Digital under $400.00

Jean Kelly · 07-08-2003, 12:04 AM

Hi, as I mentioned under Annie's thread, my digital camera was recently stolen. It was a Canon A20, 2.1 megapixel, and I loved it. But I need to replace it and would like to increase megapixels to 4.0 at least. So, any suggestions?

Also, I have an old Pentax SLR, Stopmatic. It's supposed to be a great camera, but was my first husband's. He got the Kitchenaid mixer and I got the camera, go figure. I don't really know how to use it and can't find the book. Can anyone recommend a reference that would explain all the settings and how tos. I am a total novice with this.

Thanks,
Jean

Mike McCarty · 07-08-2003, 08:41 AM

Jean,

If you go to Pentax.com and click on download manuals you may find your camera here

http://www.pentaxusa.com/docstore/index.cfm?show=6

Jean Kelly · 07-08-2003, 01:06 PM

I'm off to visit Pentax, I hope there is something to download, I've tried all the camera stores here.

Jean

Jean Kelly · 07-08-2003, 02:06 PM

Mike, they actually had it! I tried a while ago and they didn't have this one, but I downloaded it and now will have to buy film. Along with figuring out a new toy, too much to learn, too little time.

Jean

Debra Norton · 07-08-2003, 07:30 PM

I have a Minolta Dimage F100, 4.0 Mega Pixels. I confess to not knowing much about digital cameras, but I like it. I got it at Costco for about $400.00.

I recently attended a workshop at the Atelier in Minneapolis and used it to photograph my artwork at the end of each day and the pics turned out great, with and without flash.

Jean Kelly · 07-08-2003, 11:40 PM

My husband and I have been talking and have decided to wait a bit. I have four commisions coming in and with deposits I'll be able to spend a little more on this camera. So I'm headed back to the other threads to learn more about all of them. This next camera will have to attach to my body permanently. If someone wants to steal my camera they'll have to take me too!

Thanks Debra, I'll read up on that one. Tom (my husband) spent the night researching so I could paint, he's also checking out the Olympus C5050. Well, I'm off to read again.

Jean

Jean Kelly · 07-25-2003, 06:14 PM

Well we bought one today. The batteries are charging as I'm typing getting ready for it's installation and a night of picture taking. We ended up spending a lot more money, but I think this will do me very well for quite a while.

It has 5.2 megapix and all kinds of features. After reading here and much research on the incredible site Bill Whitaker refered to, we decided to go for broke.

Now I have to learn how to use it!

Jean

Jean Kelly · 07-28-2003, 09:57 PM

So far all is well with the new camera. I've taken some high resolution shots of my artwork and the difference is remarkable. The color is spot on, and detail is amazing. At high resolution there is virtually no pixelation when my prints are blown up.

Instead of buying over the web, I purchased locally at a store specializing in cameras called "The Camera Store". I ended up spending more, but have my own personal salesman to give technical advice when needed. He is also a graphic artist and painter so has experience in the type of photos I want. Along with the camera I got an extra set of batteries and a larger memory card, 128mb ( I already know that more will be needed). In all I spent $940.00. I'm still trying to justify the expense, but commisions coming in will easily pay for this. I vowed that my husband would not have to support my supplies or equipment when I started this new venture and so far so good.

The site that was most helpful in researching was recommended by Bill Whitaker in another thread, dpreview.com.

Jean

Jean Kelly · 07-29-2003, 03:29 PM

Hi, here's a close up of Annie's face, taken with the Nikon 5400. This is not the highest resolution or size (1600x1200). There is no distortion, and I can't see any "artifacts" (jaggies, bright little pixels etc.). The camera was about 15" from the canvas. I'm pleased!

Jean