Recommend a digital camera?

[khlarrissa]

I have this ancient HP PhotoSmart 215 camera that I can't get to plug and play with XP and HP apparently makes you pay for the udpated driver. Riiiiiight, because it makes sense to pay $25-$50 for a driver for a 6-year-old digital camera!

So now I'm thinking I'm going to finally break down and buy a new camera before a big trip I have planned in a couple of months. And, hey, maybe some other pics will find their way here ...

Any recommendations? I'm looking to spend less than $200 and here are the reasons I hate the digital camera I have (current issue aside):

1. When I press the button a camera, I want it to take the picture RIGHT NOW, not two seconds from now.
2. Battery drain. (But when I bought mine, they used AA batteries. I think that's possibly changed?)
3. It's not much smaller than my film camera, so what's the point, when I can get a CD when I get the film processed?

 

[CowBoy18^]

ive a samsung NV10, got it on sale at amazon, was only 150 bucks i think
its 10.1 megapixals with an antishake option which comes in handy, big zoom too

 

[DrHappy]

I don't have a specific camera to recommend, but probably the best digital camera review site on the planet can be found at http://dpreview.com/.

 

[fgarvb1]

Fuji A800 and a one Gig card.

run about $240 us or less. runs off of 2-AA batteries


http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/fuji-finepix-a800_reviews.html


The Fuji Finepix A800 is their first 'A' series camera to feature a large, 8-megapixel sensor. The A800 is a simple, point-and-shoot camera meant for casual users and novices. Instructional menus allow for easy modifications to settings, and an approachable, familiar design makes this a nice choice for the everyday photographer.

Specifications
8.3 megapixels
3x optical zoom
Autofocus and exposure
JPEG file format
ISO 100-800
Movie mode with sound
xD-Picture Card and Secure Digital Card storage (10MB internal)
2.5-inch LCD
2 AA batteries

 

[kindashy]

Wow, 1.3 MegaPixel, that is what we have in most camera phones these days.

Here is two places with good prices and decent selection (I have ordered from both in the past without any trouble):
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=12&name=Digital-Cameras
http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=CAM

The advice about Amazon is also good. I was using shopping bot to find something else (brake pads) and was surprised when one of the best prices came up from Amazon.

I would probably look at Nikon, Canon and Fuji because they make cameras for professionals as well as the regular people like us.

Don't forget to get tripod for taking photos at home...

 

[khlarrissa]

Although I imagine the $200 range explains it, I should mention that I'm a simple point-and-shoot girl -- zoom and self-timer are about the most complicated things (I think) I need on a digital camera.

 

[iemtzingu]

Sony Cybershot and Nikon Coolpix are pretty decent. Good Luck!

 

[n3rdman]

The canon rebel xt is absolutely brilliant and I would highly recommend it.

 

[Scribbleros]

I use a canon rebel xt.

If you want something simple to use, I recommend a panasonic lumix. best value for the price.

 

[Weird Harold]

1. When I press the button a camera, I want it to take the picture RIGHT NOW, not two seconds from now.

I think you'll find that problem has been done away with in almost any new camera.

2. Battery drain. (But when I bought mine, they used AA batteries. I think that's possibly changed?)

That's the one thing I dislike about my Digital Concepts camera; it eats batteries at a horrific rate. It is a problem mostly with low end cameras so on a $200 budget, it'a something you're probably going to have to deal with -- just make sure that it stores the pictures on non-volitile memory like a memory card.

3. It's not much smaller than my film camera, so what's the point, when I can get a CD when I get the film processed?

The "point" is that digital images don't cost anything to "process," you don't have to wait to "to see if the pictures came out," and you only pay for printing the images you want/need in hard-copy.

You can get digital cameras that are smaller than a pack of TicTac candies, but why anyone with normal sized hands would want one is a mystery to me. Any camera smaller than a deck of playing cards or pack of cigarettes is just inherently difficult to use because you can't get a firm grip on it without getting a finger over the lense.

Go to the camera counter of Wal-mart, K-mart, or other chain store and find the camera in your price range that:

A) fits your hand
b) has the features you want/need arranged in a way that you can remember how to use them
c) Has a USB interface that doen't require a special driver -- i.e. one that Windows sees as a removable drive or memory stick rather than as a "Camera."

 

[Wolfysden]

I guess it would depend on what you really wanted to do with the camera.

About 5 years ago we purchased a OLYMPUS D-360L. At the time a digital with 1.3 megapixel was a hot number. Got a lot of good use out of it and its still in mint condition, but very rarely used now (been thinking about selling).

Just purchased a JVC GZ-MG155U Everio Hybrid Camcorder with 30 gig hard drive. This little baby does it all. Not only does it take great videos (and the 800X zoom is perfect for some great outdoor distance recording) but the pictures it takes are great.
Some of the things we like is the battery life is about 70 minutes and we picked up a spare extra life so we can record up to 4 hours without worry. We also like being able to take a video, and capture still shots at the same time ( no more editing a video to grab still shots ). In the "picture" mode, you can take pictures at a rate of .03 seconds apart by holding the shutter button down.
Video recording can be in wide-screen or full screen format, as can picture taking.
Downloading to your comuter is a breeze and although it comes with some kwel software, we don't use it. Just plug it in (cable was provided with purchase) to a USB port on the computer, turn it on, push "connect to PC" button, and the computer sees it as another drive. Drag and drop pictures and video's in the matter of seconds.
Video's show up as a .mod file. Was concerned about viewing, but guess what, right mouse click the file and rename the ext to .mpg and Windows Media Player now plays it.
Converting to VOB for creating of DVD is really simple and any software will work. Pictures come out as JPEG.

The only "CON" to this one is that although it fits perfect in your hand (and the strap is great in helping the control ) for distance shots or video's it would be best to use a tyi-pod. Although the stabilization is great and adjustable thru the menu, unless you have a very steady hand, use a tri-pod.

All in all, it just depends on what your use will be, and what budget your on.


Cheer's

 

[jade1033]

well my hubby said to go to the local pawn shop. you can get one there that works great for 50 to 75% off retail and allways get one that uses SD cards and go to wal mart to get them they have them starting at 17 bucks.

 

[Geezerguy]

I would strongly recomment a panasonic lumix model - Amazon have a bunch of them in your price range.

I'd recommend dropping by a proper camera store in your area and / or a Best Buy. Identify a model that you like - ask if it uses a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery - in my view these are the most cost effective digital cameras to run battery-wise.

Anything that takes AA batteries is just a pain in the ass in my view. Shop around find the model you want and then buy it online. You will almost always get a better price online in my experience.

The last 4 digital cameras that I have purchase I have purchase from Amazon - especially now that they front-up for 3rd party sellers they often have the best price.

I myself have a panasonic lumix TZ3 - which rocks - but it might be too much for you - amazon.com have it for $270. But if you could stretch to the extra cash - then it really is an outstanding camera.

I have some photos that I have taken with mine - not lit material - just photos - if you would like to see some examples PM me for a link (I don't think I am allowed to link external websites in messages on here am I?).

 

[ShowMeGal]

Anything that takes AA batteries is just a pain in the ass in my view.

Just curious... how come you think the AA batteries are a bad thing? I actually prefer them. Less expensive and readily available at almost anywhere you may travel in case you need some extras.

I have a Canon Powershot S3. LOVE it! Great optical zoom, 12x. Takes nice video, too. I got it from Beach Camera on-line, free shipping and no tax, total price around $280. This was a few months ago... probably a little less now.

Edited to add: I can see how a single proprietary battery would be a lot quicker and easier to switch out than 4 AA bats. But I still appreciate the easy access to finding AA's in case of a battery emergency.

 

[kindashy]

well my hubby said to go to the local pawn shop. you can get one there that works great for 50 to 75% off retail and allways get one that uses SD cards and go to wal mart to get them they have them starting at 17 bucks.

Not necessarily true about pawnshops. You have to know retail prices in order to figure out if the pawnshop price is really better. Second, most stuff in pawnshops are a few years old, for the price of an old 3.1 Megapixel camera from pawnshop you can buy new 5.1 Megapixel camera. Older cameras also may not be compatible with some newer memory cards like 1 GB and larger SD memory cards. Third, there is usually no warranty on stuff from a pawnshop.

I have been checking local pawnshops for odds and ends every couple of weeks and in my experience their prices are not much better. I can buy online the same electronic items that have been refurbished and have some kind of warranty for the same money that pawnshop will charge me and a pawnshop will not give me an assurance that the item is in 100% working order, most pawnshops sell stuff As Is and no returns!

 

[WriterDom]

I like my Olympus.

 

[dezs]

samsung

samsung 630

it takes 6megapixels pictures. is easy to use and costs less than $115 at circuit city

 

[Snowman5933]

Ok, it seems that everyone is throwing way to much information at you and remember, opinions are like assholes, everybodys got one. If you haven't purchased a camera yet, let me ask you a couple of questions. I know that speed and battery life are high on your list, and to some extent this has gotten alot better, even with point and shoot cameras.

So, what do you want to photograph.....people, places, close-up, anything specific come to mind?

How often do you think you will use the camera......everyday, every month, a couple times a year?

When your using a camera do you prefer looking through a viewfinder or at an lcd screen?

Does size matter? Some people like myself with large hands don't like cameras with little bitty buttons?

And lastly, what do you plan to do with the pictures once you've taken them? Will you keep them on your computer or will you print them, and if so how large of a print will you need?

There are plenty cameras that will fit into your budget, but before you spend your hard earned money, think about my questions, and then will talk.

Snowman

I've been researching camera's keeping your budget in mind, and here is my top pick Fujifilm FinePix S5700.

It's 7.1 megapixels which will produce prints up to 20x30 inches.

It has a 2.5 inch lcd screen which is nice for previewing your photos or taking photos using the live lcd feature.

It supports memory cards up to 2Gb (which means you can about 700 pictures on one card).

The lens covers 38-380mm optically (which means no digital zoom....this is a good thing) and you'll get nice groups shots and closeups.

The only negative thing about this camera is that it doesn't use lithium batteries. You can however pickup a couple good sets of Ni-MH rechargeable batteries that should easily last a full day if your sight seeing while on vacation.

This camera is $190.13 at Amazon with free shipping.

Hope this helps.

Snowman

P.S. Let me know what you get and have fun.

 

[pleasantville]

Canon it's all I have to say. For the money and quickness of the shutter.

 

[dcraz]

The most comprehensive digital camera review site I have found including comparisons and street prices.

http://www.dpreview.com/

For a quick, pocket sized point and shoot with excellent picture quality, fast on and focus and great value for the $ I like the Canon SD models.

 

[khlarrissa]

Whoops! I forgot to update this thread.

I got the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80.

 

[kindashy]

Whoops! I forgot to update this thread.

I got the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W80.

Ouch. I wish you luck.