Help! I'm thinking stupid "I wanna buy a digital camera" thoughts again!

digitalwanderer · Dec 29, 2002, 07:25 AM

I was cruising prices on USB keychain drives when I happened across this camera page; and more specifically the SiPix SP-1300 Shoot & Share 1.3 MegaPixel for $59us and theSiPix StyleCam Deluxe 1.3 Mega Pixel w/built in 16MB for $65us.

Neither one looks like that bad of a camera for the price, would someone PLEASE tell me something awful about them before I do something stupid?

I'm going to bed, I'll be up in the morning about 4-1/2 hours from now and I'd really appreciate any input on 'em 'cause I really would like a cheap/decent little digital camera and these are sort of fitting the bill. If ya can't figure out anything awful to say about 'em, could you at least give me some advice as to which is better?

Me brain is getting all squirrly, time for some serious unconsciousness.

toddsmack2k · Dec 29, 2002, 08:13 AM

the sp-1300 is the one i would go with. i think the bigger lcd is very useful b/c with a bigger screen you get a better idea of what the picture you just took looks like and can decide if you might want to take it again. internal memory to me is not that big of a deal the majority of people will buy a memory card for their camera, lots more space and easy. the only thing about the sp-1300 is that it is refurbished but if that doesnt bother you then go for it

DriveEuro · Dec 29, 2002, 08:25 AM

If you buy a digi-cam then you can't get a new vid card.... It's a trade off DIGI..... Which one is more important to ya? Personally I'd buy the camera...

digitalwanderer · Dec 29, 2002, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DriveEuro
If you buy a digi-cam then you can't get a new vid card.... It's a trade off DIGI..... Which one is more important to ya? Personally I'd buy the camera...

Nah, not really. It's not a matter of "there's not enough money for all this crap" really, it's more of a "Honey, I really don't want you to be spending money on computer crap...we're trying to save"

I'm betting that a decent digital camera will be such a big hit/convinience/money-saver on film that it'll justify itself after the fact and change the way we take photos entirely. (I'm tired of film, it's old & slow.

)

This is SEPERATE from me viddy card, but it would help to give me something to play with to tied me over.

(Good observation though, BTW.

)

I was leaning towards the SP-1300 too. It'll add the added expense of some flash memory (are there different types or is "flash" flash?), but it'll also mean I can add memory or keep a few flash mems to take more picts.

That and the mark-down from $160 to $59 just caught me eye on it....

Matth · Dec 29, 2002, 05:18 PM

The first makes no mention of video, but has auto-focus (but no close-up) and takes STANDARD CompactFlash (CF) cards - on a 1.3 Mpixel, a 16Mb card should be reasonable capacity, while a 32Mb is better if you're away from base for a while.

The second takes VIDEO, has 16Mb onboard memory, but makes NO MENTION OF MEMORY CARDS - so ONE decent video clip, and then back to download it!

If you like video clips, the Nisis PocketDV models (maybe only the second one!) can take usefully sized memory cards.
See example video clips here
http://www.firebox.com/index.html?di...howAllImages=0

Frame rates are limited (10, maybe 15fps at the most)
It's not a complete camcorder substitute, but great for "fun shots" - THIS model, and a few others, take sound as well, but this is often the exception - many with a video clip mode "tacked on" are SILENT!

kinetic · Dec 29, 2002, 05:28 PM

Don't wanna sound negative Dig but I think you're gonna be disappointed with the picture quality on a 1.3Mpixel digi camera.
I'm no expert but I think a 2.0 Mpixel camera struggles to provide the quality of a decent 35mm. My advice is to up your budget a little or buy a good second hand one.

Matth · Dec 29, 2002, 05:37 PM

I ran an 800k pixel - Samsung Digimax 800, before my current one.

800k pixel (1024x768) is enough to fill the screen, or print at 1/2 A4 with reasonable quality (or A4 for distance viewing)

Not much reserve for crop/magnify, or for the pixels lost by DIGITAL ZOOM (at 2x, you only get 1/4 of the pixels)

100k pixel (like many webcams an "3 in 1" models) is good ONLY for partial screen and small prints)
300k (VGA) can be stretched to fill a higher resolution screen.

Ideally, after cropping etc. ,you're looking for about 200 pixels per printed inch, 150 at a pinch - below 100, you're losing definition.

digitalwanderer · Dec 29, 2002, 05:56 PM

...you are saying that the one that takes the standard compactflash cards will probably last me longer and suit me better. When you said, "STANDARD", I'm assuming you mean that cheap and available compactflash memory cartridges I've been pricing for around $20 for a 64MB?

BTW-If it takes 'standard' compactflash, should I worry that it'll only take a 16MB flashcartridge and not a larger one? (I'm thinking 32 or 64 to start.) The only reason I like the other camera is because it IS an all-inclusive type of thing. Ready to go, memory on board, cheap and dirty so when the kids break it I won't feel bad. (Then again, I'll probably be having a use for some extra CompactFlash cards before much longer too...

)

digitalwanderer · Dec 29, 2002, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kinetic
Don't wanna sound negative Dig but I think you're gonna be disappointed with the picture quality on a 1.3Mpixel digi camera.
I'm no expert but I think a 2.0 Mpixel camera struggles to provide the quality of a decent 35mm. My advice is to up your budget a little or buy a good second hand one.

Hmmmm...1.3Mpixel still sucks? Dang it. Yeah, I am looking for something that can almost replace a 35mm...but I'd really like to keep the whole package under $100. For some reason if I can keep the price of me upgrades/toys to under $100us it just ain't that big a deal with the wife...provided I don't do it to often and it's a useful addition. This would DEFINATELY be a useful addition, as well as a money-saver pretty quick IMHO.....film & developing said film is getting damned expensive, and I'd really rather be able to preview a picture right away rather than waiting a few days to see if it came out.

Heck, I wanna be able to grab quick snaps of things and show 'em to me friends online. THAT'S the kind of digital camera I'm looking for, anyone have any suggestions?

BTW-It'll be used mostly inside, and a lot of times inside a dark computer case under a desk....so a flash or good low-level lighting would be a real plus.

Chaos · Dec 29, 2002, 06:19 PM

I tend to agree that 1.3 mega pixel in not good enough. I have one and without a tripod it's nothing special, but then maybe I just have the shakes

reno · Dec 29, 2002, 06:55 PM

hmm...I want a digital camera too...I'm thinking the 4 MPixel Finepix or a 3.2 Mpixel Kodak....hmmm...thanks Digi! Now you planted expensive thoughts into my mind! hehe

Matth · Dec 29, 2002, 11:23 PM

If you want picture of a computer case, you need a good close up mode, preferably with autofocus rather than a single fixed close up that's never quite right.

My old camera had a fixed close-up ( a slider that you changed ) and the flash was uncontrolled - total white-out unless masked (I had fun using coloured plasic for wierd effects)

My current camera takes very good flash close up, but a couple of halogen desklamps are usually within the auto white balance range of most digitals and give you more ligting control in your micro-studio.

DriveEuro · Dec 30, 2002, 12:32 AM

I got a buddy who used to sell DIGI CAMS and he told me that a 3 megapixel camera can take a picture with as good quality as a high quality 35mm.

toddsmack2k · Dec 30, 2002, 01:26 AM

DO NOT buy a KODAK digital camera ! i have a 3700 3.1 megapixel and it does not do a very good job. one of the best i have seen is any of the sony cybershot cameras. great flash and excellent picture

ToshiroOC · Dec 30, 2002, 02:01 AM

I have been looking at the Sony DSC-707 and DSC-717 cameras - they look SOOOO nice! 5 megapixels, Carl Zeiss Lens, great color and responses - the 707's are down to about $500 at a local store at the moment, and since that is $500 less than retail and $150 less than street, its really really tempting.. anyone here have any experiences with this camera?

Matth · Dec 30, 2002, 05:09 PM

My new camera IS a Kodak DX3700

While lacking optical zoom, self timer and movie mode is a bit of a downer, the price I paid was great (A Kodak Moment!).

I'd sooner have my friend's Fuji Finepix 4700 though - everything about it is nice, from the way it tucks in and covers the lens at shutdown, to the porthole LCD that lets you access many of the important functions without resorting to the power hungry colour LCD. And the use of totally standard NiMH and charger is something I totally approve of.

The Kodak does accept standard NiMH, but their "easyshare" system of base charger and proprietary pack is something I'd have done without if it wasn't included.

People say it doesn't take good 3 Megapixel pictures - maybe, but it's a helluva lot better than the 800k I had before

fornicatarachnid · Dec 30, 2002, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by digitalwanderer
Hmmmm...1.3Mpixel still sucks? Dang it. Yeah, I am looking for something that can almost replace a 35mm...but I'd really like to keep the whole package under $100. For some reason if I can keep the price of me upgrades/toys to under $100us it just ain't that big a deal with the wife...provided I don't do it to often and it's a useful addition. This would DEFINATELY be a useful addition, as well as a money-saver pretty quick IMHO.....film & developing said film is getting damned expensive, and I'd really rather be able to preview a picture right away rather than waiting a few days to see if it came out.

Heck, I wanna be able to grab quick snaps of things and show 'em to me friends online. THAT'S the kind of digital camera I'm looking for, anyone have any suggestions?

BTW-It'll be used mostly inside, and a lot of times inside a dark computer case under a desk....so a flash or good low-level lighting would be a real plus.

I would go for the SP1300 Dig

If you look at the specs, if you use it in 'economy mode' an 8mb memory card will give you 110 shots. If all you want it for at the moment is for quick 'snap-shots' to post on the net, then the quality you will get on economy mode will be good enough. Plus you have the advantage that the pics don't take as long to uplift ( especially using your 56 k connection)

I started off with a Samsung 800k (given to me by a friend

)which is not as good as the SP1300 but was still a brilliant, easy-to-use, fun camera. I've since bought a Minolta Dimage 2300zoom but most of the time I still use it on econpmy mode because I find the quality good enough for a quick snap.

Whatever you do, get one of them because you're gonna love it !
Its just so easy to snap away and them have a quick look on the LCD before either deletin it and tryin for a better shot or keepin a good 1

Good luck and have fun

digitalwanderer · Dec 31, 2002, 12:12 AM

...thanks I think. You got me back on track with my original idea of going super-cheap just to get something to play with and then when me, and more importantly, the wife see how indespensible and great it is we'll go seriously shopping for a good one. Then I won't mind if the kids play with this one.

Unless I see someone post against it in the next few hours I think I'll order a camera tonight.

fornicatarachnid · Dec 31, 2002, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by digitalwanderer
...thanks I think. You got me back on track with my original idea of going super-cheap just to get something to play with and then when me, and more importantly, the wife see how indespensible and great it is we'll go seriously shopping for a good one. Then I won't mind if the kids play with this one. Unless I see someone post against it in the next few hours I think I'll order a camera tonight.

Well it worked for me, once everybody got used to the

convenience of a digital camera, convincing them to spend

more on a better one was easy

DarkFoss · Dec 31, 2002, 01:05 AM

You'll have little problems convincing the wife to "upgrade" yer camera Dig. Fornicatarachnid quite correct about that . I went ahead and bought the wife one for her b-day. After little grumbling she now loves it takes it everywhere and loves the idea of being able to just print out as many copies of the pics she really wants instead of having to order doubles then going back and having to reprint extra copies for her family. Really pays for itself in the long run.Now she'd like one with a better zoom <lol>
Bought her a 128meg card to go with it so she could take alot of pics at high rez for 8x10's instead of switching the settings back and forth. Go for it

digitalwanderer · Dec 31, 2002, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DarkFoss
You'll have little problems convincing the wife to "upgrade" yer camera Dig. Fornicatarachnid quite correct about that .

Yeah, I now know that for sure. I got me nuggers up and brought the subject up with her tonight and she actually was nodding her head along with me spiel! I'm gonna order the SP-1300 after she goes to bed. (I have to pick up a CompactFlashcard too, so I'll have to shop around for that a bit and I don't really want her around for that in case I find something interesting along the way...

)

Thanks for the input, I'm just about decided.

DarkFoss · Dec 31, 2002, 01:50 AM

Walmart has very good prices on them and you may even catch them on sale

digitalwanderer · Dec 31, 2002, 06:27 AM

Remember that order on New Year's Eve is really probably a stupid idea...wait 'til the second.

Oh, and don't forget about this one, I think it'd be better....

EDITED BITS: Same camera, but $10 cheaper and free shipping.

Dec 29, 2002, 07:25 AM	#1
digitalwanderer Colour Commentator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Highland, IN USA Posts: 5,619 Rep Power: 0	Help! I'm thinking stupid "I wanna buy a digital camera" thoughts again! I was cruising prices on USB keychain drives when I happened across this camera page; and more specifically the SiPix SP-1300 Shoot & Share 1.3 MegaPixel for $59us and theSiPix StyleCam Deluxe 1.3 Mega Pixel w/built in 16MB for $65us. Neither one looks like that bad of a camera for the price, would someone PLEASE tell me something awful about them before I do something stupid? I'm going to bed, I'll be up in the morning about 4-1/2 hours from now and I'd really appreciate any input on 'em 'cause I really would like a cheap/decent little digital camera and these are sort of fitting the bill. If ya can't figure out anything awful to say about 'em, could you at least give me some advice as to which is better? Me brain is getting all squirrly, time for some serious unconsciousness. __________________ WTF is up with the sigs?

Dec 29, 2002, 08:25 AM	#3
DriveEuro HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gurnee Illinois Posts: 4,677 Rep Power: 0	If you buy a digi-cam then you can't get a new vid card.... It's a trade off DIGI..... Which one is more important to ya? Personally I'd buy the camera... __________________ [color=orange]ASUS P4P800 Deluxe [color=black]-[/color] 2.4C --> 3300mhz [color=black]-[/color] Mushkin PC3200 at 220 5-2-2-2 (cpu limited) [color=black]-[/color] BBAti 9800Pro at 430/375 [/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]01[/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]03[/color] 16001200 12801024

Dec 29, 2002, 05:18 PM	#5
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	The first makes no mention of video, but has auto-focus (but no close-up) and takes STANDARD CompactFlash (CF) cards - on a 1.3 Mpixel, a 16Mb card should be reasonable capacity, while a 32Mb is better if you're away from base for a while. The second takes VIDEO, has 16Mb onboard memory, but makes NO MENTION OF MEMORY CARDS - so ONE decent video clip, and then back to download it! If you like video clips, the Nisis PocketDV models (maybe only the second one!) can take usefully sized memory cards. See example video clips here http://www.firebox.com/index.html?di...howAllImages=0 Frame rates are limited (10, maybe 15fps at the most) It's not a complete camcorder substitute, but great for "fun shots" - THIS model, and a few others, take sound as well, but this is often the exception - many with a video clip mode "tacked on" are SILENT! Last edited by Matth; Dec 29, 2002 at 05:29 PM.

Dec 29, 2002, 05:56 PM	Thread Starter #8
digitalwanderer Colour Commentator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Highland, IN USA Posts: 5,619 Rep Power: 0	So.... ...you are saying that the one that takes the standard compactflash cards will probably last me longer and suit me better. When you said, "STANDARD", I'm assuming you mean that cheap and available compactflash memory cartridges I've been pricing for around $20 for a 64MB? BTW-If it takes 'standard' compactflash, should I worry that it'll only take a 16MB flashcartridge and not a larger one? (I'm thinking 32 or 64 to start.) The only reason I like the other camera is because it IS an all-inclusive type of thing. Ready to go, memory on board, cheap and dirty so when the kids break it I won't feel bad. (Then again, I'll probably be having a use for some extra CompactFlash cards before much longer too... ) __________________ WTF is up with the sigs?

Dec 29, 2002, 06:19 PM	#10
Chaos Number Nine Join Date: May 2002 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 5,268 Rep Power: 167 System Specs	I tend to agree that 1.3 mega pixel in not good enough. I have one and without a tripod it's nothing special, but then maybe I just have the shakes __________________

Dec 29, 2002, 08:13 AM	#2
toddsmack2k It Never..... Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,173 Rep Power: 0	the sp-1300 is the one i would go with. i think the bigger lcd is very useful b/c with a bigger screen you get a better idea of what the picture you just took looks like and can decide if you might want to take it again. internal memory to me is not that big of a deal the majority of people will buy a memory card for their camera, lots more space and easy. the only thing about the sp-1300 is that it is refurbished but if that doesnt bother you then go for it

Dec 29, 2002, 05:28 PM	#6
kinetic DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester England Posts: 2,559 Rep Power: 0	Don't wanna sound negative Dig but I think you're gonna be disappointed with the picture quality on a 1.3Mpixel digi camera. I'm no expert but I think a 2.0 Mpixel camera struggles to provide the quality of a decent 35mm. My advice is to up your budget a little or buy a good second hand one.

Dec 29, 2002, 05:37 PM	#7
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	I ran an 800k pixel - Samsung Digimax 800, before my current one. 800k pixel (1024x768) is enough to fill the screen, or print at 1/2 A4 with reasonable quality (or A4 for distance viewing) Not much reserve for crop/magnify, or for the pixels lost by DIGITAL ZOOM (at 2x, you only get 1/4 of the pixels) 100k pixel (like many webcams an "3 in 1" models) is good ONLY for partial screen and small prints) 300k (VGA) can be stretched to fill a higher resolution screen. Ideally, after cropping etc. ,you're looking for about 200 pixels per printed inch, 150 at a pinch - below 100, you're losing definition.

Dec 29, 2002, 06:55 PM	#11
reno Painlord of Ichor Join Date: May 2002 Location: bloinkin! Posts: 1,610 Rep Power: 0	rg hmm...I want a digital camera too...I'm thinking the 4 MPixel Finepix or a 3.2 Mpixel Kodak....hmmm...thanks Digi! Now you planted expensive thoughts into my mind! hehe

Dec 29, 2002, 11:23 PM	#12
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	If you want picture of a computer case, you need a good close up mode, preferably with autofocus rather than a single fixed close up that's never quite right. My old camera had a fixed close-up ( a slider that you changed ) and the flash was uncontrolled - total white-out unless masked (I had fun using coloured plasic for wierd effects) My current camera takes very good flash close up, but a couple of halogen desklamps are usually within the auto white balance range of most digitals and give you more ligting control in your micro-studio.

Dec 30, 2002, 12:32 AM	#13
DriveEuro HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gurnee Illinois Posts: 4,677 Rep Power: 0	I got a buddy who used to sell DIGI CAMS and he told me that a 3 megapixel camera can take a picture with as good quality as a high quality 35mm. __________________ [color=orange]ASUS P4P800 Deluxe [color=black]-[/color] 2.4C --> 3300mhz [color=black]-[/color] Mushkin PC3200 at 220 5-2-2-2 (cpu limited) [color=black]-[/color] BBAti 9800Pro at 430/375 [/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]01[/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]03[/color] 16001200 12801024

Dec 30, 2002, 01:26 AM	#14
toddsmack2k It Never..... Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,173 Rep Power: 0	DO NOT buy a KODAK digital camera ! i have a 3700 3.1 megapixel and it does not do a very good job. one of the best i have seen is any of the sony cybershot cameras. great flash and excellent picture

Dec 30, 2002, 02:01 AM	#15
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	I have been looking at the Sony DSC-707 and DSC-717 cameras - they look SOOOO nice! 5 megapixels, Carl Zeiss Lens, great color and responses - the 707's are down to about $500 at a local store at the moment, and since that is $500 less than retail and $150 less than street, its really really tempting.. anyone here have any experiences with this camera? __________________ [img][/img] [color=White]Peace be with you, Joe.[/color] Driverheaven Staff Member (Supermoderator)

Dec 30, 2002, 05:09 PM	#16
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,426 Rep Power: 93 System Specs	My new camera IS a Kodak DX3700 While lacking optical zoom, self timer and movie mode is a bit of a downer, the price I paid was great (A Kodak Moment!). I'd sooner have my friend's Fuji Finepix 4700 though - everything about it is nice, from the way it tucks in and covers the lens at shutdown, to the porthole LCD that lets you access many of the important functions without resorting to the power hungry colour LCD. And the use of totally standard NiMH and charger is something I totally approve of. The Kodak does accept standard NiMH, but their "easyshare" system of base charger and proprietary pack is something I'd have done without if it wasn't included. People say it doesn't take good 3 Megapixel pictures - maybe, but it's a helluva lot better than the 800k I had before

Dec 31, 2002, 12:12 AM	Thread Starter #18
digitalwanderer Colour Commentator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Highland, IN USA Posts: 5,619 Rep Power: 0	Hmmm...thanks, maybe... ...thanks I think. You got me back on track with my original idea of going super-cheap just to get something to play with and then when me, and more importantly, the wife see how indespensible and great it is we'll go seriously shopping for a good one. Then I won't mind if the kids play with this one. Unless I see someone post against it in the next few hours I think I'll order a camera tonight. __________________ WTF is up with the sigs?

Dec 31, 2002, 01:05 AM	#20
DarkFoss HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Downers Grove IL Posts: 688 Rep Power: 0	You'll have little problems convincing the wife to "upgrade" yer camera Dig. Fornicatarachnid quite correct about that . I went ahead and bought the wife one for her b-day. After little grumbling she now loves it takes it everywhere and loves the idea of being able to just print out as many copies of the pics she really wants instead of having to order doubles then going back and having to reprint extra copies for her family. Really pays for itself in the long run.Now she'd like one with a better zoom <lol> Bought her a 128meg card to go with it so she could take alot of pics at high rez for 8x10's instead of switching the settings back and forth. Go for it

Dec 31, 2002, 01:50 AM	#22
DarkFoss HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Downers Grove IL Posts: 688 Rep Power: 0	Walmart has very good prices on them and you may even catch them on sale

Dec 31, 2002, 06:27 AM	Thread Starter #23
digitalwanderer Colour Commentator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Highland, IN USA Posts: 5,619 Rep Power: 0	Note to self: Remember that order on New Year's Eve is really probably a stupid idea...wait 'til the second. Oh, and don't forget about this one, I think it'd be better.... EDITED BITS: Same camera, but $10 cheaper and free shipping. __________________ WTF is up with the sigs?