My 10 years old Minolta is too slow for my six-month cute daughter. I missed all the good moments. I am looking for a camera that is: 1. Fast Focus 2. Easy to use. I know nothing about camera 3. Light. So that I can carry it in addition to my baby bag and stroller.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

-- Koh Yang Uei (yanguei@synergixtech.com), July 19, 2000

Answers

Hi Koh! try using Pentax or similar priced budget SLR camera with shutter speed of 2000sec max. i think it should be enough to taking baby pictures as they tend to have lots of movement and they won't pose for long. I own a Pentax MZ-5n Pentax SLR which solely for this purpose! : ) I have tried using Tv (shutter piority) range from 500 - 2000 sec. pictures turned to be sharp and in focused. However, i only face one problem that is taking pohot in dim ambient light. alot of "hunting" for my camera to get focused. (i have to switch to "MF" manual focus). Mz-5n is very compact(about the size of my hand) and only weighs 410g (w/o lense) and lense would add up to approx. 50 - 70g depends on what kind of lense you would use. Go check it out at pentax.com or www.camerareview.com for reviews. Cheers!!

-- bhlim (lbhtsl@yahoo.com), August 25, 2000.

Thanks for Pentax suggestion. I will look into it.

BTW, I just purchased a 64MB memory stick for my Sony PC-100E. What I do is simply take as much as 100 photo shots. Then I transfer to my PC and select those I want.

-- Koh Yang Uei (yanguei@synergixtech.com), August 25, 2000.

Yang Uei, any update on how useful the digital camera is for baby photos compared to film based cameras? I have a kid on the way and might consider using a digital camera. Thanks in advance.

-- fred sun (redsky3@yahoo.com), January 06, 2001.

BTW, I bought a simple and light weight APS camera because: 1. I already invested on a $3K Sony Mini DV camera. 2. It is lighter to carry around. 3. I don't have the budget to purchase a $2K digital camera.

-- (yanguei@synergixtech.com), January 07, 2001.