We have this old camera and it has worked fine until recently so my mom suggested that we don't buy any presents for X-mas this year and buy ourselves a digital camera. The thing is, I have no clue what type. It just has to take pictures.....and none of that video stuff, we already have that. Under $300 would be nice and it has to work. Any ideas? Canon SD700IS
I just got one from Dell 297$
Here's 4 pics to checkout that I uploaded to an experimental blog
http://meagerman.blogspot.com/
(click photos for larger images.)
You only have to treat these little pocket cameras as if they were expensive scientific instruments,, because they are and try not to shatter the viewer on the camera by tossing the camera into a gym bag. It fits easily into a pocket or, my old case that I got with a cheapo camera I bought last year. I'm telling now, don't skimp and buy something of lesser value, you won't be happy until you get the best! This camera does everything you'd want, movies too. Anything over 5 megapixel will be undetectable by your eye. Even the 3.5 is too big for my computer screen. The larger the display on the back the better you can see the quality of your picture. For video look for 640x480 60 FPS. Also look for a camera that uses AA, it's cheap to buy and easy to find a rechageable batteries. I got an Samsung S700 last Friday from Circuit City for $119 and it's really great.
Also if your old camera happens to be a Sony Cybershot, they are doing a recall on it and will fix it for free. There was a problem with the LCD display and you can't take pictures after it breaks. Get a nice 5 megapixel camera - Canon, Sony, Samsung, these are all good. Check out the latest issue of Consumer Reports. They have what to get for Christmas: digital, household, food, wines, etc.
You might want one that comes with its own printer; unless, you have a printer/computer at home.
I started with 5 MP Sony. Got tired of going to camera store to get developed. Bought a laptop for work. Started using laptop to download/catalog pics. Finally, got a four in one printer for pics.
It's the greatest thing because you can take all shots you want and edit them yourself. Good luck. 5 megapixels with more than 3 optical 4 digital zoom I would stay with one of the camera manufacturers, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Kodak or Fuji. Most digicams are at least 4 or 5 mega pixels now, more is not necessarily better.
Look for optical zoom and ignore digital zoom. 3x or 4x optical zoom is usually enough for everyday shooting.
Fuji cameras are generally better for low light shooting. The f30 is the new model, I believe. Canons excel in many areas, battery life being one, they take great pics and are highly rated. Kodaks are simple to use and have bright sharp pics. I had an Olympus several years ago that has been one of my favorite digicams. I also have a Nikon that performs good. Right now, my digicam is a Canon Powershot G6, and it is fantastic. The newer model, the G7 is over your preferred price range.
Go to www.dpreview and www.stevesdigicams to research many different cameras, see the features and read reviews. Then go try them at your local camera store or big box retailer.
Practically any of the major manufacturer's camera will be fine for everyday snaps. Don't forget to budget for a bigger memory card, at least 512mb or 1G. Most important, read the manual!! Digital photography requires a bit of a learning curve to get good pictures out of whatever camera you choose.
Have fun! Consumer Reports for November 2006 has ranked the Canon Powershot A620 as the best compact digital camera. It is becoming almost a legend for longevity at the top of various consumer lists. It looks like this model has been replaced by the A630, which I would expect to be just as popular. The A640 appears quite similar and shares the "600" series numbering, so I guess it's just another upgraded version of the now-classic A620. It looks pretty much the same except for being a 10 MP camera.
I own a few Nikon DSLR's and I'd buy the Canon A630 or A640 for myself. The A630 fits in your "under $300" budget.
The A620 was rated about twice as good as any as far a battery life. I hope the A630 and A640 are just as good. Use Energizer e2 LITHIUM batteries and you will be happy with battery life.
With this camera, you will find the memory card is a cute little token of thanks from Canon, but not much more. Buy a 1 GB Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme III card. You will NEED the increased capacity and write speed to fully realize the benefits of your camera.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_revi...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_revi...
If you want a sleek, smaller camera that will easily fit in your pocket, consider the Canon Powershot SD600. It gives up some of the features of the A630 and 640, but at least it still has an optical viewfinder.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...
If you want to trim the budget a little, the Canon Powershot A430, A530 or A540, are all great choices. You will need a decent memory card, though. I'd say get at least 512 MB.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_... |
