Digital Camera Advice please!

[Buddha Bart]

I've been trying to research this for a while, but I'm amazed at the lack of good info in any one place.

Does anyone here happen to know of a camera that meets these

- 2 megapixel or higher
- lcd screen on back
- 2x or more OPTICAL zoom
- easy to use (so far all i've really used is a kodak dc3400, and it was so/so)
- doesn't eat batteries like crazy (the kodak did)
- high $300's low $400's.

I was looking at the Cannon Powershot A20. Anyone like/dislike it?

bart

 

[GasX]

The review site

I recommend the Casio QV8000SX - it has done me right.

 

[mchammer187]

there have been many threads in hot deals for the DC4800 for about $320
I am getting an olympus c2040 zoom tho it costs about 370 on cnet.

both have all the feautures you are looking for i believe.

 

[snakesnfrogs]

Kodak DC4800 is what I'd recommend---better image quality than the A20, IMO

 

[RISman]

I'll cast my vote for the Olympus 490Z...3X optical, 2.1MP, point and shoot or manual...good battery life..

 

[weeber]

I'm going to throw in the Fuji FinePix 2400 zoom. Great camera, takes good pictures, easy to use, and doesn't eat batteries at all.

My brother also has the Olympus 490z which is nice and comparable to the Fuji. Be aware however, the Olympus replaced the 490z with te 510z. The 490 has a serial connection, the 510 has USB.

 

[b0mbrman]

There should be an Agfa in that range, no?

 

[vi edit]

I'm an Olympus fan. The 510 is a pretty nice camera.

 

[Spook]

Bar None... The best digital camera review site on the net...

DPReview

lookup 2-3MPix cameras, although there won't be many 3Mpix, in your price range...

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

Nikon CoolPix.

National Geographic seem to like theirs.

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

I've got an Olympus D-510 Zoom, which I think replaced the 490Z RISman's talking about. After a rebate from Circuit City, I paid around $350 for it.

Olympus D-510 Zoom review and specs

 

[JasonG]

I would recommend Olympus' C2040. It does have 3X optical zooms and is a 2.1 Megapixel.

I agree to check out dpreview.com. He does review the C2000 which is the older model of the C2040.

Olympus cameras are considerably faster than other brands. Believe me that the delay in taking the picture can be very annoying with a digital camera.

I had an Agfa and it was very slow compared to the Olympus that a friend of mine has (C2000).

This camera can be found for <$400 on the web.

Good luck.

Jason

Edit- Also, get a couple of good sets of NiMH rechargable batteries and a charger. You'll have no battery problems again!

Great site for NiMH rechargables!

 

[GTaudiophile]

I recommend the older Canon S10 or the newer Canon A20.

 

[Huma]

Olympus and Nikon's make great cameras but consider size.

My oly 2020 is big, so I end up not taking it out too often. A smaller camera is definately going to let you catch more shots of the moment if you can just slip it into your pocket.

 

[JasonG]

You're not going to get a 3x zoom in a pocket size camera...

You think the C2020 is big? Seems pretty small and light to me. It's always a trade off between price, performance and size.

Also, the large cameras usually have better picture quality.

Check out the cameras at best buy or ritz camera before buying online and see which ones you like.

I personally like a camera that feels more substantial.

Jason

 

[djbacklash]

I just got a Canon PowerShot S300. It's one of the smallest cams out there (fits in your pocket, just like its little brother, the S110) and has 3x OPTICAL ZOOM, 2.1MP (good enough for me), and a movie mode. It retails for $599 but you can find it for around $500 or a less online. The cam's gotten very favorable reviews, and I highly recommend it. It's a bit pricey though, so it may or may not be a good choice for those on a budget. I spent $550 + $50 (2nd li-on battery) + $160 (256MB cf card) + $25 (Zio! cf reader).

 

[FireGal]

<< I'm going to throw in the Fuji FinePix 2400 zoom. Great camera, takes good pictures, easy to use, and doesn't eat batteries at all.

I agree with the Fuji. Look at 800.com. They were having some good deals on cameras. Not sure if they are anymore but worth your time to check it out. Also make sure you look at newegg.com when it comes time to buy more memory for the camera. They have good prices.

 

[b0mbrman]

Get an AC Adapter...so important

 

[Amused]

<< I've been trying to research this for a while, but I'm amazed at the lack of good info in any one place.

Does anyone here happen to know of a camera that meets these

- 2 megapixel or higher
- lcd screen on back
- 2x or more OPTICAL zoom
- easy to use (so far all i've really used is a kodak dc3400, and it was so/so)
- doesn't eat batteries like crazy (the kodak did)
- high $300's low $400's.

I was looking at the Cannon Powershot A20. Anyone like/dislike it?

bart >>



For your price range, try the Canon S20. It's a 3.1 MP camera with 2x optical zoom. I found one for my mom at $415 on pricewatch.com. It's MUCH better than the A20. She's using it now and LOVES it.

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/s20/index.html

 

[randomlinh]

i have to disagree w/ the kodak 4800.. the pics i've seen aren't all that great. now, if you can find a canon S10 for cheap.. that sucker is AWESOME.... but let me tell you, 2x optical is just too little IMO.

The A20 will probably do you well, alho the oly 2040 is nice because of its fast lens (1.8 apeture.. good for lowlight).

Oh, one problem w/ the canon s series... their batteries... proprietary

And be sure to get a couple sets of good NiMH AA's if you go that route, and a good charger.

look here
here
and here

 

[Mday]

don't forget that you will spend more with respect to accessories.

such as: more memory, a bag, extra batteries, cleaning equip...

 

[GTaudiophile]

All the pictures on my web site were taken with a Canon S10. Link is in my sig...

 

[walrus]

I have a DC4800 it's a great camera, I highly recomend it . I bought after seeing a good price over in Hot Deals.

 

[bigbootydaddy]

i have an olympus D460 Zoom, its badass, see my sig for pics on my website

 

[Amused]

<< All the pictures on my web site were taken with a Canon S10. Link is in my sig... >>



The S10 is a great camera. It's being replaced by the S20, the first compact 3MP sub $450 camera.

I'm telling you, check out the S20. You wont be sorry.