need digital advice-

[ray_locke]

Hello,

 

I need help with getting a digital camera. I use medium format film

cameras alot but need a simple digital as a walk around camera for

those times I do not want a backpack full of gear or a tripod with

me.

 

Ideally it would be a model that has these traits-

28mm on the wide end or as wide as they can get, and I do not care

about the long end.

For the most part it will be for compositional purposes for film

shoots, family snaps, and if I run across a great scene be able to

make a 12x18" print. Ap Priority and a fast shutter lag would be

nice too.

 

Can a point and shoot do that? What comes close? How many mp would

you need? I have done 8x10 form a 4mp but did not like bigger. Or

is it best to go for an entry level dslr? The more interesting

models seem to cost almost as much as a dslr. Can a $300 camera do

this?

 

Thx!

[ronbudway]

Well, I have a nikon coolpix 5400 that I bought 3 years ago for $800 u.s. Today that

camera can be had with rebates for $300, if you can still find one. It's 5mp, will fit in

a coat or cargo pant pocket, 28mm equiv., has RAW with a firmware upgrade, shutter

lag is short but shot to shot times are not that great, has tilt-swivel lcd, 12 x 18

would be really pushing it. I have made 8 1/2 x 11 prints that I think are very good. I

have since upgraded to a D70, which is of course vastly superior, vastly bigger, and

vastly more expensive.

 

Good luck.

[dan_brown14]

I've just conducted extensive personal research into the same question you ask.

 

Olympus C-7070. $379.

 

Outstanding camera to shoot with and the images are fantastic!

 

My other camera system is Nikon AF with D100 and N90s. I've shot extensively with Leica

M and Mamiya 7 as well.

[mike_elek]

You should be aware that many P&S cameras with zooms will show noticeable barrel distortion on the wide end. However, in many shots you might not notice it. It will be most apparent in photos with buildings and straight lines.

[klix]

IMO, your best bet getting 12x18 prints (based on MP count alone) is at 6MP and higher. Yes, I know others will say they can get 12x18 and larger from their 4MP cameras, but 6MP would still yield a higher percentage of 12x18 candidates.

 

If you go to dpreview.com (like I just did), select "BUYING GUIDE" the "FEATURES SEARCH" and select the criteria: compact, <28mm, and 7MP (6MP yields no results), the search will return 2 cameras:

 

Canon S70 and Olympus C-7070. From what I've heard/read, you cannot go wrong with either camera. The Canon is obviously more compact.

[terrypittman]

...also check the Panasonic Lumix series. Excellent value for the money.