digital cameras?

[Lorelai]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:44pm

I've been wanting to purchase a digital camera for quite awhile so my mother gave me a gift card for B&H for my birthday. I plan on researching before I buy anything but does anyone have any suggestions and/or advice as to a make and model? I'm looking for a camera that is easy to use, has optical zoom and decent quality pictures. The gift card is for $400 but I could probably afford to chip in some money if it's worth it (or if I can get something cheaper...that would be good too!). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:53pm

I was actually in just the same situation. I had never bought one before and always wanted one so after I got my giftcard, I started looking around. I decided on a Canon Powershot SD400 and I LOVE IT. It's really one of the best things I've ever bought. I also picked up a 1GB card that holds around 1000 pictures, because the one it came with I believe only holds about 100. That cost me an extra $75 but I think in the long run it's worth it.

[DramaDork925]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:57pm

I have a Kodak Easyshare... It's simple.. a little big but it works just fine. I love it.

[cheezedoodle]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:58pm

I too just bought my first digital camera and I love it! I ended up with a Canon S2 IS. It's a bit pricey but it takes beautful shots and also does movies.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 2:01pm

The only advice I have is to get a good one, not just an affordable one. It's an investment, and you'll really regret it later if you skimp and your pictures don't turn out as well (in case it isn't obvious, I know this from experience). Now, for $400 I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a really nice camera.

[justagirl2]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 2:09pm

I have a Samsung Digimax i5. I'm no technology buff, but it takes gorgeous pictures, has great color quality, and doesn't take up much room.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 2:13pm

Of course I recommend going the full mile and getting a real SLR camera, but if you must get the point-and-shoot....

The Canon PowerShot series (both the tiny SD models and the larger, sturdier A models) is fantastic. A good website to check out is www.dpreview.com, which reviews all digital cameras and has sample photos.

I took my two year-old Canon PowerShot A60 with me to Europe, and the picture quality was pretty good for a point-and-shoot. Check out some of my shots:

BlueWizard's photos taken with a Canon PowerShot A60

Updated On: 1/7/06 at 02:13 PM

[ikmbway]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 2:16pm

I have an Pentax Optio S4i and I love it. Small and takes awesome pictures but they have a new one out. It costs the same that I got mine at 2 years ago and it takes better pictures. The model is S5z I think. I'll get you a link. Also, they take awesome videos as well.

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/digital_camera--Optio_S5z/reqID--6533532/subsection--optio
Updated On: 1/7/06 at 02:16 PM

[Lorelai]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:00pm

I've been told that Canons are very reliable so I'm glad that a couple of the comments posted have backed that up. I agree with BlueWizard about shooting with a real SLR camera, it's just that I have a two SLR cameras (not digital) for when I shoot more seriously and I want a camera that I can have carry with me to shoot everyday pics.
Thanks for the suggestions...especially the links, they have been especially helpful.

[wowobball2000]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:13pm

The Nikon cameras are also supposed to be very reliable and less bulky when compared with Canons.

[Billboard Girl]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:41pm

I bought a Nikon Coolpix S1 a few months ago and I love it. It's thin enough to fit in a small bag without taking up too much space, but it also has a very nice sized screen for viewing the pictures you take. I think it cost around $350.

[pab]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 3:55pm

I agree with cheezedoodle and over 100 reviewers on Amazon.com:


Canon Powershot S2 IS

[duroc]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 4:55pm

I recommend Canon as well. I own the Canon Powershot A10 (their first model) and I still think it takes great pictures.

If you want to look around though, check out this site for reviews: http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/

[MissMonika]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 5:07pm

i love my camera. i have an Olympus D-580 and it's really great. i wanted to get a Cannon powershot but didn't have enough money so i settled for this. i don't mind because it works great.

[Plum]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 5:09pm

Uh, having used a Canon Powershot SD400, I can tell you it's by no means bulky. I've seen smaller cameras, but not many, and I imagine their picture quality isn't quite as good, especially in non-ideal conditions.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:39pm

There was a discussion on this a few months ago:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=off&thread=869028#1448176

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=off&thread=863294#1320906

They might be helfpul.

I have a Canon Powershot A95 and it took great pictures in China. I am very happy with it.

A lot depends on what you are looking for. As others have said, don't just focus on megapixels - you need to make sure the lens and camera itself is good. Also, proprietary batteries can be a problem if you are on vacation and cannot anything other than the standard sized ones.

I always look to Consumer Reports first, then go from there.

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:40pm

i love my kodak easyshare... plus it's got a printer with it too.

[Cheez Whiz]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:46pm

Well, I'm definitely not an expert, but I have the Canon Powershot, and I am absolutely in love with it.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:54pm

My mom has an Easyshare, and she loves it.

I have a Canon, and love it.

I think as long as you stick with some of the major brands, who have been known to make good cameras (digital or not digital) then you should be fine. Also, you should test the size of the camera in your hand to make sure it is comfortable. Both the Easyshare and Powershot are mid-sized cameras,and are comfortable to hold.

I get a little concerned about the really small ones - dropping them and all.

[Cheez Whiz]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:56pm

And I must say, steer clear of the Olympus brand cameras. They're just terrible, in my opinion.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 6:57pm

I have a Kodak EasyShare and i love it.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 7:43pm

FYI, the January Consumer Reports has its quick pick recommendations. Those categories that seem to match your budget/needs and have cameras under 300

Best Values to most people:

Canon Powershot A510
Olympus D-580
Sony Cybershot S60

You may want to check out January's Consumers Report for the full article.

For Additional Flexibility:

Kodak EasyShare Z700
Olympus C-5500
Canon Powershot A95

For a camera that fits in a purse

Canon Powershot SD300
Sony Cybershot DSC-L1