Digital Camera here I come!

[PigletFairy]

Hello to all! I am looking for a new digital camera. I am at a total loss at what to get. I know nothing of cameras but I know what I would like. I want something for everyday use that is easy to carry. I would like to be able to make enlargements of 11 x 17 at 300 dpi or higher. I like to get something that will be able to handle some action shots (parades and such) and be under $500, possibly less. Do you guys know if there is something out there for me? I would really appreciate any help.

 

[Greg K.]

First place to visit: www.dpreview.com

Very good, understandable, balanced reviews of every kind of digital camera. Once you've sized up the selection and seen which ones are "Highly Recommended" and within your budget, make a list of the ones that most interest you and head out to your local electronics story to see for yourself. Play with them, fiddle with them, see how they feel in your hand. (At some stores, they'll even print out the results for you to compare.) The camera that feels the best and seems the most intuitive will be the one that you want to use -- and THAT is point, isn't it?

As for recommendations, around these parts people are quite smitten with the 5 mp Canon Powershot S2, which seems to be the perfect theme park camera. It's got a massive zoom (12x) takes very good pictures under a wide range of conditions, has image stabilization (a big plus!) and it's relatively compact. (Smaller than an SLR, but too big to stuff in a shirt pocket. It'll work in a fanny pack or around your neck, though.) Current lowest price: $323, at www.buydig.com

I'm sure others will have lots of suggestions, too, but that's a start.

Happy hunting -- and happy snapping!

 

[Anewman]

Hello to all! I am looking for a new digital camera. I am at a total loss at what to get. I know nothing of cameras but I know what I would like. I want something for everyday use that is easy to carry. I would like to be able to make enlargements of 11 x 17 at 300 dpi or higher. I like to get something that will be able to handle some action shots (parades and such) and be under $500, possibly less. Do you guys know if there is something out there for me? I would really appreciate any help.

Just so you know.
11x17 @300 dpi = 16.8 megapixels.

Do not stress too much about this, you should be able to get decent prints from a 6mp camera(or above) at that size. You can upsize or if you just leave the image at the size shot, the lab will upsize b4 printing.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Pigletfairy may have a connection at Canon to get 1Ds mkII, you never know!

 

[PigletFairy]

Thanks guys! I guess now you know how much i know about megapixels !!! Thanks for the input i think i will physically go to the store and see what I like. Then i will probably end up buying online.

 

[JR6ooo4]

At least give them a chance. I am talking about your local store that is stocking an item for everyone to handle and abuse, never to be sold as new. My local store price matched B&H. I payed tax, but that helps my schools, police and fire dept.s etc.
Mikeeee