Digital cameras questions

[Argeo]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a decent digital camera for around $200. I have a color printer/scanner so I think I am all set for printing.

What else would I need to get the photos from the camera to the printer?

Thanks,

David

[imcarthur]

For camera reviews see Steve's

He even has sample pictures to compare digital shots.

I just got a Canon A75. It's in your budget. Haven't used it yet cause it's for the wife's birthday next week.

Ian

[Argeo]

Thanks Ian.

[928ram]

The Nikon Coolpix series are good, I have the 2MP version which I carry with my film gear and it's proven durable and reliable. In your range I think you can get the 4mp version. The Kodaks seem to be reliable also, and from what I've heard the company will bend over backwards if you do have a problem; stick with the "DX---" series there as the have the better lenses and features than the "CX" series. I'd stay away from the Sonys, at least the small (cybershot?) series; they have proven problematic and warranty coverage is said to be non-exsisitant. Of course you really can't go wrong with Canon products.

[Argeo]

I apologize, I really know nothing about these things.

How about this one? It is $188 at shipdog.com. What else would I need to get the pictures from the camera to my computer? I would like my wife to have everything she needs to take and print photos on the same day.

Thanks again,

David

[Argeo]

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/nikon4300.html

Sorry, this is the link.

[RickM]

With whatever camera you get consider the type of memory and batteries used.

A memory stick, used with Sony, will cost more per MB than other formats. Secure Digital (SD) just surpassed all other memory types and is the most popular. Also, some memory cards have faster read/write times. It's always listed on the packaging.

Consider a camera that uses standard size batteries as opposed to proprietary types. AA and AAA are common in many cameras and you can get a few sets of the Lithium or NiH rechargables with charger at Walmart.

[imcarthur]

As Rick said:

Normal batteries.
Normal memory.

And the other big irritation is picture lag time - the time it takes to take the next picture. My stepson has some Fuji thing & it takes forever. It varies greatly camera to camera.

As for hookup, I assume your puter has a USB port? If yes, it is easy & whatever software is supplied should work.

[RickM]

Originally posted by imcarthur

And the other big irritation is picture lag time - the time it takes to take the next picture.

I think the faster memory cards may help...but the camera is to blame as well. Irritates me also.

I also hate looking at an LCD on the back of the camera....in daylight it's downright unusable. I never use the optical viewfinder as it's not as accurate. An intergration of the two would be ideal for me.

[imcarthur]

Yeah, it seems to be a lot easier to shoot out of focus than with my trusty SLR. I always want to snap again before the digits are ready & when I do, I often shoot out of focus because I was impatient waiting for the green go light.

[928ram]

Argeo, the 4300 is a "last year's" model, the new ones in that size are the 4100 and 4200.
Digital cameras are alot like PCs, every year something newer and faster comes out in the same price range. What you get is a higher MP count per dollar and improved imaging sensor and lower lag time; the lag time is the biggest annoyance with digicams.
Take a look at all the models that you are interested in at the MFG's websites to compare features, the look at the reviews.
Keep in mind that unless this is an X-mas present, electronics usually are big after Christmas items for sale prices.

[RickM]

FWIW, when I get another Digi I will look for the following:

Excellent closeup capability. Harder to find than one might think.
Better viewfinder..as mentioned above.
Less lag time
Higher OPTICAL zoom capability (NOT digital zoom)
Panoramic capability would be nice but not crucial

Notice I didn't say higher megapixel count. IMO, even 4-5 MP is overkill for most people. Unless you're doing very large prints or posters. My Sony camcorder (with still pic capabilty) is very light on megapixel count but utilizes 3 CCDs, not one as most camcorders or cameras. The color replication and saturation is unbelievably good. Superior to my high pixel count Digi Camera.

www.epinions.com is a great place to see feedback from product owners. Also, www.slickdeals.net often has discount coupons and rebats for cameras and memory. www.newegg.com and www.ecost.com also have great prices.

Edit:

Add to my list, seamless video clips. My camera does an excellent job but is a bit glitchy. Perhaps a faster card or camera will solve this. I've seen flawless results with other cameras. Originally I didn't think I'd use this feature but I use it alot...easier than lugging a camcorder around. As storage cards get bigger this becomes more attractive. IMO Camera/Camcorders, using 100% solid-state tech, will be predominantly marketed as one product within the next couple of years. They're already here....

[island911]

All excellent info, above.

I just researched the ~$200 digies, last week, for gift ideas. I went w/ the Canon A75. -- Std AA batteries, CF memory, nice ergonomics, size, features. . . and , like w/ 911 design history, Canon refines from a good base configuration, rather than redesign from the ground, up, at every Industrial Designers whim.

Having a somewhat standard body means also that many parts and acessories are easily available. (add-on lenses, under-water cases. . . )

[RickM]

Island,

Check this out: http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail.asp?dpno=491666 1 gig, 80X speed CF card @ $76 smackers...not bad at all.

There are also CF adapters that accept SD cards if you have any of those laying around.

[911pcars]

My wife/daughter use a Canon A75 as well. Good choice and recommended. Now under $200 as it has been superceded (what else?) by a newer model, A85.

Sherwood

[id10t]

I have a Fuji S5000 - a little more than what you want to pay though. Lots of optical zoom, almost no lag between pictures. In fact, it has one setting where it takes 5 pics in 1 second - great for moving targets like kids having fun.

[ubiquity0]

I have the Canon A65 (the 2.0 MP version of the A75). I found it for $120 6 months ago. Its simple, has more potential for user control than most point-and-shoot digis, and the lens seems fairly good. Most people view megapixel count as the be all & end all of digicams. In reality anything over 2MP is probably not going to improve the image quality of a standard 4x6 print. The 3MP A75 should be great, unless you frequently need big enlargements.

[EdT82SC]

We just purchased a Canon A75 as a Christmas present for my sister in law. We bought it mostly because of the high rating Consumer Reports gave it, and it takes 4 AA batteries. According to CR it takes excellent pictures, and can take over 500 pictures with flash before needing to recharge the batteries.

EDIT: BTW we got it for $180

[azasadny]

Canon A75 3.2 Megapixel camera from Dell for $180. I'm very happy with the quality and price. I use a CimpactFlash 256MB card that I already had. My Nikon Coolpix 2.1 died after 10 months...

[notfarnow]

Ditto on the Canon A75... Got mine a few months ago and use it A LOT. Very easy to use, and seems to be very tough as it has taken a couple hard drops with no ill effects.

It takes GREAT pictures.

When I decided to get a digital camera my brother, who's into photography, told me to make sure to get a Canon for all the reasons that Island911 listed above. You yanks are lucky though, I paid almost 400 canuck bucks after tax.