What is the cheapest digital camera i can buy to take really clear, professional looking pictures?

Answer 1

I think best "cheap" camera is the Canon Powershot A540. 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

Hello. Well, you've kind of created a catch-22 by combining "cheap" and "professional looking" pics. First, what is your budget, how big do you want them to be, and do you have a tripod? I've been recommending the Panasonic digicams with their OPTICAL image stabilization, which is better than digital stabilization or none whatsoever. You could get the DMC-LZ7K with 7.2mp, 6x optical zoom, and MEGA image stabilization for around $200! Aside from having your digicam, you'll need rechargeable batteries with at least 2300-2500mAh's (i.e. relative to the amount of power in each battery, thus longer life usage) and a good memory card. Between this camera and a decent 3way panhead (or better yet a "ballhead") tripod, you'll be on your way. Always remember to keep the flash on the TOP... not the bottom. Turn your megapixel level to the highest quality, using the lowest iso (or film speed in film camera terminology) to keep "noise" down in your images which will reduce quality... as will using digital zoom... so don't use it at all. That's by best counsel for you.

Answer 3

Go for a Kodak my mom has one of the cheaper models and it takes clearer picture than my Nikon does...at least its more point and shoot. I am actually half tempted to go to Wal-mart and get one for when I go out. Its really simple and you don't have to worry about blurring the pictures as much as with a higher end camera. I think hers was probably in the range of 50-60 bucks and that was during Christmas so who knows the price may have come down even more.

Answer 4

Try out the canon pns range...there's lots of variety...
however do note...its the skills tat counts. If u have
the skills to take great pictures...then it doesnt real
matters on what kind of camera u are using...

Answer 5

The camera isn't what seperates photographers from hobbyist.. it's the knowledge. I shot a wedding once where both of my cameras (main and backup) failed on me so I did the whole thing with disposable cameras. I explained to the bride it was a new thing and a huge rave in foreign countries. The pictures still turned out superb. Actually, one even won me 'best in show' from Triangle Photographers.

Answer 6

I'm not going to say a brand, or model.
but when going out and buying one, ask if they have any open box ones.
I got such a great deal on mine, because it was open box.