Digital Camera - repair or new one?

[brcire]

Camera broke last week right at the start of trailwork!:mad: It is a Pentax Optio S6.

Not sure what the problem is... turn it on and it makes a buzzing sound, won't focus (can still take a pic but not in focus), hit the off switch same buzzing sound won't close, hit it again, shuts off.

Is it worth it to see about getting it repaired or should I just get a new camera? It is about 5 years old.

If you want to recommend something, I'm looking for something similar that I can stash in my jersey pocket or attach to my Camelbak, good shutter speed for action shots, etc.

Thanks,
Eric

[hophead]

If it's 5 years old, it's probably not worth fixing. Get new.

[drewdane]

If it's 5 years old, it's probably not worth fixing. Get new.

Yup. Sad, but true. We live in a disposable society. Be glad it lasted as long as it did.

[allencb]

Yup. Sad, but true. We live in a disposable society. Be glad it lasted as long as it did.

Yup. The canon digital my MIL got for Xmas is already headed back to the factory.

When it comes to cameras, only high end automatic models and vintage mechanicals are worth repairing. Low end or middle of the road automatics (film and digital) aren't really made to be repairable, so aren't worth the effort unless under warranty.

Chris

[Trailcreep]

in the sub $200 range look at a canon, nikon or fuji. Don't get too hung up on mega pixels, look for other features like rechargable battery with charger and how it feels in your hand ( some of these are so small and thin they're very easy to drop)

[atlantis]

I agree with Mike, button position vs where the flash is located for me is a big thing especially on the small size camera's. I sometimes think for all but the brightest of conditions my 4mp Kodak takes better shots than my wife 8mp canon.

[allroy]

about the disposable society, but that's another topic.

I was looking for the same requirements as you when I was looking at getting a new camera a few months back. I also added relatively cheap in case I wrecked and broke it, I wouldn't be out that much $$$.

I happened to check out dpreview and picked up the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 for $99 at BHPhoto, think the price has gone up to $120 since then. Uses rechargeable AA's which is nice, wide'ish lens for the price, good low light and action shots, good balance between small and good grip, I can fit it in a pocket or my Deuter camera pouch. If I broke it or something happened to it I would get another Panasonic.

Here's some comparisons to check out

Budget
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408budgetgroup/

Ultra Compact
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408slimgroup/

Premium
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408premiumgroup/

Enthusiast
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408enthusiastgroup/

[rizetech]

very important not to get hung up on megapixels!
more MP on the same sensor size often results in crappier photos after a certain point, just too much noise. 8mp is a LOT! especially if you're only printing 3x5 or 4x6, and it's even suitable for 8x10 with little real quality issues.

it's been a while since i've hunted, i'm in love with my dslr.

[MD Fire]

Eric

You may also want to consider a camera that is water resistant/proof and has some sort of shock protection. Several manufacturers have cameras that fit the bill. As you know, more often than not it rains during Rosaryville trail work and the gator doesn't exactly ride smoothly :)

Olympus (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp) has a line of shock proof and water proof cameras (Stylus Tough) that can be 33ft under water or dropped 6ft and sustain (hopefully) no damage. A friend at the firehouse has the Stylus Tough 1030 SW and likes it.

The trade off with these cameras is a low amount of optical zoom (3.6x) and a wide zoom. The wide zoom is good for shots of trail work and groups but not so much for shots of people far away.

Check www.dpreview.com as Jason said. I reference that site constantly.

[brian_brox]

Eric

You may also want to consider a camera that is water resistant/proof and has some sort of shock protection. Several manufacturers have cameras that fit the bill. As you know, more often than not it rains during Rosaryville trail work and the gator doesn't exactly ride smoothly :)

Olympus (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp) has a line of shock proof and water proof cameras (Stylus Tough) that can be 33ft under water or dropped 6ft and sustain (hopefully) no damage. A friend at the firehouse has the Stylus Tough 1030 SW and likes it.

The trade off with these cameras is a low amount of optical zoom (3.6x) and a wide zoom. The wide zoom is good for shots of trail work and groups but not so much for shots of people far away.

Check www.dpreview.com as Jason said. I reference that site constantly.I have the Olympus 850SW and really like it. I dont have to worry about it getting hurt, so i take it along more often.