through them. With the 1428 pictures I
took I went through four rechargeable batteries. Retail on the
batteries are $64 but I found them on the web for $18. So I have
about half as much in batteries as extra memory cards. I also
spent a few bucks to pick up a small case to neatly store my
batteries so they are all in one place out of the elements.
What model should I get?
So now that we have the basics of digital cameras defined, what
model should we buy? First of all 5 mega-pixel cameras are not
the same. Though the pictures coming out of them may be. I have
yet to hear a convincing argument that Kodak is better then Sony
or Olympus.
But the difference can be found in the case, zoom, cost of memory
sticks, ease of use, size and other features. You are going to
spend from $200 to about $400 for a camera you may have for five
years. I, actually Ellen, spent about $400 for one of the best
cameras on the market.
What can I get for cheap?
If your looking at the cheapest $200 - $300 cameras your looking
at the 2 or 3 Mega pixel cameras. Which won't have the quality
of pictures of the 5 Mega-pixel. Your also not going to get quite
the zoom or accessories. But they are not a bad place to start.
The Sony DSC-P10
So what makes the Sony DSC-P10 so great? After looking over dozens
of models of digital cameras the Sony DSC-P10 kept showing up
as having the features I liked. First it is a 5 mega-pixel...
throw out three quarters of the digitals on the market. Second
it is small enough to fit in my pocket, now your down to about
four models. It has a metal |
case, something that will live through
being dropped a few times in the field... at this point the number
of cameras are on a list that will fit on one hand. It's a Sony...
that means quality. It also has some great accessories and is
easy to use... case closed. Also it offered video on the same
camera.
How much should I pay?
Once Ellen and I narrowed the search down to the Sony DSC-P10
the search was on for the best price. We went to about ten venues
and saw not a penny difference in price. We tried: CompUSA, Sears,
Circuit City, Best Buy, Target, Walmart and a few other camera
and electronics stores. We ended up buying at National Camera,
the only one to be under the $399 price ALL others had, plus
they threw in two free classes.
So what's so great about the Sony DSC-P10
We looked at a lot of cameras and the Sony DSC-P10 had all the
features others had and more. First its small, compact and sturdy
with the metal case.
Second, it is easy to slip in a new memory card and battery,
and they are available at most locations.
Third, the controls are very straight forward and easy to understand.
Fourth, it has a neat video feature which allows me to record
up to 90 minutes of digital video, which comes in real handy.
Fifth, the accessory kit is equaled by no other camera. In Vegas
I looked at an underwater case for the camera. It was a pricey
$250, but with sand and water ruining a digital, and the occasional
slip in the |
stream on a grouse hunt or down pour during
a hunt test, it might be a smart investment. The case is designed
specifically for the DSC-P10 so everyone of the buttons are available
even though the camera is sealed in a case.
Also available is external battery chargers, so you can charge
two batteries at a time while your shooting. Optional lenses
and filters are available, that few cameras offer. Also cases
for the camera, batteries and memory sticks designed just for
this model.
How about Quality?
If the picture quality was not there, I would never have put
down my 35MM, that is not the case. I have not bought a roll
of film in six months. When I go to banquets and events I snap
not a few rolls but now hundreds of shots. And why not, it don't
cost nuth'in.
I have been using the video feature a lot more then I ever planned.
Don't expect great quality or any great length of time, use your
video camera for that. And the 90 minutes is only valid if you
get the one Gig memory sticks which are about $300. With my 256
Meg stick I can get about 20 minutes... which is great for a
hunt test or a sport outing.
Is it a buy?
So all things considered I am very happy with the Sony DSC-P10
digital camera and would highly recommend it. I would also buy
the 256 upgrade memory stick, extra batteries and a hard cover
storage case is on my buy list. Having a $400 camera laying loose
in the truck for dogs to play with is not a good thing. So if
you have all the guns your spouse will buy you, put the Sony
DSC-P10 on your wish list. It could be there for Fathers Day!
Dennis Guldan hails from New Brighton, MN by way of
Marshfield, WI
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