Expert: John Oliverio - 8/12/2004

Question
Hi John,

I emailed you last week and asked you a bunch of general questions about digital cameras. Since then I have done about 10 hours of research on digital cameras and just have a couple more questions before I buy one.

1. Is there a big difference between a video mode of 640X480 at 30 fps and at 15fps? And would you consider video of MPEG VX (VGA, 16/30 fps) to be good quality so I can watch on my TV or Computer?

2. If I am only going to be printing 5x7 pictures or maybe a little larger, what are the minimum mega pixels you would recommend.

3. I am pretty sure I am going to buy the Sony DSC-P100 camera. If I do, which memory should I buy. I read about the memory stick pro but don't fully understand it. And have also read about the memory stick pro duo.
I was going to buy this memory:
http://www.memorysuppliers.com/so51mestprow.html
Let me know if this will work and if you know a cheaper place to get it.

Let me know if you think this is a good camera for the price and if there is a better one with similar size and capabilities that you would recommend. I was also wondering if you know a good online site where I can buy this camera cheap.

Thanks again for all your help. I have left you great feedback on the website for the answers for your first questions.

Nicolas


Answer
Nicolas,

1. Yes, there is a considerable difference.  No, I personally don't consider it true video quality.  Ok for a small computer screen.

2. If you are not going to crop, 2mp is fine.

3.  I can't tell you how much memory to buy.  Everyone needs something different.  Memory Stick pro designates sony memory of 256mb or larger.  It also has a faster read/write speed.  The P100 doesn't need the Duo.  The Duo is for Sony's smaller cameras.  You could use it with an adapter, but there is no point in doing that.  

   The P100 is a fine little machine.  You may also want to consider the Nikon 5200 if you want to check out the competition.

    Sorry...  I don't give shopping advice or suggest places to shop.  I must remain neutral or my advice on cameras may be considered biased.

John