Can I Get a Digital Camera Recommendation (Lower Price End)?

Question

I just need to get an efficient newer model for taking car photos and I'm looking to spend about $150, give or take.

I was looking at the HP Photosmart 425, which is 5 Megapixel. Is that a good model, or could somebody recommend something better?

Answer 1

Most photographs of cars are close-ups, taken in daylight / overcast settings. Rarely is wide-angle zoom necessary, unless you're a professional photographer taking pictures of exotics.

If this camera is being used only for this purpose, and you don't plan to heavily crop your photos, then you should be able to get away with the Photosmart M425. It possesses a 3x optical zoom lens, which is a nice feature to have in this price range. HP's cameras are also blessed with a fantastic help system, which is great when you are learning to use the camera's features.

The only other major name-brand in this price range that I personally think is worth looking at is Kodak. Their competing product is the C533, a 5-megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom. The C533 has an MSRP of $149.95 and has a slightly larger (1.8" vs. 1.7") LCD live-view screen. In either case, I suggest framing your shots with the LCD rather than the optical viewfinder.

If this is a camera for business use, then I would seriously consider the Panasonic Lumix series of cameras. Yes, they are more expensive ($179.95 starting MSRP for a 5-megapixel Lumix DMC-LS2S), but they have something the other competitors don't - image stabilization on the lens, indispensable when the camera's shutter fires at a slow speed and you're in a hurry.

Answer 2

Start with the budget. This may seem backwards, but it's not. You can find a decent camera to match any amount of money you want to spend.

Next, find a friend who will help you learn how to use the camera. This "friend" could even be the clerk in your local photo shop. Buy the camera that your friend recommends so that they will be able to teach you how to use it.

After you know what you are doing and are ready for your next camera - and this will come sooner than you think - you will be in a position to make your own choice.

If you have some vague ideas about price and ddesired features, go to http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp and see what they select for you.

Answer 3

HP PhotoSmart M425 - digital camera
Prices and availability
for HP PhotoSmart M425 - digital camera
Price Range: $99.99-139
http://shopper.cnet.com/HP_PhotoSmart_M425_digital_camera/4014-6501_9-31796467.html

Digital Cameras
You found 172 items for Price: $100 - $200
http://shopper.cnet.com/4566-6501_9-0.html?filter=100021_10061970_&sort=pop9+desc

Answer 4

if you want camera in low price then you should go for the used camera but in good condition.so the question is that how you you srach the camera but in a good question.So there are alot of website to search but what i found and experience is the www.cameramarket.pk which is best site for selling and buying the used and new camera in a reasonale price you get but its a local site of Pakistan.

Answer 5

My father has the HP, 5 megapixel. It's a decent camera. Not, my first choice though.

Answer 6

HP actually has very good cameras that are user-friendly. I used mine for a few years and it was great. They don't make my old model anymore but I'd say you can't go wrong with HP. I had a Kodak Easyshare that was CRAP compared to my old HP.

Answer 7

Hmmm...Try the Cannon Digital Elph 5.0 MP. You probably need to get a 5MP at that price.