What Digital Camera Should I get?

Question

I want a camera that has great picture quality and color for not a lot of money. i recently started taking pictures with an ooold SLR, and i love the quality i get. i dont want a digital SLR, but i still want a really crisp picture.

Answer 1

After answering questions here for about 8 months, I finally decided to get a Canon Powershot SD900. I was going to go for the SD700-IS, but they were out of stock everywhere and it gave me time to re-think my purchase. This is going to be a pocket camera to use when I don't want to carry one of my SLR's with me, but I still want really great image quality from the camera. Anyhow, after months and months of reading reviews, the SD900 was my top choice. I found a review in Popular Photography the day after I ordered my Canon that suggests that maybe the Pentax Optio A20 would have been a better choice, but, I don't believe it. The Pentax does have shake reduction, but I doubt this will be necessary in a camera that only zooms to an equivalent of 114 mm and I just can not believe that 10 MP on a smaller 1/2.5" sensor (Pentax) will be better than 10 MP on a 1/1.8" sensor (Canon) that is nearly twice as large.

Anyhow, go here to see the comparison article on 5 compact camera and see what you think. If you really don't want to read reviews, I am still happy that I am got the Canon SD900 and this would be my recommendation for anyone at this point, since it is what I chose for myself. I ordered from B&H Photo where the price is $343 (today) for the SD900. They have been playing with the price point for this camera since Christmas and that's why I say "today." Every time I check back, it's got a different price.

I also bought a 5-year Mack warranty for $50. If you are even a little paranoid or clutzy, I feel that it is money well-spent. These are somewhat delicate compared to SLR's.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3471/high-5-10mp-compacts.html Click on the name of each camera to read a detailed review.

Here is a comparison page with all five cameras. Click on "In-depth review" and "Read Owner Opinions" for each camera. Be sure to note that the reviews are many pages long so you don't stop after page one. Check the sample images, also. You can enlarge these to full size images if you click on the link below the picture. You will have to then put your cursor in the white space to the right of the picture and click once. After that, you can pass your cursor over the image and it will turn into a magnifier. Click it as a magnifier once and the image will go to full size and you can really examine the detail or look for artifacts like fringing or noise.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd900%2Ccasio_exz1000%2Coly_stylus1000%2Cpentax_optioa20%2Csamsung_nv10&show=all

Here is one photo I put on-line that I took with the SD900. View this as large as possible and check out the birds. This was taken right after sunset and there were no enhancements in afterprocessing. http://www.flickr.com/photos/7189769@N04/409551806/

The Canon Powershot A630 or A640 are both excellent cameras if the SD900 costs too much for you and you don't mind the larger size of the camera. The sensor in these cameras is almost twice the size as mine, so the image is actually better.

Answer 2

Hello there. If you're interested in a digital camera for low money, I'll give you the two I've been looking at. I've been thinking on either the Panasonic DMC LZ7K (I believe) and the Olympus 510SP UZ. The Olympus has 7.1mp, DIGITAL stabilization (optical is better, but this baby's got lots to offer), and has a phenomenal 10x optical zoom (35mm equivalent to 380mm). It has good reviews and so many things to offer. Aside from getting your camera, you should get some kind of support. I'd recommend a good tripod with a ballhead (or at least a 3way panhead with the proper vertical pan as the flash should be on top for vertical shots) or a good monopod. Should you go the monopod route, you'll need a ballhead to do your vertical shots. Velbon UP4000 runs for $20 and another $15+ for a ballhead. Practice, practice, and practice some more to hone your craft. Good luck.

Answer 3

I agree with t Tate; I also own the Sony CyberShot DSC-H2 and it's a great camera. If around $300- is too steep, consider the Fugifilm FinePix S5200. I paid $238- in Dec for daughter's Christmas present. Check out Website dpreview.com or Nov'06 Consumer Reports at your local library.

Answer 4

I've had several and the best is the Sony DSC-H2. It's a 6.0 MP and is an all around super camera. The best part about it is how user friendly it is. It's quick and easy on the computer as well as in your hands. You can't go wrong. It's about $300.00. Hope this helps.