Early days yet, but I'm talking to a few people about getting some digital camera reviews from anglers. First one is here:

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/cameras/fuji_s304.htm

Although cameras quickly become 'outdated', this section may help people choosing either a new camera, or looking for one on eBay.

I've got a couple of cameras here to add over the next week. The idea is to give it a quick review and show some sample pics - the ones you get on sales brochures never really reflect the real world, in my opinion.

Tight lines,

Elton

Good points Matthew especially when I am are looking for an Air switch cable release switch type! and an variable wiew finder

I hate to see how much they are nowdays!

[ 18. September 2005, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: Andrew Burgess ]

my fuji e550 is very good ,
uses rechargable AA batteries (just bought 2500 mA ones for it) .they last longer than filling the card

metal body that fits the hand very well.
can take a couple of dedicated lenses (1 telephoto 1 wideangle ,expensive)
6mp that can record 12mp (fuji sensor arangement)
640x480 video (about 9 mins to a 512mb XD card)
640x480 as a webcam
very fast saving (even in 12mp fine)
raw built in
controls very easy to use
user defined 2sec delay for tripod work or 15sec timer for those group photo's

bad points the cradle cum charger isnt included
low light photography not too hot in auto mode
no remote unfortunatly .

unfortunatly sending 12mp pics is beyond my patience using dialup

the £199 i paid for factory refurbished is now the recomended price with a soft wallet thrown in such is the price of progress

[ 18. September 2005, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: chesters1 ]

Mine's a Fuji too: Finepix F401. Couldn't be simpler to use, even when having to use one hand to hold down a fish! Not great for views, but close up work is very clear.

Cheers for the feedback - just what we need. I'll get Julian to amend the review slightly.

As an aside, I liked using his camera so much that when I spotted the Fuji FinePix S3500 in Makro the other day on offer, I couldn't resist!

£99.99 + VAT - bargain!

As with most cameras, it came with a poxy 16mb card, so I just bought a 512mb on eBay, brand new, for £34.99 including VAT.

Admittedly the reviews do not relate to fishing, but http://www.dpreview.com have the most comprehensive set of digital camera reviews available. For the Ebay watchers they also include cameras that are long out of production. There's a mass of advice about digital photography too. Well worth sticking on your 'favourites' list.

Just got a Fuji Finepix A210(factory reconditioned, full makers warranty for £49 (+p&p).
Looks a nice little camera. As Matthew says it's a bit risky taking an expesive camera to the bankside, and for the sort of trophy shots I want, I'm sure the cheapest is quite adequate

More camera reviews can be found at:

http://www.steves-digicams.com
http://www.dcresource.com
http://www.tomshardware.com
http://www.megapixel.net

Bear in mind though that these aren't written with fishing in mind. Elton's idea is an excellent one as it'll solve this problem. I've just bought a Canon S2 IS and will certainly be contributing myself.

In choosing a camera think about the type of pictures you're going to take and in what conditions. Then decide what features you're going to need.

Personally, I take a lot of shots in poor light and even at at night. Therefore I want a camera that will focus accurately in these conditions - many won't. I therefore insist on a camera with "autofocus assist".

I also usually fish alone so I take a lot of self-portraits. A revolving screen makes this so much easier as you can see yourself holding the fish and know you've composed the shot properly. In fact, I wouldn't buy a camera without such a screen. BTW, this feature isn't available on digital SLRS as far as I'm aware.

Note that unless you want big enlargements you don't automatically need lots of megapixels. The quality of the lens, the electronics and the software are more important. The test reports on the sites above and the one that Gerry recommended show this up quite clearly and, together with the AN reviews, will help you decide on the model to choose.

Then you'll find price comparison sites useful to find the best deal. I use these two:

http://www.pricerunner.co.uk
http://www.dealtime.co.uk

Elton, Just a thought I spoke to you ages ago and we do some reviews BUT mainly help over on http://www.digi-darkroom.com ,if I am out of order just delete the post.

But i thought it may be usefully as you know I am here as a regular and was about to ask a question about braid which I will start another thread about.

I am also a mod over at DD

Best Wishes
Mdgfishing

I have use of 3 . . a Sony, A Samsung and a new Casio ( Cheap Fuji's I use at work and are excellent for the money, suit anyone starting on the digital trail ).
All purchased off the net with large discounts. I have not found one with a remote ( for a sensible price ).
factors I look for . .
Good battery life
Decent size screen ( 2" min )
Easy menu / controls.
Decent lens.
Ability to take a decent sized memory.
Good low light preformance, the new Fuji F10 ( I think thats the corrct model number )is excellent, but so new I doupt if you would find it the right side of £200 until the Jan sales.

I would not buy a lot of the cameras offered on Ebay, loads of pixels but bugger all else. Though it is the place to get your memory cards even after adding the shipping and insurance. In the last couple of months I got a 1GB ( SD ) from HK for £38.00 and a 500'ish ( SD ) from Singapore for £26.00 plus a Sony 128 memory stick from the UK for £5.00 !

[ 23. September 2005, 11:25 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Boyd ]