Looking for some help

[Minniespal]

I have a digital camera that is about 8 years old. It is a Sony and used floppy discs. It is a fantastic camera and although I am not a great photographer, I have taken some lovely pictures on it. The only problem is that it is quite big, so the time has come to invest in a newer model.

I would be buying the camera online. I am getting bogged down with memory sticks and other jargon which I have no idea what it means. I am quite techno savy.

What camera would you recommend and what other accessories would I need?

Thanks.

 

[alan]

A very tough question to answer without more information about how you would be wanting to use the camera, and what you'd be wanting to take pictures of. However,...

Would I be right in thinking you're looking for a point-and-shoot camera, very small and easy to carry? If I were looking for that, I'd be thinking about the Canon Ixus range (I think that's called the Elph in the USA) or the Panasonix Lumix range.

Apart from the camera itself, you'd want a memory card (to store the pictures - replacing th floppy disc in the Sony). I think that both of the above ranges use SD cards; a 1GB card should set you back about US$40-50 and should be able to store in excess of 150 pictures.

The other recommended accessory might be a spare battery. Generally the ones from the manufacturers are very expensive; I've had good results using replacements from www.sterlingtek.com

I hope this helps,

regards,
/alan

 

[Charade]

I would highly recommend the Canon A620 as a replacement for your ancient Sony. The image quality difference will be like night and day. Don't worry right now about all the extra features that current digital cameras have. Most all of them have a "P" (or automatic mode) that will work well in most situations.

One word of caution. Your Sony probably took 640x480 images which easily fit onto most modern computer monitors without scrolling around. The images from a 7.1 megapixel camera like the A620 will look HUGE compared to the Sony. Don't worry about that. Most viewing programs will automatically temporarily fit the image to the viewing screen (it doesn't change the image file).

I bought one for my GF and she loves it. I got it at www.buydig.com Right now it's $229. (the price went up $10 since I bought mine 2 weeks ago but it's still about the cheapest and the service is great).

It takes standard "AA" batteries (but use rechargeable) and SD memory cards. The prices for these cards drop frequently so shop around. Currently www.outpost.com has a great deal on a 2 gigabyte card (your Sony used 1.44 megabyte floppies!!) for $38 plus shipping.

http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4853000?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[JR6ooo4]

All good advice but it is best to know what type of photography you are planning. You can look for the best of the cameras that will fit in a shirt pocket (and cost under $300). Or a camera that has interchangeable lenses that will give the best versatility (but is going to start near $1000) or you can get something inbetween like the Canon S3.
Please give more details for more accurate suggestions.
Mikeeee

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions.

I'm not really a photographic person. I simply want a camera that I can point at something and take a picture of.

 

[Charade]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions.

I'm not really a photographic person. I simply want a camera that I can point at something and take a picture of.

Then I would again recommend the Canon A620. It's less than $250 pretty much everywhere.

 

[Minniespal]

Then I would again recommend the Canon A620. It's less than $250 pretty much everywhere.

Sold Just bought the Canon A620 Champagne color online

Thanks.

 

[Charade]

Sold Just bought the Canon A620 Champagne color online

Thanks.

Good luck! Post some pics!!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

dang! you should've bought at least Canon 30D with 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens. The price difference is only "slight"

[tongue pressed super firmly in cheek]

 

[Charade]

dang! you should've bought at least Canon 30D with 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens. The price difference is only "slight"

[tongue pressed super firmly in cheek]

Yeah, "slight". The A620 just barely covers the TAX on the 30D with that lens!

 

[manning]

She got what she needed!!

 

[Laura]

Sold Just bought the Canon A620 Champagne color online

Thanks.

You won't be sorry. The 620 is a great little camera, and I've been very pleased with mine.