New digital camera choices? To take pics of my tank of course!

PaintGuru · 02-21-2003, 10:04 AM

Ok all,

My old camera, which is a 1.4 MP Olympus (which I like a lot actually, other than the low resolution) is just asking to be replaced with a higher resolution camera. I'd really like to start printing my own pictures, which of course requires a better than 1.4 resolution. I like Olympus just because all the olympus cameras I have used are pretty sweet, but I am open to other brands. I'd definitely like an optical zoom, but other than that, I am not sure what features I should look for. Also, is 5.0 MP overkill? What is the minimum I should get for good printed picture image quality? Since I can pick up a decent 4 MP camera for under $500, I figure it may be a good time to upgrade. Thanks for any opinions you can provide.

Big Dave · 02-21-2003, 10:25 AM

I think most cameras nowadays can take a pretty decent 'normal size' photo. Even my Nikon 775 2.1 megapixel takes pretty sweet pics. Where it lacks though is the close ups in my tank. The Nikon 990, 995 have much better zooms but where out of my range when I got my camera. I have seen the best zoom pictures from the Olympus cams. Some really detailed close-ups. I think I might look for one when taxes come back this year. If you spend $500ish you can't really buy a bad camera, just make sure you have an idea of what features are important and others that don't matter much. HTH

-Big Dave

PS - if that confused you - sorry!

PaintGuru · 02-21-2003, 11:08 AM

Not at all. That is another reason I like Olympus, I have seen great closeups on them. See I have printed out some pics from my current camera, but since it is such low resolution, the pictures are quite grainy. I guess most of my question is what advantages are there to getting a 5 MP camera over say 4 or 3? Is the printed image quality that much better?? or is it more for photo editing where you want to crop part of the picture, zoom in, then print? While I am not a professional photographer, I think it would be great to take pictures of my reef, print them out, and frame them and make it appear they are 35mm.

Jeremy1973 · 02-21-2003, 12:05 PM

I just bought a Nikon CoolPix 4500 for $600. And love it! I havn't even learned how to use the macro fully, and I still get awesome pics!

PaintGuru · 02-21-2003, 01:53 PM

Yeah thats pretty much what I want to do

. I've heard bad things about Nikon though.

Jeremy1973 · 02-21-2003, 02:39 PM

like what? so far, this camera has been superb! And take in to account, these pics are just with the macro button turned on, once I figure out how to use the rest of the buttons, I can get the camera as close as an inch from an item and take it's pic! Think of the macros then! *starts to dream.......* oh yeah..umm... so what have you heard about nikons that are bad?

Cali Kid · 02-21-2003, 02:55 PM

Not sure what camera Gumhead uses, but his pics are awsome. Maybe he will see this thread and let us know.

Boy..... Jeremy's pics aren't too shabby either. Nice!

Sean

PaintGuru · 02-21-2003, 05:40 PM

Well my boss had a Nikon and had to send it in for repairs a couple of times and they gave him **** about it, so I wasnt overly impressed. Just had good luck with Olympus.

Calvinc4s · 02-21-2003, 06:35 PM

I just bought a Canon G3, it takes awesome macros of an empty wallet.

PaintGuru · 02-22-2003, 12:18 AM

Well the Olympus C-4000 is looking like a good choice. If I can get Staples to price match an online site (they say they will), I can probably get it for around $300. Not bad for a 4 MP camera. Of course, as with all major purchases, it will take me 5 weeks to actually spend the cash! I also wouldnt mind getting a photo printer, but not sure what I should get. Or do normal ink jets work just as well?

Stang69 · 02-22-2003, 12:24 AM

I use a Fugifilm 2600Z and really like it. I am like most ppl and throw the manual out the door and just play but I do get some Nice macro shots like these.

Stang69 · 02-22-2003, 12:25 AM

One more. This is in my friends tank so I will give him the credit for the coral heheh. Thanks Harry

Jeff

thefatman · 02-22-2003, 12:30 AM

PaintGuru, I'm a photographer / webmaster by trade. I have never used ANYTHING but Olympus. My first was a D-450zoom back around 99. I have since had a 3030, 4040, 5050, and now I use an E20n. Naturally I recommend the E20n as it is their best camera in my opinion. Although it does cost around 1500 bucks. I'm just south of you, in Toledo, and I managed to pick mine up for 1400 at circuit city. Although, the c-4000 is certainly nothing to scoff at. and for 300 bucks, I wouldn't pass it up. One of the reasons I stay with Olympus is the lenses. They have (again, in my opinion) the best lenses in the industry. and the options available on Olympus cameras are certainly to be rivaled by only Nikon. I have nothing bad to say about the higher end Nikon's. but, I'm a die hard Olympus user. I'd also stick with Olympus as an upgrade for you, so you'll be able to continue using the same smart media cards you already have, rather than buying a new media format. I have over 2 gigs worth of smart media cards, and I still use my original 4mb card that I got back in 99. they last a LONG time. good luck in your purchase.

edit: i also don't really recommend any of the "photo printers" i use my simple ink jet printers and high quality photo paper and get great results. as long as the photo is good qulaity and size ( i always shoot at least 1600x1200) and the color and gamma correction are good, then you'll get good prints. i use an epson stylus color 777 and a lexmark Z 22)

Stang69 · 02-22-2003, 02:12 AM

Here is a OLYMPUS E20 E-20N for min bid of 520 on ebay. Imjust here reciently goin digital. I am so used to having film etc and the versility of a 35mm the whole dig thing is new to me. I know Olympus does make good 35's anyways hehehhe Hope this helps

Jeff

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=30016

aLittletank · 02-22-2003, 04:06 AM

anyone own an olympus c-720? how are the maros?

we have been considering it because of the 8x optical zoom and 3 megapixel capability. It also seems to have a fast shutter speed (or what ever its called) to capture our 4 year old in action.

thanks
Allen