Digital Camera for 15k

I would suggest the Canon A710-IS. 6x optical zoom with image stabilisation. Under 13K from sifymall.com.

Or if you want to learn photgraphy, then the Canon S3-IS would be better. It gives you plenty of manual options to play around with, but also has an excellent auto mode to get you started. Under 16K at sifymall.

Dear SNV,

Cameras and audi are very much alike you can buy and enjoy an upper end universal player for X or go in for a redbook only for X. You know how they perform

All models do have their +ve and -ve, if I may generalise to a very large extend, Canon compact digital cameras are better in auto exposure control. Their IXUS series are good compact cameras. In the canon range for general shooting Canon G7 is the one that I'll buy ,it was about Rs. 22k but that 7k is well worth spend, it cost much less than an entry level interconnect This camera has good weather sealing, nice metal body and beatifull resolving lens. My only complaint is that the lens dont go wide enough.

Almost all cameras have retractable lenses, some do retract in more sections to make the camera flat, they all are reliable, never heard any one complain.

SD card is becoming standard for consumer cameras and you will never runn out of memory with the 4gb 8gb cards available.

Canon S3IS is also a good one but the pictures are not upto mark if you want to take decent prints of shots taken at longer end of the zoom, too soft and needs a lot of help from photoshop.

Keep the camera out and take as much as pics as you can,dont keep it in a sfe box or locker, there are two advantages
1. you learn more about photography
2. The camera will be free from fungus, and other complaints related to disuse.

regards
Anil

Hi SNV,

Ani has provided very good advice.

Its the usual horses for courses......

I have never been a fan of SONY TV colours... I think the same colour extends to their cameras too, but quick computer touch up is quite easy now... atleast on a PC

I have recently bought the SONY T100, purely for the convenience and .... the family loved the look and easy use.

I agree that if you want to get into photography, settin yr own shutter spead, aperture etc, this is not the product. The T100 is pretty much a lifestyle product, but offers all this :

8 Megapixels.

Anti Shake

Autofocus

Face recognition - Recognises the face(s) and automatically optimises exposure for the faces.

ACTUALLY fits in a shirt pocket, without weighing it down.
6x Optical zoom

No retractable lens

3 inch ( looks HUGE ) Vibrant LCD display but no viewfinder

Low shutter lag (A REAL PAIN if you have a large shutter lag ... the delay between pressing the button, and the camera actually taking the picture, can be as high as a second or even more)

Rapid Multiple pic capability.

Quick Recharge of flash

Decent Flash (for 10 feet of less distance with subject)

Own reasonable life rechargeable battery ( Not necessarily a good thing )

Provision to connect to a TV

MAC OS9 & OS X compatible.

However, the free photo touch up software bundled with the camera is ONLY Windows compatible.

Like most SONY products, uses the SONY Memory Stick. I have a 1 GB which takes about 325 pics at the highest resolution setting. Was good for my 10 day holiday. No need to lug a computer around, though I download and backup on my iPod, when on holiday.

For a More serious Sony camera, the Macho and serious looking HS-7 ( same price Rs 16.7K ) offers better pics, better optical zoom etc...

Just my 2 cents....

P.S. The T-100 is NOT a serious photographer's product... probably the equivalent of an iPod to the audiophile... ?

Its not the camera but the software that comes with it that has to be compatible with your OS and since most of the DTP world use macs, you are bound to get mac softwares with most of the cams...

for ur needs a simple aim & shoot camera would be the best...from the ones you listed...nikon coolpix is the best...i've seen its performance in all kinds of lighting conditions and it does a pretty good job...most basic digicams fail when it comes to delivering in low-light indoors environment and nikon's not exception but it fared better than sony and canon.

next bet would be canon, the 'S3 IS' is good value for money...i'd have suggested konika minolta over it but unfortunately the company has closed down its digital imaging wing...

when it comes to features...most of the cameras now offer pretty much the same fare but somethings you may want to look for..

anti-shake technology
optical zoom - this is the feature of the lens, don't get taken in by the digital zoom specs
power consumption - some cameras are power hungry (a lot of motorized thingamagiks are not good), that would mean batteries draining out quickly, look for one that has an inbuilt rechargable power-pack or uses a commonly available battery type like AA or CR123
LCD screen - a larger lcd screen is a good idea as u can preview ur images better
jazzy swivel features look nice but they are prone to mechanical failures
expandable memory - any kinds will do but SD cards are easily sourced
lastly i'd suggest not going for the grey market...these are delicate machines and its better if u r covered by warranty/service backup...

all the best!

Just to add...

My earlier point & shoot camera was a Nikon Coolpix... 3 Mega Pixel.

GREAT pictures, especially th White balance.

Pics good for Half A-4 size and good light pics you could also get away with A-4 size....

Bought mine in the Grey market... the Nikon and my current T100.

I let my kids handle it, as long as they use the wrist band.

Never had a problem.

The official sellers dont offer much else than the grey mkt

Go Grey .. save cash !

zhopudey schrieb:

I would suggest the Canon A710-IS. 6x optical zoom with image stabilisation. Under 13K from sifymall.com. Or if you want to learn photgraphy, then the Canon S3-IS would be better. It gives you plenty of manual options to play around with, but also has an excellent auto mode to get you started. Under 16K at sifymall.

Dear Zhopudey,

Both models mentioned by you seem to be good cameras but they are not compact.
As mentioned earlier in my post, i am looking for something compact that would fit in my pocket so that i actually use it often.

Thanks & regards
SNV

Amp_Nut schrieb:

Go Grey .. save cash ! :prost

lol...I like that one

But I wouldnt want to go grey unless I know exactly what I'm going for...If you can't make out the real ones from the lemons, stay away from them...

ani schrieb:

Their IXUS series are good compact cameras.

Hi Ani,

Thanks for you inputs.

Would you recommend the IXUS 75.

The G7 is a huge unit. I really need something compact.

This is my first camera, so may be i could start with entry level stuff.
(Dont want to buy a Cyrus now, just a Nad or Marantz )

Regards
SNV

Amp_Nut schrieb:

Hi SNV, Ani has provided very good advice. Its the usual horses for courses...... I have never been a fan of SONY TV colours... I think the same colour extends to their cameras too, but quick computer touch up is quite easy now... atleast on a PC I have recently bought the SONY T100, purely for the convenience and .... the family loved the look and easy use. I agree that if you want to get into photography, settin yr own shutter spead, aperture etc, this is not the product. The T100 is pretty much a lifestyle product, but offers all this : 8 Megapixels. Anti Shake Autofocus Face recognition - Recognises the face(s) and automatically optimises exposure for the faces. ACTUALLY fits in a shirt pocket, without weighing it down. 6x Optical zoom No retractable lens 3 inch ( looks HUGE ) Vibrant LCD display but no viewfinder Low shutter lag (A REAL PAIN if you have a large shutter lag ... the delay between pressing the button, and the camera actually taking the picture, can be as high as a second or even more) Rapid Multiple pic capability. Quick Recharge of flash Decent Flash (for 10 feet of less distance with subject) Own reasonable life rechargeable battery ( Not necessarily a good thing ) Provision to connect to a TV MAC OS9 & OS X compatible. However, the free photo touch up software bundled with the camera is ONLY Windows compatible. Like most SONY products, uses the SONY Memory Stick. I have a 1 GB which takes about 325 pics at the highest resolution setting. Was good for my 10 day holiday. No need to lug a computer around, though I download and backup on my iPod, when on holiday. For a More serious Sony camera, the Macho and serious looking HS-7 ( same price Rs 16.7K ) offers better pics, better optical zoom etc... Just my 2 cents.... P.S. The T-100 is NOT a serious photographer's product... probably the equivalent of an iPod to the audiophile... ? :prost

Hello Amp_Nut,

Thanks for the specs of the Sony T100. I like the product too.

Honestly im not looking for a serious camera right now.
Maybe once i get hooked on to photography, i shall upgrade to a better camera.
Again, the Sony H7 is a big camera. Need something that will fit in my pocket.

So, would you then recommend the T100. Also how do i get hold of the software for Mac.

Regards
SNV

soulforged schrieb:

Its not the camera but the software that comes with it that has to be compatible with your OS and since most of the DTP world use macs, you are bound to get mac softwares with most of the cams... for ur needs a simple aim & shoot camera would be the best...from the ones you listed...nikon coolpix is the best...i've seen its performance in all kinds of lighting conditions and it does a pretty good job...most basic digicams fail when it comes to delivering in low-light indoors environment and nikon's not exception but it fared better than sony and canon. next bet would be canon, the 'S3 IS' is good value for money...i'd have suggested konika minolta over it but unfortunately the company has closed down its digital imaging wing... when it comes to features...most of the cameras now offer pretty much the same fare but somethings you may want to look for.. anti-shake technology optical zoom - this is the feature of the lens, don't get taken in by the digital zoom specs power consumption - some cameras are power hungry (a lot of motorized thingamagiks are not good), that would mean batteries draining out quickly, look for one that has an inbuilt rechargable power-pack or uses a commonly available battery type like AA or CR123 LCD screen - a larger lcd screen is a good idea as u can preview ur images better jazzy swivel features look nice but they are prone to mechanical failures expandable memory - any kinds will do but SD cards are easily sourced lastly i'd suggest not going for the grey market...these are delicate machines and its better if u r covered by warranty/service backup... all the best!

Hi soulforged,

Thank you for the pointers. Would you then recommend the Nikon Coolpix S50c.
All the cameras i have short listed are compact, have a large 3inch lcd display with features like image stabilisation, anti blurr, face recognition, etc.

Regards
SNV

soulforged schrieb:

Amp_Nut schrieb: Go Grey .. save cash ! :prost lol...I like that one But I wouldnt want to go grey unless I know exactly what I'm going for...If you can't make out the real ones from the lemons, stay away from them...

Have any of the members ever faced problems with cameras bought from the grey market.

Can digital cameras be repaired easily. Is it economical. What could go wrong.

Kindly enlighten.

Regards
SNV

Paging Doc. Where are you.

Need you to shed some light here.

Regards
SNV

Sorry Jay, I logged in a little late here...

Looking at your requirement of a very compact but decent camera, I'd suggest Canon IXUS 850 IS. It has a lens which goes wide enough (to 28 mm to 105 mm equivalent of 35 mm format) and fast enough F2.8 It is more like a portable Cyrus product - compact, stylish and still delivers big. But it cost in India 23K officially. See

http://site-in.canon...type=ixus850is_specs

I personally own Nikon setup but I have seen this Canon IXUS with my father-in-law. But if you stick to Nikon or Canon - you can't go wrong. Don't go for the higher model of IXUS i.e. 900 (the lens of lower model is better).

I have also seen Nikon S9 - very sleek and decent product. Sony with Carl Zeiss Lens or Panasonic Lumix with Leica Lenses may be good but I have no personal experience.

Join flickr you'll enjoy & lear photography a lot faster. See my photos at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdhawan

Hi SNV,

You do NOT need to use Only Sony software with the Sony camera, for touching up the pictures.

You can use photoshop ( the world's Best and most comprehensive, but possibly also the most daunting and difficult to use ? ....

Check with other Mac users and friends and load their softwaqre. The photo-touch-up software is almost always ( ? ) without a serial number or other restrictions, so I suspect that it is branded freeware....

I still use the Nikon View 6 Software with my SONY, and its superb, fast and a breeze to use. Not sure if it also came in a Mac version...

Grey market wares ... NEVER had a problem.... and I have bought Acs, Refrigirators, cordless & mobile phones, digital Cameras, iPods, & my Denon 2900 Universal player.....

Regarding Digital repair of digital cameras... I have never had the need, though my Film point & shoot camera (Olympus U-105 zoom ) lens stopped retracting after 2 years. The Distributor told me it was a commom problem, and the cost to fix it was 70% of the camera price. I still have it ...anyone wants it free let me know....

SDhawan schrieb:

Sorry Jay, I logged in a little late here... Looking at your requirement of a very compact but decent camera, I'd suggest Canon IXUS 850 IS. It has a lens which goes wide enough (to 28 mm to 105 mm equivalent of 35 mm format) and fast enough F2.8 It is more like a portable Cyrus product - compact, stylish and still delivers big. But it cost in India 23K officially. See http://site-in.canon...type=ixus850is_specs I personally own Nikon setup but I have seen this Canon IXUS with my father-in-law. But if you stick to Nikon or Canon - you can't go wrong. Don't go for the higher model of IXUS i.e. 900 (the lens of lower model is better). I have also seen Nikon S9 - very sleek and decent product. Sony with Carl Zeiss Lens or Panasonic Lumix with Leica Lenses may be good but I have no personal experience. Join flickr you'll enjoy & lear photography a lot faster. See my photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdhawan

Hello Doc,

Thanks for your suggestions.

I think im going to chalk out Sony and Panasonic. I'll stick to either Nikon or Canon. Somehow i feel these are specialists brands.
Sony although has the Carl Zeiss lens, it seems to be for a casual user. Atleast the ones available in my price bracket. Cant get a serious product in that price.

Doc, i have a request. The Canon IXUS 850 IS, how is it different from the Canon IXUS 75. Could you kindly check the specs of both and recommend.
The same with the Nikon S9 and the Nikon S50c. The specs of the models recommended by you and the ones i have shortlisted are pretty similar.

I would prefer a 3inch lcd display.

Also what is F2.8. Im absolutely dumb when it comes to cameras.

And for god sake will someone pls tell me what SLR stands for.

Thanks & regards
SNV

Amp_Nut schrieb:

Hi SNV, You do NOT need to use Only Sony software with the Sony camera, for touching up the pictures. You can use photoshop ( the world's Best and most comprehensive, but possibly also the most daunting and difficult to use ? .... Check with other Mac users and friends and load their softwaqre. The photo-touch-up software is almost always ( ? ) without a serial number or other restrictions, so I suspect that it is branded freeware.... I still use the Nikon View 6 Software with my SONY, and its superb, fast and a breeze to use. Not sure if it also came in a Mac version... Grey market wares ... NEVER had a problem.... and I have bought Acs, Refrigirators, cordless & mobile phones, digital Cameras, iPods, & my Denon 2900 Universal player..... Regarding Digital repair of digital cameras... I have never had the need, though my Film point & shoot camera (Olympus U-105 zoom ) lens stopped retracting after 2 years. The Distributor told me it was a commom problem, and the cost to fix it was 70% of the camera price. I still have it ...anyone wants it free let me know....

Hi Amp_Nut,

Interesting, i could use another brand's software.
With regard to Photoshop, no no no. I cant use that. It will take me months to learn how to use it.
Unfortunately both my friends (mac users) dont own a digital camera.
Let me get this right, does one need to touch up all the pictures. Arent the ones clicked good enough.

Regards
SNV

Sure... you can use the pics without any touch up.

On the other hand, a slight nudge can make a good pic great !

I am sure you will find TONS of Mac freeware for touching up pictures...

HEY ! Just checked my original Nikon View CD. It has a Mac version on it too.

PM me and I wil courier you a copy.

SNV,

Post processing is fun and pain I use Nikon DSLRs and for serious shoots use RAW mode and do all the processing, it is like developing film and printing on your own, you have absolute control over the entire process.

Snap shots are taken at full resolution with minmum file compression. With canon compacts I have noticed that 95% of time you may not need postprocessing except croping of frame to correct your carelessness. Postprocessing of JPEG files can cause a lot digital artifacts (like jitter in audio)so it is better to rely on your cameras capability.

This is one area where Canon compacts are better than Nikons, the algorithms of canon seems to be outputting much better pics. The camera sets the colour balance & saturation, sharpness, contrast etc.

If your camera constantly gives you saturated colours it will be like listening to a over sweet EL34 amp, you will get fed up after some time.

Regarding Ixus 75 the wide end is only 35mm which is not enough for scenic shots, I would prefer a model with 28mm for which DrSab has recomended a few models.

Regards
Anil

SNV schrieb:

And for god sake will someone pls tell me what SLR stands for. Thanks & regards SNV

Single Lens Reflex.

To be put simply, your view of the Target image is exactly thru the lens that the sensor/Film is going to get the image from.

In all other cameras the View is from a different lens and hence the difference between What You See And What You Get

Advantage is that you know exactly which image you are going to see with regard to exposure/colours/framing etc etc. additionally uit allows for usage of multiple lenses to get the image you want with no distortion.. a single lens doing All focal ranges (eg 10X) is a compromise on image in amny ways (physical distortions, colour etc)

you can very well equate it to Hifi in terms of a All in one Music system and separates perfectly

there are many more differences..but this is the Basic difference.

Amp_Nut schrieb:

Sure... you can use the pics without any touch up. On the other hand, a slight nudge can make a good pic great ! I am sure you will find TONS of Mac freeware for touching up pictures... HEY ! Just checked my original Nikon View CD. It has a Mac version on it too. PM me and I wil courier you a copy.

Hey Amp_Nut,

Will PM you my address. Very kind of you.

Many thanks & regards
SNV

ani schrieb:

SNV, Post processing is fun and pain I use Nikon DSLRs and for serious shoots use RAW mode and do all the processing, it is like developing film and printing on your own, you have absolute control over the entire process. Snap shots are taken at full resolution with minmum file compression. With canon compacts I have noticed that 95% of time you may not need postprocessing except croping of frame to correct your carelessness. Postprocessing of JPEG files can cause a lot digital artifacts (like jitter in audio)so it is better to rely on your cameras capability. This is one area where Canon compacts are better than Nikons, the algorithms of canon seems to be outputting much better pics. The camera sets the colour balance & saturation, sharpness, contrast etc. If your camera constantly gives you saturated colours it will be like listening to a over sweet EL34 amp, you will get fed up after some time. Regarding Ixus 75 the wide end is only 35mm which is not enough for scenic shots, I would prefer a model with 28mm for which DrSab has recomended a few models. Regards Anil

Hi Ani,

Im sure post processing is fun, once you get the hang of it.
Its like setting up your hifi set up correctly.

Its gets more clear to me when you relate to hifi.

The saw the specs of the IXUS 75 & 850 IS. The latter has image stabilisation and a wide angle 28mm lens.

So do you suggest i look at Canon instead of Nikon.

Regards
SNV

Arj schrieb:

SNV schrieb: And for god sake will someone pls tell me what SLR stands for. Thanks & regards SNV Single Lens Reflex. To be put simply, your view of the Target image is exactly thru the lens that the sensor/Film is going to get the image from. In all other cameras the View is from a different lens and hence the difference between What You See And What You Get Advantage is that you know exactly which image you are going to see with regard to exposure/colours/framing etc etc. additionally uit allows for usage of multiple lenses to get the image you want with no distortion.. a single lens doing All focal ranges (eg 10X) is a compromise on image in amny ways (physical distortions, colour etc) you can very well equate it to Hifi in terms of a All in one Music system and separates perfectly there are many more differences..but this is the Basic difference.

Dear Arj,

Thanks a lot for educating me. Finally i know now. The picture is getting clearer.
One thing is for sure, the next upgrade will be a SLR.
It will be a Nad for now and then most definitely a Cyrus.


Regards
SNV

Jay, just google steves digicams, you'll be able to get comparative specs of the makes/models you have shortlisted & also professional as well as user reviews of the various makes/models.
I'm sure some time spent on that site will be helpful in fialising your choice.

SDhawan schrieb:

Looking at your requirement of a very compact but decent camera, I'd suggest Canon IXUS 850 IS. It has a lens which goes wide enough (to 28 mm to 105 mm equivalent of 35 mm format) and fast enough F2.8 It is more like a portable Cyrus product - compact, stylish and still delivers big. But it cost in India 23K officially. See

Also, doc can we manually confiug the ISO settings in the Canon 850 IS.

Regards
SNV

Kamal schrieb:

Jay, just google steves digicams, you'll be able to get comparative specs of the makes/models you have shortlisted & also professional as well as user reviews of the various makes/models. I'm sure some time spent on that site will be helpful in fialising your choice.

Thanks Kamal,

Will do so.

Regards
SNV

Hi SNV !

IXUS 850 IS has (not present in 75 but very useful):

-Wide angle lens 28 mm
-Image Stabilisation
-Optical View Finder

Nikon S50c does not have these features and the only way it is better is WiFi connectivity (which I find is a minor luxury).

SDhawan schrieb:

Hi SNV ! IXUS 850 IS has (not present in 75 but very useful): -Wide angle lens 28 mm -Image Stabilisation -Optical View Finder Nikon S50c does not have these features and the only way it is better is WiFi connectivity (which I find is a minor luxury).

Hi Doc,

Thanks a lot for everything. I guess its the Canon 850 IS then.
Will find out the best deal officially and grey.

Doc can we manually configure the ISO settings in the Canon 850 IS.

Regards
SNV

Check out Nikon Coolpix L12 and Canon Powershot G7 (slightly overshoots your budget and may not fit your shirt pocket but a great cam)

Try dpreview.com Its got some useful info

soulforged schrieb:

Check out Nikon Coolpix L12 and Canon Powershot G7 (slightly overshoots your budget and may not fit your shirt pocket but a great cam) Try dpreview.com Its got some useful info

Hi soulforged,

Again the G7 is a huge camera. I really need something compact.
After reading abhi.pani's story, i definitely need something light and slim which will fit in my pocket.
I want to actually use the camera. I guess im pretty much sold on the Canon 850 IS.

Thanks for the suggestions though.

Regards
SNV

SNV,

Almost all digital cameras have to option of manually selecting the ISO setting or having it on auto mode. May be you should try to download the user manual from Canon website.

Thanks for the all the information doc.

The official price is rs 23,000/- and i have been offered it for rs 20,500/-
In the grey its available for rs 15,500/- and im going grey.

I should receive the Camera today in the evening.

Thanks a lot everyone for helping me out buy the camera.

Regards
SNV

Amp_Nut schrieb:

HEY ! Just checked my original Nikon View CD. It has a Mac version on it too. PM me and I wil courier you a copy.

Hi Amp_Nut,

I have received the 2 cds. Thank you so much.

Regards
SNV