topic Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers in Electronics

Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:05:27 GMT

I have always loved taking pictures, going back to what was available in the early 1970s. I never spent a fortune on my cameras, but they've tended to balance function, features, convenience and cost.

I used a (pre-D) SLR for years until I got tired of lugging them around. Switched to digital point-and-shoots and have never looked back (still don't want to deal with bulky cameras & lenses).

I use my iPhone 6S a lot, but that won't cut it for distance and isn't great in low light.

Tell me/us why you enjoy using a camera as opposed to a camera phone, and when you use either. I use the phone for quickies and close-ups and the camera for everything else.

I've used Pentax (my first digital), Sony, Nikon, Fuji and Canon; my last four have been Canons. As new features are available, I buy up.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Mz iMac — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:36:17 GMT

I use a Kodak camera for my pictures & an iPod 5th Gen w/video to take videos. I don't own a cell phone.

I still own & use the very first camera I got from my parents for my 16th birthday.....

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 23:41:32 GMT

@Mz iMac, does it do the instant photos or is it just a regular camera? We had an early instant Polaroid that had a bellows and one that didn't (later model I suppose).

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Mz iMac — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:01:56 GMT

@Moonchilde

Does the instant pictures.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

cotton4me — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:16:24 GMT

I’ve only become interested in photography in the last couple of years. I have a Sony point and shoot. Your post is interesting because I’ve always wondered about the more complex cameras with the various lens. It’s nice to know you’re happy with the point and shoot after using both. I do a lot of walking and don’t want to lug around a lot of equipment. What I have is very lightweight and easy to carry.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 01:42:28 GMT

@cotton4me, so funny you should post that photo. I had just purchased a new camera today (which is what prompted me to start this thread). I had more or less decided on the newest Canon (which I did eventually go with) but I looked at your Sony extensively online this afternoon. The two cameras are pretty evenly matched.

The thing I didn't like about SLRs and DSLRs is there can't be any spontaneity when you're carrying around a heavy, honkin' big bag, camera and extra lens, you have to switch lenses back and forth, and manually focus. Ugh. Even the an "automatic" DSLR it's still heavy and huge.

I sometimes do use the manual controls, but for most instances Auto is fine and Photoshop Express is my friend.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

CinNC — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 02:14:42 GMT

I've started taking more photos again. I have an older Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS19 that's a 20X optical zoom.

Been looking at new cameras only because mine does not have wifi. My partner has two with wifi - the first was a small Samsung I gave him for Christmas a few years ago and it was so very very easy to transfer photos from the camera to tablets and phones.

I tried one of those SD cards w/built in wifi and it worked once and never again ergo the new camera search.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 02:39:08 GMT

@CinNC wrote:
I've started taking more photos again. I have an older Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS19 that's a 20X optical zoom.

Been looking at new cameras only because mine does not have wifi. My partner has two with wifi - the first was a small Samsung I gave him for Christmas a few years ago and it was so very very easy to transfer photos from the camera to tablets and phones.

I tried one of those SD cards w/built in wifi and it worked once and never again ergo the new camera search.

I would some day be interested to try a newer Lumix, but that would have been stretching my budget a bit too much for now.

My last 2-3 cameras have had wifi, but unless you have *fast* wifi, if you spend the day taking photos it takes forever to transfer say 50-60 photos via slow wifi. The new(ish) Nikon long zoom has BT transfer, which I would like, but I don't think the picture quality is that great.

I have a lightning connector SD card reader. Put the SD card into it and plug into my iPad and the photos transfer in seconds, even 30+ at a time. I love it!

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

cotton4me — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 11:34:50 GMT

@Moonchilde

I see your new camera has 40X zoom, very nice. You’ll have to let me know how you like it. Mine has 30X. I forgot to mention that I use mine for nature/wildlife photography so zoom is a must. I also have to be able to react quickly because animals are always on the move, more so if they see you. That was another reason I couldn’t imagine having to change lens, controls, etc.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

glb613 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 11:04:07 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
I have always loved taking pictures, going back to what was available in the early 1970s. I never spent a fortune on my cameras, but they've tended to balance function, features, convenience and cost.

I used a (pre-D) SLR for years until I got tired of lugging them around. Switched to digital point-and-shoots and have never looked back (still don't want to deal with bulky cameras & lenses).

I use my iPhone 6S a lot, but that won't cut it for distance and isn't great in low light.

Tell me/us why you enjoy using a camera as opposed to a camera phone, and when you use either. I use the phone for quickies and close-ups and the camera for everything else.

I've used Pentax (my first digital), Sony, Nikon, Fuji and Canon; my last four have been Canons. As new features are available, I buy up.

I have 2 Canon point and shoot cameras but find my iPhone takes better pictures. As you posted, the iPhone is terrible at night or low light. What I really like about the Canons (and newer models don't have) is built in GPS. I like to travel and it really helps to have either a phone or camera with built in GPS so you can see where it was taken. It's really helped once I get home and can't remember exactly where the photo was taken.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Quse — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 15:51:50 GMT

The one thing about digital cameras that drives me bonkers is the delay in taking pictures. Some have faster shutter speeds, some are so slow that it might snap your photo by next Tuesday, if you're lucky. The higher the megapixel, the slower the camera, for the most part.
I used to use an 8mp point and shoot Oympus that was weather sealed for outdoor use. I loved this camera and took it everywhere, but wanted an upgrade. I went to Best Buy and tested every single camera they had to see the shutter delay...the winner was Canon EOS 40D by a long shot. Love this camera, but it's very heavy because of the metal body, so on a TSV, I bought a Canon Tsi 3 EOS....I HATE this camera. Slower than slow. I gave it to my daughter recently, she is enjoying getting into photography.
I'm now interested in the Canon Mark 6D, but I would have to test it before plunking down that kind of cash.
Most of the time, I use my iPhone 6 for photos and the image stabilization on video is superb! Butl ike you said, not so good for distance or low light.
I use the Canon 40D for work, so I could kind of justify the purchase of the Mark 6 upgrade.
I like the Canon EOS cameras because I'm learning what lenses I like for what application. I don't like lugging it around, but when I want really good photos I do.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:08:45 GMT

@cotton4me wrote:
@Moonchilde

I see your new camera has 40X zoom, very nice. You’ll have to let me know how you like it. Mine has 30X. I forgot to mention that I use mine for nature/wildlife photography so zoom is a must. I also have to be able to react quickly because animals are always on the move, more so if they see you. That was another reason I couldn’t imagine having to change lens, controls, etc.

@cotton4me, I first had a 20X zoom, then when the 30X zoom came out I went for that and thought I couldn't possibly ever need more than 30X zoom, that would be It for me. But now I live where there are sea otters, sea lions and birds, and the 30X zoom was good but not perfect. I wasn't going to buy a new camera, but (1) I love to buy myself toys), (2) the 40X zoom entices, and (3) there were a few things that critics didn't like about my current camera that have been "fixed" in the new one.

We also get deer in the yard. So far I've only had time to grab my iPhone, but would love to take some pix closer up.

This was with the 30X zoom.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:26:12 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
I have always loved taking pictures, going back to what was available in the early 1970s. I never spent a fortune on my cameras, but they've tended to balance function, features, convenience and cost.

I used a (pre-D) SLR for years until I got tired of lugging them around. Switched to digital point-and-shoots and have never looked back (still don't want to deal with bulky cameras & lenses).

I use my iPhone 6S a lot, but that won't cut it for distance and isn't great in low light.

Tell me/us why you enjoy using a camera as opposed to a camera phone, and when you use either. I use the phone for quickies and close-ups and the camera for everything else.

I've used Pentax (my first digital), Sony, Nikon, Fuji and Canon; my last four have been Canons. As new features are available, I buy up.
I have 2 Canon point and shoot cameras but find my iPhone takes better pictures. As you posted, the iPhone is terrible at night or low light. What I really like about the Canons (and newer models don't have) is built in GPS. I like to travel and it really helps to have either a phone or camera with built in GPS so you can see where it was taken. It's really helped once I get home and can't remember exactly where the photo was taken.

Interesting that different things are important to different people. My first Canon had GPS but the last ones haven't; it's a feature I never used. I do wish sometimes the Canons had viewfinders, but not having them keeps the price down.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 18:51:19 GMT

@Quse, it is true that shutter lag can be an issue with some cameras. I had one camera a long time ago that was very noticeable with shutter lag; after that, it's one of the things I look for in reviews. If people mention it, that camera drops off my list. Because I use point-and-shoots, I don't know if DSLRs have more of a problem with it than the p&s cameras.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

glb613 — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 22:50:17 GMT

The way to take a good focused picture with a point and shoot camera is to hold down the shutter button halfway, let the camera focus then press it all the way down.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Quse — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 16:43:50 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
@Quse, it is true that shutter lag can be an issue with some cameras. I had one camera a long time ago that was very noticeable with shutter lag; after that, it's one of the things I look for in reviews. If people mention it, that camera drops off my list. Because I use point-and-shoots, I don't know if DSLRs have more of a problem with it than the p&s cameras.

@Moonchilde The point and shoot cameras that I tested in store ALL had a noticable shutter lag, even the upgraded version of my beloved Olympus P&S. That's why I decided to get the Canon EOS 40D, even though it was a much different camera.
From what I've learned, the higher the megapixel, the slower the shutter, unless the camera company actually engineers it not to. Most people just want cheaper, so they tolerate the lag. I can't stand the delay, it bugs me too much. I was looking to upgrade my 40D 10MP camera to a Canon 70 or 80D, but the reviews all stated slower shutter time than the 40D, likely becasue these are 18 megapixel cameras. I'm now looking at the Canon Mark 6D, but I won't even think of purchasing one without testing it. Way too expensive.
If you can, go to a store to test the P&S cameras that you like. For some people, the delay doesn't bother them enough to write it in a review. They just assume all digitals have a lag.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Moonchilde — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 17:50:01 GMT

@Quse, other than the one camera I mentioned (but don't remember which maker), I haven't noticed shutter lag except in the type of shots where you would expect them - slower shutter speed, etc. I learned early on to buy the fastest SD card, as write speed matters. But then, having never used a DSLR, you're right, I have nothing to compare to. Having experienced shutter lag that I did notice, I have to say that with my Canons and the Fuji at least, I haven't been bothered by whatever lag there might be.

I really liked my two Fujis, but the last one (before I switched to Canons) had a malfunctioning zoom only 18 mo. after purchase, so I never bought another. Good photos, though.

I know of course that "good" is relative, but for my uses (online with the occasional print at 4x6 or 5x7), the p&s fits my primary requirement of spontaneity. I like to shoot indoors without flash (museums) and in their category and price range the Canons are as good as it gets in that dept, though of course no match for a DSLR and a tripod. But for my wants, I love them.

I'm excited - the camera arrives today, as does the SD card and case, purchased on Amazon. Purchased on Ebay Saturday afternoon (never bought a big ticket item on Ebay before, only little stuff) and it's arriving today with free shipping. I live only 90 min. from the shipper, though.

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

Quse — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 19:10:12 GMT

@MoonchildeHow exciting it comes today! Hope you like and enjoy it!

Re: Camera Fans, Camera Lovers

glb613 — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 11:53:45 GMT

I have 2 Canon point and shoot cameras but find my iPhone takes better pictures. As you posted, the iPhone is terrible at night or low light. What I really like about the Canons (and newer models don't have) is built in GPS. I like to travel and it really helps to have either a phone or camera with built in GPS so you can see where it was taken. It's really helped once I get home and can't remember exactly where the photo was taken.

Interesting that different things are important to different people. My first Canon had GPS but the last ones haven't; it's a feature I never used. I do wish sometimes the Canons had viewfinders, but not having them keeps the price down.

I know. When I travel, I take hundreds of photos and think I'll remember exactly where I was when the photo was taken. Guess what? I don't and the builtin GPS is so handy. I still use iPhoto because I like it better. When a photo is being viewed, you can click on info and it will use the GPS info in the photo and show a map and location where it was taken. This is especially handy when creating a photobook. With that being said, having builtin GPS would not be the main reason I'd buy a camera.