I hate to beat a dead horse.... but need digital camera advice

[Mercy]

Hi all, I read several of the earlier threads on digital cameras today and have been going to different review sites about digitals.... and now I'm just totally confused!!!... battery life... mega pixels... optical zoom... aahh!

I would like one that costs under $300, easy to use (this will be my first), nice quality pics, etc. Help!!

I know I will get different opinions, but I do listen to and respect all the opinions here. Thanks in advance.

 

[NancyIL]

I just went through the same decision-making process. My DH convinced me that for MY purposes (snapshots), a good but inexpensive point-and-shoot camera would suffice. I just bought the Canon Powershot A 60 from www.bestbuy.com (saved 10% on the camera), and picked it up at my local Best Buy. I'm tinkering with the camera right now.

http://www.powershot.com/powershot2/a70-60/index.html

 

[pumba]

we got a good deal on a HP and it is a 4 megapixal......whatever that is.....and it is a 21 zoom optical and digital......whatever that does....but we have awesome photos and got a good deal.....with a 128 memory thingie too for a bonus ....under 300.......at Office Max

 

[BedKnobbery2]

A friend of mine, who is a huge digi-camera buff, had to get a camera for a raffle that was around $300. After much research, she bought the Canon PowerShot A70. She was so impressed with the camera, she bought a second one, for herself. I then won the first camera in said raffle. 2 friends who've seen the pics produced from the camera went out and bought it for themselves, and love it. So, I can give 4 votes of confidence to the camera. It is a fantastic camera! Easy to use, terrific quality, easy software for downloading and editing. You can also take mini-videos with it. I love my camera! Hope that helps.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Review this, Mercy, some great basics here. And make sure to go to the links.........

http://allearsnet.com/btp/digital.htm

 

[Mercy]

Giving this a bump back to the top..... any other thoughts on digital cameras.... what kind do you have?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Nikon 995

 

[Spinning]

I just went round and round with this one too! We ended up with the samsung Digimax v4. I really like. The biggest complaint is the soft ware! HATE IT! but once I get more computer savy I will invest in soft ware I like! I have some to look at and try.
Any way these were the important areas I looked at (love list, don't you?)
1. needed to be small and fit in my purse
2. needed a good battery source (since I am forgetful I need to be able to buy on the spot if my battery dies!) this one takes double A's I think actually 7 different types of batteries rechargable, etc...)
3. Wanted at least 4 MP I wanted the option to enlarge 8x10
4. Have an easy point and shot feature but I also wanted the option to someday do more
5. Under $400 (went for $380 and then had a $20 rebate)
6. extended warrenty (this one has a 5 year extended warrenty that came with the camera)

It takes really great pictures. The recovery time isn't too bad. Same with the lag time. Only other fault but I think this is with all digital is the flash. (point and shoot kind) it has a night mode shot which works great in low light if you are close and taking only of one thing maybe 2 but not good for distant pictures of a group of kids in low light.

I did a lot of reading at this web site:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
Very helpful.

 

[joats]

I just got a Canon Powershot A300 for Christmas. I haven't used it yet, but I've looked on a few sites and it reviews well. I believe it's under $200. I know you said you looked at some review sites, but here's a few of my favorites:

www.cnet.com/
www.epinions.com

Good Luck!

 

[dzneprincess]

Any thoughts or reviews on the Kodak DX6490?

 

[hercamore]

Hi,

Another vote for the Canon A Series cameras. DS just received the Canon A80 for xmas and wow, the pix are awesome.

DD and I have the Canon Powershot 330.

www.buydig.com

 

[jipsy]

Sony Mavica

also, try www.overstock.com

 

[Mercy]

Thanks guys for the info and the review sites.... cnet and epinions were especially helpful!

Ok, I think I've narrowed it down to the Canon Powershot A70 or the Nikon Coolpix 3100. It seems that the Canon comes out on top for features and pic quality, but the Nikon seems to come out ahead for ease of use and ergonomics..... hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

Since I'm new to digital photography I was thinking of leaning towards the Nikon. I may have to go to the store and just try them out.

Any other thoughts out there....??

 

[AZKathy]

We have the Nikon Coolpix 3500 and love it. It does wonderful pictures and is very easy to use. We got it earlier this year form Office Depot for less than $300. It is a 3.2 megapixel with 3x optical zoom and it is very convenient in size; it also has a rotating head so if you need to take pictures of parades and such over peoples' heads, you can still see what you are aiming at. It also fits great in WDW's camera case (hee hee!!!!).