Digital Cameras, which ones are the best?

[Jazmine8]

I have seen so many great pics posted on the threads and wanted to know which cameras whether digital or not are the best quality. I seem to have an inability to take really really good looking pictures.:sad2: I can never figure out how to successfully use all of those settings on the little turndial of a digital camera even with the accompanying manual. :confused3

1.)I plan on purchasing a new digital camera before my June 08 trip and I really don't want to spend over $250 for a good camera. Any suggestions anyone?

2.) Also, can you tell me which cameras you use or prefer? AND any good tips on taking pictures while at WDW. Thanks!:goodvibes

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm sure that you can get a decent camera for under $250, but you have to be realistic about what it can do. You won't be getting great shots in low light. You won't be able to control depth-of-field (have your subject look sharp and everything else blurred). You won't be able to precisely time action shots. These are some of the things that no $250 camera does well today.

Many of the great shots you see here were taken on cameras in that price range. Others were taken with cameras costing several times that much. With some great shots, it just requires being at the right place and having the right vision - almost any decent camera will work. Other shots simply can't be taken without expensive, bulky, complicated equipment.

For tips, there are several threads around here that can help. There is the Disney Photo Tips (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1413123) thread, several topic specific threads (like How To Shoot: Fireworks (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1474329)), and a constant stream of other useful threads. Feel free to ask specific questions on techniques or just watch and read as topics come up.

[Jazmine8]

I'm sure that you can get a decent camera for under $250, but you have to be realistic about what it can do. You won't be getting great shots in low light. You won't be able to control depth-of-field (have your subject look sharp and everything else blurred). You won't be able to precisely time action shots. These are some of the things that no $250 camera does well today.

Many of the great shots you see here were taken on cameras in that price range. Others were taken with cameras costing several times that much. With some great shots, it just requires being at the right place and having the right vision - almost any decent camera will work. Other shots simply can't be taken without expensive, bulky, complicated equipment.

For tips, there are several threads around here that can help. There is the Disney Photo Tips (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1413123) thread, several topic specific threads (like How To Shoot: Fireworks (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1474329)), and a constant stream of other useful threads. Feel free to ask specific questions on techniques or just watch and read as topics come up.

:thumbsup2 Thanks for the advice I was just looking into the Canon PowerShot A570 IS 7.1MP Digital Camera.

[captaincrash]

May I suggest you consider Costco - on account of thier generous refund / exchange policy. No questions asked (except no water damage, abused or destroied cameras are accepted for return). That's pretty good - and allows you unquestioned satisfaction combined with a pretty low price.

As for whcih particular model to go with... I have not looked at this catagory of camera much in recent years - but generally have been quite impressed with what you get for the dollar. May I suggest that it will always be critical WHO is taking the picture to achieve results as opposed to who hot your equipment is. SO - your results will be great - and your shooting pleasure will be extreme! And the moments you capture will be ... priceless.

I was looking at how some folks were escaping from the California fires and citing how thier pictures and the images stored on hard drives/computers were among thier most precious things.

SO - go forth and get your new toy - and shoot a ton with it and have FUN!! ;)

[Jazmine8]

Thanks a lot captaincrush. I will be joining Costco soon and never thought of looking there. I will definitley check out their return policy.