I want to get DH a digital camera!

[cruisnfamily]

But I need to know the top 3 things I should look for in it....and I don't want to spend more than $250 if possible.

I know I want optical zoom and 3 mega pixels......don't I?

What else are the basic requirements for a decent but not necessarily top of the line camera?

 

[helenabear]

Optical zoom is a definite in my eyes. My brother has a 2 MP camera and if you don't plan on doing prints any larger than 5x7 then that is a good enough. If you want to make 8x10 prints then a 3 MP is needed. Otherwise I would just go and play with the cameras out there and see which you like the best for feel and set up. Hope that helps

 

[Dan Murphy]

This may help some, Sonya. Good luck.

http://wdwig.com/digital.htm

 

[EROS]

Good Luck....... we like our ancient 35mm

 

[cruisnfamily]

Can anybody tell me any particular brands that are good or that I should stay away from?

Went to the stores today and got some info and I am now even more confused.

Now there is a battery issue to worry about too. The man said with disposable AAs (which some of these cameras take) that you could only take about 15 pictures and would have to change the battery. Does this sound right? What kind of battery is good?

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Here is a site with reviews that are usually pretty good.
Steve's Digicam

I am guessing the most popular brand on this board is Nikon, followed by Sony but that is a guess.... I know I will post a poll!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Webmaster Alex: Thank you!

So kind of you to post that poll!

It's just the kind of info that will be helpful. I'm trying to surprise DH but it's kind of hard to do as he is the one who knows all about this stuff.

We don't need a "top of the line" really fancy camera but it looks like I may have to spend $300-$400 to get the 3 megapixels with a decent optical zoom and the right kind of battery.....oh what have I gotten myself into?

How many megapixels is a camera if it says 1200 x 1600 pixels or something like that? How can you figure it out?

Thank you to all who are trying to help clueless me with this surprise Christmas gift

 

[LIDisneyFan]

I just got mine, and the 3 megapixels and the zoom are key. Also, get something with movie mode. You cn record 60 seconds of video on your digital camera. Including sound.

 

[Jeepers Lady]

We just bought an Olympus C-720 a month ago -- 3 MP with an 8X optical zoom -- the thing is fab -- can see faces inside football helmets from 200 feet (and more) away -- go to places like best buy and circuit city -- they let you test and play around

 

[TheLionKing]

1200 x 1600 = 1,900,000 pixels or 1.9 megapixels