For the third time in 2005, the basic Sony Cyber-shot has died. The first time it was the day before my cousin's wedding in the US...so I had to buy another. Likely cause I thought was sand in the lens. That camera, a DSC-P32, had done yeoman's service so I did not feel too bad. Then the next one was on the second day of summer vacation only a few months later. Maybe the DSC-S40 was getting treated too roughly. Likely problem I thought was a jarring of the lens. So I bought another in the US. Tonight we get that third one back from the trip. It was working fine at lunch but by 5 pm it can't take a sharp picture, it keeps telling me to reset the date and it takes 15 seconds to "access". I am thinking that the likely cause is that Sony can't build a camera. They are being relegated to file back-up and shelf riding service.
I am sick of Sony, refuse now to be tied to their proprietary memory sticks and need your advice. What can I buy that is cheap and will not die?
Comments
'nee - November 27, 2005 11:34 pm
I have had my little PowerShot A70 for a good two years. I've dropped it, I've banged it, I've packed it around in my jacket pockets and the bottom of my backpack and purse. It takes great pictures on auto and has a little zoom for zooming, as well as some advanced settings if you want to learn about f-stops and ISO settings. I have talked to others who also own Canon A series cameras and they love them, including my parents. I now own a Canon Rebel XT on the strength of my experience with that little camera (which is still going strong, by the way).
Arthur - November 27, 2005 11:41 pm
My Samsung Digimax V3 (courtesy of Alfons, Dec 2003) works perfect. It requires SD cards and has so many (manual) options that even you should be able to figure out what they are all for :). Mine has a 12 x zoom (3.2 mega pixels)), and as said, quite dated but still working A-OK.
If you've got the money: definitely go for a digital SLR.
optimus - November 28, 2005 12:09 am
I'm very happy with my Canon Powershot A95. It's a great little point-and-shoot with enough control available if you want it in manual mode.
Alan - November 28, 2005 9:03 am
Hey 'nee - interested in surplussing the old one?
Michael - November 28, 2005 1:03 pm
I am using a Canon Elph S400.
5 Megapixels. I have not seen better pictures out of a comparible camera.
Alan - November 28, 2005 1:10 pm
Have you dropped it in salt water surf? That is sort of a standard for me and electronics.
Arthur - November 28, 2005 6:32 pm
Have you dropped it in salt water surf?
Doesn't Sony carry a 'My First Sony' electronics product line that is well-suited for any haphazard environment?
Arthur - November 28, 2005 6:33 pm
(that was an attempt to humour. If you've lived through the early eighties you'd understand)
'nee - November 29, 2005 1:27 am
Sorry, Alan, it's already been donated to needy family members :)
Alan - November 29, 2005 8:00 am
No worries. I think I may be able to get a bottom of the line Canon for 160 or so.
Alan - November 29, 2005 9:19 pm
We went with a Canon PowerShot A410 due to a sale, a credit at the store with the sale and the three recommends for the maker above. Now I have to figure it out. Interesting to see that it is a heftier build than the Sony DSC-S40 at 50 bucks less including a far sturdier construction for the lens.
'nee - December 1, 2005 4:46 pm
I discovered the very handy instruction manual for mine about six months after I bought it. Did you know that it's actually got a lot of info in it? Well.
This site has good stuff, here's the ops for yours: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A410/A410A.HTM#operation
The animated GIFs are nice.
:)