Digi cams

[gage0921]

In the market for a digi cam under $200 and so far im considering the Canon a520 and one of the kodaks. Im a beginer with all this so im not real sure what I need or should buy. I cant imgaine I would need anything besides a auto setting or a maybe a setting for objects that are in movement so most of the extras will go unused. I would like it to do video though.

[roughrider]

I recently bought a Sony T5. I paid $305 for a supposed open box. Everything looked new to me, just the box was damaged a little. I got it from crutchfield.com It came with a free case. Free shipping and no tax. Crutchfield is pretty good because they offer a 30 day trial on all their products. They even cover return shipping.

[gage0921]

Very nice but to pricey..............but yes crutchfeild is great spent alot of dinero there over the years.

[DoubleE]

Sean:

The Canon A520 is good little camera.

This is probably the best review site on the web. There's an in-depth review there of the A520. Click on Cameras on the left side. In his overall assessment, he says It would be hard to find a better camera for the novice photographer than the Canon A520. Great endorsement!

Jerry

[Dripp]

I have only owned two digital cameras, a Canon and a Nikon, but both were purchased second hand, for $200. Both have worked flawlessley, the Canon for 3 years and still going when I gave it to my sister. Something to consider. I am a bi fan of buying nice things, second hand.

[atnight]

i would spend more than $200. meaning $300 or $400.

that's the difference between a cheapo digital camera and an entry level one.

i would second the canon/nikon recommendations. Both are camera specialists, they use similar lenses, and that's still what takes a good picture- not gizmos or digital zoom/interpolation. one of these guys grinds the glass for the other, or something like that.

i would get a camera that uses a lithium ion battery and comes with a recharger, instead of one that uses disposable batteries. there's the argument that you can buy rechargeable batteries and a charger, i suppose.

overall for longevity, I would vote for Canon. These cameras stick around, and most of them feel like actual cameras in your hand- not pieces of plastic, as only on the very low end does Canon not provide sturdy metal casing.

As for Sony- they do have some very good cameras here and there, but they're inconsistent as they're an electronics maker and not a camera maker. Plus, unless you have a Vaio or a PSP, their media (memory sticks) is expensive and proprietary, and can't be used with other cameras, which I think is a money-making gimmick. The media isn't superior, it's just proprietary.

Sony video cameras are another story, though.

Also, plan on buying a media card and a case, as most cameras come with a card of paltry storage size, and no case.

Good luck!

[joel]

Sean,
Buy a $300-400 camera for $200 or less.... that is my recommendation, as that is what I did!

No - I am not being a smart ass, if you go to fatwallet and watch - within a week or two a smokin' hot deal on a digital camera will pop up. About 8 months ago or so, I bought a Canon SD400 for $170 with a case and extra battery from Dell.com.... it was like a $450-500 camera at that time.

I have a vast array of digicam knowledge but cannot/will not recommend a specific camera for you, as your WANTS will severly shape the brand/style you should look at. For example, if you want sheer quality and don't care about the size, you'll want a digital SLR, where as if you want a very tiny micro sized camera that still has a digital zoom, you'll be more interested in a Canon (like mine) or a Casio.

Two top brands? Canon and Olympus. Olympus has the best optics and Canon has the best color processors and pictures. The canon flash tends to be a bit aggressive, which is good and bad.

Good luck! If I/we can help - lemme know!!

[gage0921]

The camera will be mainly used when I go out to sea and of course for my son......dont know if that makes a diff. Thanx guys I just need to look around.

[roughrider]

As Jerry suggested, read the reviews at www.dpreview.com and hopefully it will help you find the one you're looking for.

[Scotto]

I have a Canon Powershot A80, and love it. I don't know what they are going for nowadays, though.

[DoubleE]

Sean:

You may want to consider a small camera that fits into your pocket so it's always with you when you want it. The problem with the larger cameras are they're never around when you need them. Here's a Pentax you might want to consider. I have an older version of this and it fits in an Altoid tin. It would probably do a nice job for what you need as well. Just another option.

Jerry

[joel]

Sean,
Get a weather/waterproof Olympus. If you are out at sea - or the little one will be muckin' around with it.... it's gotta have a steel cased construction, and is simply HAS to be weatherproof.

[gage0921]

Sean,
Get a weather/waterproof Olympus. If you are out at sea - or the little one will be muckin' around with it.... it's gotta have a steel cased construction, and is simply HAS to be weatherproof.

Well there goes keepin it under $200

[DoubleE]

Sean:

Joel makes a good point about the waterproofness and being at sea. Here's another option that's not a lot more than your price point (after rebate). I have a friend who owns one and loves it.

You may want to consider an extra battery for whatever camera you end up buying. It makes recharging a lot easier if you're traveling or on vacation. Once the small batteries die, you have no camera so it's nice to have a spare with you.

Jerry

[joel]

Well there goes keepin it under $200

Wait for a deal.... and you can easily keep it around $150-200.

[obsessis]

i am looking for a digital camera too, if you find a good deal on one let me know.

[obsessis]

i picked up a canon a520 for 160 on amazon.com, special pricing, 5% off, free shipping. waiting for it to arrive, i'm psyched.

[Austin]

Gents, here's a 10% off coupon from buy.com for your electronics purchases. Just follow this link:

http://www.buy.com/retail/coupon.asp...61&dcaid=17261

[ERIC]

I am with Joel on that . I have an olympus stylus digital. Its weatherproof, durable , works real good. I have owned a few olympus stylus ( non- digitals) they're tanks. good luck Eric