Digicams
March 20th, 2005
My brother bought a digital camera today, in advance of his trip with his sons next week to Disneyland. He got a Casio Exilim EX-Z55. He paid $299 on an open-box special, which looks like a good deal. Newegg, a discount internet store, currently lists it at $370.
David called me for live consultation. I don’t know much about cameras but it was fun talking about his purchase with him.
He first called from Wal Mart, looking at a 7 megapixel Sony. I was able to check online and tell him the price ($397) wasn’t any great discount but that no doubt it is a very good camera. We talked a bit about the advantages of more megapixels, about how more MP’s help with the clarity of enlargements and big prints but seem wasted on most photos that are put on the web or emailed.
I suggested he try the camera store near the Galleria, which is where he ended up buying the Casio. He called from there (several times, actually). He looked at the small Sony Cybershots (specifically the T33), the Pentax Optio S5i (which I have) and the Casio Exilims ( I suggested that he look at those). I was able to check the Internet and my pile of magazines for reviews
as he shopped. He selected the Casio for price and feel.
I think he’ll enjoy that camera. If he doesn’t, he can take it back. The store–a Wolf camera, I think–offers a full refund within two weeks and exchanges within 30 days. Those are nice terms.
Late last year I selected the Pentax Optio S5i mainly for one reason: because Xu Xin, an undergraduate research assistant of mine, had bought one and liked it.
I relied on his endorsement and research. I was then too bogged down in my Tablet PC and Pocket PC purchase to do my own digicam investigation.
I have been happy with the Pentax. Sometimes the auto focus isn’t as helpful as I’d like, and the camera isn’t lightning fast between shots. The battery life isn’t atrocious (my first Nikon Coolpix in 2000 was awful indeed in that department) but sometimes I do get a warning light when I’d rather keep shooting (I have a 1 gigabyte card).
Despite its shortcoming, of all the things I’ve acquired during my recent technology-buying binge (Tablet PC, Pocket PC, Sony U, and my Toshiba laptop), the tiny Pentax camera has, by far, given me the most utility and satisfaction dollar for dollar.
If it shatters on the sidewalk tomorrow, I’d have to say I already got my money’s worth. I’ve taken pictures with it over Christmas, during my January trip to Hong Kong and last weekend in NYC. I’ve taken a lot of shots of Helen, and I captured some nice shots of Maggie and the winter weather. I love that camera!
Next time I’m with David I want to try out his Casio. I think it is a little bigger in terms of length and width than the Pentax, but it’s thinner. The Exilim line gets positive reviews for battery life and speed.
I’d like to compare. If I like the Casio much better than my Pentax I may have to sell the Pentax (maybe to Helen’s mom?) and get myself one like my brother’s . . . a new Sony is coming out soon, too.
Tonight I checked Andale and found that my old Nikon CoolPix actually has some residual value–$200 or more, which makes it seem worth the time it would take to list and sell it. I may put it up for auction soon, too.
