Rookie looking for a camera

[straightj23]

Hey guys. I've really admired all of your pictures. They're all awesome. Anyway, taking pictures would be fun.........if I had a camera. I'm looking into getting a digital camera. I want one that is a good camera to start out with that isn't too expensive. Any suggestions?

 

[Master Mason]

couple of questions.

First off. What do you mean by not too expensive. Under $150, under 200, under 300. Everyones definition is a little different.

Next. What is important to you. Do you need a big zoom? Do you need for it to fit into your pocket?

I would suggest you automaticly rule out any camera that is below 5MP at this time.

 

[straightj23]

couple of questions.

First off. What do you mean by not too expensive. Under $150, under 200, under 300. Everyones definition is a little different.

Next. What is important to you. Do you need a big zoom? Do you need for it to fit into your pocket?

I would suggest you automaticly rule out any camera that is below 5MP at this time.

Well, under $200. I would like it to fit in my pocket. Other than that, it really doesn't matter. I've never owned an advanced camera before. The most I've used is a Kodak disposable camera. Yeah. 5MP? What's that?!? Big zoom? I'm sorry, but I guess I'm not really a rookie at this because I really don't know anything about "real" cameras yet.

 

[Master Mason]

Ok,

As a starting point. Go to http://dpreview.com/ and http://www.steves-digicams.com/ Take a look at the Canon A540 This is the camera my 14 year old son has. It is mostly a point and shoot, but does have some capablity to do some manual settings if you get adventurous.

Read about this camera, then come back, and ask questions. Tell us what you like or dislike about it and see what others say about it. Once you have a baseline you can look up or down the ladder to see what else is there....

 

[jann1033]

just as an add on to the above if you get stuck with unknown vocabulary in the reviews, check on their home page, i think both have a glossary...

 

[Livin'4Disney]

Okay, I am certainly not a pro by any stretch of the means, but....

I have been in the market for our first digital camera and low and behold this weekend ALDI has a digital camera, but I had not heard of the brand. So, I went on line immediately and googled it and found several reviews from the UK on it. Evidentally it is rebranded with the name Traveler but has all Sony parts inside. We bought it for 199.00 it is 8.1mp w 6x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch viewing screen. It comes with the docking station, case, 3 yr. warranty, etc. We love it so far and what a bargain!! Everything I was looking at and researching with these specs. were in the 300-400 dollar range.

Anyway, just thought I would post this. I don't know if you have an ALDI near you but you can check at aldi.com for locations