Cameras

[shadesofmauve]

So, if all goes well on the ticket buying front I'll be off to Japan in September for two weeks. Since I'm going to be beyond my means anyway, it seems like a good time to FINALLY buy a digital camera. Something with some zoompf* that's relatively small for travel-ease.

I had it narrowed down to the Canon Powershot A710 IS and the Pannasonic Lumix LMC-TZ3. The pannasonic is a newer camera with 10x optical zoom compared to the Canon's 6x. It doesn't offer quite as manny light settings (you can set your own white point, but for point-n-shit** photos you don't want to be messing with that, and I have a feeling that the canon's flourescent adjustment would come in useful frequently. I went to circuit city last night (home of the most bombastically BULLSHITTING sales rep EVAR) just to get a feel for both. The TZ3 is small enough that I'm not quite comfortable holding it - the A710 definitely feels better in my hand.

But damn, the TZ3 is sexy. It makes the A710 look like your mom.




*Zoom-oompf. Of my own coinage.

**This was Dad's preferred nomenclature.

Comments

[crazitalk.livejournal.com]

I'd go after the Pannasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 over the other. Mostly cause of the 10x optical zoom, but also be cause it is sexy and doesn't strike me as "Kodak EasyShare" as the other. If you can at all avoid it, which you can, I recommend never purchasing a Kodak EasyShare.

[shadesofmauve]

I've got to assume you're commenting on plastic cases, since otherwise, there isn't a smidge of comparison between Canon and Kodak compacts.

Crazy world of cameras has infiltrated my brain...damn decisions.

[jaktek.livejournal.com]

I'm going to disagree. The Canon takes far better pictures, and the white balance options are just part of the awesome. Also, the screen on the TZ3 just doesn't stand up, it's terrible in lowlight. Canon has a real viewfinder.

Set yourself up with the package they've got at circuit, with the little photo printer, get an ultra II or extreme III card (speeds up time between pictures), and enjoy your trip. Oh, also the Energizer lithium batteries are a really good way to go, they last a ridiculously long time.

[shadesofmauve]

I hoped this post would get you to talk. :)

Heh, I don't think you're actually disagreeing - everywhere it matters, really, I'm leaning towards the Canon! It's just that, like I said, sexy. I'm really glad to hear it from someone who knows their shit, though (I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not sure...).

BTW, Circuit City Salesboy = Ignorant. I'm going to beat him with the salesboy stick.

I'll probably do an online order (NewEgg is my preferred vendor, but they're out-of-stock). I need a new printer, but I'm a research-fanatic consumer, and I want the printer I want, not the one in the package. The last printer-free-wif-package I got is now a paperweight. Definitley going with an Ultra II card, and I'm interested in the lithium batteries - Pop uses NimHs (2500 mAh) but hadn't heard that he could get lithiums.

Gahhh...I've totally been cramming on camera research for the last three days.

[jaktek.livejournal.com]

Make sure you know the lithium ones are NOT rechargeable. They, in fact, explode.

That being said, the Canon Selphy printer packaged at Circuit is an excellent photo printer, and well worth the extra few dollars to get it. If not, HP has made a very nice one, the D7360 (there's one with a scanner for $50 more).

But I'd get the selphy, it is just so damn nice a printer for photos. Also - tiny. You could take it with you easily enough.

[shadesofmauve]

I suppose I should let my love of the environment win out over my love of explosions, and get rechargable NiMhs... :)

Oh, dear, there is NO way I'm traveling with a printer. Also, there's a high chance I'll be buying a decently high-end printer relatively soon - I'd rather put my $$$ towards that and memory cards. Speaking of - What't the dif. between Sandisk Ultra II and Extreme III?

[jaktek.livejournal.com]

That printer is seriously the size of a mac and cheese box. Is amazing.

Extreme III has a max transfer rate of 20 mb/s, Ultra II is 10 mb/s.

[shadesofmauve]

Ahh, okay! Danke.

Jared, I have this little suspicion that you're lusting after the pocket printer... ;)

[jaktek.livejournal.com]

Only a little...

Image quality for the win.

[shadesofmauve]

It appears NewEgg has failed me *sob* by not getting the camera back in stock, so it seems I will end up heading by circuit city. I had better not catch you sneaking into my living room at 2 am to fondle my new printer, capice?

You're certainly welcome to drop by during normal visiting hours, of course.

[zair99.livejournal.com]

Despite the fact that jaktek pretty thoroughly covered the bases, I have to cast my vote for the Canon, too. Optical viewfinders are awesome to have in outdoor lighting and being comfortable holding it is definitely important. That's why I've always liked the Canon A line; so comfy!

I'm jealous, I want a camera, too! :D