Is 5-7 mega pixels okay? What should I look for in optical zoom? Check out Consumer Reports magazine they just printed an article on the best and worst cameras, check out their web site and see if it's in the archives. Good luck. 5 is the minimum you should be looking for. An optical zoom above 8 is going to be amazing, but above 10 you're going to be able to get some amazing range. samsung s630 got good zoom 6 megapixels and i dont have a mohawk my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions 5-7 megapixels will give you excellent prints up to 8x10 or even larger. You won't see the difference in the megapixel race until you get to 12 mp or so.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.h...
In an optical zoom (wise choice), 3x is barebones basic in current cameras. More is better, but you have to be pretty steady or using a tripod for sharp pictures when zoomed out at the maximum.
I'd suggest also looking for a camera or lens with image stablization (IS, VR, Steadyshot, etc) as it will help counteract the natural movement of the camera and photographer. It can be the difference between a great photo and a perfectly exposed blur. Remember, you can always digitally zoom the image in your computer afterwards.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/image-st...
We assume you're looking for a point & shoot camera here. If you're looking for a DSLR, that's a whole 'nother discussion and we'll be glad to advise you.
I hope this is helpful. Go for this one!!!!
The best camera for under $200 is the Canon A550
* 7.1 Megapixel
*4X Optical Zoom
* Very good photo quality, noise levels low through ISO 400 (in good light)
* Well built for the price
* Very good performance
* LCD visible in low light
* Some manual controls
* AF-assist lamp, good low light focusing
* Good movie and continuous shooting modes
* Impressive software bundle
* Uses AA batteries; great battery life
* USB 2.0 High Speed support Even though I personally own this ultra compact camera, I would still like to highly recommend the purchase of a Nikon Coolpix L10 for the following reasons:
1. Besides taking well-exposed hi-quality 5 megapixel pictures, it uses a standard set of rechargeable double AA batteries which last a very long time - 300 shots per set of rechargeables;
2. Has a 3x optical zoom;
3. The flash setting for "red-eye" correction is on the navigator wheel and not within a submenu;
4. It's very small and light;
5. Uses inexpensive SD memory cards;
6. The digital video feature takes wonderful "sound" videos which are noise free. It records the piano very well with it's built-in microphone;
7. It comes with a USB 2.0 transfer cable which you connect to your USB computer port;
8. Has tripod mount on bottom of camera;
9. And the price is a mere $119 [sold at Samy's Camera - www.samys.com, and Staples.com; $99 at amazon.com]
Review(s) can be found at www.amazon.com [Query: "Nikon Coolpix L10" along with pictures provided by satisfied purchasers.]
Good luck! | 