skip to main content

Looking for opinions

20 years ago

Am considering buying my first Digital camera. Real novice in photography as well as digital cameras. I read drpreview and went shopping with the Canon A530 in mind. I left the first store confused as the sales person keep encouring me to buy the Sony S600. Basically sid the shutter speed was faster) I went to a Staples and the same thing happened. This salesman said the sony was a studier camera - (sony is less money) I would appreciate any information or comments on these two cameras. Thank you in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

aliceinsocal
20 years ago
I don't know the cameras you are asking about so I have no comments to that. Perhaps someone else will have more info. But I have put together some other guidelines.

This is my response to those of you who are looking to not only answer the question of "what should I buy" but also "how do I learn enough about digital photography and cameras to make an informed choice myself". It may help guide someone in their search.

I wouldn't be swayed by what any salesmen say. Their job is to sell you something.

I cannot tell you to buy this or that because I will have different requirements than you. I prefer to adjust the picture after downloading it onto my computer and/or to make art work with it and you might prefer to just take the picture and then stick the camera into the printer for prints.

I would suggest making make a chart. I used Excel so I could enter more kinds of data as I came across it. But it can be done on paper.

Make a list of the features on the left and fill in the blanks from DP review. Add a section at the bottom for miscellaneous information. Obviously some traits are subjective such as "viewfinder hits eyeball" (from
DP) and may or may not be on your list. Is 'sturdy' important to you? How do you define 'sturdy'? Are you giving it to your 3 year old? Does 'feels sturdy' mean anything? Do you need 1/2000 shutter speed? Are you taking race track pictures or trying to stop the baseball in mid-air? How is the rating on 'purple fringeing'?

Be sure to read the 'conclusions' pro & con at the end of the DP reviews and the 'Steve's conclusions' at Steves. These point out the serious plusses and minuses in a condensed presentation. Read the 'user reviews' if there are any for your cameras at DP.

Read the Sony & Canon forums at DP--do an 'all forums' search for the models you are looking at & see what is bugging the writers & the other's responses. Often you'll find the models mentioned in other forums both pro & con.

There are also other camera review sites such as megapixel.net & dcresource.com (as well as others - google 'camera reviews') that are good in different ways.

The library and bookstores have numerous books on elementary dig. camera photography & cameras such as the dummy series which will teach you a lot.

Decide based on facts and opinions as to how the cameras would fit your lifestyle--your own opinions. Afterward, you can be assured you will no longer be such a novice.

~Alice
gmom74
20 years ago
I wish I could help you. We have two fairly old cameras and would like to replace them with one of the newer ones. I am interested in one with 12X zoom- ours are only 3X and they are not great for a lot of things. We haven't looked into other lenses for them because we also want one with image stabilization.
Related Discussions
Looking for Opinions and Suggestions on Updating this Home.
Q
Comments (6)
I actually really like MCM....but that's a no go for this setting. I think we're of the same mindset. The stone is so distinctively MCM, pale and yellow that it can't be made to work in the look I'm after. This house is a total rehab both inside and out. The interior has already gutted down to the studs by the folks I purchased it from. The only thing original remaining will be the framing (except areas being reconfigured) , the foundation, the screened in porch, maybe the roof (but I doubt it) and possibly the stone veneer. Thoughts on painting the stone and using it as texture Or best to remove? I'm looking for advice mainly on the front porch and exterior cladding. I'll try to find pics of basically what I'm after.
...See More
looking for opinions on latest shower tile trends
Q
Comments (3)
My unprofessional aesthetic judgment is that the accent tiles you chose are lovely and understated. I don't think they resemble the cliched look of the row of glass mosaic tiles that are ubiquitous. By what do I know - I have a marble mural accenting my hand painted teal blue shower tiles :-).
...See More
Looking for opinion on wall sconces & peninsula pendants
Q
Comments (18)
This is a classic kitchen remodel dilemma, and as a designer, I always look at how we can balance the "hard" and "soft" elements in the space. Kitchens are naturally dominated by hard, cold surfaces—quartz countertops, tiled backsplashes, and heavy cabinetry. To make a peninsula feel inviting, especially if it opens up to a dining nook or living area, you want lighting that introduces organic texture and warmth. Instead of the standard glass or heavy industrial metal pendants, I highly recommend looking into organic modern or Japandi-style fixtures. In my recent client projects, I’ve been specifying pieces from JINSHE (jinshehome.com) because their focus on wabi-sabi craftsmanship perfectly softens these architectural lines. Here is how I would layer the lighting for your peninsula and wall sconces: * **For the Peninsula Pendants:** Consider handmade rice paper pendants. Fixtures crafted from hand-pressed mulberry paper over minimalist iron frames have this incredible, visible plant-fiber texture. When unlit, they look like sculptural art; when lit, they emit a incredibly soft, warm, diffused glow that completely takes the clinical edge off a kitchen. * **For the Wall Sconces:** To coordinate without looking too "matchy-matchy," look for materials that share an organic DNA but offer a different texture. Spanish alabaster wall sconces (ideally genuine, hand-carved 12mm translucent stone) paired with unlacquered solid brass work beautifully. The stone-filtered light creates a gorgeous, ethereal accent on the walls, and the unlacquered brass will naturally patina over time, adding rich vintage character that grounds the kitchen. What color are your cabinets and countertops? If you are working with warmer wood tones or clean white oak, this mix of textured paper and living brass/alabaster will look absolutely stunning.
...See More
Looking for opinion on skinny shaker cabinets
Q
Comments (23)
HU-283081375 - Based upon what I've read re: glass doors + slim shaker profiles = several people had to use wider stiles/rails for their glass doors. I think it's difficult (maybe impossible) to add glass to a very slim shaker profile edge. @stiley - I think the way that you did your glass doors is the best result that I've seen. While the stiles/rails are wider in order to add the glass, including the 1/2" edge/moulding along the edge of the stiles/rails = a consistent look with the rest of your cabinet doors/drawer fronts. Other people have just used a thicker stile/rail - and I noticed the different size immediately (not implying that it looked horrible - I just think that the way your glass doors have been designed makes them fit better with the rest of your kitchen).
...See More

Related Stories

WALL TREATMENTS Expert Opinion: What’s Next for the Feature Wall?

Designers look beyond painted accent walls to wallpaper, layered artwork, paneling and more

DECORATING GUIDES No Neutral Ground? Why the Color Camps Are So Opinionated

By Vanessa Brunner

Can't we all just get along when it comes to color versus neutrals?

LIVING ROOMS New This Week: 2 Fresh-Looking Living Rooms

By Mitchell Parker

Designers share details on the soft color schemes, raw materials and durable fabrics in these relaxing rooms uploaded this week to Houzz

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Modern Art Inspires a Color-Blocked Look

By Becky Harris

In a midcentury beach house on Martha’s Vineyard, a redesigned kitchen embraces the look of Mondrian

DECORATING GUIDES Mood Makers: Luxurious Looks on a Budget

By Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist

Want a high-end look in your home but feeling choked by your budget? Try these pro decorator tips to give your rooms a luxe look for less

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Layered Look Adds a Fresh Sense of Style

By Mary Jo Bowling

Midcentury art, pottery and a mix of furnishings bring a hip edge to a traditional Los Angeles home

MOST POPULAR Trend Watch: 13 Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015

By Natasha Saroca

3 designers share their thoughts on what looks, finishes and design elements will be on trend in the year ahead

ARCHITECTURE Style 101: The Birthplace of Today's Rustic Look

By Michelle Fries

A look back to the beginning of cabin and lodge design can help you decide on a rustic look for your home today

FEEL-GOOD HOME 10 Ways to Get That Casual Chic Look

By Laura Gaskill

Make your home look effortlessly elegant by balancing rustic and refined, mixing textures and having a little fun

PAINTING Knotty to Nice: Painted Wood Paneling Lightens a Room's Look

By No. 29 Design

Children ran from the scary dark walls in this spare room, but white paint and new flooring put fears and style travesties to rest

Sponsored