I'm looking to spend less than $150, but will go up to $200 if necessary. I'm just looking for the best camera I can get for a low price. Which digital camera would you suggest and why?
Thanks! :) Answers are great so far! Just a couple more details on what I'm looking for : small, easy to carry, used mostly to take pictures of outings (more people than scenary, but probably that too). Thanks! :) Some of our best answerers always recommends the Fujifilm FinePix F20 camera as the best-for-less choice. I have to say that I like the sample images at Steve's site (below). If Morey000 or SpaceCowboy show up after me and make this recommendation, choose them as the best answer, because I'm just passing along their suggestion. I have no personal experience with this camera. I see it at B&H Photo (available through Yahoo! Shopping) for $150; $190 with a 1 GB Sandisk memory card.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fu...
My brother has the A540 and my mother-in-law has the A530 - on my recommendation - and neither one has stopped speaking to me yet. Based on this and experience with other Canon Powershot cameras, I am now recommending the A550 as a nice and relatively inexpensive camera.
Canon just introduced the A550, which has more pixels, but offers less user control. I'd be happy with the A540, but the A550 is probably also worth considering, especially since the A540 has been discontinued. I've seen it for $140 in some stores like WalMart and Target.
The A550 costs $160 at B&H and, of course, you'll need a memory card.
A550 review: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
Steve's reviews updates the "Best Camera" list periodically:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_came...
Consumer Reports from May 2007 has a short article on digital cameras and they recommend 10 different point and shoot cameras in the following order within groups according to camera design:
**COMPACTS**
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2 (Overall score 75) [$410]
Kodak EasyShare C875 (Overall score 73) [$165] - Rated better for shutter lag
Nikon Coolpix P4 (Overall score 65)
**SUBCOMPACTS**
Canon Powershot SD500 (Overall score 72)
Casio Exilim EX-Z850 (Overall score 72)
Sony Cybershot DSC-W50 (Overall score 70) [$180] [Similar to W55] - Rated better for shutter lag
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX3 (Overall score 69) [$200] [Similar to FX-10, FX-12]
Olympus Stylus 720SW (Overall score 61) [Similar to 770SW - $360] (Waterproof)
**ADVANCED COMPACTS ("Near SLR")**
Fujifilm Finepix S6000fd (Overall score 77) [$300] - Rated better for shutter lag
Fujifilm Finepix E900 (Overall score 73) [$250]
[Things change so quickly in digital cameras that I can not find all of these models listed for sale and it's not even May yet. Prices are from B&H Photo, April 2007.] Canon S80 is the best at the lower end price. Go with the Kodak Easyshare, you can get the camera, all the cables, memory card and dock for 200.00 at walmart, less at walmart.com, and it takes great pictures, 7.1 megapixel, and if you don't know a lot about working with pictures on the computer it comes with "easyshare" software and it is really simple to use.
They have 99.00 versions, too I believe if you don't need really fancy, still great cameras too. Anything 4 megapixels and up takes great pics. you need to consider what you'll mainly be using it for. pictures of just your friends at parties and stuff? or scenic pictures on the hiking trail? remember you need to carry it around, and it could get quite heavy in your pocket, or in a cumbersome carrying case with batteries.
also, remember that just about every modern phone comes with a camera on it. some are 2 mega pixel and higher, and thats pretty usable for the quick picture of you and your friend doing something funny. special occasions like prom deserve better than a "camera phone".
don't forget that you can check classifieds and refurbished sales to get a better deal.
finally, don't get caught up in the "more megapixels is better" nonsense. it only makes a difference if you print the photos (which even 2 or 3 mp does a great 4x6 print)
good luck. How about a Fuji FinePix E510. |
