ray_locke Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbudway Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_brown14 Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elek Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klix Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrypittman Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 ...also check the Panasonic Lumix series. Excellent value for the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now