CAMERAS....IN RELATION TO COLOMBIA.... and since the World Is Still Nikon Nuts.....

goin_south says on Jul 27, 2007, 20:20:

....related to Colombia, in a GRAND FASHION... because frankly, my dear.... that's about the only placed I've shot anything in years. .... uh, I don't own a gun either... ya know, Ducks are... gun shy ;)

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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goin_south says on Jul 27, 2007, 20:22:

Please list the model, with 4 or 5 main spec's, along with approximate price, and why you love it (or, hate it).
THANKS.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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chrispej says on Jul 27, 2007, 21:16:

Well, I have done a ton of research to get something better than my little Olympus 4.0 MP camera. It is a good camera but I started to find out it couldn't take the photos that I really would hope it would take. What I discovered is that camera buffs are big on the Pentax SLR 10.2 MP. A lot of camera for the money. I bought one. I am very happy with the camera and the learning curve using this thing has been short. I'm just an amateur but the photos I've taken really impressed me.

When I went into the camera store asking about this camera, the sales clerk couldn't stop talking about this model. Do your research. I think you will be happy with this camera.

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goin_south says on Jul 27, 2007, 21:53:

thanks, chrispej.
what about the price range?
(I'm lookin to spend about $200 or - a few.)
optical?
pixels?
size? (shirt pocket?)

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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goin_south says on Jul 27, 2007, 21:55:

I'm jus guessin, (cause I don no ch*t about this stuff) that the 10.2 stands for megapixels or such.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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adrimm says on Jul 28, 2007, 00:38:

Chrispej, that's great to hear. I absolutely love my old Pentax film camera and have been waiting to see how they start doing with the SLR side of digital.

goin_south for something small, sturdy and budget-friendly try the HP photosmart R series, full metal body (I have the 5.1 mp R707 and it has survived being stepped on a couple of times now. 5.1 is good snap shot resulution and you can still have the photos blown up a bit or cropped and keep decent quality.

Also if you can afford it, look for something with a shake stabilizer. It can rimprove the quality of your zoomed photos.

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Gator says on Jul 28, 2007, 05:29:

Pentax K-1000 35mm with several lens, Fuji S-5100 digital and a Fuji A500 digital (small, easy to stick in a pocket or Mrs. Gator's purse). For "walking around purposes" a Fujifilm zoom 90 35mm.

RULE NUMBER 1.

NEVER walk around Colombia with a camera you would hate to see going down the street on someone else's arm. The Fujifilm zoom 90, 35mm meets this requirement.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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adrimm says on Jul 28, 2007, 08:58:

AMEN Gator.

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adrimm says on Jul 28, 2007, 09:06:

Oh that reminds, me I can't find it now but a few years back I read the blog of a backpacker who bought a new DSLR and then went about distrressing scratching, painting, duct-taping and doing all sorts of things to it to make it *appear* like a the most worn out old SLR you've ever seen. He documented it all in photos and the trasnformation was amazing.

Combined with dreads and grungy old backpack it worked like a charm, people with small automatic slrs were getting more attention than he got and he posted some great pics.

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Portena says on Jul 28, 2007, 09:23:

I've been looking for a good, slim digital camera that I can keep in my pocket and that won't draw a lot of attention when I'm using it. I appreciate your recommendations, Gator. I've been comparing so many camera's I can hardly keep them straight. I'll check that small Fuji out.

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adrimm says on Jul 28, 2007, 09:32:

eerrr, that is small automatic digitals

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chrispej says on Jul 28, 2007, 11:07:

The Pentax camera goes for about $900 US or $1,000 with the 18-55 lens. I guess it's a little pricey for your budget. I splurged because I couldn't get those close up shots or I missed out on those distant shots. The compact digitals just can't produce a quality picture unless the subject is within a few feet.

Also, as Gator has mentioned, you probably don't want to walk around with type of camera unless your with a friend or two. I think I might start carrying a hard rubber hose.
Good luck

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Goye says on Jul 28, 2007, 12:32:

You know what: I've always have tried to be keen when comming up with electronics. Now, this comment is not intended to be snobby, but, I just want to share a couple of impressions.

1. Where do you live? Now, though this question might sound stupid, at the same time is soooooo important in terms of getting technical service and support if your pricey super-dupper camera gets busted (and believe me, it does if you are clumsy as most people are). If you are living in Colombia, you should stick to major brands that are well sustained with a direct office in Colombia, such as Sony or Canon.

Of course, you can go to any San Andresito, buy smuggled merchandise at a low price, and hope that nothing weird happens to your cool cam bought there. So, again, if you are living here, stick to brands that have a direct representation office, or even better, a branch subsidary office here. Again, Sony or Canon are your only choices. Forget Kodak, Fujifilm, Pentax, Minolta, Nikon and such. Those brands are as exotic here as a pile of horse crap in the middle of Manhattan. Mark my word, lad (or lassie): Avoid brands that you can't get service here. Forget about the asshole that told you that "si algo le pasa, tranquilo que yo le respondo" b.s. All sellers in San Andresitos in Colombia are like that: A thousand smiles to lure you, fast and hypnotizing speach as snake charmers (no wonder almost all San Andresito sellers are paisas!) to convince you that white is black and vice versa, and once you have something wrong going on with your cam, they'll spit anger words to you as you were some kind of retard comming from Shitville, USA. Don't say that I did't tell you, 'cos I did. Now, the comment about paisas is not hate speach nor discrimination: Is just a fact that those people are the slickiest people in Colombia and they use those convincing skills on their behalf.

2. What kind of camera are you looking for? An optical (which uses tradition roll films which have to be developed at a Photo Center, also known as Reflex Cameras) or a Digital one? If you are a person that like bulky cameras, with a huge lens to point to something, like to take pictures in a roll and, geez, go to a film development center to get them printed, then, go ahead for an optical one. Again, remember my advice in point (1). If you are a techy buff, always trying to keep an edge with electronics, then go for a Digital Camera. They're more convenient if you want to check your shots right away after you take them, download them to your computer (any flavor) and then send them to your acquaintences and family members to show them that Colombia is not the dangerous, guerrilla and paramilitary infested nest of assassins that most movies portrait in Hollywood movies, that you, poor "gringo" or "gringa" are soooooooooo brave for surviving in this shit hole, and so and so.

Having said this, let me give you a couple of 2 cents:

A. Reflex Cameras:

Pros: if you are creative, these are a must to really take astounding pics. You have absolute control over them, starting to exposure factors to type of roll used.
Cons: you have to take the rolls to get them developed to a Film Center. Expensive rolls. Expensive fees, compared to what you are used in Gringoland or Europe.

So, let's check Canon, since it's the only cam maker that has a subsidary in Colombia

Canon Reflex 35 Mm EOS K-2

You can give it a check at any Foto Japón in Colombia.

B. Digital Cameras

Now this option take us to talk about just 2 brands: Again, Canon, and Sony.

When buying a digital camera, try to get a camera that offers you at least 5 MP or upper in resolution, a small fit factor (try to avoid the bulky cameras, other wise you'll have to strap them around your neck like a typical tourist, with all the implications.

Also try to get cameras that offer ISO exposure modes ranging from 80 to 1600, so you can get good pictures virtualy under any lighting condition.

I personally recomend a Canon SD Powershot SD 750 7.1 MP, at $900.000.oo pesos. Pricey, but such a cool bugger to have! I have one, and the features that I love are these:

http://syndicate.sellpoint.net/canon/22239/4146-PNTSHV-11-player-T1_MP...

Sony's Cybershot are good, as well. You can check them at any Sony Center if you are living in Bogotá (Centro Andino), Medellin, Cali or Pereira. Also you can get them at Foto Japón.

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vicshere says on Jul 28, 2007, 12:47:

have look here
http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.co/MCO-4531305-camara-digital-canon-a...

listo

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BAQ says on Jul 28, 2007, 12:56:

The small CANNON digital ELF is GREAT for shirt pocket or hanging on your belt covered by your shirt and takes pretty decent pictures.

I am not an expert on cameras but everyone gets hung up on mega pixils. TALK TO A CAMERA STORE and ask them this, what is OVERKILL. If you will be printing no larger than 8x10´s then a 3 or 4 mega pixil is all you should need.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but anything larger is just a waist of disk space for the normal user

Semper Fidelis !

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Gator says on Jul 28, 2007, 14:31:

BAQ, I would say 5 or 6 six pixels. BTW, my Fuji S 5100 was too complicated for Mrs. Gator so that's whey I got her the Fuji A500 which was a little over a $100 USD

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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houstongal says on Jul 28, 2007, 14:49:

Two years ago my needs in a camera were for something small and pocket-sized and with a long battery life. I also prefer having a viewfinder as well as a large screen (on bright sunny days, screens are difficult to see). I ended up with a Casio Exilim 7.2 megapixels, 3x optical zoom. This camera lasted 2 full weeks in Peru shooting photos every day. It never needed a recharge (thus didn't need to bring a charger) and fit nicely in pockets.

But when my mom wanted a camera to replace one that I handed down to her, I picked up an inexepensive Fuji last year (probably around 4 megapixel). Like Mrs. Gator, she needed something simple to use. She's been quite happy with it. She doesn't travel as much as I do and required a camera to take photos of the grandkids, friends and relatives back home.

GS - Think about how you want to use the camera, what's important to you and it should help you decide what to buy.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 28, 2007, 15:02:

Canon Canon Canon.......great prices at www.costco.com.....=)..but they dont take Duck$$$...though, be forewarned..... i have a sd400, G7, and a 30D....

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 28, 2007, 15:49:

Costco Online only carries this one GD:

Fuji A900 9MP 2.5"
4x Optical 30.4x Total
& Bonus ATP 2GB SD Card
Picture Stabilization
Movie Mode with sound
17 Scene Modes

$199.99
Item # 183011
Shipping & Handling included *

not sure how that compares to the F20....But, GS..post a photo of yourself after you buy one and we can tell you what we think of your, ummm....photography??!!! jajaja

Hey Mario! i wonder what camera was used in Santa Marta???? =)

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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vicshere says on Jul 28, 2007, 17:56:

if you live in Canada or the US you can shop online here...or use their stores in the Toronto area....I have bought quiet a bit of stuff including 2 gateway computers digital cameras and other electronics with very good satisfaction
anyway here is the website have a look for yourself
http://www.factorydirect.ca/static/index.htm

listo

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vicshere says on Jul 28, 2007, 18:13:

this is my camera which I have had for over a year now and very satisfied
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=KM0006
although its on the large size it takes great pictures come with a macro setting to for the spider shoots

listo

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goin_south says on Jul 28, 2007, 20:56:

nice comparison, Mario. I'm assuming you have the one on the right, the Fujitsu F20 ?

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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hustle3999 says on Jul 28, 2007, 21:41:

I would recommend sony camera's as I work for the company and use the product on a daily basis. One of the most important elements of a camera is the lens. Cybershot's use Carl Zeiss (best in the industry) lenses..also for US $250 DSCW80 7.2mp 3x optical zoom, Image stabilization Mpeg video recording this is a really good deal. Don't go for film, very little support for that format anymore and DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras are OVERKILL for anyone buying their first camera though they are made great cameras. Also DO NOT get a digital camera that uses AA or AAA batteries.

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goin_south says on Jul 28, 2007, 21:50:

If it doesn't use AA or AAA, then I'm assuming there is another option, similar to the batteries that are used by cell phones? What?

good post, hustle.
this is getting better.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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goin_south says on Jul 28, 2007, 21:55:

lithium. gottit.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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gold digger says on Jul 28, 2007, 22:54:

I looked at all of the cameras for weeks. Most of them didn't fit my hands and was hard to hold steady. I finally decided on a Panasonic TZ-1. It has 10x zoom and can take a 2gig card which will give you many pictures. (10,000 internet sized) Although it's only 5 megs, that is all you need. I know you see camera companies pushing 10 meg, etc. but that just wastes card space and is mostly hype.
The Panasonic TZ-1 has 10x zoom, image stabilization,a setting where you can say what the picture was about, video, large screen and you can buy generic battery packs for $10, shipped!
It's larger than the small compact cameras but the 10x zoom is really great! I was taking good pictures of animals in the Amazon that the other cameras couldn't even see! It has an aluminum body with just the right weight to it.
You can find them for $169 on fleabay that includes card and more.

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goin_south says on Jul 28, 2007, 22:58:

Wow! Sounds like some of our CELL PHONE HOLDER photographers might need to check those out, gold digger.

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:05:

photography is either an art form, wherein one is well educated, and knows photography top to bottom, and has an excellent eye, and fee., or it is just something for snapshooters. You know which one you are. if you are a snapshooter, buy a cheap snapshooter with 4 to 6 megapixels, and hope for the best. If you are a serious photographer, most of this post is nonsense

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:07:

sorry, I mean has excellent feel, not fee, though a fee would be nice

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:20:

si, christo-! I AM AN ASPIRING.... cheap snapshooter!
and, thanks for the input.
I don't wear watches (except while workin out)
I don't watch tv (except dvd's)
and, I ain't shot nothing, not a gun, not a camera,...well,...I can't talk about de rest that I have shot here, because I dont know de code! jej :)

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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Miguel_Clavo says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:25:

GS..stick to your cellphone camera in that case.....=)

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:42:

sorry gs. I am not a duck shooter, don't worry.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:45:

just sayin that if one knows about f stops, and shutter speeds, and lighting, they are photographers, in my mind. if they don't, then they are snapshooters, and they could take photos with a great camera, and may or may not come out with good shots

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:49:

and even if one knows all of those things, they are not necessarily good photographers, as they would have to also have a natural eye, and feel, which cannot be taught technically

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Jul 28, 2007, 23:55:

ok then

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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