[charlie]

Anybody got this camera? What do you think of it?

[Poseidon]

Here is a general review from Dpreview, (this place is NOT the best for information, I have seen some information posted there that is just flat out WRONG!!!) I don't have the camera, but I will look around for some better reviews for you...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...a_dimagez5.asp

[Poseidon]

Okay, after reading most of my way through the LONG review, I think this is an okay camera, but not for anything that requires higher ISO settings. This means Reef tank pictures, and sports mostly. This camera's best results come at ISO 50!!! Think SLIDE film speeds... That is VERY slow, meaning you would have to have ALOT of light! We have quite a bit over our tanks for our eyes to see, but that doesn't mean the camera is happy! Here is a color chart @ 50 ISO:



Looks good right?

Here is ISO 320, its the MAX this camera can get too:



Looks pretty rough...

Keep in mind I shoot a good number of my shots @ ISO 800 that is 2.5 times FASTER then this camera can go. Now there is some anti-noise software out there, but I think you could find a better source especially in this price point!

[charlie]

Thanx, got any suggestions at that price, say $500? A buddy of mine bought this camera, but I haven't seen any of the pics he took yet.

[Poseidon]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...dscv3&show=all

That page should show you all the "major players" in the price point you are looking at. I like the G6 and the Nikon best myself. Scott just bought a coolpix and he seems pretty happy. His pictures sure have improved!!!

For $500 you may also find a used DRebel on E-bay, but then you would need to add a lens and memory etc etc.... That would put you over budget I'm afraid. Hmmm... I'll bet a D30, or D60 coould be had in that range though, WITH a Vivitar macro lens. A DSLR a couple years old will still WAY outperform some of todays point and shoots. I guess it comes down to what else you want the camera for. THe p&S cameras also have other toys like movie clips and night vision type stuff, the DSLR just takes better pictures. Mostly due to the LARGE size sensor and the ability to specialize in a particular type of picture by changing the lens. I guess that would take you into another EXPENSIVE hobby though too...

I would say go out and try each of these cameras in your hand, and buy the one that "feels" best to you. Also consider the type of memory each uses, you can usually get more MB/$ with compact flash, least MB/$ with Memory stick.

[Poseidon]

Here's a good camera at a great price... I don't have anything to do with the seller though, I am just using this as an example. As always E-bay is at your risk...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...505093031&rd=1

[Reefland]

We are really happy with our Nikon 5400. Sure there are better cameras out there but for the price and what we were looking for this was a perfect option.

Here is the place we got ours from, you might search around and see what you can come up with from them. They don't just eBay, you can call them and order.
http://stores.ebay.com/Cameta-Camera

[charlie]

Thanx for all the info. that'll keep me busy for a while.

[Poseidon]

Let me know what you decide...

[SCETT316]

Hi
I had the Canon D60 and ended up trading it in for the 10D. I personally was not happy with the AF feature, it was too slow IMO and also heard others with the same complain.
The 10D's AF was a great improvement. Then when I totally lost my mind I went and also got the MARK II 1-D.

[Poseidon]

Geez.... I sure hope you have more uses for that tool then just fish tank photography!!! I agree the D60 is much slower to focus then the 10D, but even the D60 focuses faster and gives better results then most point and shoot cameras.

[SCETT316]

Geez.... I sure hope you have more uses for that tool then just fish tank photography!!!

I do. I hardly take pics of my tank.

I agree the D60 is much slower to focus then the 10D, but even the D60 focuses faster and gives better results then most point and shoot cameras.

I totally agree with you. IME it's a good camera, the only drawback for me was the AF. I thought the 10D body had gone down in price, but I guess it's still up there.