What digital camera is right for me?

Question

Im not a professional photographer but I would like a camera that is of an excellent quality. In other words I want something thats user friendly yet with high tech options for the amateur.

I currently own an apple computer laptop so it needs to be compatible with that.

The types of pictures I will be taking will be ranging from casual to artistic. Inside and outdoors!

So far I kind of like the cameras with the large viewing screens. I think I've even seen some where you can flip the screen (so you can view yourself) without guessing if the camera is pointing in the right direction (to take your own picture).

I dont want to spend $1,000 bucks on this thing! Any idea or links offered would be great.

Answer 1

I would highly recommend the Canon Powershot S3 IS.

The LCD screen on it is smaller than most, at 2", but it swivels to most any angle, which is very handy in many shooting situations, and enables shooting from angles that would be difficult without it.

It also has a 12x optical zoom, which is fantastic, especially for wildlife and artistic shooting.

If you purchase one, do not leave the setting on full auto, but switch it to Program mode, then learn how to tweak the settings. On full auto, it just doesn't do this camera justice.

You can read all about this camera at the below link, and you can also compare it with other similar cameras. Be sure to compare sample photo's, as you may find you like the characteristics of a certain cameras photo's better than another one.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S3IS/S3ISA4.HTM

I purchased mine 3 weeks ago after exhaustive research for the best camera in my price range, and I got it for $349 USD. I spent another $150 on 3 (total 4gb) memory cards and 3 sets of rechargeable AA batteries and charger. You may be able to get by with less accessories, but I use my camera daily for long periods of time, so needed that much.

Additional note: It has a fantastic quality video clip feature, but you need to get a highspeed memory card for this feature.

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Answer 2

For around $300, you can buy the Canon Powershot A630, which also has a flip-and-twist LCD monitor as you requested, along with a nice 2GB memory card. For just about $50 more, you can get the 10 MP A640. You say that you want "excellent quality." I feel you will be extremely happy with the quality of these cameras.

Consumer Reports for November 2006 has ranked the Canon Powershot A620 as the best compact digital camera. It is becoming almost a legend for longevity at the top of various consumer lists. It looks like this model has been replaced by the A630, which I would expect to be just as popular. The A640 appears quite similar and shares the "600" series numbering, so I guess it's just another upgraded version of the now-classic A620. It looks pretty much the same except for being a 10 MP camera.

I own a few Nikon DSLR's and I'd buy the Canon A630 or A640 for myself.

The A620 was rated about twice as good as any as far a battery life. I hope the A630 and A640 are just as good. Use Energizer e2 LITHIUM batteries and you will be happy with battery life.

With this camera, you will find that the included memory card is a cute little token of thanks from Canon, but not much more. Buy a 1 GB or 2 GB Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme III card. You will NEED the increased capacity and write speed to fully realize the benefits of your camera. The Ultra II would be excellent, but if you are really into video, you might prefer the faster Extreme III.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a620%2Ccanon_a630%2Ccanon_a640&show=all

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a640.html
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a630.html

Answer 3

I'm not a professional, but I prefer Canon, based on personal experience and their reputation. I have found their cameras, (digital, 35mm, SLR and video), to be very user friendly.

Canon has an awesome line that can fit the bill---be it based on budget or type of photography usage. The 2 models I know for sure with the 'vari-angle' (twist and flip) screen, are the PowerShot A630 and A640. Here is a link to Canon’s cameras: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113
These models have helpful pre-set shooting modes that you choose for the particular picture situation you are about to shoot. Like: auto(matic), portrait, nighttime, landscape, indoor, snow, beach, kids & pets (subjects that won’t keep still), fireworks, foliage, underwater (with optional housing),and more… You can also be creative with some of the models, where you can choose special FX settings as you are shooting a pictures. Some models have more modes and features than others, and have the option to program/set your own manual setting, so check the specifications.

I own the 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. Picture taking is instant! I have found lag time is not an issue, with this camera, compared to my first digital camera. They now have an updated version of my A620… the A630 and A640. Here is a review and its features (keep scrolling to see the vari-angle screen), up close and personal:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a630_a640-review/index.shtml

My A620 is a 7.1 mp with a 2" vari-angle screen. The newer models, the A630 is an 8 mp and the A640, a 10 mp both have a wider ISO range than my A620, and their screen are 2.5" Love, love, LOVE my camera! And am sure I'd love the 630 or 640 if I had them.

Here is where I go to shop on-line for the best price for digital cameras. (Which I found to have considerable better prices than going locally to your nearest digital camera dealer). 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 if the camera is being sold ‘new’ or ‘refurbished’.

Good luck with your hunt for that right camera for you!

Answer 4

The only one with the flip screen is the Canon S3 at $450
There is also the Sony H2 an excellent camera at $400
The Kodak 612 at $250 an excellent value
The Kodak Z710 at $225
The Kodak 875 at $200 is smaller but still has some photogrpahic punch.

You also might want to check out the Nikon D40 Kit just for the heck of it at $600

Answer 5

Please visit yahoo.com (shopping guides) and pick something from their top 5 recommended cameras. They also carry articles on : How to buy digital cameras. Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Canon all make excellent digital cameras and you could get a 7.1 or 8.1 mpxl with 3X optical zoom for less than $ 400. Go for higher megapixel for large blow ups and higher optical zoom 10x for zooming in though these will slightly bulkier. Please check the lag time before purchasing- that is the time it takes for a camera to take a picture once you press the shoot button. This should be minimal or yr pictures will be hazy

Answer 6

A camera which I own and love is the Sony CyberShot DSC-H2. Plenty of zoom at 12X optical, has 6 megapixels, has image stabilizer, very good on rechargeable batteries, comes with battery charger, and only 1 sec delay between shots.Can be bought for about $300-The camera takes excellent 8X10s when enlarged.

Answer 7

Definitely virtual digital camera. It continuously has larger lens than digital camera telephone. Number of Mpix is much less major than lens, suppose. Digital digital camera has additionally larger developed-in application than digital camera telephone.

Answer 8

if u hav the budget why nt head to the dslr maket instead.
u can try out the entry lvl dslr which i must say are great cameras. i hav tried them out before and im amazed at the results that they produce.

for entry lvl dslr...i suggest u go for the canon 400d. it is a great camera and offers great flexibilty unlike its rival counterpart the d40/40x from nikon. nt tat im lookin down on it but i feel that the lack of the auto focusing motor is a reali disappointing part for the camera. therefore i rather opt for the 400d. it as everythin tat u need for a amtueur photographer.

if ur tight on budget...u might when to get ur hands on prosumer cameras instead.
try the canon s3 IS..its a great camera...
or the G7..for pns camera...they hav big viewin screens....
dont go for nikon,sony, kodak or panansonic...they are not worthy of ur money..seriously if ur interested in taking great pictures...then dun go for them...they are just fashion cameras..for normal snapshots..they dun offer much...and are expensive.

look throught the extensive canon range or fujiflim ones..they are great cameras...

try out links such as www.dpreview.com for more indepth reviews....

Answer 9

Go with Sony, Cybershot or Powershot tons of features yet simple to use. Under $1000 brand new.

Answer 10

there are many cams 4 u, i recommend the kodak z series of cams. they have big zooms, good range of megapixels and are very affordable

if u want a top kodak camera go for one with a 'schneider' lens. these lenses are very high quality
the kodak z series also have many semi pro features