Digital Camera experts:

[jamsmom]

I am thinking of going this route, but want one that really can zoom. What do you recommend? Can you tell me about the memory card?

 

[Tuffcookie]

jamsmom, I'm no expert but I finally got a digital camera in January and I'm real happy with it's zoom capability. I have the Olympus C-720. It has 8 x optical zoom. I read enough from Zurg's information to learn that optical zoom is better than digital zoom. I found mine for $319.00. As for cards. I got a 128 Olympus Smartmedia card so I can use the panoramic function on the camera but I feel like since that's something I probably won't use that much I'm going to use other brands to save $$$.

TC

 

[Wishing on a star]

We just got one of the most powerful zoom digital cameras out there in its class... the Fuji Finepix 3800, 3megapixel. Got a real steal on it, since we know somebody who works for Fuji. Otherwise we would never have spent that much money!! I have really only played with the camera a bit so far. But it looks to be one awesome camera! I will never pick up my old canon 35mm ever again!

This camera uses the tiny XDmemory card. With any digital camera you will want to invest in an extra card or two. Otherwise, you will be limited to the number of pictures that you can take, for example on a WDW vacation, unless you bring a lap-top along to download your photos. Walmart has a great price on the Card Reader that you simply plug right into your computer. We payed less than $40.00 for ours.

Ohhhh, you will also want to make sure you have rechargable batteries and charger. The Finepix, like all digital cameras, will eat up the batteries! So, it is good that it uses standard AA batteries instead of some expensive specialty battery that you will have to keep buying. Just pop fresh rechargables in!

Hope this helps.... any other questions.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Lots of good info here, Carol. As for memory, my recommendation is either Compact Flash Card or Smart Media.

http://wdwig.com/digital.htm

 

[phanomouse]

Try this site:

www.dpreview.com

Personally I am partial to Minolta's and Kodak. Minolta for its proffesional design and Kodak for its quick/easy use. Sony makes a good Camera if you but I would only suggest it if you plan on buying all sony electronics just because they use their own memory chip. I have 6 digital camera's for all different types of situations, all of which I chose by searching the above site. Asking about Zoom is actually complicated... Do you want more optical zoom or more Digital zoom??? this site will help you find out more about what you really want, what you really need for the kinds of pictures you will be taking. Good luck