Digital Photography

[MUSTANGPC]

I have always thought that Digital cameras are over-priced. What are your thoughts on this? Have we been taken for a ride!! :neartears :rolleyes:

[Agent Plissken]

When you consider how much more useful they are for casual photo taking than a film camera, I think the price is worth what you get. It is such a hasle to take photos, and have to wait so long and pay money just to see how they turned out.

[kei2]

Digital camera prices have dropped considerably as they have become more common. Just this past Black Friday Fry's had a 3 mega-pixel camera for $47. That would have run a few hundred bucks a couple years ago.

[Devhux]

It really depends what you require in a digital camera. If you want the equivalent of a $300 SLR in digital format, then yes, it's going to cost you.

On the other hand, if you take a lot of pictures, then digital will outweigh film costs fairly quickly. Here's an example: In the past two weeks since I bought my new Canon Powershot A95 digital camera, I've taken almost 350 pictures -- that would be a LOT of film to process.

I should also add that once you get a digital camera, you may easily find yourself taking a lot more pictures. I used to rarely use a camera, but ever since getting my second digicam a year ago, I've taken probably close to 1500-2000 photos. Some were probably throwaways, but with a film camera, you still have to develop those crappy shots.

Since I didn't need an SLR-style camera, my needs have been well met with the Canon Powershot A75 (and the older Olympus C-740UZ I had before this one). I definately don't regret spending as much as I did for either of these cameras.

[bachviet]

Digital cameras are not as expensive as they used to be so I don't think that they are overpriced as of now.

[kimchicowboy]

hey mustang, if singapore is like korea, electronics will be more expensive than in the US. why? cuz korean retailers have no concept of rebates. none at all. major sux0rs.

[zippyjuan]

Compare them to the price of an alternative camera, consider the fact that you do not have to buy any film (once you have your memory card) and do not have to pay for any bad pictures, the cost of taking an additional picture is zero so you will take more pictures and the quality of the ones you do print will be better (take several to be sure you get the best shot- with film you would probably just take one and hope it was good), they are easier to use and take better pictures than most film cameras. I also love that it is easier to carry around. I have a Nikon 35mm camera with a few lenses that has sat in the closet since I got my digital. I can carry it everywhere and not worry about missing a picture. You can also see the picture you just took so you can see if it is any good and what you need to adjust. I am planning on getting another digital camera (fancier) after the first of the year. I have been averaging about 100 pictures a month now.

[dsuds]

If you don't have a digital camera, look seriously at an inexpensive one to try out first. Don't spend more than $150 for it. That should get you a decent 3 megapixel point & shoot with a 3x optical zoom, and maybe even an upgraded memory card. Look at Steves-Digicams for reviews. Just don't get caught up in the "more is better" megapixel race. You can get very nice 8x10 prints from 3-4 megapixels.

I didn't use to take any pictures with a film camera as it was such a hassle, and too expensive considering I'm not a very good photographer. I bought a cheap Fuji (A205) last year and have absolutely loved it. Taken probably 800 shots, and some even worth keeping. I've recently bought a Panasonic FZ3 and love it even more. My wife has even gotten into the spirit and wanted a new printer just so we can print our pics (BONUS!!).

[SecretIkon]

Prices on Digital Cameras are I think is pretty fairly priced now. old folks founds it complicated to use because of its technology. The ease of use now is just right for everyone. Some cameras are overpriced and some are not. Depending on what you'll be doing with the camera.

[MUSTANGPC]

As KIMCHI pointed out prices in Singapore are like that in Korea - expensive. I was at a trade show and a Taiwan company - UMAX was showing their new range of inexpensive digital cameras. Umax is widely known for their scanners. I noticed a 5 megapixel priced at US$265.00. The PowerCam Z530 looks almost like that of Kodak DX7630 but may not have that much more features than their Kodak counterpart. I am contemplating of getting this Umax instead of paying for those expensive Japanese ones. I do agree that Digital Cameras are better than those film types. Cameras in the US are less expensive - I guess the economy of scale at work. :cheers: