1JaredSchmidt
Member
I need a good,durable,and cheap digital camera for taking pics of pens. Anyone have a good suggestion?
What kind of camera? Help!
- Thread starter 1JaredSchmidt
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Nope - at least not on the durable part...I had mine in my backpack to go for a hike; slung it up on my shoulder, and forgot to do up the zipper....
The darned thing flew 20 feet, and smashed on the pavement...so they're not very durable! Can't afford to replace it, but when I do, it'll be a cheapie, to be sure!
I think most cameras nowdays are decent, Jared...they're better than what you have now, anyway!
Andrew
The darned thing flew 20 feet, and smashed on the pavement...so they're not very durable! Can't afford to replace it, but when I do, it'll be a cheapie, to be sure!
I think most cameras nowdays are decent, Jared...they're better than what you have now, anyway!
Andrew
wdcav1952
Activities Manager Emeritus
This camera should be perfect for you. :wink:
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-DCA68-07-Barbie-Digital/dp/B000HVVIDA
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-DCA68-07-Barbie-Digital/dp/B000HVVIDA
1JaredSchmidt
Member
We have a Kodak digital,but it's dad's and I can barely use it.
Rifleman1776
Member
Of course digital. Be sure it has a macro setting and, preferably, a stabilizing feature. At least 3X optical zoom and as much megapixels as your budget will allow. Another 'must' is a tripod thread on the bottom. There are tons of digi cams on the market but you should be able to get a very good camera under $400.00.
I use a Sony DSC-H2 but the 'H' series is currently much higher, like 9 or 10.
Durable? None of them. Don't drop or get wet.
I use a Sony DSC-H2 but the 'H' series is currently much higher, like 9 or 10.
Durable? None of them. Don't drop or get wet.
gerryr
Member
What's your budget? "Cheap" is not very definitive.
Bill Arnold
Member
Keep in mind when deciding on a camera that "more" is relative when considering megapixels. What are you going to do with the images? If you want to make 8x10 glossy prints, then you need a higher count than if you're going to display your images online. An 800 by 600 image is large for online use and is less than 0.5MP (half of one megapixel).
The more important thing is a camera with at reasonably decent optics. For instance, we have a couple of inexpensive 3MP cameras -- a Kodak and a Vivitar. My wife "won" the Vivitar at work -- optics are terrible -- everything is soft around the edges. Of course, it cost less than $50 on the street. The Kodak has much better optics, is fixed focus with no zoom and is a decent inexpensive camera at $100 or less depending on model.
I also have an older Sony Mavica 2.1MP with a 10to1 optical zoom. I get fantastic images with it and all are more than suitable for online use. When I got this camera several years ago, it was about $1100 -- an excellent street price at the time.
My newest camera is a Nikon D40X 10.2MP that uses interchangeable lenses. I have a standard and telephoto lens and get great images with it. By the time the images are sized down for use online, it's difficult to tell the difference between the Nikon, Sony and Kodak.
I hope this hasn't been too much information! The main thing is to do your research, get what's best for your application and don't let anyone convince you that you need to spend more than you can afford.
The more important thing is a camera with at reasonably decent optics. For instance, we have a couple of inexpensive 3MP cameras -- a Kodak and a Vivitar. My wife "won" the Vivitar at work -- optics are terrible -- everything is soft around the edges. Of course, it cost less than $50 on the street. The Kodak has much better optics, is fixed focus with no zoom and is a decent inexpensive camera at $100 or less depending on model.
I also have an older Sony Mavica 2.1MP with a 10to1 optical zoom. I get fantastic images with it and all are more than suitable for online use. When I got this camera several years ago, it was about $1100 -- an excellent street price at the time.
My newest camera is a Nikon D40X 10.2MP that uses interchangeable lenses. I have a standard and telephoto lens and get great images with it. By the time the images are sized down for use online, it's difficult to tell the difference between the Nikon, Sony and Kodak.
I hope this hasn't been too much information!
The main thing is to do your research, get what's best for your application and don't let anyone convince you that you need to spend more than you can afford.
Russianwolf
Member
The Fujifilm S700 that I use was about $200 and does a very good job on the Auto setting with supermacro.
1JaredSchmidt
Member
I don't mean durable as in shock proof. Just something that will last a while.
Rifleman1776
Member
With electronics that is impossible to predict. Some things will last almost indefinitely. My Sony camera died two weeks shy of the one year warranty running out. I was lucky.
Paul in OKC
Member
Just bought the wife a Nikon Coolpix. Under $200. Nice little camera. Probably considered a cheapie in a sense, but it takes great pics. haven't tried the macro feature yet. Has 5x zoom. What I'm saving for is a Nikon D60 set up. Can't justify that one yet. Local shop has an outfit with extra zoom lense for sale at $899, so it will have to wait!
1JaredSchmidt
Member
I'm thinking under or a little over $200.
SamThePenMan
Member
My fiance and I got both our moms the GE A830 camera from Tigerdirect. It's under $100, is 8mp, and they have different packages. One package for around $90 comes with a small carrying case, the camera (obviously) and a 2gb sd memory card. The other package I've seen is the camera, carrying case, and a "digital camera essentials" kit that includes a small tripod, 2AA batteries/charger, usb SD card reader, 128mb sd card, and lens/screen cloth. The camera should be available in both silver and black(though the black one shows finger prints easily because of its glossy finish. I'm not entirely sure on the quality of the pictures as I haven't really been able to check the camera out in detail, but my fiance's mom and mom mom love theirs. Also as with most digital cameras these days it'll also take video and if I remember correctly has image stablitation and face recognition to make it easier for focusing when taking pictures of people.
I use my Canon EOS 20D for taking my pen pictures. I've got the standard lens it came with and a 300mm telephoto lens, which I haven't really used for pen photos yet, mostly things far away, animals, air planes, the space shuttle and other things that maybe seen in the night sky. It maybe a little much for taking pen photos, but it works for me.
I use my Canon EOS 20D for taking my pen pictures. I've got the standard lens it came with and a 300mm telephoto lens, which I haven't really used for pen photos yet, mostly things far away, animals, air planes, the space shuttle and other things that maybe seen in the night sky. It maybe a little much for taking pen photos, but it works for me.