Digital Camera Help!

[sistertrip]

I don't know much about digital cameras, so if anybody can help, that would be great!

I'm trying to balance quality with price and have come up with a couple cameras I'm considering. (I'd like to stay under $250).

I found the Canon Power Shot A510 (3.2mp) for $185
and the Fuji FinePix (4mp) S3100 for $213.

One review of the Canon said that it takes about 10 seconds between pictures, so you can't take pictures quickly. Didn't find any reviews on the Fuji.

Does anyone have any experience with or thoughts on these cameras? Advice in general for what I'm looking for in a Digital Camera? Recommendations for a specific camera??

Thank you so much!

 

[ukcatfan]

I looked into the 10 second lag and found this from http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a510_a520-review/

"Shot-to-shot speeds were good, with a delay of just under two seconds before you can take another shot, assuming you've turned off the post-shot review feature."

I found one on the S3100. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fuji_s3100.html

I personally would pick the Canon. I have never liked the feel of Fuji. I have also had a number of friends have big problems with them. One had a S3000 and had to return it. It would only take clear pictures on a tripod. This was at wide angle not telephoto!

Here is what I tell everyone that is looking at a new camera. Use reviews to narrow down what you are looking at and then go to a store and actually handle them. I personally do not like any Fuji that I have held, but you might love them. I was considering a S5100 until I compared it in person side by side with the similar Canons and Panasonics. I ended up with a Canon S1 IS. Eveyone is different and is impressed by different features.

 

[sistertrip]

ukcatfan - Thanks a lot for the info! The more I look into it, the better the Canon seems. That's a good point about feeling the cameras out in person - I'm definitely going to do that before making a purchase.

 

[oogieboogie]

I think the 10 second lag they're talking about is when you use the flash. When you use the flash, it needs to recycle itself after every firing. This is true for any camera, not just digital. It's longer if your batteries are starting to go low too.

I would personally go to a store, find both of the cameras you're looking at, play with it, feel it, take some test shots with it (the stores will let you), then read the reviews and go on the forums and see what real people say about it before making your decision.

When I was buying my 2nd digital camera, I was torn between a Minolta, a Panasonic, and a Canon. It took me almost 4 months to make up my mind after reading the reviews, feeling and touching the cameras, and weighing the pros and cons of each one.

My biggest selling point for the camera I got was: 1. It used CF cards, and 2. It used regular rechargeable AA batteries instead of proprieatary batteries.