New Camera

[jetscream]

Hey just got a few questions about buying a new camera

I have been looking at a camera to do some plane spotting and to take around
for the odd few shots and was looking at several point and shoot digital cameras,
as I can't afford dslr ones.

I saw several that looked good and wondered whether 10x optical zoom is enough
to get good close shots or would it be better to get something like 15-18x

Any suggestions?

Also what are your views on this camera? its only bout $250



I don't want to spend a fortune as I'm young and don't have much money

[benwynn]

Wouldn't recommend anything Fuji, they arent bad but they arent that great either.

Id recommend the Panasonic FZ50 or FZ18. Great cameras, dont have very good high ISO performance but fine for plane spotting and other daylight activities.

[ardypilot]

I've been using a similar spec Fuji for quite a while, and although it's bearable for your average point and shoot / static aircraft photography - don't expect to get any high zoom stunners such as the are the quality of Ben's and Gavin's shots posted here for example.

At the end of the day, all you get is what you pay for.

[Adamski]

I have mixed feelings about Fuji. I bought 2 4MP S3500's - one for each daughter - and they're incredible. The one daughter that is more photography orientated than the other swears by it - saying the optical zoom alone on it makes it a far better camera than any of the more flashy (ie. "cool") looking ones of her friends. I gave both of them a good testing (they were off Trademe) and I was impressed.

So ... with that in mind, I splashed out (also on Trademe) on an S9500 - a "poor man's Canon". I'm very underwhelmed. It's overly complex - without the instant shortcuts that the Canon SLRs have. They're there ... but not that intuitive. I'm forever fumbling with the controls or features. Either my hands are too big or my brain has seized up (or both!). Also, it EATS batteries (4 of them) ... so I need to have 3 or four sets recharged every time I go to an air-show. That said, the picture quality is generally good - for static and semi-static subjects. I have yet to master the art of capturing anything flying faster than a Tiger Moth :-(

Just remembered I bought SWMBO ("she-who-must-be-obeyed" for all you young kids) a 9MP finepix A900 (pocket camera) and that's a little beauty.

I see the S5700 also has a pretty good optical zoom. As ever, it's best to totally ignore digital zoom.

I'd say that for $250 it's not a bad camera. At that price, it's unfair to compare it with the "big boy" SLR's. The review at TrustedReviews (which I think you used) .... http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-came...inePix-S5700/p1 is pretty good, I think - and sounds about right, when comparing it to experiences I've had with other Fuji cameras.

What else is good at around $250?

EDIT: Just searched Trademe - a couple around $300 and one currently at $52 - reserve met!!! (closes Thursday):
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photo...n-201468306.htm

[Anthony]

I am using the newer, higher resolution S5800 version of that camera. There is nothing wrong with it, although it may not be the perfect match for aviation.
Not airshow material, but fine for spotting.
It does have a wonky progam shift AE mode (that's P on the dial) though.

I used mine for all the photos from my Wellington trip, plus all the other photos I've taken.
It's fine really, although the next step for me will be a digital SLR.

[pilot.masman]

Cheers Adam, i was looking at getting a new camera to supplement my 3 others , im bidding on the $52 res one, sorry for out bidding you mate but i need it for a new course in school

[Kelburn]

My two cents, as you may know I just got a DSLR. Worth it. If you can't spend that money (considering I bought mine just before prices went up) then get a worthwhile superzoom. Although you already seem to have that covered.

[Adamski]

QUOTE (pilot.masman @ Feb 9 2009, 07:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

cheers Adam, i was looking at getting a new camera to supplement my 3 others , im bidding on the $52 res one, sorry for out bidding you mate but i need it for a new course in school

No problem - you should'a told me you were going to bid - I wouldn't have even placed that one - I was sort of earmarking it!

Do you need any black & white gear for your school course? I'm just about to dump (onto Trademe) a whole trailer load of enlarging/processing stuff.

[pilot.masman]

Any other time of the year, yes, but right now all my funds have diminished into PC upgrades and hopefully this camera

[pilot.masman]

Up to 206 now, starting to wonder if there are any other bargains to be had instead.

[cambridgedan]

Hello

I have just go into Photography so I dont know alot, but after asking around I have heard that Canon is very good - Canon 40D.
I have just brought a canon like that and so far I am very happy with it.

The camera isnt the most majour part for getting good pics altho a good camera helps, the lense is the one thing that can
make or break a photo, so ive been told. i do know that the Canon L lenses are good and also and german optics such as Carls Zice (dont think thats the right spelling).

But if you are just wanting to take photos for your self a Cannon 450D would do the job just fine and get you some good quality pics.

Hope this helps

[pilot.masman]

just a note guys, if anyones got an old digi slr lying around ill be willing to take it off hteir hands, need to expand into the world of slr, as all my currnet cameras are p-a-s. my father has SLR's but im not allowed to touch

[pilotgallagher01]

Looks like your getting a good deal Sam,
I am also looking for a Camera, Shame I don't have the funds though as all my $$ is going towards my PPL. Then I can buy the electronic gear lol

[pilot.masman]

lol you could have had my old cybershot, but i just sold that for 100

[pilotgallagher01]

Na I am looking for a proper camera with a big lense lol. I have a cyber shot aswell and I am in the look for something with a 7 inch lense or something phat. But as I said my priority is my PPL now rather than my hobby for aviation photgraphy which can wait a a few more weeks...

Still any recomends from the senior fullers for a good Camera for Plane spotting?

[pilot.masman]

Canon 450D would do you just fine, look on TM in the digi SLR area and you will find a few good'uns

[happytraveller]

I had a Canon D350 digital SLR previously, but sold it and went back to Panasonic again. I am on my second Panasonic, and will happily buy another one. Had the FZ20 then changed to the FZ30, which has a 12 X OPTICAL zoom lens, so just right for aviation photos. Usual weak points, as with many Panasonic cameras, noise is a problem if you start to go above 200 ASA so it really is for daylight/good light use, but with the Leica lens on it, then it produces superb results. Highly recommended. Even though the FZ30 is now an old model, I have stuck with it, as it produces such good, sharp results, and results that are far better than I used to get from the Canon DSLR. The Panasonics also have image stabilisation, which is a help when you start to use zoom, and can also take rapid fire shots, again good for aviation photography. Easy to add filters to them, if you want to add any special effects as well.

So if you can find a cheap Panasonic FZ20 or FZ30 then it might be worth investigating. You could also read some reviews on www.dpreview.com as well.

smooth landings.

[pilot.masman]

btw, if someone wants a Sony DSC-H10 i have it on watchlist and it has been offered....

heres description
Sony DSCH10B digital camera, as new condition in original box, comes with:

-1GB memory card
-Battery
-charger
-lens hood
-USB cable
-Software
-shoulder strap

no manual or lens cap

Snap incredibly clear photos with 8.1 megapixel resolution, and enjoy tight close-ups with the 10x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens. Sonys Double Anti-Blur solution helps keep your images blur-free, and the 3.0-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display

Product Features
* 8.1 megapixel resolution
* BIONZ Image Processing Engine
* Dynamic Range Optimiser standard, for truer colour reproduction
* Face Detection Technology for optimum white balance, colour and flash control in portraits.
* Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
* Zoom: 10x Optical, 20x Precision Digital Zoom, 51x Smart, 17x HD Smart
* 3-inch Hybrid Clear Photo LCD Plus (230k dots)
* Mode Dial & Function Guide for simple command of setting adjustments in response to shooting needs
* Super SteadyShot Optical image stabilisation
* High Sensitivity: up to ISO3200 with Clear RAW NR
* Highest Shutter Speed 1/2000s
* Advanced Sports Shooting mode
* Manual Exposure mode
* MPEG Movie Recording 640x480, 30fps
* Edit Photos with in-camera retouching
* up to 310 shots, with supplied Lithium-ion battery NPBG1 (InfoLITHIUM function with optional NPFG1)
* Connect your camera to a HD TV and view your photos in full High Definition with the optional cable (VMCMHC1)