digital camera: any gud recommendations?

[aRwEn]

im plannin 2 buy a digital camera soon... most of d stuff i photograph r outdoor n i prob need sthin hardy/strong n all-weather.... gud resolution oso so dat i can make printz.... n oso huge capacity so dat can take many imagez 4 long journeyz.... wat do d expertz recommend ah? ;)

[lokewh]

i prob need sthin hardy/strong n all-weather.... gud resolution oso so dat i can make printz.... n oso huge capacity ;)


To qualify the above, all I can think of is the Canon 1Ds Mk II. Only RM28,000 :D

[fRaNkY]

To qualify the above, all I can think of is the Canon 1Ds Mk II. Only RM28,000 :D

That is if you need a digital SLR. BIG CAMERA. :cool: fires like a machine gun.

If you are looking for a small point&shoot (P&S), there are many around. Canon, Nikon, Sony, Kodak, Olympus. I would say they are all good, its how big your budget that counts. :rolleyes:

There is a photography magazine, Click!, which provide information on cameras around and their prices. :o

Most of the time I buy or recommended my friends - Canon and Nikon but that is my personal preference. :D

Bear in mind most of this camera are electronics and dont do well in rain, unless u get a underwater camera for divers or buy camera which got underwater casing. :D

[aRwEn]

eeekkk!!! no budget 4 dat la.... if i had RM28k, i wud go 2 europe n japan etc.... hehehe....

4 a first camera, i thk i wud go 4 point n shoot type.... no need 2 thk so much.... n it hasta b all-weather cuz iz mainly 4 outdoor stuff.... budget around RM1,500 o less.... :)

[fRaNkY]

Minolta have a series called mju which is suppose to be all weather but not sure if got digital.

[lokewh]

4 a first camera, i thk i wud go 4 point n shoot type.... no need 2 thk so much.... n it hasta b all-weather cuz iz mainly 4 outdoor stuff.... budget around RM1,500 o less.... :)


Ahhhh now with a budget of RM1,500 or less you can go for the Olympus mju 410. There is an advertisement in today STAR paper (Metro Section page 18) by Fotokem. The Olympus mju 410 is only going for RM999.
Take a look, might be the one you are looking for.

If you are not particular about the all weather feature, you can go for Nikon or Canon. Test out the three brands and see which one you like best.


To Franky,
mju is by Olympus, not Minolta.

[RolyPoly]

For long journey, you would need more batteries or memory cards.

Based on my experience with Sony, it's accessories are overly EXPENSIVE!
The camera that I bought doesn't even come with a casing. The casing came to about RM60. The memory sticks are expensive too. So now I ended up lugging my laptop along wherever I go so I could upload photos that I took instead of buying too many memory sticks. :rolleyes:

So, you may want to make a comparison with others such as Canon or Nikon before choosing the brand that you would buy.

[Dreamer]

Ahhhh now with a budget of RM1,500 or less you can go for the Olympus mju 410. There is an advertisement in today STAR paper (Metro Section page 18) by Fotokem. The Olympus mju 410 is only going for RM999.
Take a look, might be the one you are looking for.

If you are not particular about the all weather feature, you can go for Nikon or Canon. Test out the three brands and see which one you like best.


To Franky,
mju is by Olympus, not Minolta.

The mju410 is weather proof, should be no problem if use in the rain. If you want a camera that can go underwater/diving, you will need a special under water casing which can be very costly.
Also the mju410 uses XD card which is equally expensive like the memory stick. You might want to consider the Pentax Optio 33WR(water resistant)
"The 3-megapixel Pentax Optio 33WR is Pentax's first waterproof digital camera. While the Optio 33WR should not be operated underwater, its sealed body can withstand immersion in shallow water. This capability, coupled with the camera's small size, makes the Optio 33WR a perfect companion for the active photographer." And it uses SD card which is cheaper. Hope this helps.

[fRaNkY]

To Franky,
mju is by Olympus, not Minolta.

:D :D :D Always got them mixed up.


When I buy a small P&S, I always buy one that uses AA battery, as it is easy to get rechargeable AA batteries.

With a 256mb card, you can probably take about 200 photos at 3.0pm.

[fRaNkY]

"The 3-megapixel Pentax Optio 33WR is Pentax's first waterproof digital camera. While the Optio 33WR should not be operated underwater, its sealed body can withstand immersion in shallow water. This capability, coupled with the camera's small size, makes the Optio 33WR a perfect companion for the active photographer." And it uses SD card which is cheaper. Hope this helps.

Wah! Now u salesman for Pentax? Last time u salesman for Canon Ixus!

[ysloh]

all prosumer and slr cameras can be made highly resistant to water and rain with just a simple diy modification to your camera which practically costs you next to nothing!

while other people run for cover when it rains you can practically stand there in the rain and continue shooting away happily!

want to see? :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

[fRaNkY]

Loh! How? Loh! show lar....... Dont let me shiok! shiok! only

Put a plastic or condom over it?? :D

[ysloh]

Loh! How? Loh! show lar....... Dont let me shiok! shiok! only

Put a plastic or condom over it?? :D


Come lah join us in this weekend's outing, then I show you. Like jeff used to tease us "kasi suspense dulu". :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

[Dreamer]

Come lah join us in this weekend's outing, then I show you. Like jeff used to tease us "kasi suspense dulu". :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

Wa, loh has got new "toy". I gotta check it out.

[ysloh]

Wa, loh has got new "toy". I gotta check it out.

You'll be surprised it's so easy to make a waterproof toy out of your present toy. I'll give you one this weekend. For one teh tarik. Can har? :D

[lokewh]

Come lah join us in this weekend's outing, then I show you. Like jeff used to tease us "kasi suspense dulu". :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

This weekend where do you go shooting?

[ysloh]

This weekend where do you go shooting?

Hi loke, long time no see. sms dreamer at 012-2102287. we're shooting tomorrow (saturday) from 6.30 am.

you want waterproof toy oso? I'll make you one tomorrow :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

[lokewh]

So early start shooting already ah?
Go near or far away places to shoot?

Waterproof the camera? Errr, no thanks. :D

[ysloh]

So early start shooting already ah?
Go near or far away places to shoot?

Yes lah loke. all those sifus we meet always tell us early morning only got good light. :D

Not so near yet not too far. Just a half-day trip.

Cheers!.

ysloh aka yengseongloh

[lokewh]

Aiyah, still cannot say where you guys going to shoot ah?

[ryws]

KODAK came out with this stylish ultra compact V550.. nice one.

[ysloh]

Aiyah, still cannot say where you guys going to shoot ah?

we're taking a slow cruise along the coastal road from klang to pd.

we have one more seat available. want to join us?

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

[fRaNkY]

Come lah join us in this weekend's outing, then I show you. Like jeff used to tease us "kasi suspense dulu". :D

Cheers!

ysloh aka yengseongloh

Aiyah! I told u I am going Cameroon this weekend 10/6... also invited u... bok...

[ysloh]

Aiyah! I told u I am going Cameroon this weekend 10/6... also invited u... bok...

For a moment I thought you went to Africa! ;)
Cameron Highlands izzit?
Got take many pictures or not? Did you manage to visit Gunung Brinchang?

Cheers!

yengseongloh

[aRwEn]

definitely, 4 me all-weather iz a must lorrr.... cuz iz mainly 4 outdoor activitiez.... i did check out d Olympus mju 410 goin 4 rm999... izzat d 4.0 megapixel 3x optical zoom wun ah? i oso checkd out d Olympus u-mini digital at 4.0 megapixel but 2x optical zoom. wat do u thk iz d best price 4 diz model? in termz of features, navigatn, etc. whc wun iz better? ;)

[fRaNkY]

For a moment I thought you went to Africa! ;)
Cameron Highlands izzit?
Got take many pictures or not? Did you manage to visit Gunung Brinchang?

Cheers!

yengseongloh

Am I the type that will climb a mountain? :eek: or just take a pic of it. :D :D :D

[fRaNkY]

definitely, 4 me all-weather iz a must lorrr.... cuz iz mainly 4 outdoor activitiez.... i did check out d Olympus mju 410 goin 4 rm999... izzat d 4.0 megapixel 3x optical zoom wun ah? i oso checkd out d Olympus u-mini digital at 4.0 megapixel but 2x optical zoom. wat do u thk iz d best price 4 diz model? in termz of features, navigatn, etc. whc wun iz better? ;)

Go for the one which you think is right. Buying a camera is like marriage.
Once you bought it... you are stuck with it... :D :D :D

Hmmmmm! Next, loh will be saying, I am polygamy! :D I have a few cameras..

Sorry dude... I know nuts about olympus.

[aRwEn]

Go for the one which you think is right. Buying a camera is like marriage.
Once you bought it... you are stuck with it... :D :D :D

Hmmmmm! Next, loh will be saying, I am polygamy! :D I have a few cameras..

Sorry dude... I know nuts about olympus.




hahaha.... i oni intend 2 hav 1 camera lorr.... it iz 2 expensive 2 hav more tn one la... n d same goez with marriage oso....

anywiz, i wud go 4 d one dat i feel most comfortable wit lorrr.... n yup, i'm talkin abt cameraz here... hehehe....
;)

[pakcik_pc]

im plannin 2 buy a SLR digital camera (6MP or above) with a budget of RM2,500 to RM 4,000. any one can help me give any recommend.

[Dreamer]

im plannin 2 buy a SLR digital camera (6MP or above) with a budget of RM2,500 to RM 4,000. any one can help me give any recommend.

Hi pakcik_pc,

Welcome to the usj photography forum. With that kind of budget, you can get the Nikon D70s, Canon 350D or the Olympus E300. I would suggest you try these cameras out to see if you like the feel of it and also check out the features. Hope this helps. :)

[fRaNkY]

Hi pakcik_pc,

Welcome to the usj photography forum. With that kind of budget, you can get the Nikon D70s, Canon 350D or the Olympus E300. I would suggest you try these cameras out to see if you like the feel of it and also check out the features. Hope this helps. :)

I would suggest either Nikon or Canon, as these two have a wide range of accessories and lenses.

[pakcik_pc]

thanks Dreamer..........
so WHERE i can get Canon 350D with better price from mid valley and sg. wang

1. Canon + kit lense price = RM3700 approx. (in Mid valley, w/o memory card)
2. 350D kit alone is around RM3600 (quote from Sg. Wang)

[macgyver_usj]

pakcik pc,

Your quotes on the Canon 350D are cheap.
I saw Canon advertised in newspaper, they have offer on Canon 350D kit + battery grip selling for RM4299.

[fRaNkY]

Hi mac. Nice to see u here.

Yeah pakcik your price is Really cheap.

Someone said at Key Colour MV - Canon 350D kit + battery grip selling + bag + other goodies for RM4299

[pakcik_pc]

last sunday....i have check the price at sg.way & around usj
1. Canon 350D KIT + battery grip selling + 1 GB CF + bag + tripod = around RM4199 to
RM4299
2. canon 350D (body) + lens = RM3600

[pakcik_pc]

actually i want to buy 350D.....but my friend's said canon more expensive for lens & another aksesori like frash.......it's true ??????????
and he suggest me to take D70s for more better servis + cheap aksesori......
NOW i'm blur which one i wanna to choose
please help me.....

[macgyver_usj]

pakcik_pc

Both cameras you mentioned are good.
Both brands have the largest range of lenses and accessories.
The price of both system are about the same. Some items are cheaper from Nikon and other items are cheaper from Canon.
If you have friends using Nikon and they are willing to lend you their lenses and flash and accessories, then go with Nikon. In the event you need help, they can help you since they are using the same system.

Nikon after sale service is not as good as Canon.

You can also visit this URL for more information. www.photomalaysia.com

This is just my view.

[ceo684]

Olympus, the menu suxxx... i used a 1.3MP oly before, then borrowed a 4.0MP, totally dunno how to use. Very leceh. Even the 8MP oly henry has, a headache to use according to him.

Go for kodak.. theres a 4.0MP with big big lens (useful for indoor/dim light) for 999 at last check @ pc fair. Kodak DX6490

Im using kodak cx6330, over 3000 shots, so far so good, but wud be great to have a DX series with BIG BIG lens (i do indoors a lot) :D

[Dreamer]

Pakcik_pc,
You can't go wrong with either brand. Also I'd like to add another point, try and see which camera suits you better, more comfortable to hold. Some say D70S too big for their hand, some say 350D too small. I believe you should take this into consideration also. :)

[fRaNkY]

actually i want to buy 350D.....but my friend's said canon more expensive for lens & another aksesori like frash.......it's true ??????????
and he suggest me to take D70s for more better servis + cheap aksesori......
NOW i'm blur which one i wanna to choose
please help me.....

Buy Both :D :D :D

[pakcik_pc]

let me kena toto or magnum first.....

[ysloh]

Hi pakcik pc, why don't you join us this saturday on our photography outing to KLCC. No camera also never mind. You'll see all our canons and nikons and whatever. We'll let you touch, feel and shoot. We'll bombard you with all pros and cons. Then you decide. :D

while you're contemplating on what camera to buy, here's some light-hearted prose for you to ponder. Sung loosely to the tune of elvis' famous "it's now or never" :D

It's now or never
buy now think later
just sign on the dot
and practice your perfect shot
tomorrow is another day
don worry now, just come out and play.

come out and join us, wherever we go
on every weekend, sometimes from usj to johor
no money in pocket, roti kosong will do
as long can shoot, your stomach will be full!

nikon or canon, it really doesn't matter
it is the eye behind the camera :)


Cheers!
yengseongloh

[Dreamer]

Hi pakcik pc, why don't you join us this saturday on our photography outing to KLCC. No camera also never mind. You'll see all our canons and nikons and whatever. We'll let you touch, feel and shoot. We'll bombard you with all pros and cons. Then you decide. :D

while you're contemplating on what camera to buy, here's some light-hearted prose for you to ponder. Sung loosely to the tune of elvis' famous "it's now or never" :D

It's now or never
buy now think later
just sign on the dot
and practice your perfect shot
tomorrow is another day
don worry now, just come out and play.

come out and join us, wherever we go
on every weekend, sometimes from usj to johor
no money in pocket, roti kosong will do
as long can shoot, your stomach will be full!

nikon or canon, it really doesn't matter
it is the eye behind the camera :)


Cheers!
yengseongloh

Wow, loh... you can be a song composer la. Buy now, end of the month when statement come, then only get headache. :D

[pakcik_pc]

Actually i really wanna to join outing trip to klcc, by the away i really buzy every saturday with the work schedule. Hopefully i can join the next trip with your group, for the meantime please give the latest news...i'm really to love to know it. Adios.

[Dreamer]

Actually i really wanna to join outing trip to klcc, by the away i really buzy every saturday with the work schedule. Hopefully i can join the next trip with your group, for the meantime please give the latest news...i'm really to love to know it. Adios.

Pakcik,

If you can make it by 7pm, still ok. But do give us a call first if you're going to join us. Next trip? It's a day after the KLCC outing. We're planning to go on sunday, still deciding on where to go. Loh, maybe we can go to the lighthouse in PD?

[ysloh]

Next trip? It's a day after the KLCC outing. We're planning to go on sunday, still deciding on where to go. Loh, maybe we can go to the lighthouse in PD?

You mean Cape Rachado? That's exciting. Where we met this colourful guy last Sunday on our trip to PD with Jeff Ooi; the jungle trek guide who called himself 'Rambo' and who claimed he could walk on water? :D

Me no problem. Maybe we wait till Saturday and see the consensus of our other newfound friends. :)

Cheers!
yengseongloh

[ysloh]

let me kena toto or magnum first.....

Hey pakcik-pc. don't forget about us okay when you strike lottery? :D

Because we have made a pact amongst us regular outing members to gift each of us a brand new 70-200mm/f2.8 lense when anyone of us strike the Million dollar prize! :D

Cheers!
yengseongloh

[ysloh]

Hi pakcik-pc,
please find appended below some authoritative reviews of the nikon D70s and canon 350d digital rebel which might be of interest to you:

Nikon D70s reviews:

dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042003nikond70s.asp)

steves-digicams (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/nikon_d70s.html)

dcviews (http://www.dcviews.com/reviews/Nikon-D70s/Nikon-D70s-review.htm)

kenrockwell (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70s.htm)

pcmag (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1824803,00.asp)

nikon website (http://www.nikonians.org/index.html)


Canon 350 digital rebel:

dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/)

steves-digicam (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/rebelxt.html)

dcviews (http://www.dcviews.com/reviews/Canon-350D/Canon-EOS-350D-review.htm)

luminous landscape (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/xt-350d.shtml)

outbackphoto (http://www.outbackphoto.com/reviews/equipment/canon_350D/Canon_350D_review.html)

megapixel (http://www.megapixel.net/reviews/canon-rebelxt/rebelxt-gen.php)

pcmag (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1790811,00.asp)

canon website (http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html)


Cheers!
yengseongloh

[pakcik_pc]

thanks ysloh...
i've read all your suggestion web.......and im buy already NIKON D70S today...
thanks guys give me suggestion &&&& recommendations

[jeffooi]

Okaaayyyyyy... :D The minority Nikon tribe grows slightly bigger now.

(Loh/Dreamer/Franky... not meant to start a format war yeah...) ;)

[ysloh]

…and im buy already NIKON D70S today...

Congratulations!!! pakcik_pc!
That was fast. Welcome to the dslr club! :cool:

Now, you must come out and play with us every weekend! ;)

Yeh, Jeff is already sick of us always talking Canon, Canon, Canon! :D

Cheers!
yengseongloh

[alanang]

Canon rulez !!! kakakakakaka ... :D

[ceo684]

Pakcik ur D70S berapa and whats the package? :D

[aRwEn]

hi guyz... finali got my camera... went 4 d Olympus all weather u-mini digital at 4.0 megapixel 2x optical zoom... published price RM1,299.... best price i got wuz rm1,180.... wil join u all nx time 4 d photography outingz....

;)

[pakcik_pc]

RM 3 500......it's just standard package
1#Nikon D70 Digital Camera Body
2#18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 AF Lens
3#Screen LCD Protectors
4#software, cables , Battery Charger and Lithium Rechargeable cell
that all..

[pakcik_pc]

hi guyz... finali got my camera...:)

Congratulations!!! aRwEn

[Dreamer]

hi guyz... finali got my camera... went 4 d Olympus all weather u-mini digital at 4.0 megapixel 2x optical zoom... published price RM1,299.... best price i got wuz rm1,180.... wil join u all nx time 4 d photography outingz....

;)

Waaa.. congrats aRwEn. The next outing will be this saturday. Join us la. :D As of now, the plan is to meet at Masjid Jamek LRT station at 3pm. We will be shooting around central market and surrounding area and then proceed to KLCC for some night shoot. Should end around 8/9pm. Pakcik PC, its time to test out your new D70s. :D

[pakcik_pc]

hai...dreamer
actually this saturday i have school trip/visit around KL. I'll join u as soon as the trip ended...i call u to confirm the time i'll be there

[alanang]

by any chance we are doing any night shots ?? need to bring along my tripod ?

[fRaNkY]

Wah 2 more pple kena poison.... lol

[lowcalls]

why nobody think of hp digital camera?
I own one, hp photosmart R707. Not so bad, with some control over ev steppings, aperture priority, auto bracketing. :)

[aRwEn]

Congratulations!!! aRwEn



tx pakcik.... ;)

[aRwEn]

Waaa.. congrats aRwEn. The next outing will be this saturday. Join us la. :D As of now, the plan is to meet at Masjid Jamek LRT station at 3pm. We will be shooting around central market and surrounding area and then proceed to KLCC for some night shoot. Should end around 8/9pm. Pakcik PC, its time to test out your new D70s. :D



hehehe... tx.... had fun usin d camera on itz maiden voyage 2 mulu cavez last week... wud luv 2 join u all diz sat but kenot lehhh.... gotta a frenz bday gatherin in d eve.... wil try 2 join u all nx time.... mornin mayb goin bkt jalil 4 cheer 2005 4 a shortwhile... anybody else goin ah? ;)

[aRwEn]

u can view sum of d pixes taken wit d camera here at diz photo blog.... stil not veri familiar wit all d settingz yet... believ it onot, diz iz my 1st camera so im quite a newbie!! hehehe.... ;)


http://junglecatwoman.blogspot.com/

[jeffooi]

aRwEn ... you got many nice pictures in there.

http://junglecatwoman.blogspot.com/

That mini-u is amazing! And the eye behind the lens equally amazing too!

[aRwEn]

aRwEn ... you got many nice pictures in there.

http://junglecatwoman.blogspot.com/

That mini-u is amazing! And the eye behind the lens equally amazing too!

tx.... glad u thk so... ;)

[aRwEn]

hmm.... do u thk iz worth it 2 buy a waterproof casing 4 my u-mini digital ah? duz anybody know d best price in town 4 diz? i wuz told d waterproof casing can cost as much as 70% o d price o d camera.... eg around rm800....

;)

[expat1609]

looking for the cheapest camera with acceptable quality.

company intents to buy few peaces for service-department. need flash to make pics of broken componenets in order to e-mail them direct to the manufacturer.

anybody got idea of the lower end cams?? RM 28,000.- will not be approved :D

[ceo684]

Any cheap DSLR + macro ring flash...around 5k total

[ThoMASTER]

Key Features

Resolution: If you intend to take pictures only to e-mail them to distant friends or to print at snapshot size, a camera of most any resolution will do. Even so, more pixels give you greater flexibility--you can print sharper pictures at larger sizes, or crop and print small sections of pictures. Rules of thumb: A 2-megapixel camera can usually produce a pretty 5-by-7 print; a 3-megapixel camera, an 8-by-10; and a 4-megapixel (or greater) model, an 11-by-17.

Size, weight, and design: To some users, how much a camera weighs and whether it fits in a pocket may be more important factors than resolution. PC World has tested cameras that weigh as much as 2.6 pounds and as little as 4.1 ounces. Small cameras are convenient, but they frequently have tiny dials and buttons that make changing settings somewhat trying.

Zoom lens: Inexpensive cameras often lack optical zoom lenses. If we had to choose between a camera with an optical zoom and one with higher resolution, we'd take the camera with a zoom--it means you won't have to magnify your subject and then use software to crop the image (and discard some of that resolution as a result). A few cameras now offer zoom ratings of up to 10X. These lenses are great for nature or sports photography, but you may need a steady hand or a tripod to avoid blurry pictures at extreme telephoto lengths.

Be wary of advertised zoom ratings--many vendors combine the optical zoom (which moves the lens to magnify the subject) with digital zoom, which merely captures fewer pixels and magnifies those. Optical zoom gives you all the benefit of the camera's maximum resolution, combined with the ability to get closer to the action.

Manual focus: For close-ups or situations in which the camera can't get a focus lock, switching to manual focusing can help you get the shot. Low-end cameras often omit manual focusing or allow only stepped focusing, which only allows you to choose from a few preset distances.

Storage: At its highest resolution, a typical 2-megapixel camera can store eight to ten images on an 8MB "starter" memory card. The size of the memory card a camera ships with isn't terribly important, because you'll almost always have to buy another one (unless you're willing to transfer your images after every handful of shots). CompactFlash, Secure Digital Cards, and SmartMedia cards cost about $35 for 64MB, or $50 for 128MB. Sony still makes cameras that store images on floppy disks or CD-R discs. Floppy storage is slow, however, and the disks can't hold more than one or two high-resolution images; compact discs store many more images, but the cameras that use them are slow and bulky.

Batteries: Cameras use one or more of several types of batteries: AAs, either nonrechargeable alkaline ($5 for four) or rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH, about $14 for four); high-capacity disposable CRV3s (around $12 apiece, and some cameras take two CRV3s); or proprietary rechargeable batteries that can cost $35 to $75 to replace.

Movies and sound: Many cameras can capture video as well as still shots, though typical-size memory cards don't hold much video footage; the option is useful for short clips when you don't have a camcorder.

Exposure settings: All digital cameras let you shoot in fully automatic mode--just press the shutter release and you get a picture. Better cameras offer aperture- and shutter-priority modes, in which you adjust the size of the lens opening or how long the shutter stays open, and the camera automatically controls the other variable to give you the proper exposure.

Typically, you'd use aperture priority to maintain control over an image's depth of field--for example, to blur the background of a shot while keeping the foreground sharp--and shutter-priority mode, for example, to capture fast-moving subjects. A camera that relies exclusively on full auto would attempt to keep both the foreground and background in focus in the former example, and it would probably blur the moving subject in the latter.

Usually, cameras that offer priority modes (such as digital SLRs) also offer full-manual exposure control, in which you set both variables. These modes make a camera adaptable to almost any situation.

Menus: When evaluating a camera, consider how easily you can reach common settings--resolution, macro mode, flash, and exposure adjustments--and how easily you can play back just-taken images. Too many buttons, and you waste time trying to figure out which button does what; too many menus, and you waste time digging through them.

White balance: Almost all digital cameras allow you to choose a white-balance setting via presets. This setting tells the camera which elements in a shot should look white and, by inference, what should look black and what everything in between should look like. If you're finicky about color accuracy, look for a manual calibrator in which you press a button while aiming at a white object.

LCD: Low-end models often omit an LCD screen, which is necessary for reviewing just-taken images on the camera. A good LCD is essential for knowing whether you got the shot you wanted, and can usually give you an indication of whether it was properly exposed. LCD quality varies widely: Many wash out in sunlight or become grainy in low light, or the image may change if you tilt the camera slightly. If you can, try a camera outside before you buy it.


Digital Camera Shopping Tips

Ready to buy a digital camera? Here are PC World's recommendations:

A digital camera's megapixel count remains its most important spec--but it is by no means the only one. Start with pixels, but make sure to check a few other important numbers when considering a purchase. Match megapixels to your use. A 2-megapixel camera is fine for snapshots, though models with that resolution are becoming less common. If you want to produce 8-by-10-inch prints, you'll need at least a 3-megapixel camera. Four- or 5-megapixel cameras will yield even larger prints and allow you to blow up a part of an image with less likelihood that the print will be blurry.

Look for rechargeable batteries and a charger. The cost of disposable batteries adds up over the long run. Some cameras can use AA batteries of any type--disposable or rechargeable. That capability can be helpful if your rechargeable batteries run out of juice and you don't want to wait while they replenish.

Get at least 2X optical zoom. Nearly all cameras offer digital zoom, but it results in photos that aren't nearly as good as those produced with an optical zoom.

Look for a low-light focusing aid. Some cameras have auxiliary lights that help them focus in dim settings. That's important for many indoor shots.

Make sure you can use removable storage media. While the camera may have on-board memory, a memory card allows you to expand the storage capacity.

Try the camera before you buy. Some cameras have commands and menus that are easier to use than others, a comparison you can only make with a hands-on trial. Also evaluate the lag time between when you press the shutter button and when the camera actually takes the picture. Try out the zoom lens--does it operate quickly and smoothly? Find out how long you must wait between taking pictures. And try the LCD viewfinder--in the sun if possible--to determine how easy it is to read.

Don't base your decision on video capability. Any still camera's ability to take moving pictures is extremely limited. If you want to shoot video, invest in a camera dedicated to the job.

Consider investing in a memory card reader. These readers act like an external hard drive attached to your PC or laptop, allowing you to download pictures directly from the storage media your camera uses. Many newer laptops have one or more memory card slots built right in. That saves time downloading images, and since the camera doesn't have to be on, saves battery life, too.

[Eric See]

Loh! How? Loh! show lar....... Dont let me shiok! shiok! only

Put a plastic or condom over it?? :D

!!! where am i going to find a good clearity condom to fit my Nikon D70 ??? I dont think 7 eleven stock this sizes ---- just kidding

[aRwEn]

slowly gettin d hang of usin my olympus u-mini digital all weather. i wud say one of d advantages of diz l'l point n shoot camera iz dat itz settings enable u 2 take veri clear closeup shotz compared 2 other point n shootz whc sumhow go outta focus n blurry. as 4 distance, it iz oni 2x digital zoom.... so u havta zoom wit ur legz.... but so far, so gud... no complaintz. wot made me choose it wuz d fact dat itz all-weather, n oso dat itz veri compact cuz i like 2 travel light. hahaha....

2 c more of my attemptz, checkout d gallery: http://www.usj.com.my/gallery/eagleranchPD

;)

[fRaNkY]

!!! where am i going to find a good clearity condom to fit my Nikon D70 ??? I dont think 7 eleven stock this sizes ---- just kidding

Haiya! cut a hole at the end lar.... just use the condom to cover the lens and camera... Malaysia size where got so big one... ask fren to get from overseas lar... :D

[fRaNkY]

slowly gettin d hang of usin my olympus u-mini digital all weather. i wud say one of d advantages of diz l'l point n shoot camera iz dat itz settings enable u 2 take veri clear closeup shotz compared 2 other point n shootz whc sumhow go outta focus n blurry.
;)

My advise is read the manual and understand what you can and cannot do...

Good luck and have fun :D

[aRwEn]

anywiz, tx 4 all d advice guyz.... i wil b pickin up my waterproof casing tmro. got it 4 rm270, much cheaper tn d housin 4 d other olympus modelz.... *phew* thk gudnez!! ;)

[fRaNkY]

put it in a bath tub... see if it leaks? :D :D :D

[ceo684]

why nobody think of hp digital camera?
I own one, hp photosmart R707. Not so bad, with some control over ev steppings, aperture priority, auto bracketing. :)

Even their own employee also dun recommend getting hp camera. :p

[confused]

i need help!!! i need to buy a digital camera with a max price of RM 1100.....
i know......not easy to get a good camera at that price rite? sigh.....and all the good cameras with at least 4 or 5 pixels aren't that cheap.....any recomendations? Help!!! :confused:

[aRwEn]

i need help!!! i need to buy a digital camera with a max price of RM 1100.....
i know......not easy to get a good camera at that price rite? sigh.....and all the good cameras with at least 4 or 5 pixels aren't that cheap.....any recomendations? Help!!! :confused:


my fren haz d Olympus mju 410, iz oni RM999 3x digital zoom 4 megapixel 256 memory.... or d Olympus u-mini digital iz abt RM1,100 2x digital zoom 4 megapixel 256 memory whc i hav.... both all weather....
;)

[aRwEn]

put it in a bath tub... see if it leaks? :D :D :D


hehe..... picked up d waterproof casing adee.... iz real kewl.... d lady at foto shangri-la SS2 gav me a gud discount. she iz quite helpful....

gonna try it out diz weekend wn i go caving.... cuz iz a wet cave wit a waterfall n river runnin thru it....

actuali, it iz not meant 4 diving, iz oni waterproof 4 up 2 3 metrez.... juz as well since i dun dive.... i oni snorkel.... ;)

[fRaNkY]

Take care of your new camera... u don wanna it to smell guano... :D

[aRwEn]

Take care of your new camera... u don wanna it to smell guano... :D


hehehe.... iz adee gone 2 where d guano iz (ie mulu) but fortunately, stil no guano smell.... *phew!!* hehehe.... but last time i hadda use plastic 2 wrap everytime so veri troublesome.... at least now got casing iz much easier....

now goin 2 a wet cave, got no batz wun, juz river n waterfall inside d cave.... hehehe.... ;)

[fRaNkY]

make sure u tied it around u tightly.... else see it floating away.... haf fun

[aRwEn]

make sure u tied it around u tightly.... else see it floating away.... haf fun

yup yup, tx..... hehehe..... ;)

[aRwEn]

make sure u tied it around u tightly.... else see it floating away.... haf fun


d picturez r posted here in d gallery:

http://www.usj.com.my/gallery/batumaloi_adventurecaving

:)

[fRaNkY]

More more more! :D

[aRwEn]

i saw d olympus u digital 800 in a photography magazine.... sellin 4 rm1,699....

it iz 8 megapixel, all-weather, 4.5x more sensitive 2 light so can shoot in d dark....

haiz.... *lau hau sui*....

if i din hav my u-mini digital adee, i wud go 4 diz....

;)

[USJ27Resident]

i need help!!! i need to buy a digital camera with a max price of RM 1100.....
i know......not easy to get a good camera at that price rite? sigh.....and all the good cameras with at least 4 or 5 pixels aren't that cheap.....any recomendations? Help!!! :confused:

Saw an PIN-UP ad at Fotokem Taipan (next to Guardian) selling a 4mp digital cam with optical/digital zoom for only RM399. Listed RCP price 459 !

[fRaNkY]

Kodak digital camera at RM499 and there is one at RM699 with a handphone for RM69!

[aRwEn]

wahhh.... so many optionz huh? hehehe.... ;)

anywiz, i hav posted up sum of d photoz dat i took wit d digital camera dat i bought at lensamalaysia.com as well as my flickr album.... c my signature 4 d URL. :)