Minutes after taking this photograph up Glenshee yesterday, my camera decided it was past its sell-by date. Further photographs I took are completely distorted and having poured over the manual last night, I think the picture control button has lost any control.
Rather than send it off for repair - because I know that will possibly cost more than a new camera - I'm going to spend a while this morning making an effort to find another decent 'point and shoot' piece of equipment. Any advice will be most welcome.
It's been mentioned by a few of my readers that I haven't acknowledged we now have a published author in the Scottish blogosphere - although it must be said that his blog has a much wider audience than Scotland. Congratulations to him and my offer of organising his official book signing still stands. Dare I say that I wouldn't be keen on standing around up the Grampians, even though the publication date is April. A couple of trestle tables, (one to hold the tipples), on Aberdeen beach would be a great revenue because parking would be free, it's easily accessible and most of all smokers could enjoy their tobacco without harrassment. Then again, he may prefer the classy environment of Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. Here's his promotional cover. I'm going to buy it. But only if it's signed.
Off to browse the Which website before my £1month's trial runs out.
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29 comments:
Samsung NV series
I have a Pro Nikon SLR which you can see the results from on my Facebook pages.
Often I use the Samsung when it is necessary not to be overburdened with equipment.
The quality of the images are not much different unless you want to blow the photo up to poster size.
Korean electronics with an excellent Schneider zoom lens.
I will look to see what is the number of the recent model. Mine is NV 20
http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/product/samsung-wb650-digital-camera/95495478.html
link to a more modern version than mine, Samsung WB650 which comes in at just over £200
Anna has a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3, which is as near to point and shoot as you can get. Very easy to use, and results are excellent. I took it on my Denmark trip instead of my Nikon DSLR, and didn't regret not taking the big 'un. Pics on my blog back in September 2009, if that's any use.
My wife uses a Fujifilm S9600 which is a superb entry level digi camera for taking decent pics.
She dropped it a few months ago and I called the service centre to order a new selector button, as this had broken off. Camera was otherwise fine.
I was told I couldn't order this silly bit of plastic because I am not a qualified electrical engineer! Nevermind that I can strip and rebuilt most car engines in a couple of days, or wire a complete house, and have always fixed home appliances without killing myself. No. I needed a specific university qualification as I was working with high voltage leccy!
I wrote to their head office. See. This is nothing to do with safety but everything to do with forcing customers to employ their expensive repair centre. Its not an expensive camera so I ended up fashioning a clever and ingenious fix using a paperclip, some supeglue, and a bit off an old ciggy lighter. Cost? Pennies. Can't even see it.
Guess what? Didn't shock or kill myself either!
I wrote to the Health & Safety Exec to let them know that safety was being used as a sales tool for increased profit.
A few days after I fixed it (wife was delighted) I received a nice email from Fujifilm repair centre offering to sell me the button. What happened to all the safety concerns??
Shame about this incident as its a good, reliable digital camera otherwise.
Poke your button up your orifice!
Thanks for that Bugger. It's a bewildering jungle where idiot proof cameras are concerned I've just noticed.
Currently got a Panasonic TZ10 in mind but I'll go and look at your suggestion.
I've looked at Fuji on the Which site oetrbr and the one thing I really want isn't highly rated. I want, nay need, a good stabilising system and so many of the small ones don't do it. The Panasonic TZ10 seems to have the best I can see but I'll go and look at Bugger and your recommendations.
Aye Richard, there's a Lumix DMC-TZ5 owner here who isn't too keen to let me loose with it. So if I get the TZ10, which has GPS too, I'll always know where I am won't I? :) The picture quality is excellent from the 5 and also the LED easy to see even in sunlight.
Rosie, I cannot speak too highly of the Samsung 10.2 mega-pixel jobbie that goes just about everywhere with me, is treated abominably and is cheap as chips...as low as £76 (argos did em at that price 3 weeks after I paid £180 for mine grrrr)
Gtreat news on the new authour and I too will buy a copy, so if he is reading "it better be good!" lol
I've also got the samsung 10.2 mega pixels and would recommend it.
Small, light and cheap with fantastic pictures.
I use a Lumix TZ7 - which is a nice camera except for the 'rotates far too easily' function selection button. Mrs S-E also uses my old Lumix FS-3. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any similar - so I think the TZ10 is a damn good idea (especially as they seem to have rearranged the top controls.)
Thanks for that Indyan. Off to check it out in Which.
Two of you recommending the same one RM? Off to see what folk say about it.
SE, aye there's a TZ7 here yet I've never heard him complain about the top button. Mind you photography isn't one of his interests.
I kind of thought that a camera with GPS was a bit OTT, but having watched a few videos it just may be very handy. It's so easy to take landscape photos then forget where they were taken.
Is that me substantiating buying it? ;)
SR. Avoid the cameras with the GPS function. When you take a picture the gps code with your location is embedded into the picture. When you upload the picture to the internet or send it to anyone they can track your location down to a few yards.
It's been mentioned here a few times..
http://www.bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/home/
Buy a small notebook and a pencil and write down where you are instead ;)
Thanks for the advice RM. I thought it would be handy when I was in strange places. Interesting to read your link too.
SR. It's probably ok for nice views and stuff but when it's personal pics it can be a bit more sensitive. Facebook and flickr are particularly vulnerable...
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/10/15/photo.gps.privacy/index.html?iref=NS1
O/T.
This court case highlights the incompetence of the SNP and their failure to heed warnings for years. How could they deny the right of suspects to see a solicitor for 6 hours?
We're talking thousands of cases here ( Luke Mitchell included) that will have to be reviewed and millions paid in compensation...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11622138
I'd endorse the recommendations for the Panasonic Lumix range. Excellent cameras for the money
How about a video camera?
- Aangirfan
Thanks so much for your link RM. I've bought the Lumix TZ10 which does have GPS but I've ensured it is able to be switched off. Unless I'm overseas or in a strange place, it won't be used.
Appreciate your concern.
I've posted on this RM and Lallands Peat Worrier has the complete details.
Thank you Boorach, I've decided on the TZ10.
Aangirfan, I have a Panasonic video camera but it doesn't take good stills in artificial light. In fact the photos are extremely poor which has been a great disappointment because it's wasn't cheap.
Because I use it so seldom I've never really got to grips with iMovie which is the 'translation' software on a Mac. That's part of my winter technical lessons.
Good choice SR. Looks just like Anna's - handsome little beast. Happy snapping!
Thanks Richard. I'll be out and about once it arrives. I understand it's enroute, but then I'm not really in the UK according to many of the major delivery companies. Anywhere north of Edinburgh is classed as the 'Highlands' and we're treated differently. For example, where most places in the UK can have many good delivered with 48 or even 24 hours, up here we get the choice of one specific day a week and the day never changes. So, if you fancy a cooker from the Co-op website, you'll only get it on a Thursday. Most only do deliveries on a Thursday.
Amazon aren't bad though. They realise we have fairly decent roads up here. :)
If you stick with the tried and tested names such as Cannon, Nikon, Minalta and Pentax you will get a good camera. The quality and range of features in most compact cameras is really good, but if you want to do more and go a step further than a a good SLR allows you to do a lot more.
SLR's allow you to use filters, change lenses and give you the option to be more creative. I have used SLR's for years and now use my Cannon for both my political interests and as a hobby.
I have posted photos on these sites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31551654@N02/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33119465@N03/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43420590@N06/
http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=13274670
Much thanks for your links Derek. I don't want an SLR camera because my interest in photography is not at that level. I just want a good point and click.
Know bugger all about cameras but well done to Hillman.
Don't know too much myself RA. :)
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