I am in the market for a new dig camera. - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

noflash · 03-07-2006, 05:57 PM

I know there are a ton of "photogs" here, but please don't flame me for being so cheap.

I want great picture quality for $200.

I have an old 2.1 mp HP and it takes crappy pictures.

Consumer Reports recommends the Canon PowerShot A510 with "Excellent" print quality but only 3 mp for $180 (in November). How can it be excellent with 3mp?

PC World recommends an HP with 6 mp for $200.

Any other recommendations?

HRC · 03-07-2006, 06:10 PM

Hey Ian - I'm a n00b, but I got my Canon SD400 for like$280 shipped. It takes pretty good pictures.

Danny

Squawks · 03-07-2006, 06:33 PM

Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera.

Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com.

If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony.

EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will *not* be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet.

Enroutte · 03-07-2006, 07:20 PM

just get a canon. they're liek rated #1 for click adn shoot photos or somethinggg of that nature

BMW E90 · 03-08-2006, 01:18 AM

there's a Sony CyberShot at Office Max for $178. It's a good camera for the price. Look in last weekend's newspaper for more details.

BellasBmw · 03-08-2006, 01:22 AM

I'd have to go with Nikon.

mava330 · 03-08-2006, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

I'd have to go with Nikon.

I'm partial but Nikon for me. Former Canon D-SLR shooter and I went to Nikon. I love their color rendition out of the box. My .02.

Nikki · 03-08-2006, 01:37 AM

i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome.

eleven24 · 03-08-2006, 08:50 AM

If you're going to be producing standard size prints (3x5 or 4x6) then 3mp is more than sufficient. Larger MP cameras allow you to print larger sized prints -or- crop larger sized images into smaller sized prints. The notion that the MP of a camera is relative to the quality of pictures was created by the camera makers to make the consumers believe they need to upgrade.

Photography is also an art, or skill. Having a top of the line camera doesn't make you the next Ansel Adams. I've seen wannabe pro's with $3,000 lenses attached to $8,000 DSLR cameras snapping away and creating horrible pics. On the flipside, I've seen professional quality images created with point and shoot cameras.

Don't get caught up in the "more $ = better camera". dpreview.com is an excellent resource, as is fredmiranda.com.

Armen52 · 03-08-2006, 09:25 AM

Depends on what type of camera you're looking for. I'm quite partial to Canons myself as far as picture quality as well as usability are concerned.

Ultra-compact point-and-shoot - Consider the Digital Elph line of cameras, whichever one is closest to your budget should be just fine. Don't know if you can still find SD200 or SD300, maybe also try the SD400 or 450.

Compact + manual controls - This will allow you to move away from the Auto mode if you're interested in learning more about photography etc. I'd go with the Canon A series cameras. A510 or A520 are good. As is the A95 and A620.

red_wagen · 03-08-2006, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squawks

Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera.

Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com.

If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony.

EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will *not* be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet.

What he said...

Booster · 03-08-2006, 10:16 AM

I am a Nikon guy

noflash · 03-08-2006, 11:03 AM

Thanks all for the great responses. I will try to squeeze some research time in today. Canon v. Nikon -- the epic battle!

Thanks again. Once again the community comes through!

younghov85 · 03-08-2006, 11:42 AM

My girl friend is getting me the sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W50 Digital Camera
DSC-W50. It comes out in like two weeks, so when i get it i will let you know how it is.

Nikki · 03-08-2006, 12:22 PM

and check newegg.com, they have good prices.

lux.sh · 03-09-2006, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome.

I second this. I recently got SD400 japanese version. great camera.
so much better than sony cameras.

Nikons are the best for macro shots, but lacks all-around performance compared to Canon. Nikon's movie mode was very disappointing when i tried it. then again, who uses movie mode alot in a digital camera.

Just avoid sony's 5mp chips(7+mp chips are known to be better however), and you'll be fine.
www.dpreview.com is an awesome site for digi cams.

noflash · 03-20-2006, 08:54 PM

Just wanted to update and say thanks for ya'lls help.

I bought a Canon A520. Consumer Report's highest rated Best Buy was the A510 and this one just has an extra megapixel. It was on sale at Target for $168. What a deal.

Here are some pics I took today.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15562

03-07-2006, 05:57 PM	#1
noflash Captain Caveman Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 1,716 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I am in the market for a new dig camera. I know there are a ton of "photogs" here, but please don't flame me for being so cheap. I want great picture quality for $200. I have an old 2.1 mp HP and it takes crappy pictures. Consumer Reports recommends the Canon PowerShot A510 with "Excellent" print quality but only 3 mp for $180 (in November). How can it be excellent with 3mp? PC World recommends an HP with 6 mp for $200. Any other recommendations? __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Tweet

03-07-2006, 06:10 PM	#2
HRC MAUI BUILT Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL Posts: 7,780 iTrader: (10) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Hey Ian - I'm a n00b, but I got my Canon SD400 for like$280 shipped. It takes pretty good pictures. Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box

03-07-2006, 06:33 PM	#3
Squawks One of my two dachshunds: Drives: B6 A4 3.0 Quattro Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 663 iTrader: (0)	Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera. Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com. If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony. EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will not be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet. __________________ I'm sorry about my outlandish behavior - there's too much blood in my alcohol system.

03-08-2006, 01:22 AM	#6
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 1,733 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I'd have to go with Nikon. __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint

03-08-2006, 01:37 AM	#8
Nikki Major General Drives: del Sol VTEC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Malibu Posts: 6,368 iTrader: (9)	i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome. __________________ Nikki

03-07-2006, 07:20 PM	#4
Enroutte Private First Class Drives: ;D Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Undecided. Posts: 160 iTrader: (0)	just get a canon. they're liek rated #1 for click adn shoot photos or somethinggg of that nature

03-08-2006, 01:18 AM	#5
BMW E90 Major General Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Around the Bay Posts: 7,948 iTrader: (8)	there's a Sony CyberShot at Office Max for $178. It's a good camera for the price. Look in last weekend's newspaper for more details.

03-08-2006, 08:50 AM	#9
eleven24 Foppa! Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Jersey Posts: 214 iTrader: (0)	If you're going to be producing standard size prints (3x5 or 4x6) then 3mp is more than sufficient. Larger MP cameras allow you to print larger sized prints -or- crop larger sized images into smaller sized prints. The notion that the MP of a camera is relative to the quality of pictures was created by the camera makers to make the consumers believe they need to upgrade. Photography is also an art, or skill. Having a top of the line camera doesn't make you the next Ansel Adams. I've seen wannabe pro's with $3,000 lenses attached to $8,000 DSLR cameras snapping away and creating horrible pics. On the flipside, I've seen professional quality images created with point and shoot cameras. Don't get caught up in the "more $ = better camera". dpreview.com is an excellent resource, as is fredmiranda.com. __________________ 330xi sapphireblack.terra.alum \| steptronic \| prem \| sport \| cold \| 162.wheels \| ca \| pdc \| idrive \| sirius [finally took delivery on 2.16.06]

03-08-2006, 09:25 AM	#10
Armen52 Captain Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 658 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Depends on what type of camera you're looking for. I'm quite partial to Canons myself as far as picture quality as well as usability are concerned. Ultra-compact point-and-shoot - Consider the Digital Elph line of cameras, whichever one is closest to your budget should be just fine. Don't know if you can still find SD200 or SD300, maybe also try the SD400 or 450. Compact + manual controls - This will allow you to move away from the Auto mode if you're interested in learning more about photography etc. I'd go with the Canon A series cameras. A510 or A520 are good. As is the A95 and A620. __________________ E90 330i delivered 6/29/2005, ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/Step, Arctic/Gray/Walnut

03-08-2006, 10:16 AM	#12
Booster Pave The Rainforest Drives: Dog Hauler Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 887 iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	I am a Nikon guy __________________ 05 Legacy GT Wagon

03-08-2006, 11:03 AM	#13
noflash Captain Caveman Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 1,716 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Thanks all for the great responses. I will try to squeeze some research time in today. Canon v. Nikon -- the epic battle! Thanks again. Once again the community comes through! __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood

03-08-2006, 11:42 AM	#14
younghov85 Captain Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland Posts: 890 iTrader: (0)	My girl friend is getting me the sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W50 Digital Camera DSC-W50. It comes out in like two weeks, so when i get it i will let you know how it is.

03-08-2006, 12:22 PM	#15
Nikki Major General Drives: del Sol VTEC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Malibu Posts: 6,368 iTrader: (9)	and check newegg.com, they have good prices. __________________ Nikki

03-20-2006, 08:54 PM	#17
noflash Captain Caveman Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 1,716 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Just wanted to update and say thanks for ya'lls help. I bought a Canon A520. Consumer Report's highest rated Best Buy was the A510 and this one just has an extra megapixel. It was on sale at Target for $168. What a deal. Here are some pics I took today. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15562 __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood

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