What's a good camera?

[FrankWatson]

I'm looking to pick up a digital camera but really I'm not sure what to look for in one. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to get or what features to look for in a camera? I'm looking for something in a low to medium price range but that can be a bit flexible.

Thanks,
Frank Watson

[lordsmurf]

Put a number on the dollar range, and then state what your goals are for owning a camera.

Without this info, you'll just get a lot of crappy generic advice that doesn't necessarily apply to YOU as a person.

[Beavis]

I would consider low to medium price range for digital camera around $100-$250

Specific features that might mean something to you would be size of the camera, amount of optical zoom (2X, 3X, 4X would be most common), type of battery (proprietary vs. AA), and whether or not it has image stabilization built in.

In any case, it would be hard to beat any kind of Canon for image quality in this range.

[MJA]

for family/everyday use/pocket size .check the Canon PowerShot SD1100IS. excellent camera

reviews

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011ZK6PC/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=photo

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_sd1100.html

[FrankWatson]

Hmm, looking at probably 200ish, MAYBE 250 max for dollar range, don't really know what to say on features, basically looking for something that can take decent still pictures and home video, etc. Size isn't a huge issue but somewhat portable would be nice. Not sure on optical zoom (I presume more is better? does it matter if zoom is optical or electronic?) or about image stabilization. I'm thinking AA would be good for batteries, or something rechargeable - would rather not have to constantly buy proprietary batteries every time it goes dead. The PowerShot does look very nice, strongly considering buying that. Thanks a bunch for the help! =)

Thanks,
Frank Watson

[jagabo]

Personally, I prefer more zoom. But big zoom requires bigger glass and hence bigger bodies. And image stabilization becomes critical at higher zoom levels. Camera's in this class:
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Powershot-SX110IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B001EQ4C8U/

[lordsmurf]

Digital zoom = bad
Optical zoom = good

"Good video" is debatable

For $200 price range, I highly suggest one of these cameras:
- Canon SD1100 - available in several colors
- Sony W120, Sony W150, Sony W170 - also available in several colors

This one suggested above may be alright too:
- Canon Powershot SX110IS

I personally shoot with several professional-end DSLRs, $,$$$ each, but when I want a pocket camera, I use a black-metallic Sony W120, as suggested above. It has excellent high ISO (low light) image abilities, several decent program modes, and can shoot video adequately.

None of these point and shoot cameras will take very good action shots (sports, animals, kids on playground, etc), but they are great for posed shots ("everybody say cheese"), parties, nights on the town, scenery, documenting (car wrecks, real estate), etc.

Do not worry about megapixels. All current cameras are well above the quality of the glass anyway. There is no difference between a 7MP and a 12MP camera, in the consumer lines. It's a game played by manufacturers now, a gamble that consumers will be gullible enough to bite.

You'll find the best prices generally come from Amazon. If you need any shopping help, PM me. With cameras, I can often find the best deals, and have access to various coupons and specials (including unadvertised ones), because of what I do.

[MJA]

Canon just released the new Canon PowerShot SD1200IS( if you are still interested )

the 1200 got a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor(1100 DIGIC 3 Image Processor)

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021802canonixus100is95is.asp