Photographer's advice! Need a good Digi Camera 150$ OR LESS

trimcut123

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Photographers , I need help!!! I would have just searched the topic. But i need an up to date awnswer.Im shopping for X-mas. Im gettin this and a few things for my girl. But i dont have a friggin clue and what type of digital camera to pick. She wants it to be compact. I know i want high mega pixels n stuff. But whats a good one. It must have some of the following characteristics. Anyone with experience please.... Im sure i need to purchase a memory card too... :confused::confused:
-compact/Slim- good for travel n such
-Atleast 7 Mega Pixls
-Lotsa Zoom
-Video recorder
-Durable and good for a beginner
-Quality is important too
- She likes pink, but pink doesnt make me think of quality...
I just want it to take really good pics and not break the first time it gets dropped, and yes it will get dropped with all the people in the family and friends and whatever,
Thnks for any help.
Email is zerochance@sbcglobal.net, in case theres something super secret i must know.....:D:confused:
 
- She likes pink, but pink doesnt make me think of quality...

Sony DSC-W55/P
(7.2MP, 3072x2304, 3x Opt, 56MB Internal Memory, Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick PRO Duo Slot - MPN: DSCW55P)
lowest shipped price found $168.95

It's in Pink .....
SonyW55P.jpg


review at dcResource

review at Imaging-Resource

Personally I would rather get the Sony W80
- shipped price $195.95 - also available in Pink

Or for $139.99 shipped -
Fuji FinePix Z10fd also available in "hot" Pink
(7.2MP, 3072x2304, 3x Opt, 54MB Internal Memory, SD/SDHC/xD-Picture Card Slot - MPN: 15777098)
fujifilm-z10fd-pinkS.jpg


--
Vincent
http://picasaweb.com/UnknownVincent
http://UnknownVincent.Shutterfly.com
http://UnknownVT.Shutterfly.com
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I recently bought a Kodak C875 that was on sale at half price (that's about $200 US here in Mexico), I often see digital cameras on sale at local stores, I guess that if you shop around you may find something good.

I like Steve's Digicams for reviews and info on digital cameras.

I think that Vincent (UnkownVT in previous post) knows the subject well.

Luis
 
I have a C643 Kodak that is as small as a 35mm throwaway camera.It takes great pictures,it has a closeup feature that will take clear pictures down to about 6in and it'll also take decent video clips.I don't think the are much over $120.00 from Wally World and it's worked great for the past year.
 
I would suggest Canon's A570. It is 7 megapixels and has a 4x optical zoom. Canon, along with Sony probably have the best video recording in a stills camera.

This camera offers great value at about $157. It takes a very good photo and its 4x zoom is better than most compacts that only offer 3x. This camera may not be as slim as you would like because it is powered by 2 standard AA batteries. This does however give you the advantage of being able to easily pop new ones in should you run out at a critical moment.

If you go for this, get at least a 1gb fast SD memory card and a decent battery charger with 4 AA high capacity batteries (2500mah or more). This will allow one set of batts in the camera and one spare.
 
Get a Canon. It is more important to get good optics than lots of megapixels and phony digital "zoom" features. Only optical zoom counts. For that matter the best way to zoom is with your feet (get closer to your subject). Canon is a number-one camera company. They have great optics. Also get a 1GB SD storage card. You do go through batteries fast. Pretty much do everything that Millhouse suggests.
 
I have a Nikon coolpixL12. It's done everything I want, I've taken over 3000 pictures with it in 3 months. It has 7 megapixels (If I remember correctly) and 3x optical zoom.
 
Thnks for all the advice guys, im searching those cameras now. Using what info you gave me. Hope to come to a decision soon. The help is greatly appreciated. Makes a huge difference.....:D:thumbup:
Matt B.
 
Canon 570IS is probably the the most powerful compact in the (very limited) <$150 range, and has a great function set for beginning or severely budgeted amateurs. (You may be able to get better models if you eBay for used Canons, but of course. used cameras don't make for great gifts). The image stabilization is also great for people without a lot of photography experience. Its video recording capabilities are tremendous for a compact (60fps video!)

It however may not suitable as a "cute" or "pink" camera. It's not as small as other compacts and doesn't fold up neatly into a box due to contoured grips. If your girl won't mind that, then it is the best option available. Otherwise, a Nikon Coolpix or Sony Cybershot is not a bad option.

Also, please don't look for cameras with "lotsa zoom" (digital zoom is not real zoom) or huge megapixel numbers. Those are gimmicky figures. In fact, you should especially beware of >7 megapixel cameras in the <$200 range. They are very likely to be oversampling gimmicks.

Battery-wise, always use rechargable NiMH cells from a reputable company for cameras. (Or lithium/li-ions, if your income can singlehandedly feed a small country.) They not only save you a lot of money (because they are rechargeable), but they also last several times longer on a charge than putting in a set of fresh alkalines, because they drop voltage less in their discharge cycle.
 
Can this cannon 570IS be charged by plugging it in itself. Or must i always purchase of charge the batteries seperatly. Regardless, seems like this get every ones vote. The only other i was looking at was a kodac 7.1 Mega pixle compact. If you know what that is. It charges on its own i believe. But is it a value , or should i stick with the cannon.
Thnks
Matt
 
Can this cannon 570IS be charged by plugging it in itself. Or must i always purchase of charge the batteries seperatly. Regardless, seems like this get every ones vote. The only other i was looking at was a kodac 7.1 Mega pixle compact. If you know what that is. It charges on its own i believe. But is it a value , or should i stick with the cannon.
Thnks
Matt


Out of the box, the Canon comes supplied with 2 ordinary AA alkaline batteries. These do not last very long and I would strongly recommend that you purchase a decent brand AA battery charger with 4 high capacity NiMh batteries, 2500mah or above (more can be added later if necessary). This will give you a longer run time and also save you money in the long term.

The Canon cannot charge batteries within itself, which is why you must have a seperate charger. However, I consider this an advantage as you can still use the camera whilst recharging exhausted cells. Also, in a pinch, if all your rechargeables are exhausted, you can still put in standard alkalines and capture that once in a lifetime shot.

I would still recommend the Canon as it offers the best overall picture quality in its price range. Isn't that why we want a camera?
 
I just bought Sandy a Canon SD870IS for our anniversary. She wanted "point and shoot" and she got it. I, on the otherhand, got an incredible camera that can do almost as much as my SLR Digitals. And the thing's about the size of a pack of cigarettes. The photos here were taken with it. And we both love the big 3 inch screen.

Sorry for the recommendation...I didn't see the dollar value in the title...soooooo nevermind.
 
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