I'm looking to buy a camera. I would like to know which camera would people recommend buying?

Question

Im actualy looking for a camera for general use. I go out alot with my friends and certain places we go are dark and low lit. But i will also be using the camera for outdoor use. Im not trying to be a pro. Just to retain memories. My price range will be from $150 - $250

Answer 1

The Canon PowerShot A550 Digital Camera is a nice very inexpensive camera, If you want it I saw it at Ritz Camera, they also got some promos at http://www.prioritycodes.com/Electronics/RitzCamera.com-Priority-Codes/index.html for a discount

Answer 2

This is my favorite type of question to answer and I update the details regularly. I will assume a target price of $300-$400 for this discussion as that tends to fit the average photo user and there are HUNDREDS of choices in that price. (Kids cameras will be HALF of that, pro cameras will be 2-3 times that.) The main issue when looking for 'the best' camera for you (what to look for) is that choosing 'the best' camera for you is based on how it feels to YOU. What I mean is that with Digital Cameras being so commonplace today, technology is basically so advanced that the specs alone say very little about a great camera. You may want a few 'new' features (like MPEG recording or 3X optical zoom) and frankly most cameras have those. There are some rules of thumb:

1. Choose a camera with at least 5megapixel, 6-7 if you can find them at a reasonable cost. This will allow great captures and enlargements to 8x10
2. Choose at least 3X OPTICAL zoom. Cameras with Digital zoom only simply destroy the image quality in the digital zoom process.
3. Consider the Battery life. This will be a major factor when you are in the vacation places and run out of charge on a camera specific battery. Many can do 200 or more shots per charge today.
4. Go test the camera in YOUR HAND. Navigate to common features that YOU intend to use. Think about your typical usage, maybe a vacation where you'll spend half the day outdoors, and then half indoors. You need the ability to change the camera quickly and easily WITHOUT the user manual. It MUST be intuitive to YOU! Go see CircuitCity, BestBuy and COMPusa. They have a wonderful selection and test how the camera feels, how it switches between indoor and outdoor settings. Consider the weight/size. Does it fit in YOUR pocket comfortably? etc.
5. Remember that digital cameras are much better in capturing detail in good lighting. Think about YOUR intended usage. If you plan on LOW-LIGHT shots regularly, then a DIGITAL camera is a poor choice altogether. Likely that is NOT the case. So, just choose best lighting shots, and then tell the camera to use low to NO compression. (You can get up to 8GB SD memory cards for $125 these days which eliminate the need to compress the shots INSIDE the camera, which destorys the image forever).
6. Look for a larger LCD screen. At least 2.5" on the camera will allow you to see enough detail to determine if a new shot is required.
7. Consider a GREAT PRINTER at the same time. You probably need a modern printer to make the final output.

That said, my current favorites are the Casio EX-Z1000 or SONY's DSC-T50 because of the longer battery life, the optical zoom, the large lcd on the back, the high megapixel, and lastly on the Casio ONLY their "Best Shot" feature which quickly switches many settings for various situations.

About $350 list price for the Casio, $450 for the Sony... (about 15% less online). READ VERY CAREFULLY MY POINT NUMBER FOUR ABOVE!!!! IT IS THE KEY TO MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE!

Lastly, Also consider a new printer, like a new EPSON R380 or HP K550 similar printer for about $150. Without the lastest generation photo printer, great shots will be locked away and rarely find their way outside of your computer!!! These two printers are affordable, have lower per picture consummable costs, and use long-life inks!

Answer 3

I like Canon. Nothing against other brands. I’ve just a long history of personal experience and preference with Canon. They have an awesome line of cameras that can fit any kind of budget.

When shopping for a (point & shoot) digital camera, consider this: 1) 5 mp this is best for most users 2) OPTICAL zoom with at least 4X. (Digital zoom shouldn’t be high priority in a digital camera). 3) Should have a viewfinder. Some models are doing away with the viewfinder. It is very helpful to have, when your the subject is difficult to see in the LCD/display screen on a very sunny day, or to conserve battery life. (Continuous screen use, suck up battery life). 4) Uses AA regular or rechargeable batteries. Some models have specialized lithium ion batteries, where you charge it while in the camera. With AA, you can always pick up if you find yourself caught with low batteries and are not able to charge the camera/lithium ion battery quickly. 5)And a PLUS, can take video/movie mode. (Which most do!)

Canon has an awesome line that can fit the bill. Consider some of these 'point & shoot' PowerShot models: the A460, A550/A560 and A630/A640. Or check out the SD models. Here is a link Canon’s cameras: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113
They're all great for taking everyday, having fun pictures. You should bear in mind, with physical size of the camera, (subcompact/slim/flat vs. compact), you compromise features available on the slightly larger models.

I have a Canon PowerShot A620 which I purchased new online last Spring. My favorite feature of this model is the vari-angle display/LCD screen. It protects the screen when not in use, and helpful for odd angle shots. But now they have an updated version the A630 and A640. Here is a review and its features (see the vari-angle screen), up close and personal:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a630_a640-review/index.shtml

Here is where I go to shop on-line for the best price for digital cameras. Just type in your camera model in the ‘search keyword’: http://lowpricedigital.com/category.asp?master_category_Id=1000 Buy soon or check daily, for prices changes daily amongst merchants. Also check to make sure the camera is ‘new’ or ‘refurbished’. (I've had good luck with refurbished items too).

If you’d rather buy from the store, check the usual places, Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, Target, and camera stores. Even consider Office Max, Office Depot, CostCo/Sam’s Club---any store with a camera department.


Good luck!

Answer 4

What do you want to do with the camera? How much do you know about photography? How much can you afford?

Go to a good camera store and ask.

I'd look into a 35 mm SLR for a film camera, there are many good used models for sale since the digital cameras have become so popular.

I'd look for interchangeable lenses.

Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, and many other good brands are available.

For digital, I'd have to ask because I don't use digital cameras.

Answer 5

Boy that's a loaded question! If you get 20 replies to this question, you might get 20 answers!

You REALLY need to go into a full-service camera store and actually try them before you buy them! You might find that one of them fits your hand better, is easier to hold or maybe the flash is positioned in a spot where you're less likely to cover it with your finger. Camera reviews on-line or in a mag are fine, but in the end, only you can determine the best one for you!

(I shoot Canon, btw)

Answer 6

You havn't stated what you would be photographing ??
However, if you want a camera of any sort, go into the websites of the particular brand and price that suits you.
The brands will give you a small summary for usage and compactability. this is the best way of doing a bit of your own research before you approach a camera store.
You need to be a bit camera savvy before you make a purchase, or you could end up buying something that is difficult to operate, and doesn't fit your requirements.
Have fun with your research....

Answer 7

It's a very competitive industry with many good models on the market. Stick with any of the major players and you'll do OK. Canon, Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon, Kodak, Pentax, Casio, Sony... I'm sure I forgot a couple.

But- do what Dr. Sam says above. There are lotsa' different types of cameras for different needs.

Answer 8

Are you looking for a digital or film camera?
If you are looking for an SLR to take really high quality pictures I would suggest going with Canon EOS brands.

But if you just want a normal small digital camera I would suggest either Canon or Sony. Sony is not compatible with Macs though, but they aren't bad. Canon always makes really dependable cameras.

Answer 9

By all means go with the Canon A540 in your price range. Don't forget there's a memory card to buy. $20 to $40- more
Do some reading...Website dpreview.com and Nov'06 Consumer Reports at local library.

Answer 10

I have an HP Digital Camera. I have friends that have Kodaks. In my experience they are both a good choice. Just get a high megapixel. Mine is 6 MP and the pics turn out great!