posted on September 22, 2001 08:25:20 PM new
I was just looking at some new digital cameras at Best Buy. I haven't looked at new ones in almost three years and it seems like a lot of them don't come with an AC Power Cord. Oh, on some, like the Sony Mavica, you can buy an accessory AC cord to the tune of $30.00 extra. But others, it seems like they expect the user to be happy with batteries.
I need a good quality camera with AC power capabilites.
Do you recommend Sony Mavica? Which Mavica? Do I need a 3 megapixel? A 4x zoom?
I'm lost here, but I'd like a camera for well under 5 bills if I can find one. Something that will last a long time.
By the way, I had a Kodak DC210 Plus for about 2 1/2 years (I just sent it back for repairs) and it was OK. Not fantastic, but OK, and it actually looks better than some of the new models I saw tonight (the under $350 cameras look very cheapo to me). But after 2 1/2 years of heavy use the Kodak has given up the ghost. I have an extended 4 year warranty on it, so they either have to fix it or replace it with something.
But in the meantime I need a camera.
Thank you.
Oh, one more thing---
I'm happy to report that Best Buy was busy and there were a lot of people there spending money!
[ edited by loosecannon on Sep 22, 2001 08:31 PM ]
posted on September 22, 2001 08:52:14 PM new
I've been using a Mavica FD71 for 2 1/2 years now and have zero complaints. It cost approx $600 when I bought it, and even at that price, it was a steal. I think now you can get the same model, or even the FD75, for approx $400.
The folks who continuously copy my photos for their own ads would probably attest to the picture quality.
Plus, you just can't beat the convenience that a Mavica offers.
I have been using a Nikon Coolpix 950 for the past year. Outstanding camera. Bought it after reading reviews by other jewelry sellers on these boards. SUPER for close ups and detail work. It can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Bought mine on ebay for under $500. and the AC adapter was an additional $25.00 on ebay as well. I LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!!
posted on September 22, 2001 09:08:26 PM new
I can't say enough good things about my Mavica, it is about 5 years old. Never a problem. I don't have a zoom, but it does have the macro things which lets you get within about an inch in focus perfectly. The newer model with the zoom runs about 399.
posted on September 22, 2001 10:05:59 PM new
OfficeMax had a sale on the Sony Mavica FD73
a couple of months ago. Regularly: $399.99.
I got it for $199.99 NEW + TAX and think that a
Mavica is great.
posted on September 23, 2001 06:56:06 AM new
I have an Olympus D-490 and it beats my friends Mavica hands down. You can get it for under 500.00. Mine didn't come with the AC adapter. I had to buy that.
posted on September 23, 2001 10:43:25 AM new
Sony Mavica FD90...has everything I need! Great pic quality, super macro ability. Rechargeable battery pack is worth the price of admission. Super easy to use.
posted on September 23, 2001 01:34:27 PM new
the fd-75 has 10x zoom and macro mode, so yes, takes excellent close-ups. even my fd-83 with 6x zoom can take good shots from 1" away.
love my mavica
k3
adding in: office max had a sale on fd-73, which is the model the fd-75 replaced. also 10x zoom (not sure what the dif between the two are), for $199. if you've got office maxes in your area, worth calling around to them to see if they've got any fd-73s for that price. mine here didn't have them on sale for that price, said to keep checking back. maybe you'll be lucky
[ edited by kittykittykitty on Sep 23, 2001 01:38 PM ]
posted on September 24, 2001 02:04:38 PM new
My 2 pixels on the topic
First - I vote for the Sony Mavica line as well.. I've never heard of an unhappy owner of one of those. Personally I have a Sony Cybercam series (DSC-S70) which I am very pleased with, and the battery life is exceptionally good (the recharger/adapter was included as well). This Sony replaced a Nikon Coolpix 800 that was a very good camera as well.
The important issue I really am posting those to bring up is optic quality. A camera is no better than the lens system is has, and I've run into some which were killer cameras otherwise (Olympus models in particular) but had terrible zoom lenses. No number of pixels will compensate for that, and I'd rather have a 640x480 camera with a good lens than 3M+ and a lousy lens.
Here's the shopping tip - in the store, aim the camera at shelves and displays in the store. Zoom in and out.. and pay special notice to a "fisheye" effect that many zoom lenses have - or a curvature along the sides of the field. If the store shelves look curved - strike that camera from your list. This is where Olympus falls short all too often (too bad, as otherwise they are excellent).
Next, really pay attention to how accurately the auto-focus locks in. Sonys and Nikons are great in this area, but my otherwise decent Kodak DC-240 really bombs (it will lock-in when still out of focus, meaning you have to refocus from time to time).
Take you time, there are incredible cameras out there for reasonable money.
posted on September 24, 2001 02:18:22 PM new
I just got a Mavica FD-75. Haven't even taken it out of the box yet but I hope to get some photos with it tonight.
As far as the old Kodak DC210 we turned in for repairs--
Best Buy will either have to repair or replace (4 year extended warranty. I'm hoping they replace because they will give store credit and I can buy whatever I want, I think) but it may take weeks--you know how that goes. That's why the need for a new one right now.
[ edited by kittykittykitty on Sep 23, 2001 01:38 PM ]