Digital Camera

[steeLh]

(was exactly sure where this should go)

Im looking to get a digital camera for around $150-200, I dont need the best of the best, or anything really fancy. What do you guys suggest I look for when buying one (features, size, etc.), and which quality brands should I pay attention too? Lastly any recommendations?

-Thanks

 

[Ika]

brands, stick to Panasonic, Canon, Sony, Fuji, or Nikon. from what i've heard, Fuji makes very good point-and-shoots, though Canon has some good cameras in the SD line.

 

[Jones2006]

U can get a really decent camera off ebay ... get the older 5 megapixel canon cameras ... those cameras used to cost $400 when it first came out ... now since they are outdated, are selling for less than half the price

 

[pkme2]

Canon Powershot S80 a 8MP camera, best.
Canon Powershot SD450 a 5MP camera. at least.
Before you buy. http://www.resellerratings.com/

 

[Ika]

a review site http://www.dpreview.com

 

[Trippytiger]

Originally posted by: guoziming
a review site http://www.dapreview.com

You're thinking http://www.dpreview.com. Personally, I find http://www.imaging-resource.com to have the best reviews on the net - I've been looking at a lot of review sites lately, since I'm looking at getting a digital camera myself.

steeLh, for your budget, the Canon Powershot A530 is probably the best option. It tends to score top marks for image quality and features in that price range. Of course, the best camera for you depends entirely on what you plan on doing with it and what features matter to you.

 

[steeLh]

Thanks for the input guys, I think I'll probably get the Canon Powershot A530 as Trippytiger suggested.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Trippytiger

Originally posted by: guoziming
a review site http://www.dapreview.com

You're thinking http://www.dpreview.com. Personally, I find that http://www.imaging-resource.com to have the best reviews on the net - I've been looking at a lot of review sites lately, since I'm looking at getting a digital camera myself.

steeLh, for your budget, the Canon Powershot A530 is probably the best option. It tends to score top marks for image quality and features in that price range. Of course, the best camera for you depends entirely on what you plan on doing with it and what features matter to you.

oops, got confused between dapreview.net and dpreview.com

but as for his recommendation, the A530 is an excellent camera, as is the A620. Actually, most cameras in Canon's Axxx line are excellent, image quality-wise.

 

[shortylickens]

The only cameras I've owned are Sony's in the 500+ range.
I have been told (by guys claiming to be enthusiasts) that in the 200 dollar range, Sony leaves a lot to be desired.
The other brands are supposed to be a lot more competitive in that class.
Cannon and Fuji especially.

 

[spikespiegal]

I ditto the advice for Canon's powershot cameras. Exellent machines.

However, if you need better available low light capability the Fuji compacts beat all other players expect for dSLRs when it comes to low noise and high sensitivity.

 

[steeLh]

Well I was looking at some more options and I came across the SONY DSC-T5 Silver 5.1MP, and I like the small and compact design and the way it looks. Just curious if anyone has had one or if its just better to get the Canon Powershot A530.

 

[Ipno]

I still own a canon A70, it's a 3.2 megapixel, outdated I know. I just ordered an SD550.

The A70 was a great camera, I'm giving it to my wife, even at 3.2 mp it outperformed 5MP cameras from other vendors for image quality IMO. The canons cost more but are worth it.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'm also looking for a digital camera, though my range is in or around $100. I've been looking at the old Fujifilm S3000. Can anyone offer any insights as to whether or not this would be a good cam to get? eBay has several of these available for around $90 plus shipping.

The battery life on it looks great, but I have reservations about its potential to take blurry shots off a tripod (my hands are a bit shaky).

Another I've been looking at is the Sony Mavica FD-91. Yeah, it's old, but the zoom and stabilization features look really nice. I don't mind the floppy storage and .8 megapixel ccd to be honest. If I could get one of those for $100 or less that'd be great, but the best offer I've seen is $125 plus shipping.

 

[PascalT]

Probably a bit over your pricerange, but i love my Fujifilm F10 (compact, 6.3mp). Great in every aspect.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Probably, but it's worth a look. The only digital cam I've ever owned was a POS Sipix model for around $25 that ate batteries like mad, supposedly would not accept rechargeables, and would blur constantly due to slow shutter speeds. I couldn't take any pics without mounting it on its little camera stand which was a bit inconvinient. It had no point-and-shoot value whatsoever.

Some of the cameras I've examined in the $80-$100 range have the same shutter problems but will at least accept rechargeables.

 

[Rottie]

it depends on what you are gonna do with digital camera? for 8 x 10 print get Canon Powershot with 5mp+ or any other digital camera. 4 x 6 print usually go with 4mp+

I bought mine Canon Powershot A610 5mp I really love this camera. I have print several 8 x 10 pictures they look great on the wall.

 

[13Gigatons]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Canon_Po...al_Camera,__17657009/search=Canon+A430

Good camera for the money...this is a newer model and has some updated features.

 

[13Gigatons]

Full Reviews with sample pictures and videos and 360 degree views: http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

 

[DrMrLordX]

Originally posted by: Rottie
it depends on what you are gonna do with digital camera? for 8 x 10 print get Canon Powershot with 5mp+ or any other digital camera. 4 x 6 print usually go with 4mp+

I bought mine Canon Powershot A610 5mp I really love this camera. I have print several 8 x 10 pictures they look great on the wall.

Mostly I just want to take pictures for digital archiving,emailing to family, etc. All I want is something that won't blur due to lousy shutter speed like my old cam. I could honestly be happy with something as low as 2 MP with 3 or 4x optical zoom. My hands get shaky sometimes, so low shutter speeds will always lead to blurry photos.

 

[13Gigatons]

Originally posted by: DrMrLordX

Originally posted by: Rottie
it depends on what you are gonna do with digital camera? for 8 x 10 print get Canon Powershot with 5mp+ or any other digital camera. 4 x 6 print usually go with 4mp+

I bought mine Canon Powershot A610 5mp I really love this camera. I have print several 8 x 10 pictures they look great on the wall.

Mostly I just want to take pictures for digital archiving,emailing to family, etc. All I want is something that won't blur due to lousy shutter speed like my old cam. I could honestly be happy with something as low as 2 MP with 3 or 4x optical zoom. My hands get shaky sometimes, so low shutter speeds will always lead to blurry photos.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120181

Nice camera for $99.


Also the new A430: http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Canon_Po...al_Camera,__17657009/search=canon+a430

 

[Future Shock]

Originally posted by: steeLh
Well I was looking at some more options and I came across the SONY DSC-T5 Silver 5.1MP, and I like the small and compact design and the way it looks. Just curious if anyone has had one or if its just better to get the Canon Powershot A530.

Might be late but...the VERY small pocketable cameras like the T5 and others are very convenient cameras...but you do sacrifice some things to get that form factor. One important thing that you give up is stability - they are very small and very light, and if your hands shake at all your pictures will blur. The larger Axxx cameras tend to be a little heavier, and larger to hold, and have more controls for creative picture taking. I personally enjoy using a larger camera, and I have small hands to boot.

Future Shock

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: DrMrLordX

Originally posted by: Rottie
it depends on what you are gonna do with digital camera? for 8 x 10 print get Canon Powershot with 5mp+ or any other digital camera. 4 x 6 print usually go with 4mp+

I bought mine Canon Powershot A610 5mp I really love this camera. I have print several 8 x 10 pictures they look great on the wall.

Mostly I just want to take pictures for digital archiving,emailing to family, etc. All I want is something that won't blur due to lousy shutter speed like my old cam. I could honestly be happy with something as low as 2 MP with 3 or 4x optical zoom. My hands get shaky sometimes, so low shutter speeds will always lead to blurry photos.

I believe Canon A520 is better for you and it is cheaper. Very compact 5mp cost about less than 200.00 but this camera is discountied (sp?) some newer camera comes with Image Stabilizer that will take care of your shaking hands but cost more.

 

[Trippytiger]

Originally posted by: DrMrLordX

Originally posted by: Rottie
it depends on what you are gonna do with digital camera? for 8 x 10 print get Canon Powershot with 5mp+ or any other digital camera. 4 x 6 print usually go with 4mp+

I bought mine Canon Powershot A610 5mp I really love this camera. I have print several 8 x 10 pictures they look great on the wall.

Mostly I just want to take pictures for digital archiving,emailing to family, etc. All I want is something that won't blur due to lousy shutter speed like my old cam. I could honestly be happy with something as low as 2 MP with 3 or 4x optical zoom. My hands get shaky sometimes, so low shutter speeds will always lead to blurry photos.

Sorry if this is coming late, but the Panasonic Lumix LS2 might be perfect for you. It's a pretty basic point-and-shoot camera (5 MP, 3x optical zoom), but it's the only camera in your price range that I know of that has image stabilization. I've discovered that it's rather difficult to get the Powershot A540 that I bought last week to shoot quickly in anything less than very bright light, and I suspect that most other cameras will have similar problems due to similarly specced lenses. A camera with image stabilization would be a good way to go.