I'm looking for a good 6+ MP camera...?

Question

I really really want a digital SLR, but it's pricey [:(] so I'm looking for a 6 megapixeler that's cheap and has a good photo quality. I don't want to invest too much, because I want to save for an SLR, but can't find anything decent under $175 or so [maybe I'm hoping for too much?] I'm current testing out a Kodak EasyShare C653 from a friend [6.1 MP] and it sucks SO MUCH. The photo quality is horrible... at the price tag of $129. How can a camera have a high MP and really, really bad photo quality? I guess that's a second question if anyone wants to answer that as well.

Answer 1

You can get a Canon Powershot A540. It's a 6 MP camera and it's a great little camera. You can find it "everywhere" for about $170. I've recommended this camera within my own family, so I'll be living with the results of this recommendation right along with you.

Go here and read an extensive review:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a540.html

Check the sample images, too.

This will blow your mind. The A530 is now discontinued, but it was the "little brother" to the A540.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/150-vs-5000-dollar-camera.htm

Canon just introduced the A550, which has more pixels, but offers less user control. I'd be happy with the A540.

A550 review: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/a550.html

You will need to add a memory card and I suggest the Sandisk or Lexar brand in any speed. You will spend from about $20 for a 512 KB card, which is perfectly adequate, to about $40 for a Sandisk Ultra II, which is as good as you'd ever want for this or many other cameras.

Answer 2

Go to www.dpreview.com to help your search and see sample picture quality. Great camera review site.

Their are so many cameras under $200 you'll have to narrow the search (under "Buying Guide", "Feature Search")!

Can't go wrong with an Olympus or Canon - like the A540. Some of their 6mp are available in your price range.