Inexpensive Digital Camera Recommendation?

wingnut4772

I need to get a digital camera and I want to keep it under $300.00. I don't need bells and whistles just something that I can use easily with my Macbook Pro. I am starting from knowing zilch o rama.

obieone

I know less than zilch and stumbled across a nice camera last year. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7.
It's got 12x optical, 6 megapixel, tons of features including 'micro' which lets you take very close up pics. of small stuff like flowers. I needed that feature for work.
Directions are easy to read- not rocket science. You'll have to check the BB's & CC's to see what the latest M # is and $$$.

carpenter

The Lumix DMC FZ7 is a real good camera, I've had lots of experience with it.
the model has been discontinued though, and now the FZ8 is available. its better, and costs the same.
However both these cameras are "Super Zoom" cameras.
If you're looking at something smaller,what is called a "compact", try looking at
FujiFilm FD50D, which is fantastic, and Canon SD950 which is also great.
The FD50D has great flash functionality, and its battery lasts for ever ( I have one )
both have decent face detection, image stabilizers , an overall nice quality, and an easy interface.
Personally I prefer the compact-in pocket type camera's because in my experience, the smaller the thing is, the more you end up shalping it along with you, and shooting stuff.

whatever you do, don't buy anything untill you've visited http://www.dpreview.com . its a fantastic resource.

Norm Apter

Generally speaking, my preference is either the Lumix series (mentioned above) or Canon Powershot series. I feel that these two brands/lines give the best picture quality in consumer-range cameras, and outdo the well-known Sony cybershot line (though Sony does have nice color). I would recommend looking at stuff through Amazon since they tend to offer better prices than BB and CC with lots of customer reviews (though if you want to get a sense of the feel of the camera, you could test them at one of these places and then see if Amazon offers a better price (of course no tax or free shipping).

I bought a Canon Powersot G9 from Amazon last December and am very pleased. Its a bit more than you want to spend (it comes with all the bells and whistles), but you can certainly get a very nice camera for under $300.

A few suggestions to consider:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5S 9MP $270
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-TZ5S-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0011Z44UA/ref=pd_ts_e_16?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Canon PowerShot A720IS 8MP $199
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-A720IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG2E/ref=pd_ts_e_14?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Canon PowerShot SX100IS 8MP $219 (a little bit bulkier)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX100IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG4W/ref=pd_ts_e_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP $213 (the "slimline" of cameras -- can fit in shirt pocket)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1100IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B0012YC7AE/ref=pd_ts_e_9

Just one thing to keep in mind that I discovered through months of research before I made my purchase. There is a major megapixel war being waged among camera makers but all of the cameras that belong to this class (i.e. Point and Shoot), as opposed to DSLRs which are much more expensive, have relatively small sensors so I don't think there's any reason to choose anything beyond 8MP unless you plan to blow up stuff poster size. It just won't make a difference with typical 4X6 prints or even really 8X10.

wingnut4772

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

jdhdiggs

Continuing off of what Norm said, the lenses on the P&S camera's are a bundle of comprimises as are the sensors. Focus far more on the quality of the color and the functionaliaty of the camera over the pixel count or zoom. I would much rather have a very good 3MP camera than a noisy 10MP one.

Gadabout

Digital Photography Review is where I go for camera reviews and comparrisons when I'm upgrading.

If your not looking for an Ultra Zoom, I would go with the:

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K It's $269 to $292 at Amazon

Offers true wide angle and a decent zoom (35mm eq 28 - 280).
Excellent Optics (Leica) & big enough to gather some decent light.

The on board software is pretty easy to get used to. The camera is also something that someone knew to photography can use well, as well as an experianced user might carry for a point and shoot. If you get this, you won't be itching to upgrade this camera soon. (Unless you get the bug and decide to go 35mm style digital)

I also agree with a good 3mp camera of a noisy 12 mp camera. I would also add that before it gets to the sensors, it starts with the optics and quality of the lens. I only consider 5 brands when shopping for a point and shoot.

Panasonic - Leica Optica
Sony - Zeiss Optics
Nikon, Fuji & Cannon - thier own optics.

Hope that helps a bit,
Scott

madmax

jdhdiggs wrote: »

I would much rather have a very good 3MP camera than a noisy 10MP one.

I'm still using a nikon coolpix with 2mp which always blows away the 6 to 8 mp sonys when it comes to taking closeups of circuit boards and such at work. (where you really need to see everything). We have often used the highest tech camera someone has just to find out the old nikon must be pulled out and the pics re-taken. I'm lookint at the 10mp stylus these days. Its the thinest camera I've seen to date, has good optical zoom and looks sturdy. I haven't seen pics taken with it yet though.
madmax

demaples

I have Nikon Coolpix S9 that takes very good shots as well as video and a Aiptek A-HD High Definition Digital Camcorder that for the price, is awesome. Can be had for $150.
D

Jim Shearer

I'll cast a vote for the Cannons. We bought an A560 a while back. It works quite well. Reasonably quick response when you press the shutter. And the face detection in the auto mode works GREAT. Battery life has improved from early models too.

Cheers, Jim

shack

While I use a Canon DSLR for most of my "serious" photography, I have owned several Kodak Easyshare P&S cameras. They are generally easy to use, take excellent pictures and are reasonably priced. We have never had problems with any of them. My daughter carried one all over Europe last summer and has the same one with her in Africa this summer. Canon, Nikon are generally good as well, but I am a fan of Kodak. Here are a couple of samples from my Kodak CS7530, 5mp camera. It cost around $230 new (street price).

shawn474

My wife has the Canon Powershot SD950 digital ELPH and loves it. It takes VERY nice pictures. The only complaint is the time it takes for the camera to be ready between shots. Not a big deal if you're not taking "action" shots.

jflail2

We've got a Sony with the zeiss optics that can be had for around 200$ or less nowadays. Can't remember the exact model, but I have no complaints with the picture quality, size, etc. It does a good job for a cheap point and shoot camera.

GSRBOB

Dont get a sony. Id go with canon.

wingnut4772

shack wrote: »

While I use a Canon DSLR for most of my "serious" photography, I have owned several Kodak Easyshare P&S cameras. They are generally easy to use, take excellent pictures and are reasonably priced. We have never had problems with any of them. My daughter carried one all over Europe last summer and has the same one with her in Africa this summer. Canon, Nikon are generally good as well, but I am a fan of Kodak. Here are a couple of samples from my Kodak CS7530, 5mp camera. It cost around $230 new (street price).

You had me at the Rat Terrier puppy photo. Awwwwwwwwwww

madmax

Shack, the nipple is showing... This is a family forum, not a Seinfeld adventure. Clean it up man.
madmax

shack

Just for you Chuck!

shack

wingnut4772 wrote:

You had me at the Rat Terrier puppy photo. Awwwwwwwwwww

Close...Gisele's Dad was a Blue Heeler and Mom was a Jack Russell.

Here she is all grown up:

madmax

That will do for now, just watch it in the future. I don't like the random turn on.
madmax

kevhed72

I agree with all the Powershot fans...and don't buy a Sony. I already had one go bad.

Also, DO NOT buy an HP camera...we have these at work and they are the WORST...

wingnut4772

I picked up a Canon 870 IS today. It has a wider lens and is supposed to do well in low lighting. Thanks for all the help. I was wondering if anyone here could Photoshop a pic for me..? I don't have the program yet.

jcaut

I don't claim to be the best, but I'm willing. What do you need?

jasoncauthron at gmail

madmax

wingnut4772 wrote: »

I picked up a Canon 870 IS today. It has a wider lens and is supposed to do well in low lighting. Thanks for all the help. I was wondering if anyone here could Photoshop a pic for me..? I don't have the program yet.

Post some pics please! It doesn't matter what they are.

madmax

RuSsMaN

Hey, try the Rolls-Royce. I read that they're okay, but expensive.

wingnut4772

Thanks. Email sent.

wingnut4772

shack wrote: »

While I use a Canon DSLR for most of my "serious" photography, I have owned several Kodak Easyshare P&S cameras. They are generally easy to use, take excellent pictures and are reasonably priced. We have never had problems with any of them. My daughter carried one all over Europe last summer and has the same one with her in Africa this summer. Canon, Nikon are generally good as well, but I am a fan of Kodak. Here are a couple of samples from my Kodak CS7530, 5mp camera. It cost around $230 new (street price).

madmax wrote: »

Post some pics please! It doesn't matter what they are.

madmax

Ok. Waiting for battery to charge and then I'll get my learn on.

RuSsMaN

Great before / after pics Shack.

madmax

More nipple pics are ok, just don't want you to think I'm a prude...
madmax

shack

Photoshop is pretty nice and can help correct pictures. My goal in photography is to get it as right as I can in the camera...and then use PS as little as possible. It can help though. Here are some before and after pictures a friend took in Costa Rica. He asked me to help make them look a little better. You may or may not like the "fixed" pictures, but it gives you an idea of what can be done.

BEFORE



AFTER



BEFORE



AFTER

schwarcw

Very nice photos and shop work Steve! I used a Canon Ftb (analog SLR) for many years. I had lenses, filters, did my own developing, etc. I left the camera bag in a taxi cab in Paris sometime in 1984. I was so sick, I didn't pick up a camera for almost 15 years. I've got a Sony Cyber Shot which has been very good to me. It's cheap, good performance, built like a tank as it's survived several falls onto concrete and asphalt. I can't complain.

I really like the ultra thin cameras but I suspect the batteries are the exotic and expensive type. I've been tempted to get a DSLR. But as someone noted, the smaller the camera, the more likely you are to have it with you to take photos.

Phone cameras are getting much better. I predict in 10 years, there will be many fewer "camera only" units. Canon, Panasonic, Zeiss, Leica and other big players are going to need to team with phone manufacturers to mass produce a product. High end DSLRs are going to be a niche market.

wingnut4772

Here is one. It will probably be huge. I have to figure out how to size it for this purpose.








Ok. Maybe not.