help with a camera

[orchids4me]

Hi everyone,
I don't have a camera and I'm looking at one I'm thinking of getting but....
I know absolutly nothing about them I found one that I'm interested in but don't understand what I'm reading about it.
It is a Pentax 12 megapixel camera with 26x super telephoto eliptical zoom.
High definition stills and video (up to 720p at 30 fps) macro mode focuses as close as 1cm while tripple shake reduces jitters for crisp photos. High sped continuous shooting at 11 frames per second for action shots. High speed face detection sees up to 32 faces almost instantly. Flexable movie captue options, including HD (1280x720 at 30 fps) auto focus with manual option, macro mode and focus lock .offers 7 autopicture modes, 20 scene modes and simplified green mode. Has a 2.7" lcd monitor wit advanced anti reflective coating, built in auto flash with red eye reduction and slow synch modes. Store images to 31.2MB internal memory or memory card slot (optional 4GB SDHC memory card sold seperatly). HDMI port,USB port and A/Voutput. Windows and MAc compatible. Includes USB and A/V cables , rechargable lithium-ion battery, charger, strap, lens cap and software CD-ROM
Sale price 429.99
Ok I don't understand a lot of this info here and some of these modes like green mode ? What's 32 faces it sees? This is a video cam too ??? What is a HDMI port? Another thing with the #'s example. (1280x720 at 30 fps) what does all that mean? What I found most intriguing was it has Macro. I love shann's macro shots this has it. But any laymen terms are helpful to understand all this lol please. Is pentax a gOod camera?
Any help appreciated with finding my new camera if this one turns out to be not so great.
Thanks in advance
Emmaye

[orchids4me]

I think this worked should be a pic from the ad of the camera attached (I hope)

[berniep]

G'day Emmaye

Anton is the camera guru that I ask all my questions of. Give him ago.

Cheers
Bernie

[terra_australis]

While I am not a professional, I have been a keen amateur photographer for the last 15 years so I'll do my best to answer your questions...

OK, here we go, from the beginning...

12 megapixels (12MP) refers to the number of pixels (dots on your monitor screen at full size) that the highest quality mode will give you. I haven't shopped for new equipment for a while so I think 12MP may small compared to the cutting edge models however it should be plenty for most purposes. To put it in perspective 12MP will produce an image that can be printed 14"x10" with no discernable dots.

The 26x (I think that should be) optical zoom simply means that at full telephoto (zoomed in) your subject will seem 26x larger than at the wideangle extent (zoomed out). This is really a meaningless figure since it depends very much on the focal lengths involved.

The high definition (720p) bit is more to do with video capture - yes it sounds like it can be used for video too however you'll want a big memory card if you want to use it for a lot of that. 720p is one of the new high definition video standards that the new TVs are made to. As far as stills go, this camera will far exceed the quality of this standard in its photo modes but you'll be able to grab decent quality stills from any video recordings. 30 fps (frames per second) refers to the capture rate of video. From memory 24fps is as slow as you can go before your eyes start to notice flickering between the frames of a video so I think 30fps should be reasonably smooth.

Macro mode is the closeup function that should get you close enough to photograph small subjects. The true definition of macro is creating an image on the film/sensor that is larger than life size. Once again this depends on the longest focal length, or at least the longest focal length that the camera will allow you to use in this mode - test it out first! Usually cameras of this type are not the best for true macro photography.

"Triple shake" I assume is some sort of stabilising technology that prevents the motion of your hand from blurring the image.

High speed continuous shooting refers to the number of frames per second that can be captured at full image size (highest quality) - note this is the still camera mode not video.

Face detection is used for portraiture or "people" photography and uses inbuild software to detect peoples faces and then automatically focus and adjust exposure for them.

The various picture modes will be along the lines of sport, portrait, night-time, landscape etc. and each will have some sort of preset to simplify photo capture in various situations. "Green" mode is used as an all-rounder and essentially means point and click allowing the camera to do everything for you.

2.7" monitor is somewhat small for properly scrutinizing capture but adequate for a quick review.

Flash is standard.

32MB (32 megabytes) of internal memory is pretty much useless. At around 6MB per frame it would be filled by the time you took 5 high quality shots. You will need to buy an additional memory card and I'd recommend at least 4GB (4 GIGABYTES).

HDMI port allows you to connect to a newer TV that has HDMI input for playback, A/V does the same on older TVs, USB is for connecting to your computer to download your pictures.

I think everything else is self-explanatory. Pentax is one of the major brands and has been in the game since before I was born. As far as I can tell it is a decent camera but it depends on what you need it to do. I also have no idea about the pricing so I'd suggest you ask around to see how this deal compares.


Well, I hope I've explained it clearly and not confused you further

[koshki]

Emmaye, terra australis did a very nice job of explaining a lot of the terminology!

Here's a couple more thoughts when making your decision. I presume you want this to take photos of your orchids, but do you have any other uses in mind? Do you really want a video camera included?

My DH helped me make my decision by surprising me with a Sony Alpha a couple years ago, thus saving me from the agonizing I would have gone through. We upgraded it to the model with the LCD live-view, because it's difficult to get my eye to the viewfinder when composing a shot in my wheelchair. That has been a tremendous benefit to me...the LCD can swivel to different angles, so I can hold the camera above or below my head and still see the shot.

Since buying the camera, I've added a 100mm macro lens for close-ups of orchids, and a 300mm telephoto to take pictures of hummingbirds in the backyard, and of my daughter when she's playing in the orchestra on stage. I might someday like to get a bigger telephoto, but then we're talking big bucks.

It's hard to tell from your photo, but it doesn't appear to me that you could use different lenses with the camera you're considering. So the one it comes with has to work for all the functions you need. This might be what you want, but for that much money, I'd prefer the ability to build on the system with more specialized lenses.

Also, Sony later added a new camera to the Alpha line that includes a video camera. At first I was disappointed, but then I learned that it requires different size lenses, so I couldn't just swap the body and keep my other lenses...I'd have to buy all new lenses, and I guessed that they would not be a commonly available size, but that was only my guess.

So, I'd check on whether or not you can add new lenses to that camera, and if so, what kind.

Another thing that I have and really like...and it's on the camera you're considering...is the ability to attach a mini usb cord directly from my camera to my computer and upload the photos, without fiddling around with removing the SD card (and you will need one, I have a 4GB one), and then sticking it in a reader attached to your computer.

I have anti-shake on my camera, and it amazes me how often I can get a good shot when I was sure it would be blurry. Not always, but many times.

Also, for that kind of money, there are a lot of cameras you could consider. I know that Costco has a selection in that price range...you could take a look and not feel pressured to buy, like I usually do when I go into a camera shop.

There are many other helpful folks around here who are much more knowledgeable about cameras than I am, but I thought I'd share a beginner's perspective. Have fun!

[terra_australis]

Good points Katherine. I didn't want to introduce the idea of SLR camera systems into the conversation because I thought that may be going a little too far past the requirements.

Also, unless someone has an understanding of shutter speed, aperture and ISO or an interest in learning photographic skills, I would be hesitant to suggest an SLR. A simple, less expensive "point and shoot" compact camera would be my recommendation simply because there is little to no learning curve and you can get decent results from a single button click.

One other point of note... the more your photography interest grows, the lighter your wallet gets!

[koshki]

Originally Posted by terra_australis

Good points Katherine. I didn't want to introduce the idea of SLR camera systems into the conversation because I thought that may be going a little too far past the requirements.

Also, unless someone has an understanding of shutter speed, aperture and ISO or an interest in learning photographic skills, I would be hesitant to suggest an SLR. A simple, less expensive "point and shoot" compact camera would be my recommendation simply because there is little to no learning curve and you can get decent results from a single button click.

One other point of note... the more your photography interest grows, the lighter your wallet gets!

I will confess to using my DSLR pretty much as a point-and-shoot camera! I use the macro mode the most (it even has a cute little flower icon!), and occasionally the landscape and sports action settings. Eventually, I will learn to use custom settings, but for right now, I think I can take some pretty nice shots without knowing much more.

The price of my Sony Alpha was less than what Emmaye is considering paying now, although additional lenses pushed that up. But now I have a camera that will last me a long time, and can do just about everything I want it to do, particularly when it comes to photographing orchids. For wildlife stuff, I may eventually want to go to a much bigger telephoto, but that will only be if I win the lottery!

[Shannara]

Emmaye,

I have never used a Pentax but have used a point and shoot Nikon years ago. I got a lot of enjoyment out of that camera but once I made the jump to DSLR I could never go back.

There is a great website I use for research on digital cameras. I am posting some links for you about the camera you are interested in. The reviews are good but not great.

Pentax X90

Customer reviews for Pentax X90

One thing you might want to do is find a store where you can handle the camera...see how it feels and if you like how the weight and where the controls are. Picking a camera can drive you crazy with how many options are out there.

This link is also a good way to do a side-by-side comparison of the features of any cameras you are interested in.

Side-by-side camera comparison

HTH

Shann~

[orchids4me]

Thank you everyone
Some good points and info here, and some key ponts made me think....
So the search continues. The one I was looking at was on sale and I had no clue what exactly I was reading about it. But seems like its a bit much and thanks Shann for the links also.
Thanks again everyone
Emmaye

[Anton]

Remember, you only get what you pay for.

BTW Bernie, I now have the Canon Powershot G12. Brilliant camera, can't take a bad shot with it.

Ideal for beginner and experienced alike.

[zaeem]

I did not ask the question,however your exchanges have enriched my little knowledge of cameras.Thanks all of you very good presentation.

[Square]

I have recently bought a Cannon PowerShot SD1300 for my wife and I use a Nikon D90 DSLR. The little Cannon takes great photos, has image stabilization, macro, 12.1 mega Pixels and a host of features that could keep you busy for quite awhile if you like such things. All for under $200 USD. As far as a point and shoot you could do a lot worse.

For triple that price both Cannon and Nikon make great DSLR cameras that will allow you to get fairly serious with a photography hobby. I didn't include Sony because of the availability and the cost of lenses. While not cheap both Cannon and Nikon have a wide array of available glass and there are several third party manufactures of lenses as well.

In the end you should first decide how much time and energy you want to devote to photography. If you just want pictures there are many great point and shoot cameras out there that will give stunning results. If on the other hand you think learning about the joys of photography is something you would like to devote your time to then a DSLR is for you. There is no right or wrong and either way you can have wonderful pictures to serve as memories.

P.S. Even if you buy the DSLR you can use it in AUTO mode and it is pretty much like a point and shoot... I'm guilty.

BTW... my first post here. Hi

[orchids4me]

Thanks again everyone for your help here.
And hello Square welcome to the forum! and than you also for your help
I will definatly look into the power shots as well as the DSLR cameras
@ shann do youever use your DSLR as a point and shoot like Square mentioned?
@ Anton I will look into that model of power shot also. How is that working for you Bernie ? Do you like it? Easy to handle weight wise and all? These are small cameras right? (Power shots)
@anton does the G12 have Macro? I think square pointed out the cannon power shot SD1300 has it.
These all sound so wonderful. I'm going to have to go out and see some of these at the store maybe best buy or something or FRy's if they have them. Unless you guys know of other places maybe target or wallmart maybe not. Where do you all recommend I go to see these camera up close and live.
Emmaye

[otis 226]

Thanks everyone for your input on cameras. I was going to start a thread asking this very same advice, and ran across this. When our kids were young I was into SLR photography, (pre digital) and had lots of lenses, lighting equipment, extra bodies, ect. I think now I will be happy with a nice up to date point and shoot model to replace our older 2.1mp Olympus Brio.
So, again I really appreciate the input.
Tony

[Anton]

Originally Posted by orchids4me

@ Anton I will look into that model of power shot also.
@anton does the G12 have Macro? I think square pointed out the cannon power shot SD1300 has it.

It certainly does and a good macro too.

[syndywindy]

I have been under Anton's tutalage for a couple years now. (don't know if my images have improved since lol) But I am now on my 3rd camera since starting up with him. On his recommendation I purchased a Nikon Coolpix P100. Just a step under a true DSLR , other than not being able to change out lenses, it really gives me everything I could ask for. It has everything the Pentax you are looking at has and is a cheaper price. I personally couldn't justify the cost of some of the DSLR cameras when this for my purposes does so much. Here is a link to the Nikon P100. It does have macro settings.

Nikon | News | Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX P100, L110

[syndywindy]

Sorry I posted before I finished. Here are a few pictures I took from my bedoom which is on the second level of our home. These ducks were in our backyard probably about 50 feet away, the goldfinches maybe a bit further. No tripod to steady the camera, just me holding and shooting. I could have even zoomed in more. I really am not terrific with the camera, I am trying, but I think for the money and my purposes, it's a great camera. I do envy those like Shann who really work at their images, unfortunately I just don't have the time to play with the camera right now. Obviously my next camera should I get one would be a true DSLR, but this one comes pretty close.

[orchids4me]

@Anton, thank you for that about the macro
@ synds, nice pics!!!! I still haven't gotten a camera yet but I'm looking into the ones mentioned here on this thread.
Thanks again everyone
Emmaye

[Greybeard]

What a suprise! I was called to my employer on Thursday and I had my 20yr. anniversary lunch( prime rib...YUMMMMM!) They gave all of us a Canon Power Shot A1200 dig. camera, 12.1 mgpix, 4x. Now I have to learn cameras all over again, was using daughters Olympus, Well at least I don't have to wait for hers anymore Any pointers on this one

[vandagirl]

Originally Posted by Greybeard

What a suprise! I was called to my employer on Thursday and I had my 20yr. anniversary lunch( prime rib...YUMMMMM!) They gave all of us a Canon Power Shot A1200 dig. camera, 12.1 mgpix, 4x. Now I have to learn cameras all over again, was using daughters Olympus, Well at least I don't have to wait for hers anymore Any pointers on this one

Well that's some nice employer you have. To get all of you a camer. I can not tell much about it, but in general Canon is good. I got myself A Nikon Coolpix s3100. Very nice camera

[fred]

Anton is a great teacher his advice is rock solid
I am also one of Anton's pupils he has taught me so much
all one has to do is ask, listen and learn then practice
thank you Anton

[Greybeard]

I know I have been reading some of the older pic threads and Shann also offered to help, I'm switching from getting familiar with Olympus (my daughters) to now a new Canon A1200, my old brain can't change gears that fast, Getting familiar first then ask the tough questions Fred still can't post pics, know your all working hard, something about server and 404 errorKeep up the great job

[Bolero]

Look what I ordered today, this is a superb camera for the price and has everything you could need in a camera. I considered a DSLR and then realised the overall costs with various lenses I would need would be prohibitive at this stage. 14MP camera, retails for around $600 but I found it for half that, possibly the best camera at this price point:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 (Lumix DMC-FZ45): Digital Photography Review

P.S. If you want the link to where i purchased it from I can provide that. It has a superb macro function (for photos of orchids) and the overall quality of the photos are wonderful. This is a reasonable upgrade for me and at the price a great starting point.

[BGGraham1]

Hi Emmaye! I see this thread has come up again, and I don't know if you ever got your camera, but I thought I would chime in. Most of the pics I have posted here have been from my iPhone, but I have posted a few that I took with my digital camera, a Canon Powershot digital elph SD870is. It completely rocks!

Its older, so it only has 8.0 megapixels, but it takes really great photos. I have to admit to being a Canon snob, though. I still have an old AE1 35mm, and am now in the market for a DSLR. I'm looking at the EOS Rebel T3i, which runs just under $1000.00, but I have seen some new in the box on eBay for much less than that. The T2i is also pretty good. My sis-in-law has one and the pics are clean and gorgeous.

Just my two cents.

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by BGGraham1

Hi Emmaye! I see this thread has come up again, and I don't know if you ever got your camera, but I thought I would chime in. Most of the pics I have posted here have been from my iPhone, but I have posted a few that I took with my digital camera, a Canon Powershot digital elph SD870is. It completely rocks!

Its older, so it only has 8.0 megapixels, but it takes really great photos. I have to admit to being a Canon snob, though. I still have an old AE1 35mm, and am now in the market for a DSLR. I'm looking at the EOS Rebel T3i, which runs just under $1000.00, but I have seen some new in the box on eBay for much less than that. The T2i is also pretty good. My sis-in-law has one and the pics are clean and gorgeous.

Just my two cents.

How much would a macro lense be on top of the cost of the camera?