what you want to do with the camera.
Is it a family photo camera (with auto focus, point and shoot) or you want to do more on it. Like special effects, distance, and special functions.(Black&White, sepia)

If you want to do more, go for a SLR. Its like comparing a Kancil (camera like coolpix and canon A400) and like Volvo, BMW (Canon 300D,10D and Nikon D70)

Dreamer

20-10-2004, 01:16 PM

ID Mark2 will be a ferrari.. :D

sokdotcom

26-10-2004, 11:03 AM

for a compact 3.2 MP digital camera i would choose kodak cuz kodak has its own superior kodak colour science chip in it... it boost true to life colour image processing (the colours are more real) and the user inferface iz more simpler to the canon... this iz particularly good for pple who just want to point n shoot...

for a digital SLR the current most budget-wise n affordable DSLR would be the Nikon D70 for the design n build quality iz far better than the canon 300D. as for the image processing chip... the D70 iz capable of doin a full frame continuous burst of 3 fps of up to 144 pictures...D70 also supports older lenses with Nikon's interchangeable F-mount.. the D70 iz price at around RM 3800 for the body only... as for shutter lag ,the D70 iz one of the fastest in the industry(almost zero shutter lag)... altogether itz got more technological advancement than the D100 for a better price.

fRaNkY

26-10-2004, 02:10 PM

I remember sometime ago, my friend was evaluating the Kodak 7330 3.2mp camera. It is about RM700 or RM1 different from Canon A400. However, I did not compare the functional specs. But for RM700 I got for my friend a Canon A400 + 4 Sony 2100 battery with charger + pouch. Can Kodak match it. I use to own a Kodak digital camera 4 years ago before it was stolen and it wasnt that impressive, Kodak camera function.

The Nikon D70 is RM3800, I got the Canon 300D at RM3200 with Lense! and 4fps. Canon 300D can use the Canon AF series lenses with I tested with 2 of them(older lense). It works.

If like what you said ,the Canon 300D is the low end DSLR, and should not be compared with Nikon D70.

The lag perhaps depend on the write speed of the memory (CF card) and the processing chip (Davic)?

Anyone can make it faster? Which digital camera can take the most frame at one time?

sokdotcom

26-10-2004, 05:20 PM

for me i would choose fujifilm and kodak to canon for compact digital camera's.. if u compare the colour reproduction of a kodak to other brands u will definitely notice that the kodak iz more vibrant n very realistic...

go to www.dpreview.com to read more reviews about the D70 n the 300D.. im sure those pple verdict will give you a better impression.. i test driven the D70 myself n i know itz fast.

btw, the canon 300D burst shots iz not consistent the camera will shoot high frame rates at the beginning but after a few seconds it will slow down cuz their buffer technology iz not as good as Nikon's... nikons iz consistent all the way.. just like a film SLR.

u cant compare the D70 to the Mark II cuz itz an 8 megapixel n a totally different class.

another brand of compact digital camera which im not so happy about is olympus.. their jpg compression at normal quality iz inferior to that of canon or kodak or fujifilm... when u zoom in... the jpg compression pixelate alot... sumthing to do with their image processor... their film mju series iz very good... but somehow their digital mju series arent that impressive.

mike_mike

29-10-2004, 10:02 AM

Hi Franky
i am planning to buy the canon A400 ,Let me know where is it ?

The Canon A400 is a good buy. A 3.1mp with Auto focus is for the newbies.

The suggested price is Rm699 but you can get them to through in a Sony 4battery with charger pack for free.

LXDGRT

30-10-2004, 12:29 AM

Hello, Sokdotcom,

Have you done any comparisons with Sony Digital Cams? What do you think?

Alex

sokdotcom

31-10-2004, 06:05 PM

sony... lol.. i dont really like sony... they are only good at making audio stuff... but one thing's for sure.. the D70 6.3 MP digital image sensor iz a sony.. lol... i dont really recommend sony digital camera cuz their memory stick iz too darn expensive n only limited to sony products.. eg: their CLIE, network walkman n digital camcorders, whereas SD iz more cheaper n common... while fujifilm xD iz fast replacing SD card... cuz its smaller...

back to sony digital camera's... everything else iz quite good... look out for Carl-Zeiss lenses... compare their pricing at www.sonystyle.com.my ... try to get the latest... the only bad thing iz that it uses only memory stick...

wad kinda of sony digital camera are you looking for? professional, compact, or entry level?

fRaNkY

01-11-2004, 11:25 AM

Hi Franky
i am planning to buy the canon A400 ,Let me know where is it ?

If you are in USJ, you can get it at Bintang Maju in Summit.

If you are in Mid Valley you can get a good price at Mutiara.

Eventhough the price is at RM699, you can get it less than that. Negotiate a bit for the battery and charger and a case. I got 2 units for my friends a month ago. The 128 chip is about RM120 or less.

If still you cant get it. PM me.

fRaNkY

01-11-2004, 11:42 AM

Have you done any comparisons with Sony Digital Cams? What do you think?
Alex

I got a P092 Sony Camera. 5.0mp. It was about RM1699 when I bought it, 1.5 years ago. It was the cheapest 5.0 camera at that time. Since I only take pictures and download to my PC, I didnt bother about the stick. I only bought an additional 128mb stick and can take about 77 photos at 3.1mp. After that I erase the photos from the stick.

Anyway, I dont like to buy many sticks and memory. They are small and easily loss or misplace. Buy one that match your budget. My estimates are if you take at 3.1mp the file size is about 1.2 - 1.5 mbytes each. At 5.0mp it is about 1.5 to 2mb per photo.

So, a 128mb card/stick will hold about 70 to 80 photos at 3.2mpixel depending on your photo, colours and camera.

I note that Sony Digi Cameras price drops a few hundred a time! However, there are a range of accessories for Sony cameras compared to other small digital cameras.

So shop around, read Click and Advance Image magazines before you buy. Good Luck