Narrowing the field

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This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on March 14, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Another camera post, feel free to ignore it if you’re not interested. Mainly, I’m in the midst of reading reviews, researching, and price-checking, and want to keep all the links I’ve been using at my fingertips when I actually get to a point of plunking down money.

Incidentally, if you live in Seattle and happen to stop by Cameras West, try to avoid dealing with Russ, one of the salesmen there. I went in there to see if I could take a hands-on look at some of the cameras I’ve been considering, and he came across as abrupt, smarmy, and somewhat condescending — I got the definite impression that he saw me less as a customer out to compare different cameras, and more as some random shmoe with money to burn who wanted a “cool camera” and might be an easy mark. He also had the most incredible fake “smile” I’ve ever seen on a salesman — he managed to pull all the facial muscles into roughly the right spots, but there was obviously nothing real about it. He also pushes Fujifilm cameras really strongly — not that there’s anything wrong with those, but that’s apparently all he bothers trying to sell.

Amusingly enough, I found out later from a co-worker (Rebecca, at Kit’s Cameras in the Westlake Center, who was far friendlier, far more helpful, willing to point out various pros and cons to the cameras, and all around a much better salesperson…not to mention really cute!) that he used to be a used-car salesman. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised at all…

Anyway, on to the cameras…

First off, as I’ve mentioned before, the lowest-cost (and therefore most likely) option is pretty solidly decided.

Canon PowerShot A80

Now for the “if I can find a way to afford it, I’d love to blow a wad on one of these” SLR-like cameras.

Fujifilm FinePix s7000

Nikon Coolpix 5700

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A1

  • Manufacturer’s site: [Konica Minolta | DiMAGE A1]
  • Basic features: 5MP, 7x optical zoom, variable-angle LCD and EVF, anti-shake mechanism.
  • Reviews:
  • Pros: Mid-range price for high-end features. Reviews indicate that Minolta’s claims regarding the anti-shake system to be spot on. Camera can automatically switch between the LCD and the EVF by sensing when the eye is close to the EVF, or simply leave the LCD off and only turn the EVF on when the eye comes close. Long battery life.
  • Cons: Off-center tripod mount. Somewhat noisy night shots. May have been discontinued (though still available for purchase) in favor of the new A2.
  • Lowest price found: \$459

Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2

  • Manufacturer’s site: [Konica Minolta | DiMAGE A2]
  • Basic features: 8MP, 7x optical zoom, variable-angle LCD and EVF, anti-shake mechanism.
  • Reviews:
    • Steve’s Digicams: Minolta DiMAGE A2 (first-look only, not a full review)
    • This is a fairly new camera, reviews are either not out or very hard to find so far.
  • Pros: All of the pros of the A1, plus insanely high resolution, and it’s supposed to be much faster at all operations than the A1.
  • Cons: Off-center tripod mount. New, still pretty pricey (essentially out of my realistic ability, but I can dream…)
  • Lowest price found: \$699