Windows 7 Seeking Reliable Digital Camera Under $100 with Close Focus Capability

seekermeister

Honorable Member
Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
1,496
Since it appears that my old camera has gone partially inop, I'm thinking of buying another. However I used the old one so little, that I didn't learn much that is of use in buying something else. I want one that is reliable as possible with a good warranty of a good name brand, at a price of ~$100.

There are so many variables to consider, I don't know where to start. One thing lacking in my old camera is a release cable, because the camera doesn't have any provision for attaching it...does any digital camera?

After only spending a couple of minutes scanning eBay returns, I came across this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-CoolP...451550?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item51b8b8859e

but can I do better?

EDIT: Another important factor for me is how to determine just how close the camera can be to the subject and focus properly? For instance, getting a clear shot of a small computer component.
 
Last edited:
Sort by date Sort by votes
I just received a response to this question, from the seller of that camera, which makes it sound as though it would be a waste of money for my intended purposed:


I sent another question asking what the least expensive camera would be that would work as needed, but while awaiting a response to that, I would truly like some input on the subject here.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
My suggestion: stay away from the point and shoot line of cameras no matter what the brand. You need to start looking for a DLSR. Have a look here, this should give you and idea what to start looking. Then start your search from eBay, Craigs list and the like.

Link Removed
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
If that page represents the prices to expect for a DSLR, then I can't justify the expense for my limited usage. I got another response for the previous dealer:


I might be willing to pay $200 for a camera, but his usage of the word "chance" throws me. Obviously, it indicates that it will sometimes work, and at others not, but what is the variable factor(s) that that effect the odds. I do understand that with SLR and DSLR cameras, that lens designed for closeups are available, and with P&S there isn't, but what makes one P&S better than another for macros?
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
It is obvious that with that subject, you got a much better shot with the Fuji than with the Nikon, which seems ironic. Do you feel that the of quality with macros with the Fuji is consistent or is a the luck of the draw?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Those shots have just about convinced me to go with the Fuji, but all of the ads I've found on eBay seem to be from sellers that aren't authorized dealers, which Fuji requires to provide a 2 year warranty, which I want. I'll have to keep shopping with my fingers crossed, hoping to find an authorized dealer with a price I like.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Red...UGH!! $449.00...UGH, UGH!! Even if I found a black one on Amazon at the right price, I'm not sure that it would be covered warranty wise, because I have checked on the Fuji website, and they say nothing about who is an authorized dealer. Besides, many of the offers on Amazon are not actually sold by Amazon.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I just checked B&H, and they only offer the tan version. Curiously, the listing for the black one says that it has been discontinued. Their price for the tan is $249, which is pushing the limit of what I'm willing to pay.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yes, you have been very helpful, thanks. I should also mention that I checked the Amazon listings and found it very curious that they want ~$250 more for the black than they do for the tan. Obviously, a lot of others feel the same as I do about the colors.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I see what you mean, but I'm looking at the line which says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com", which I think makes Amazon the dealer, not Fuji. However, I've sent this question to Amazon for clarification.

EDIT: Amazon verified that they are an authorized dealer
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I got another response from Amazon, regarding the differences in the red and black versions of the camera.

This rather confuses me, because the differences in viewfinders mentioned are not listed nor apparent on their website, yet there are differences in dimensions and weight:

Black

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-XF1-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B0095F5AFQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392043311&sr=8-1&keywords=fuji xf1 camera

Red

Link Removed

I shall not pay the Amazon price for the black, but I might get one on eBay, if the differences are significant. Do you have any insight into this.

EDIT: :Looking at an eBay ad for the black, they show entirely different dimensions and weight for the camera than Amazon does. I have no idea of what is going on here?
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
I called Fuji support, so I think I now have all my questions answered, but since the red one is the only one that I can afford, I'm still hem hawing around somewhat. The rep said that he is planning to change the black cover on his to a red one, but when I asked if I could get a black one to replace the red, he said no. I guess I could buy some material and make my own, but I would need the old one for a pattern, and I imagine it wouldn't be easy to remove intact and without stretching.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.