what kind of digital camera should i buy?

Question

I like to go hiking and camping and sometimes i need to take a picture really quickly, so it shouldnt be too bulky or heavy. Ideally it would fit in my pocket. I would also like to take nighttime shots and have control over my exposure time. Like, I would like to have 30 second exposures sometimes maybe. Besides these factors my most important priority is the best possible image quality.

Answer 1

It'll depend on what you're willing to spend. I used to work for a newspaper and we had cameras that, without the lenses or flash or anything would cost several thousand dollars.

Try Konika or Minolta, those are really good for a high quality shot.

You're not likely to find one that small, however, that will fit all your needs. They are generally point and shoot and not designed to make high quality photos with long exposures.

My suggestion is to go to one of those camera maker's websites and to pick one you think will suit your needs best.

Answer 2

Take a look at the Olympus Stylus cameras. You like the outdoors, so you're a good candidate for these weather-resistant models. All of the openings are gasketed to keep out dust and moisture, so they tend to stand up better in the outdoors. A little rain won't hurt a Stylus, but would be bad news for a conventional camera of any make. They are NOT underwater cameras!

The image quality is very good. They don't have manual modes, so your 30-second exposure is problematic. They do have many auto presets for different situations, which you might find would work for you.

They are compact and not a burden on the trail.

There are several models at quite reasonable prices up to about $350 for the top-of-the-line 810.

Answer 3

A 30 second exposure is not realistic for the class of camera you are looking for. That sort of exposure only comes on top of the line full sized cameras (like my Sony DSC-R1) and on digital SLR cameras. However, you CAN get a top of the line compact camera that will give you decent night shots and a whopping 15 second exposure if that is what you want.

The camera to have is the Canon PowerShot S80:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s80-review/

You can get the best price from Pricegrabber.com (make sure it's a brand new, factory sealed camera, however). Also, pricegrabber has the absolute best prices on memory cards (I paid less than half for a 2 gig Sony Memory Stick Pro, brand new, sealed in its box....whatadeal).

Understand that this is a top of the line camera and is going to run about $500. You are unlikely to get decent night shots from a less expensive camera. However, if you are willing to use a full sized camera instead, a midrange one will run you about $400 and do what you need it to do. Consider the Sony DSC-H5 or the Cano PowerShot S3 IS, if you go that route.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_h5-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s3-review/

Answer 4

I have a Canon S50 that sounds like it would fit your needs. It's a 5 mega pixel camera with a rugged metal case. It is very easy to use, and has features that will allow you to take creative pictures later on when you become proficient. It was rated "best buy" when it came out. It may no longer be available, but Canon just replaces older models with new ones that are similar, but with many enhancements.

Answer 5

I won't name a brand but give you a couple of options that were important to me. If you go too cheap your camera won't take the picture instantly, you will press the shutter button and it will take a couple seconds to take the picture, a lot of good photos are lost this way. Try it out before you buy it.
Also make sure you get one that has, at least ten times, OPTICAL Zoom. You don't get good, clear pictures using the digital zoom. They come out pixelated looking.

Answer 6

Check out cameras where you can talk to a sales person.
When you see what you want go on-line to a place like www.pricescan.com and others to compare prices. If you want a nice small camera check out.

Canon A95 and S series
Nikon - L1 L2 P1 P2

Answer 7

I like the Kodak EasyShare models. Check them out. They're very good portable small size with good screens, good size viewfinders & very good quality shots. Some have very good zoom. And also have the capabilities to do auto shots or manual shots.

Answer 8

best digital camera FUJI E900 or E550 & be happy ever after . shop on web you may find good deals.I own both, am selling E550 like new condition complete in box every thing you need for only $150.+ shipping,no regrets.

Answer 9

sony and canon have a wide array of compact digital cameras. i'd suggest you hit your local circuit city or bestbuy and check some out. for your purposes you probably won't need anything higher than 3 or 4 MP.

Answer 10

buy cannon A620/610/630