Zoom Digital Camera

Zoom Digital Camera
Is there a big difference in the 3x and 5x OPTICAL zoom on a digital camera?

I’m about to buy my first digital camera and I feel like I’m being way too picky by only looking at 5x optical zoom. Is there really that big of a difference?

What gives a camera its picture quality?
It is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very important, but the ability to set the scene, adjust the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the great pictures. Mega pixel resolution is about potential photo size, not picture quality.

In new cameras, look for a viewfinder (LCD invisible in bright sun), optical image stabilizer, and check battery prices. High mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel setting is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 …
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm …

The Canon A590IS is a slightly older model that is available everywhere at great sale prices. Think it is a great camera and a best buy. It has auto focus, a viewfinder, optical image stabilization, and uses rechargeable NiMH batteries.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A590IS/A590ISA.HTM …
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-canon-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html …

For expanded wide angle or telephoto capabilities, the A590 IS is compatible with Canon’s accessory lens adapters: A small button next to the lens bezel is actually a latch; press it and you can remove the bezel ring, exposing a bayonet mount for accessory lenses. Canon offers the WC-DC52 0.7x wide-angle lens, the TC-DC52A telephoto lens, the 250D 52mm closeup lens separately, along with the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them on the camera. (Note that the wide, tele, and macro lenses all need the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them to the camera. The lenses won’t work by themselves.)

There is no one particular place to get great buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the second link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the upper left. Camera prices at this link change often.

There are so many cameras out there it is difficult to say which is best. The second source link will be very helpful as it list most of the cameras out there with prices. The following information should help you know what to look for in a camera.

CAUTION Do not overcharge! Batteries can be damaged. Use an automatic two or more hour Energizer Compact smart charger with temperature monitor, trickle charge technology, and safety timer ($9.76) at Walmart. Use pre-charged 2000mAh Duracell ($12.97) or RayOVac ($5.97) batteries (hold charge one year) and a full cycle charge. To preserve battery charge, use the viewfinder.

CAUTION To prevent memory card corruption, keep batteries charged and don’t delete. Wait for lights to stop flashing then turn camera off before removing memory. For card readers, double click Safely Remove Hardware. Select, then click Stop and OK.

Lots of great camera tips in this link.
http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution …

This could be the best slim line camera with a viewfinder and … It’s PINK, but it uses a $49.50 Series G Rechargeable 960mAh lithium-ion battery.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DSC-W150%2FR%20Digital%20Camera:1995337750;_ylc=X3oDMTB0bjZzaWNuBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNlbGVj …
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3462&review=sony+cybershot+w150 …

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes … like magic.

Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Once you select a camera, read all about it in the owner’s manual. You can view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera …

The source links show most of the cameras out there with prices and make digital cameras work better with help on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.

Casio EXZ85 EXILIM Zoom Digital Camera

Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers

This classically designed coffeemaker is accented with stainless steel for a look that is sure to enhance your countertop. The 12 cup carafe features an ergonomic handle, dripless spout and knuckle guard for comfortable, drip-free pouring. Fully automatic, the DCC-1100 has 24-hour programmability and 1 to 4 cup setting for those times you don’t need a full pot of coffee. The Brew pause feature let…

Sharp SuperSteam Microwave Oven

Sharp’s new SuperSteam Oven offers a unique combination of the healthiest ways to cook, all in one versatile appliance: SuperSteam Convection, Steam, Convection and Microwave. SuperSteam Convection is a combination of two types of cooking: superheated steam and convection heat. Sharp uses state-of-the-art technology to superheat steam. Unlike conventional steam, superheated steam helps brown and c…

Gaggia 90500 Titanium Super Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver

$1,300.00

This machine is the ultimate coffee center%2C with a bright cobalt blue LCD and seven push buttons that operate many of the features on this well%2Dbuilt machine%2C 5 temperature settings%2C an on%2Foff timer and clock%2C three coffee volume settings%2C pre%2Dinfusion%2C and a pre%2Dgrinding feature are all programmable%2E Equipped with two boilers to eliminate wait time between brewing and steami…

Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Shockproof & Waterproof Digital Camera (White) + 2GB xD Card + Spare Li-50B Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit

Kit includes:
&diams; 1) Olympus Stylus TOUGH-6000 Digital Camera
&diams; 2) Olympus 2GB xD-Picture Card
&diams; 3) Li-50B High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
&diams; 4) Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed xD-PictureTM Card Reader
&diams; 5) Precision Design MT-68003 Compact Digital Carrying Case
&diams; 6) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
&diams; 7) Precision Design Flexible Tablet…

Wireless IP Pan/Tilt/ Night Vision Internet Surveillance Camera Built-in Microphone With Phone remote monitoring support(Black)

$46.88

Specs:
Image Compression Format: M-JPEG standard
Image Resolution: VGA(640×480) / QVGA(320×240)
Sensor: 1/4 inch CMOS, 300,000 Pixels
Light frequency: 50Hz, 60Hz or Outdoor
Audio compression: ADPCM
Data rate: 802.11b: 11Mbps (Max.), 802.11g: 54Mbps (Max.)
Ethernet: One 10/100Mbps RJ-45
Viewing angle: 67?
Horizontal Rotating Angle: 0~270?
Vertical Rotating Angle: 0~120?
Alarm Mode: motion detection…

Gerber 31-000752 Bear Grylls Survival Series, Folding Sheath Knife

$18.45

The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Folding Sheath Knife is a compact knife that folds for easy storage and portability. A dual-sided thumb stud makes for easy one-handed opening. Its half-serrated, high-carbon stainless steel blade is ideal for edge retention and cutting rope, and it comes with a nylon sheath. A rubber grip and the lockback feature pro…

Fenix LD20 180 Lumen LED Flashlight

$52.99

The Fenix LD20 LED flashlight is a digitally regulated and digitally controlled pocket-sized LED flashlight offering two output modes to maximize operational life and light output. The light features a virtually indestructible, microprocessor-controlled, CREE light emitting diode (LED) that has no filament to burn out or break that offers a reach of up to 135 meters. The small but mighty light can…

Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope (Widescreen Edition)

$48.50

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas’s epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, …

Jump Start Your Photography 3 DVD Set

$64.95

Got a camera? Not satisfied with your photos? If you have the desire to learn photography and the techniques that top pros use to consistantly create great photos, then this 3 DVD set is for you. Are you tired of being at the mercy of your “Auto” setting? With the photographic information contained on these DVD’s you will be able to finally master going “M” for Manual.

Here is how my DVD’s will …

Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX II/430EX II

$19.98

This DVD uses the same material as our original 580 EX/430 EX DVD. Demonstrations of Speedlite operations have been updated to show the 580 EX II/430 EX II models.

Your new EX II Speedlite from Canon can be the most powerful accessory in your camera bag! Understanding how the Speedlite’s controls work is important, and this DVD takes you through its operations, step by step. Your host, Tim Mantoa…

Ultra Zoom Case – case for digital photo camera

$19.99

Olympus Ultra Zoom Case – Case for digital photo camera – nylon – gray – for Olympus SP-620 810 SZ-12 14 CAMEDIA C-720 C-725 C-730 C-755 C-760 C-765 C-770

Z10T Zoom Touch 10 Megapixel Digital Camera and Video – Black

$79

The Bell + Howell Z10T Zoom Touch 10 Megapixel Digital Camera and Video features a 3.0″ Touchscreen LCD, 3X Optical Zoom, Automatic Face Detection, Smart Scene, and much more!

Z10T Zoom Touch 10 Megapixel Digital Camera and Video – Silver

$79

The Bell + Howell Z10T Zoom Touch 10 Megapixel Digital Camera and Video features a 2.0″ Touchscreen LCD, 3X Optical Zoom, Automatic Face Detection, Smart Scene, and much more!