Which digital camera is best to buy below $300?

Question

Above 5 mega pixel, minimum 2.5x optical zoom, 2.5 in LCD and other desirable specifications. I have no knowledge about cameras. Usable for tours.

Answer 1

If I were you and you are using for tours, I would opt for a longer zoom or a wide angle for bigger shots of things if you are outside and with groups. The Canon SD800IS is a great camera (7.1mp) with a 2.5 LCD and a 3.8x optical zoom (with 4x digital) with a 28mm wide angle lens. It is about the size of a deck of cards and easily fits into my front pocket or anyplace else I can grab it easily.. The picture quality is outstanding and thanks to the image stabilization, I can take no-flash photos in places like the Vatican or any other museums, and they are crystal clear. Also, this camera takes 30fps video that looks amazing on my computer or even HD television!
I also work in the tourism business and lead groups all over southern Europe. I bought this camera and feel it was the best purchase I have made in a long long time. Right now, you can get them for about 300-350, depending on sales and rebates. I bought mine for $319 a few months ago.

Answer 2

I have had Sonys and Canons. The new Canons are fantastic. I like the sd800is. I have seen them online for around $300 and up. The sd700is is also a nice camera for a little less money, but no wide angle lens and uses the DigicII processor instead of the DigicIII processor.
The same type of setup in a Sony nowadays are nice, but tend to have a problem with red-eye as well as only offering a 3x zoom and a 38-110mm lens. The older Sony's were a better camera, in my opinion.

Answer 3

IMO you need to sit down and study your Owner's Manual. People always blame the camera for poor results when its usually their lack of skill in operating the camera that causes poor results. You could spend 10 times your budget and get the same results as you're getting with your Olympus if you don't learn how to use the camera. Digital cameras aren't "magical." They are just light-tight boxes with a lens mount, a shutter and a light meter. Turning it on and pointing it at a subject and releasing the shutter doesn't make you - or anyone else - a "photographer." Knowing how to use light and ISO and shutter speeds and f-stops and good composition makes you a photographer. So get the Owner's Manual for your Olympus and begin studying it one feature/setting at a time. Learn how to use that feature/setting and then go to the next one.

Answer 4

I recently bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01S. They list it at $299 on their website but if you search around you can get for a lot less (something like $220). I simply love that camera. It's small and compact, has awesome clarity and focus. The battery life is amazing. And it's got an anti-camera-shake feature. Best purchase I've made in months.

Answer 5

The only thing I have to say about Best Buy is make sure you get a camera that is found in many other stores. I had lost my battery charger and went back to best buy to purchase a new one and they no longer carry anything for my camera. If you don't mind looking up products on the internet then no worries.

Answer 6

It might be better if u buy an expensive digital camera so it can work for you longer but also there are some good cameras for less than 300!well i bought a camera for 500 2 years ago and as far as i know it's still in good conditions.

Answer 7

Nikon optical, with 6 mega pixels..

Answer 8

Go for a Canon

Answer 9

If you want the best information from professionals go to stevesdigicam.com he has pricing and comparisons done already.

Answer 10

Try the Nikon Coolpix line. I really like mine and it didn't break the bank!