doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Digital Camera for Posting Pics-Opinions

I was shopping for a new digital camera to replace the 4MP model I dropped on concrete over a year ago. I'd like to satisfy requests for pics when I ask a question here. What I'd like to know is if I can expect to use a small compact point and shoot model to post useful pics of guns, engraving, proof marks, etc., or does one need to go to the SLR type? I noticed 10 MP cameras selling for less than my old 4 MP cost. I'd like to stay with a small light unit I can drop into my hunting coat and use for general photography. Any thoughts or comments or recommendations on makes, models or desirable features would be appreciated. Thanks, Keith

Kieth,
I have pictures posted on Ithaca 5e thread and fox eye candy thread taken with Sony Cyber-Shot 7.2 MP. Easy to use, pretty tuff, and fairly cheap.

I use Kodak powershots for my work cameras, and for hunting trips. I work in dusty environments (oil fields) and they hold up well. We generally have to use them everyday from spring through fall. The Powershot A2000 is a 10mega pixel camera if you want that good of resolution. Generally a camera in the 7mega pixel range is more than adequate. The only time more pixels come in handy is if you want to blow the picture up a lot. If you go with a pocket style camera make sure it has a tulip shaped mark on the image selector knob on the top. This setting is for taking close up shots of things such as flowers, or in your case engraving or proof marks.

They're all good, Keith. I'm using a seven-year-old 3MP Olympus. I haven't seen better results from the more expensive SLR cameras. It's bulky compared to the newer ones---a C-720 8X optical zoom, no longer in production---and my hunting buddies carry the more accessible thinner ones. On our last goose hunt, my nephew dunked his 7MP Canon when salt water rolled into the top of his chest waders. It's waterproof. Just wash it off in fresh water.

Bill, Those are some nice pictures. Cheap is a good feature since these cameras don't seem to hold up to a little bounce off concrete, and you just know that the 10 MP model you buy today will cost more than a new 15 MP camera in a couple years. Also, I'd rather spend my money on toys with two barrels.

Keith, A few years ago I was looking for a camera to take pictures of guns, wildlife, and landscapes. I was looking hard at the SLR cameras and the members of a photography board talked me out of it. Instead I ended up with a Sony H2 and couldn't be happier. What really sold me on the H2 versus the newer models was the fact that it took AA batteries instead of a rechargeable one. You can still find them new on Ebay at a reasonable price. Best-JB

JB,
where was that barn pic taken?

Near Morgantown WV, It is part of the family farm on my moms side. I will be there this spring for Turkeys!

A friend that is a studio portrait photographer, bought a small pocket camera from a brand name maker a couple yrs ago. It had a very small lens up in the corner. I want to say it was one of the small Nikons. Anyway, he was taking it back because he couldn't get a sharp picture. I suggest either searching the internet sights were there are test comparisions or buying a consumer reports edition where they are tested. Also, some of the periodicals like Popular Photog, etc have editions that test point-n-shoot cameras.

The point is that they are not all created equal. Some will not produce so sharp an image, some are very sharp. Some have very short zoom lenses, some very long zooms. Some work better in low light than others.

For a point-n-shoot, the Canon G10 is on the upper end of that class. However, you pay a price in terms of money, weight, and size for this quality. Nikon has a similar model.

More megapixels doesn't always equal more quality. Lens quality and camera quality matter hugely.

If you buy from B&H photo, they will honor your desire to return or exchange a camera if you have a desire for something else. A friend just sent back a lens that he believed wasn't quite right. Turned out to be operator error, but they sent him another example of the same lens at his desire. B&H is a good place to buy no matter your choice.

First & foremost, I am not aprofessional or even semi-professional photographer, just a point & shoot type. I too have a Sony DSC-H2 with which I have been extremely satisfied. It's like most any other field, buying a H&H or Purdey will not in & of itself make you a better hunter, nor will buying an extremely expensive camera automatically make you a better photographer. Buy the best you have the knowledge & "Desire" to use wisely.