I would like to consider buying a digital camera that is easy to use and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We have a fancy one here but I don't feel comfortable using it. I am looking for personal recommendations for a nice, not to pricey camera. Would prefer to hear from actual users and not be directed to websites. Even though I personally own this 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;
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. And the price is a mere $120 [sold at Samy's Camera, Staples.com.]
Good luck! I love my sony DSC-V1 but it is a couple years old. Make sure you buy one that takes still, and motion shots. It's worth the money. Sony cameras are very computer friendly for easy printing, sharing ect. If all else fails just check consumer reports.
Good luck A lot of us here are pros, so you will hear a lot about DSLR cameras and their associated lenses ... BIG BUX!
On the bright side, most of us carry around a point and shoot camera to taking candid shots of our friends or when lugging around a heavy, obviously pro camera is not appropriate.
That said look for three aspects of any point and shoot camera you are considering.
First the type memory card the camera uses. SD are the most common.
Second choose a camera with an optical zoom that will fit your needs (forget any claim to digital zoom .... that is all smoke and mirrors).
Third chose a camera with a large sensor and high pixel count ... both are important factors.
I personally own a couple of Nikon Coolpix cameras because of their ability to use auxiliary lenses. I have friends who have Canons and Panasonic P&S cameras and they are just fine. Try looking into Sony Digital Cameras...one thing to look for when buying a Digital Camera is the MegaPixels it takes, I would prefer 5 MegaPixels or higher...Because they take High Quality Pics...plus one that is easy to use....Goodluck on your search... Choose a Nikon or a canon....you can both get them for less than 200 bucks...check walmart for this.. 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. The A550 has more pixels than the A540, but offers less user control.
The A540 has been discontinued, but 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.
Canon A550 review: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
The A560 is only about ten buck more and that makes it worth considering, too. It has a slightly bigger LCD and they claim that it's one stop faster than the A550 in speed.
Canon A560 review: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
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.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_revi...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fu...
Steve's reviews updates the "Best Camera" list periodically:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_came... 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 | 