alright well my parents said that they'll get me a digital camera for christmas. i don't want to get a <font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font> camera but i only am going to be able to spend around $400 total. i want a camera that will allow me to grow with i.e. different lenses and whatnot. i'm pretty illeterate when it comes to stuff like shutter speed and whatnot. i know that there are posts like this but i felt i needed specific resopnses. what camera do you use, what would you recomend for this price range, post some pics of your pics with your camera, and where would the best place be to find some deals?

Check out pricescan.com. I saved a bundle on my last camera.

SONY DSC-P8 should do the trick for $400 <BR>3X optical zoom and mpegs mail and 640's <BR>with audio

SONY Cyber-shot DSC-F717 <BR>5X Optical zoom 10X digital zoom, here are some examples, also i heard u could get one for $470, I don't know if thats true or not the camera is actually my Dad's. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/90350.jpg" alt=""> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/90351.jpg" alt="">

<BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/90354.jpg" alt=""> <BR> <BR>and if u want to see more pics taken with this camera u can check out the Robin Friday article and pic gallery: <BR> <BR> <a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/Galleries/Gallery.asp?GalleryID=159" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/Galleries/Gallery.asp?GalleryID=159</a>

i think i may have found a camera i like. it's the fujifilm S5000. 6.1 Meagapixals and a x10 optical zoom. any body have any experience with this camera or with Fugifilm in general? <BR>

Derrick, check out the discussions on the digital photo review forums for that camera: <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com/</a> and a full review of the camera: <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5000/" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms5000/</a> <BR> <BR>From the specs it looks like it will do a really good job for wakeboarding, but not as good as an SLR which would be much more expensive of course. But from what I have seen it appears that the S5000 is 3.1megapixel and the S7000 is 6.3megapixel with a 6x zoom. <BR> <BR>

check <a href="http://www.dpreview.com" target="_blank">http://www.dpreview.com</a> <BR>for unbiased camera reviews. It is the best camera review site I have found on the net. <BR> <BR>Personally, I like cannon digital cameras. It will be very difficult to find quality digital camera for $400. Then again everyones definition of 'Quality' is different.

Forgot to mention, don't use pics on the internet for examples of the quality of pic that a camera can take. jpg pics (internet pics) lose quality every time they are saved which degrades the picture quality drastically. Also, for wakeboarding (action shots) you want a camera that has a high shutter speed.

One thing that you may not want to forget about and was very disappointing to me is the lag between pushing the button and when the picture is taken. My Sony has the lag and so did my friends point and shoot digital. The pictures are fine quality just the lag is hard to get your shot. <BR> <BR> I would not get caught up too much on the pixel size. I have a 2. something megapixel camera and I rarely shoot at that high of a resolution. I actually will take shots at 1024x768 which is actually less than 1 <BR>megapixels on my camera. It saves room and I can still print a 8.5 x 11 on photo paper on a printer and it looks pretty good. Most magazines would like you to submit photos at around 6 megs if I am not mistaken. More detail for editing. <BR> <BR>The point is, since money is an issue, I would get an older hi quality camera with less resolution and more features. The biggest feature I like is the ability to shoot in sequence. That will overcome the lag issue. Just push the button and you have like 7 frames a second and you can just pick your shot or you can overlap them for a sequence like in the mags. Again, features over resolution in this price range in my opinion. Most people will never be able to tell a high res from a low res. Just look at how low of a resolution you have to make your pictures to post here. <BR> <BR> Peter Chandler has a very nice camera (I think it is Minolta?) that has great features and you can probabely pick one up like his for a cheap price now. Hopefully he will chime in here.

Rod - our camera (Nikon Coolpix 4500) has a feature to correct that - I don't know if it's a standard thing or not (I'm not the photographer in the family). When someone is approaching the wake, you press down halfway on the button, then follow them along in the viewfinder with your finger still half depressed. This locks the focus. When you are ready to take the shot, press all the way down. It takes the picture right away - no lag.

Mine will focus too like that, but, it still has a lag. Not as bad as if I hit the button completely at the last second. It may depend on the camera company or model on how long the lag is. Usually when shooting with my Nikon SLR film camera, I can just shoot and pretty much get what I want to get for the most part or come close to it. My digital makes me feel like I am getting lucky when I get a good shot. I have not shot pictures in a while now just do to the frustration. I want to get a good Nikon SLR digital in the future. Trying to decide bewteen a Mini DV camcorder or a Nikon Digital SLR.

What would you say the best sequence shot camera would be for say around $250? Digital but not, or doesn't have to be, video. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.enemyofevil.com" target="_blank">www.enemyofevil.com</a>

I was turned onto the <a href="http://www.refurbdepot.com" target="_blank">www.refurbdepot.com</a>. They are of course refurbished items, but the person who turned me to them has purchased items from them in the past and has excellent luck. Check it out you might be able to get a top dollar camera for your price range, that's what I'm doing

I am just starting to look into the Canon EOS Rebel Digital.... <BR> <BR>anybody got any experience w/ those? <BR> <BR>

I just bought the Cannon A70! It had rave reviews on all the sites I looked at!

I've been using a 5mp Sony F707 for 2 years now and am looking at the Canon 300D (digital Rebel). I've used my coworker's 300D a few times and it's the best sub-$1000 digicam I've used yet. For those familiar with them, D-SLR's are in a whole different class from point-n-shoots and even "prosumer" digicams like the Sony 707/717 and even new 828. <BR> <BR>It's not a great camera for someone who likes to take pics on full-auto mode all the time. While I think it would do fine for most, it's really just overkill. <BR> <BR>I love the 300D in aperture and shutter priority modes (full manual as well... but that's rare for me). <BR> <BR>The shutter lag is just non-existent for the 300D-- an absolute must have feature for wakeboarding pics. <BR> <BR>Unless you REALLY know your digicam and can predict its shutter lag you WILL miss the money shots! <BR> <BR>just my 2 cents <BR> <BR>

Yeah.... the Canon D300 will be an excellent choice to start with for those who are serious in digital photography, especially for Sports as this camera does not have any lag and snaps as soon as you shoot. The other advantage is that you switch lenses... and Canon has alot of them because they use the same lens mount system as their film-based SLR. <BR> <BR>I use a Canon 10D which is very similar to the D300... its just that the D300 is newer and alot less expensive. D300 cost just under a US$1k, but I believe its worth it. If you are looking at shooting up to 8 frames-per-second sequence shots (like those in wakeboard magazine), then you need to look at Canon 1D or Nikon 2DH... but the cost about 3 times more than D300.

Oh yeah.... if you wanna check out some photo samples using the Canon 10D... go to my websites photo journal...: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakeboard.com.sg/index.php?s=eedd662f364a54d8e783c8262931ef8f&amp;a ct=SF&amp;f=17" target="_blank">http://www.wakeboard.com.sg/index.php?s=eedd662f364a54d8e783c8262931ef8f&amp;a ct=SF&amp;f=17</a>

There's a whole thread about the Canon Digital Rebel (300D) with sample pics: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/88259.html?1068448080" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/88259.html?1068448080</a> <BR> <BR>there is also a thread over in the wakeboarding.com A/V topic. <BR>

I am thinking about this camera. It has 3.2 MPs, a 10X optical zoom, a fast response time and fast sequencing. <BR> <BR>Anyone have any feedback on this one? <BR> <BR>Minolta Dimage Z1 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/91279.jpg" alt="Z1"> <BR> <BR>Unique SLR-style; fast f2.8 - f3.5 lens allowing fast shutter speeds for sport or natural-light photography; 2-second start-up time; 0.04 second focus time; 0.06 second shutter release time; 1.2 seconds shot interval time. <BR> <BR>$379 at Costco.

Actually, I was looking at one of the Dimage line of cameras for myself (unless I can afford my Nikon SLR digital). That is the line of cameras I am would get from my past research.

that's the one i'm getting for x-mas.

I've got the following list for under the $500,- <BR> <BR>1. Kodak DX6490 4mp 10x zoom +display <BR>2. Minolta Dimage Z1 3Mp 10x zoom +quality <BR>3. Fuji S5000 3Mp 10x zoom <BR>4. HP 945 5Mp 8x zoom <BR> <BR>Some more suggestions? At this moment I'm really looking at the Minolta, but the 1 thing I don't like is the plastic housing..

Olympus C-750... 10x zoom, 4MP

Like you know anything about cameras Isler! Lol!

Mike, <BR>Does the C-750 have image stabalization? <BR>Do you have any feedback on the Minolta Z1?

I know, Hahn... heh... I'm not a camera guy, but I play one on TV! <BR> <BR>Dane, <BR> <BR>Nope, don't believe it does. The C-750 is not "the" camera, but it's another one to add to Tommy's list as it fits the criteria. It's tough to find all of those features and high quality for under $500. If you open up to about $700-$800, there are a lot better possibilities... <BR> <BR>Nikon CoolPix 5400 and 5700 (Hahn's camera) <BR>Canon G5 <BR>Used Olympus E-10 or E-20 <BR>Sony DSC-F717 <BR>I'm sure that there are more I'm forgetting, too... but there are a lot of options out there.

I'll have to stick to the $400 range. 3.2 MP is adequate for me too. <BR> <BR>I tend to buy tech things on the upper-lower point of the cost curve assuming an upgrade every 2 or 3 years.

With all the cash you have tied up in gear you could have cashed out a house by now.

How about this camera? Seems like a smoking bargain that would be pretty good for wakeboard photography. Anybody know anything about it? <BR> <BR>Toshiba PDR-M700 <BR>================ <BR> <BR>* 3.2 MP <BR>* 10x Canon zoom lens (37-370mm 35mm equiv.) <BR>* 16 - 1/2000 shutter speed <BR>* f/2.8 - f/8.0 <BR>* 70,100,200,400 ISO equiv. <BR>* 2.5" LCD <BR>* Manual controls <BR>* Included 52mm lens adapter <BR>* Continuous drive, 4 fps for 6 frames. 1.5 fps for 12 frames (100+ frames w/ small files) <BR>* Shutter lag, full autofocus 0.89 <BR>* Shutter lag, manual focus 0.27 <BR>* Shutter lag, prefocus 0.14 <BR>* Max cycle time between photos, 1.38s. <BR>* Compact SLR-like camera <BR> <BR>$319 at Costco. <BR>

Quote: <i>With all the cash you have tied up in gear you could have cashed out a house by now.</i> <BR> <BR>Hahn, I'd rather own my cameras and rent a house than vice versa... <BR>

You need a 12 step program for your camera habit.

DONT FORGET THAT WAKEWORLD NOW HAS A THREAD SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS DIGITAL Qsssssss!!!!!!!!

I just found the Minolta Dimage for a friend online for 289.00 at broadway photo.com in stock if anyone is interested.

If that's one of those NYC or NJ mail-order photo places, watch out! I've seen piles of reviews about most of those shops to indicate that they are sneaky and dishonest, e.g. bad or no customer service, hanging up when you call, gray market stuff, etc. <BR> <BR>If you're going to buy online, I'd suggest cameraworld.com or bhphotovideo.com. OR...one of the reputable online computer retailers. OR...the website of a trusted retailer (costco, Best Buy, Fry's, etc.)

I agree with ^^^^^^^ <BR> <BR>B&amp;H (bhphotovideo.com) has been very good to work with. They can answer any questions that you have. There are some others that are selling legit stuff for cheaper, but they are high pressure on the accesories that youmay or may not need. They sell their accessories for WAY too much. <BR> <BR>For example, a few months ago I bought a GL-2 from Abe's of Maine (actually out of NYC!!) but all the accessories (batteries, etc.) from BH.

Salmon, thanks for the heads up on them I'll pass the info to my friend. They did try to pressure him into batteries and what not which he denied and said he would get them locally. His big concern is he is leaving ot of the country next week for vacation and wanted to take it with him so he pais for the express shipping. Hopefully they fill the order either today or tomorrow.

This camera does look sweet. <BR> <BR>Olympus C-750 <BR>Ultra Zoom 4.0MP <BR>40x Total Zoom <BR>Rechargable Ni-MH Batteries QuickTime Movie Mode, 16MB xD <BR> <BR>$499.99 <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/91914.jpg" alt="olympus"> <BR> <BR>4.0 Megapixel <BR>Maximum resolution: 3200 x 2400 (optimum enlargement mode) <BR>10x optical zoom <BR>6.3-63 mm (equivalent to 38-380 mm on a 35 mm camera) <BR>Aperture range: f2.8-8.0 wide and f3.7-8.0 tele <BR>Olympus aspherical glass and ED glass lens elements <BR>4x digital zoom <BR>Shutter speed: 1/1000 second - 16 seconds automatic or manual <BR>Optical real image viewfinder <BR>Focus system: TTL auto focus <BR> <BR>Auto-Connect USB for quick and easy transferring of images from camera to computer <BR>1.5" color TFT LCD monitor <BR>0.44" electric viewfinder <BR>QuickTime® Movie Mode with sound <BR>Flash: built-in flash and built-in hot shoe <BR>Flash modes: auto for low and backlight, red-eye reduction, fill-in, slow shutter synchronized flash and flash off <BR>Image edit effects: black and white, sepia, whiteboard and blackboard <BR>Panorama: Up to 10 frames stitchable with CAMEDIA master software when using Olympus brand xD <BR><b>Sequence: RAW: 1.8 fps, JPEG: 1.3 fps, up to 8 (HQ)</b> <BR>Self-timer/Remote: 12-second delay with built-in self-timer, RM-1 remote <BR>Date/Time recorded into image data <BR>Automatic calendar up to year 2099 <BR> <BR>The sequence mode seems like a winner for wake pictures.

That is an extremely slow camera. 1.8 frames per second? That means you may get two pictures of someone jumping the wake. Maybe I do not understand something. Doesn't the Minolta do something like 9 frames a second?