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digital cams (not trail)

boacephus

boacephus

New Member
I think its time to move up in the world. I'm not looking for a professional model. I started a new job(River Valley Coop) and will be spending alot of time outdoors. So basically something for the pocket with some zoom. I don't exactly understand the 3x optical 5x digital....Huh???? What sort of zoom will get me a decent shot if I see a buck worth shooting(pic) at maybe 200yd max??? Looking to max out at a $250 range if possible. If possible maybe something that I could attach a zoom lens to in the future, but I'm guessing my range isn't going to touch that ability? Thanks in advance for any input.
 
I can tell you that the optical zoom is much better than the digital zoom. The optical zoom uses a lense much like a binocular to give you a clear image the digital zoom takes the image and blows it up digitally which generally creates a pixelated fuzzy image. Try taking a picture on your computer blowing it up or zooming in on it and you'll see what I mean. I would look for the camera with the highest optical zoom you can afford since you sound like you will be wanting to take a lot of long range shots.

You should be able to get a digital camera with a 10x optical zoom for your price range. Wal-Mart sells a Kodak model that's not bad at all for around $245. Keep in mind that any camera you get with the zoom you want for better long range pictures is going to have a larger lens and won't be as "pocket friendly" as a smaller camera with less zoom capability.
 
Try going to MSN.com and they have a heading for cameras on there to help you decide what camera is best for you. Also just go into best buy or american or a place like that and just talk to the guy who sells the camera and tell him what you are looking at spending and what you are using it for. That is what i did and they gave me several options to choose from. Look at what features they have then maybe you could go to target/wal-mart and find one that isnt such a big name brand a little cheaper. Also you have to remember that if you are looking around 250 total. Then the memory card which you will want to upgrade will cost you around $50. I seen at Office Depot they had a bunch of Canon Powershots on sale. This is what i have and it works wonderful. Dont know about 200yrds, never tried it. Will try it and let you know
 
In my opinion for a good zoom camera to be used in the field under hunting situations you must have a quality optical stabilizer. If not your zoom photos will be blurry at best. At higher magnification the slightest hand movement will affect the quality of your photos, not to mention that slower shutter speeds ie. needed under lower lighting situations, will cause the same effect. Canon makes a good zoom camera with a good optical stabilizer for close to $350. I love my camera but it is now pushing around $450 (Panasonic Lumix FZ-20 with Leica 12x optical zoom and image stabilizer)... I did a lot of research before purchasing a field camera... this one has not let me down... check out www.dpreview.com this is the best site I have found for indepth info. regarding all digital cameras and owners opinions... Good luck !!! Field photography is addicting
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Also to get a better idea of what an image stabilizer can do for you in the field, ... go into the member galleries photo section and click on my photo gallery. Check out the test photos labeled under "A1,... B1, etc"... this may give you a better idea what I am talking about....
 
Thanks for the info. 250 isn't my max, just a figure for the camera itself. I will add the ugraded memory card shortly after. I'm not really looking for a new hobby, just a good way to snap some shots while I'm out and about. Often times, as we all have, I've said to myself man that would be an awesome pic. Many times, prior too hunting season, have I seen nice bucks well within 100 yds. I guess I can't really have my cake and eat it also, lol. Perhaps I will narrow my search to a good quality pocket cam, with moderate range.

BTW nice "test" photos cornfed.
 
As mentioned, I would also recommend some sort of 'image stabilization' with a camera that offers high zoom. The 'digital zoom', you can disregard, 'optical zoom' is what you should be looking for. With digital zoom picture quality is sacrificed greatly.

I just purchased the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 (12x optical zoom w/image stabilization) from Amazon.com for $319.88 + Free shipping. I also spent a lot of time reviewing high-zoom cameras. The feedback and reviews from other owners of this camera are/is outstanding. The Leica lens sealed the deal for me...

Here is a good link for more info:
Panasonic DMC-FZ20
 
I've bought a lot of digicams over the past few years as a part of my job.
Hands down the best units are Sony's.
Have had bad luck with Fuji.
Olympus makes a decent one...on the high end of their product line.

If you're going to be hauling this around in your pocket a lot the biggest issue you'll have isn't with zoom. Get the camera that is easiest to handle with the fewest buttons and gadgets to make shooting pics a chore. Canon's ELPH line would be a darn good place to start for what you're wanting.
 
Bukket, Yeah I was thinking about smaller and less gadgets. After thinking about it if I'm out in the fields, chances are that means I will be in a sprayer, which means I will have my lunch with me, which means I just need a bigger lunch box so the camera will fit, lol.

Two beards, that seems about what I am going to look for. Just confused why there can be such a drastic price difference in the same camera?
 
Boacephus, not sure why there's such a big gap in price? After placing the order online I received the camera inside of a week...with no problems
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So far, it's everything I was looking for. Even though it's over twice the size of my smaller digital, the picture taking capabilities & picture quality make it well worth it.

On the downside, it took me exactly 2 trips in the field to lose the lens cap!
It's laying somewhere in the middle of a nice east-west draw
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Here is a in-depth review on this camera. I came across it today while looking for a place to purchase a new lens cap.

Review on Panasonic DCM-FZ20
 
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