NFB: Which digital camera do you guys use?

[fastTa]

I am looking to get a new dig cam. I don't need an SLR, (already have one) I just want a good compact cam to take to the track that has decent video/sound capability as well. I have had a few Fuji's (Finepix A510 most recently) in the past and I have liked the quality of the pics they produce very much.

I have been "eyeing" the Fuji Finepix E550 lately. It has a 6.3 MP (4048 x 3040) resolution and a 4x zoom. It has a lot of nice features and really straight forward menu. I also like the larger than normal LCD display. It also has a video capability of 30 fps which is really quite good considering it is primarily a compact dig cam.

What do you guys use and/or reccomend for that matter?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I use a Canon digital rebel but that's not what you are looking for. I absolutely love it. It will do anything I want it to do. http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...9&modelid=9430

[Joe 1320]

I have been "eyeing" the Fuji Finepix E550 lately. It has a 6.3 MP (4048 x 3040) resolution and a 4x zoom.
What do you guys use and/or reccomend for that matter?

Fuji rocks. The only downside that I can see is they chew up battery power quickly.

Here is a hard photo to get with a digital..... a moving object against the sky. Check out the clarity for something with light behind it......btw, it's a vintage WWII fighter. Squadrons of these fly in and out of Sebring and literally buzz my house.

[fastTa]

Fuji rocks. The only downside that I can see is they chew up battery power quickly.

I can vouge for that. My A510 sucked batteries dry. Hopefully using the rechargable high-capacity NiMH cells, it will be much better.

[fastTa]

Cool pic Joe.

[fastTa]

I use a Canon digital rebel but that's not what you are looking for. I absolutely love it. It will do anything I want it to do. http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...9&modelid=9430

Jeff, do the Rebel's have any sort of video capture mode?

[Injuneer]

At work I use a Sony DSC-P93A. Its discontinued now, but there are similar replacement models. I've been impressed with it, in particular the fact that it uses the Memory Stick PRO high speed card, and can run 32fps in video mode. The 5.1 megapix seems adequate. The 3X optical is so-so. View finder (~1.5" diag.) is sort of miniscule. Seems to have a large number of choices ranging from full auto to full manual, a wide variety of light metering options, relatively intuitive menus, etc.

To me, I'd rather have a good balance between the image size/resolution and decent optical zoom. 3X optical isn't really enough. At least 6X and maybe 10X.

My personal camera is an ancient Kodak 110 1 megapix, 3X optical. Battery life totally sucks, and there is little that can be changed manualy. It is nearing 4,500 photos, over a period of 6 years, so its hard to knock it. But its low tech.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Jeff, do the Rebel's have any sort of video capture mode?

No. It still has the mirror in front of the CCD and you look through the lens. You can manually have the mirror flip up but you can't see through the viewfinder then. It's just like an SLR with a CCD.

[fastTa]

Fred, what is it that you like specifically about the "Memory Stick PRO high speed card"? I hear ya, on the zoom factor...I guess the only reason I am not too concerned with the zoom capability is that most of my pics will be from very close to the staging/waterbox/starting line area.

My common sense initially told me that it would just be wise to get a dedicated dig cam and then a dedicated vid cam for doing the video. But, after doing some research and talking with several people, it seems that there are some pretty good middle of the road cams that will do both without sacrificing much quality on each end of the spectrum.

[Jay 02 TA ws6]

You've seen the video quality from my camera - remember the video I sent you of my car reving in the garage? That was taken from my digital camera. Good sound quality too.

Sony DSC V1

It's a brilliant camera, I love it.

[fastTa]

You've seen the video quality from my camera - remember the video I sent you of my car reving in the garage? That was taken from my digital camera. Good sound quality too.

Sony DSC V1

It's a brilliant camera, I love it.

What's the frame rate? I'm at work or I would just look at your vid properties.

[soCalTA]

I have a Canon A50 Powershot which is old by todays standards but it has performed flawlessly in all these years. We are going to get the Rebel since we like the idea of a digital camera with the benefit of using lenses. We travel alot to Northern New Mexico and with such big country we need to zoom in or panaram. Something the little Powershot can't really do.

[SteveH95Formula]

I have an HP812 I beleive its called and it has video capture. 5.1 Megapixel. I don't think the HP makes it any more but I'm sure there is an equivelant for it. If you want zoom get one with a big lens.
Try the HP 945. 56X total zoom. and a 5.3 Megapixel. They make excelent camera at a reasonable price.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I have a Sony DSC 3.2 megapixel camera. I can't remember the exact model number. It's been good though. I rarely use it at 3.2 mpixel power as 2mpixels are good enough for 80% of my shots. The battery life has been superb. I was hesitent to use a proprietary battery, but it's much better than having to bring along an extra set. I agree about the zoom, it's not quite enough. I wish it were a little smaller, but it fits into my front pocket well enough. One thing that impressed me...it's tough. Mine has a dent in the side to prove it.

[Sean 94z28]

My Nikon 990 is within 100 shots of 4000 pictures since i got it in 2000. I would highly recommend any of their cameras.

You can go to photo.epson.com (no www) and enter my email diamondh@pacbell.net to see some Yosemite pictures (3 megapixel)

I also have always liked Canon equipment too. So I would second any of those recommendations. Anecdotally, my Dad just bought a Olympus (6 mp) and it has been flaking really bad - I'll check the model if you want me too.

Sean