Update: Which Digital camera to buy

[Kyteland]

I want to by a Nikon digital camera. The one I really want is the 5700, but I can't decide if it is worth the extra money. I looked at the 5700 or 5000 because it can use an IBM microdrive, but one of the new 4300/3100/2100 models would definitely be more economical.

Suggestions? Responses from people who actually own these cameras would be nice.

Update: On the suggestion of others I took a look at the canon s45, s50, and G3. They are nice cameras. Plus they can use the microdrive and have a better batery life than the Nikons. I might go with the s45 if I could get a deal.

 

[Nightfall]

You might want to check out http://www.dpreview.com for some Nikon reviews.

I have a D1H SLR and it takes great shots. I love Nikon.

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: Nightfall
You might want to check out http://www.dpreview.com for some Nikon reviews.

I have a D1H SLR and it takes great shots. I love Nikon.

Linkified

I've looked there and here, http://www.imaging-resource.com/, and read up on each camera. That particular camera (D1H SLR) is getting a bit out of my price range, although I'm sure it is a great camera.

Edit: fixed link

 

[MrBond]

I know you're looking at nikon, but I always have to pimp my camera

I've got a Fuji FinePIX s602 zoom. It's 3.1 MP, with a 6mp interpolation mode. Takes GREAT photos, can be fully automatic of fully manual.

Here's a couple shots I took of the puppy I bought my sister for christmas, these are 3mp.

DSCF0008.JPG

DSCF0006.JPG

Edit - both pictures taken using automatic mode, no flash)

It has a 6x optical zoom, which is GREAT. Also can take SM and CF cards (supports microdrive). I love the dual media, I keep a SM card in at all times in case I forget my CF card (which happens all the time, I leave it plugged into the reader on my desktop and grab the camera bag without it).

I've got some 6mp shots, but they're HUGE (17mb), so I don't want to upload them to any pichosting service. I've had 8x10's made from 3mp shots that look VERY good.

Probably looking at ~$450 ish for the camera now. I think I paid $500-600 for it some time back when it was still a new model.

 

[Kyteland]

Man, nobody seems to like the Nikons. Any gripes against them, or do you just like other cameras better?

 

[Platypus]

After using Nikon digital cameras in the field extensively, I would advise against purchasing one. I love Nikon's SLR's to death, but their digital photography is not quite up to calibre.

Check out Canon's line of digital cameras.

 

[DBL]

Nikon just announced rebates on its digital camera line.

Nikon rebates

 

[ragazzo]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=703590/blsrt=1/ut=8c62d2fdb446a00f

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: Nightfall
You might want to check out http://www.dpreview.com for some Nikon reviews.

I have a D1H SLR and it takes great shots. I love Nikon.

I had one too..


I'm buying it back this month!

 

[nitsuj3580]

i'm a happy Nikon 4500 owner here. takes excellent pictures as far as I'm concerned

 

[bbkat]

Originally posted by: Kyteland
Man, nobody seems to like the Nikons. Any gripes against them, or do you just like other cameras better?

Canons

 

[Soybomb]

I think it goes without saying that the nicer one you buy the better. The best one is the one that you can afford I have a 2100 but have gotten to shoot with a D1x and it was really awesome. Now quit wasting time and go get one so you can start shooting!

 

[vi edit]

<---- canon whore

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
<---- canon whore

Oh the images that brings to my bad, evil, dirty mind.....

 

[grillmasterP]

I have had my Nikon CP885 for over a year- I got pretty good deal on the camera at the time - 299 +tax - (3x optical, 3+MP, Battery & charger). I also have a Canon S330. Before these 2 digi cams - I had a Kodak. From my personal experience with all of these - My next Camera purchase will be a Canon. - I believe that Nikon makes great SLR's as well as optics - but I feel more confident and comfortable with Canon for digital cameras. Also - the overall feel, build quality, and ease of use of the Canons , IMHO is better.

For the price I paid for the Nikon 885 - I got a great camera don't get me wrong. However I would not have paid the going retail price for the 885 (approx $400-450 over a year ago) I would have purchased the Canon S30/40 instead.

If it comes down to same price, same features - I would get a Canon over a Nikon digital.

 

[Kyteland]

bump

 

[Wolverine27]

Happy 5700 owner here. Sure it costs $$$, but it's worth it for me. I got mine for $1000 from CDW a while ago.

For me, I love the great picture quality, 8x optical zoom, and battery pack grip accessory. The only real negative that bugs me sometimes is difficulty focusing in lowlight situations. The other cameras you listed are fine cameras as well...you just need to decide which suits your priorities best.

good luck!

 

[fatbaby]

I once owned a nikon coolpix775, the non-nikon compact flash card i bought didn't work with it so i returned the cam, got a canon s200, and it worked perfectly

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: Kyteland
bump

Did you see my reply?

 

[UNCjigga]

Canon r0x0rZ

I say check out the new S50...

 

[bbkat]

I saw you added the Canons to the poll

*Disclaimer: I don't know anything about Nikons*

I just got the S45 a couple months ago (before the S50 was announced) and I love it. My dad has the G2. If you're trying to decide between these two, you have to ask what's more important - swivel LCD, ability to add lens filters and flash (G3), or compact size (S45/50). I decided size WAS important You won't be taking many pictures if you don't carry the camera around. Also, don't get caught up in the megapixel hype. Unless you're printing > 8x10, you really don't need 4 to 5 MP. If cost is not a major factor, more MP gives you more room for error (cropping).

Last two tips. Which ever brand you're looking at, go here (if you haven't already), and get out to a B&M store and phsically pick them up and use them to see what feels better.

Good luck

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: CorporateRecreation

Originally posted by: Kyteland
bump

Did you see my reply?

Yes, thanks. I added the Canons to the poll to see what people thought.

It seems like most people here think Nikons are ok, but the Canons are definitely a higher calibre digital camera.

 

[JaiKnight]

I got my S45 about 2 months ago and I've had tons of fun with it so far. Like bbkat mentioned, one of my major deciding factors was size and build quality and IMO the Canon is much better than the Nikons that I also got my hands on. I've been taking taking videos and pictures very often for the simple fact that the camera is easy to carry around, if I had gotten a G3, I wouldn't have carried it around anywhere unless I knew beforehand that I would need it. The quality of the pictures is also very good, the only bad pictures I've taken are due to user error

EDIT: The reason it feels so solid is probably because of the all metal casing, thumbs up to a large portion of the Canon cameras for keeping up with this (Elph, Powershots). I always have a fear of the plastic cracking on some cases (ie G2/G3, Nikons).

 

[abaez]

S50 is so damn sexy you'll get all the chicks with that one.

 

[bbkat]

Dell has some nice deals:

*10% off all digital cameras + $40 off $350 coupon expiring today - 4/2*

Nikon 5000 - $824 (less $200 MIR)
Nikon 4500 - $544
Canon S50 - $499
Canon G3 - $589

free shipping!

Don't feel pressure to buy today if you're not ready, Dell has these deals pretty regularly. I got the S45 for $415 in late-Jan.