Posted: 1/25/2003 8:49:58 AM EDT
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Ok I am finally breaking down and buying a camera. So please gimme the lowdown on what to get. Naturally I want the cheapest camera that takes the best pics.[;)] I need one that takes really good pics so I can show off my toys and get in on the dinner pics and be cool like everyone else.[:)] thanks |
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You first need to come to grips iwth the Megapixil. Honestly, 2 megapix is JUST FINE. If you want to take larger then 8x10 pics, then a 3 or 4 megapix is recommended. Next is the optics, this is very important. This is what makes a camera $100 comapired to $400. Since this is your first, I recommend a 2 or 3 megapix with nice optics and a good OPTICAL zoom.(ALWAYS look for the optical zoom, dont worry about digital zoom) I just purchased my first digital camera and I went with the canon powershot S330. It's a good chuck of change for a 2 megeapix, but man it takes the best pics and is very small and can take a beating. Here's a review by an outfit that reviews the top 3 smaller quality cameras in price ranges that are realistic for the first time digital camera buyer. [url]http://www.dcresource.com/specials/Small2MP-Apr02/[/url] All three of these camera's are winners, read this review and decide what one you like the best. This review also has pictures taken with each camera so you can see the difference yourself. Here's where I bought my digital camera [url]http://buydig.com/[/url] They have good prices, good customer help, and great camera packages. $300 bought me tha camera, and an extra $100 bought me a carry case, extra battery, 128 meg stick, and camrea/lens cleaning kit. Hope this helps. Edited to say: take into consideration the package deal when you decide on how much you'll spend, you'd only be fooling yourself if you don't think you need a large memory card and an extra battery. Here's a few pics to show of the zoom of the powershot s330. The pics are not that great, it was getting dark. Warning, these pics are about 1 mge apeice, a few minutes on a dialup will be required to view. No zoom Mt Hood [img]http://208.161.103.89/images/hood_nozoom.JPG[/img] This one is optically zoomed from same spot on road [img]http://208.161.103.89/images/hood_boring.JPG[/img] |
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MillerSHO, you might want to consier linking tohse pictures. That's a lot of bandwidth to use up, plus those of us on POTS are sucking if we want to open a thread with a couple monster photos posted to it. About the camera, I have the Sony DSC-P51. 2.1 megapixle 16MG Memory Stick™ Rechargeable NiMH Batteries (Included) 2x Optical, 3x Digital zoom $250 or so. [img]http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/thumb/son/PC.SON.DSCP51.RT.JPG[/img] |
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I've got an Olympus D-40 Zoom. 4.1 megapixel, 2.8x optical 7x digital zoom. Cost me $450. Takes really good pics. Only down side is that it is a battery hog. Only holds 2 AA batteries. Even the super rechargeables crap out after 30 pics with the display on. Display off I can take about 200 on a set of batteries, depending on how much the flash is being used and the size of the pics. [url]http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_product_lobbypage.asp?product=712[/url] |
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[url]shop2.outpost.com/product/3508614/[/url] Sharp 4.1 megapixel $288 I'm not recommending this camers, just showing it as an example of price and features that I thought was pretty good. The Canon lens is a plus. I bought a Nikon 885 back a few months and am happy. Canon, Sony , Nikon and Olympus are the biggest. Compact flash is the most prevalent memory card IIRC and something to consider although the memory prices are so low it may make no difference. |
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Check out the Olympus D-520 camera. It's 2 megapixel, has 3X optical zoom, comes with 16MB smartmedia card, several flash modes, a movie and burst mode, takes regular AA batteries or rechargable ones, can accept an AC adaptor, USB auto connect, and it's small plus very easy to use. I have the D-510 which was discontinued and the D-520 came out. Actually, now the D-520 is also being discontinued and is only $250 (or maybe even less). It's a great camera for the price, and takes great pictures. |
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For $300.00 the Olympus D550 3.0 megapixels is a pretty good bargain IMO. [img]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=5421[/img] Few more. Sorry, I just saw USN's post. [url]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=5419[/url] [url]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=5103[/url] [url]http://photos.ar15.com/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=5106[/url] I also got some shots from a 4.0 mega Canon Powershot G2 but I can't find them on my CD's. Cost more than a budget camera though. |