Big picture, big payoff?

Eight-megapixel cameras are now available for less than $750. Here's a look at four models.
The New York Times
Photos: 8-megapixel milestone

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Compare & Contrast

Let me be honest - I don't know much. But I do know computers and cameras fairly well. So, in the 70's & 80's, I could pretty much make a computer do everything - which wasn't much at that time. As time went by, everything got more complicated. Now we have operating systems that (try to) do everything. They're great for the novice, they help you out. BUT - I can no longer control my machine, because the operating system keeps stopping me, or corrupting what I'm trying to do.
OTOH - Digital cameras - they have progressed to the point that they are now viable products. BUT, there are cameras for both casual users cameras that take a great deal of the effort out of photography & for the serious users who want control, lenses that are interchangable with their film cameras & other features. Great - can't wait to get my D70.

So, what's the only difference ? Well, I don't know much, but I can only suggest - the M$ virtual monopoly Vs. the competition from numerous camera manufacturers - seems like a good indication of what is in the public interest.

[Marcus Westrup]

Good night shots?

I just want to find a digi cam that takes a Good low light shot!
For any number of pixels, size or cost, nothing I've seen on the market does as well as an old 35mm SLR camera with fast film.

Night shots - stick with the SLR

In 2003, I stood on Ka'anapali beach in Maui at sunset with a (4Mpix) compact (slightly old 2000 Kodak) & shot about 200 pictures in under 15 minutes. Some pictures were awful & some were good (almost great - i.e. almost worth getting an 8X10 enlargement). How the software handled the image was the issue. but my Nikon 6006 wanted F2.8 for 2 seconds with an 800 film to take the same pictures - pointless taking 2 second exposures of waves.
So, what I've experienced & what I've read is - if you use a film SLR now - look for a digital SLR as an extra body - Rebel, D70, D100, whatever. I'm going to keep my Nikon 6006 , but use a D70 as primary body. If I see something sensational, I'll TRY to get it on print (or slide) film too.

But, I like shooting motorsports (NHRA, Nascar & Sprint), so I am still worried how my D70 will cope - but I think the D70 is my best bet (of the digital SLR's) and I'm ready to take a chance (and lenses are interchangeable, despite the 1.5 field of view crop on the D70).