Really, really, really inexpensive digital camera

[dfchelbay]

Anyone know where I can get the cheapest digital camera around. Just need to be able to take pictures, save to computer, etc. DH's niece just had a baby and we know all she has is her and her husband's cell phone cameras to take photos of the new baby. DH and I are just in the thinking out loud stage right now about getting them a camera. I can't image not being able to record her memories with her first baby for later in life. So, any information you have is greatly appreciated. I looked online at Walmart and there is a Vivitar for $39, just wondering if this will do the job.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vivitar-V7022-GRP/14546348

Hate to sound financially piggish, but anyone know of anything that may be even a little bit cheaper in price too? Thanks everyone.

 

[luvmy3jewels]

Have you checked e-bay? I would think they would have some decent ones at a good price.

 

[dfchelbay]

Have you checked e-bay? I would think they would have some decent ones at a good price.

Trying to avoid the whole used thing. I have two digital cameras myself that don't hold a charge, or just keep shutting off all the time for no reason. Have no idea why they don't work, just one day stopped. So, if new, they can return/exchange it.

 

[laurafergie]

I just bought this one, because someone in my house dropped my Nikon on the pavement. I'm very pleased. Takes great pictures and only $59.

 

[JB2K]

Hate to sound financially piggish, but anyone know of anything that may be even a little bit cheaper in price too? Thanks everyone.

If you are looking for such a camera, check-out the ones in the blister-packs hanging on peg hooks at discounters such as Target or Walmart (don't look at the ones on display that you can actually touch, as those are brands which cost a bit more). Most of the blister-pack cameras are branded either Polaroid or Vivitar, and are priced well-below $40, and are better than any cell phone camera.

 

[dfchelbay]

If you are looking for such a camera, check-out the ones in the blister-packs hanging on peg hooks at discounters such as Target or Walmart (don't look at the ones on display that you can actually touch, as those are brands which cost a bit more). Most of the blister-pack cameras are branded either Polaroid or Vivitar, and are priced well-below $40, and are better than any cell phone camera.

Hey, I know you...you're my Disboard electronics/IT info swapper friend. Thanks for this info too. I'll look at those later today at the store.

 

[maggiew]

I just read an interesting article about how digital cameras are becoming a thing of the past. It said that the trend was for people to use their cell phone cameras instead. They said the "one function" aspect of the digital camera (only takes pictures) is the downfall. A phone can take pictures, make calls, do apps, etc.

Actually, depending on their cell phone, maybe the pictures will be better than a $30 digital camera??? I don't know. I haven't compared quality. But I know a cell phone I was looking at had an 8 MP camera on it!

Also, I assigned my students to make an iMovie for a school project. I offered this beautiful camera and camcorder that I purchased with a grant. No one needed these. They all made their movies with their phones!!! And you couldn't tell. Afterwards I asked how they all made their movies since no group came to borrow my camcorder and they told me they used their phones!!

I guess this isn't really helpful to the OP, but it reminded me of that article I just read.

Maggie

 

[n2mm]

I've always had good luck with kodak easyshare cameras. There are lots of discounts out there, so maybe you could get a better one, but with the discounts, it could bring you to a lower price.

 

[amy-momofthree]

I just read an interesting article about how digital cameras are becoming a thing of the past. It said that the trend was for people to use their cell phone cameras instead. They said the "one function" aspect of the digital camera (only takes pictures) is the downfall. A phone can take pictures, make calls, do apps, etc.

Actually, depending on their cell phone, maybe the pictures will be better than a $30 digital camera??? I don't know. I haven't compared quality. But I know a cell phone I was looking at had an 8 MP camera on it!

Also, I assigned my students to make an iMovie for a school project. I offered this beautiful camera and camcorder that I purchased with a grant. No one needed these. They all made their movies with their phones!!! And you couldn't tell. Afterwards I asked how they all made their movies since no group came to borrow my camcorder and they told me they used their phones!!

I guess this isn't really helpful to the OP, but it reminded me of that article I just read.

Maggie

I agree with this. I have an iphone and it takes great pictures, better than my digital camera. We just had a baby in May and used the iphone for pictures and they came out great!! And it is so much easier because you don't have to keep up with a camera. You always have your phone with you.

That is so sweet of you to think of doing something nice for them.

 

[gracie1]

Take a peek at staples. They had some really nice ones for $50. I agree with the other posters, if they have an iphone or droid or any smartphone, the cameras are awesome on there!

 

[sam_gordon]

Do Iphones (or various other camera phones) have zoom capability? That would be one benefit to have a standalone camera.

 

[bjscheel]

Just watch out when going cheap. My DD is on a field trip today and I bought a $25 Vivitar so the kids could take it to things like that. I didn't pay attention and it turns out it does not even have a flash. Never even thought about a digital camera not having a flash.

We haven't moved any to a computer yet- in fact the test pictures she took the other night are gone because other DD opened the battery compartment. That = erased pictures. Tonight we will be sure to transfer any from the field trip in case the batteries go dead quickly. I wish I had just saved that money and bought them a better one.

 

[Jeninindy]

Wished you would have asked this yesterday!!! Cowboom.com had a 10.2mp camera for $29.99.....today's price is $69.99 for new/$45 refurbished if you wanted to do that....

There are some auctions going on there too, maybe you could try your luck at one of them!

http://www.cowboom.com/product/671843

 

[crazelion]

Wished you would have asked this yesterday!!! Cowboom.com had a 10.2mp camera for $29.99.....today's price is $69.99 for new/$45 refurbished if you wanted to do that....

There are some auctions going on there too, maybe you could try your luck at one of them!

http://www.cowboom.com/product/671843

That is great site to. They have some great bargains.

 

[disney4us2002]

I just read an interesting article about how digital cameras are becoming a thing of the past. It said that the trend was for people to use their cell phone cameras instead. They said the "one function" aspect of the digital camera (only takes pictures) is the downfall. A phone can take pictures, make calls, do apps, etc.

Actually, depending on their cell phone, maybe the pictures will be better than a $30 digital camera??? I don't know. I haven't compared quality. But I know a cell phone I was looking at had an 8 MP camera on it!

Also, I assigned my students to make an iMovie for a school project. I offered this beautiful camera and camcorder that I purchased with a grant. No one needed these. They all made their movies with their phones!!! And you couldn't tell. Afterwards I asked how they all made their movies since no group came to borrow my camcorder and they told me they used their phones!!

I guess this isn't really helpful to the OP, but it reminded me of that article I just read.

Maggie

I was thinking along these lines as well. I just bought a new GPS for my dh and it apparently takes pictures and can make movies as well - who knew? One of the amazon gold deal specials I bought for my college son last week was a flashlight that also is a digital camera - good grief - they're everywhere!

 

[jmunutt]

I agree with this. I have an iphone and it takes great pictures, better than my digital camera. We just had a baby in May and used the iphone for pictures and they came out great!! And it is so much easier because you don't have to keep up with a camera. You always have your phone with you.

That is so sweet of you to think of doing something nice for them.

See, I have an iPhone 3GS and I think taking pictures with it stinks. While the pics themselves may look OK, it's a pain to wait for it to focus and set the shot. I much prefer a camera.


Good luck finding a camera to fit your budget, it is very sweet of you to think of doing this.

Debby

 

[luvthemouse71]

Sorry, but I wouldn't bother buying one of those cheap cameras. They're junk. I've seen decent ones for about $79 and some good ones for slightly over $100.

I'd sooner take pics with a camera phone than one of the cheap models. I'd maybe buy one for a kid, but not to take baby pictures.

Maybe you could give a gift card for some of it and they could put in the rest?

 

[luvthemouse71]

I just read an interesting article about how digital cameras are becoming a thing of the past. It said that the trend was for people to use their cell phone cameras instead. They said the "one function" aspect of the digital camera (only takes pictures) is the downfall. A phone can take pictures, make calls, do apps, etc.

Actually, depending on their cell phone, maybe the pictures will be better than a $30 digital camera??? I don't know. I haven't compared quality. But I know a cell phone I was looking at had an 8 MP camera on it!

Also, I assigned my students to make an iMovie for a school project. I offered this beautiful camera and camcorder that I purchased with a grant. No one needed these. They all made their movies with their phones!!! And you couldn't tell. Afterwards I asked how they all made their movies since no group came to borrow my camcorder and they told me they used their phones!!

I guess this isn't really helpful to the OP, but it reminded me of that article I just read.

Maggie

I don't think digital cameras will ever go away. Maybe for your average soccer mom/ Joe Schmoe but many people enjoy photography as a hobby. A cellphone camera will not cut it for those people.

 

[maggiew]

I don't think digital cameras will ever go away. Maybe for your average soccer mom/ Joe Schmoe but many people enjoy photography as a hobby. A cellphone camera will not cut it for those people.

I don't think the article was saying all cameras would go away. I think they were talking about the small, point and shoot type cameras. Not professional photographers or hobbyists.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

I found the article.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/In-Smartphone-Era-nytimes-1102949571.html?x=0

Maggie