Looking for a digital camera--have you used any of these models? Anything advice?

Question

Cameras we're looking at:

1) Canon Powershot SD IS
Price: $360
Battery Life: 550 shots
Megapixels: 5
Next-shot delay: 2 sec
Optical Zoom: 12x

2) Kodax EasyShare p880
Price: $490
Battery Life: 290 shots
Megapixels: 8
Next-shot delay: 2 sec
Optical zoom: 5.8x
Cool feature: wide angle capability, in-camera red-eye romval, and can save images in jpeg

3) Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Price $800
Battery life: Excellent
Megapixels: 8
Next-shot delay: 1/3 second
Why it's worth getting: SLR with an LCD screen, ability to change lenses, manual controls

Any ideas?

These are the top 3 we chose from Consumer Reports, but we wanted some honest opinions. This is a camera that would have to last us at least 5-10 years (and hopefully more), so we're prepared to dish out the dough for the RIGHT camera.

Answer 1

If the price difference is not an issue, there is no comparison between the Rebel XT and the other cameras. I had not thought about this, but I'd say that it is a lot more likely to survive in use than the others, too. The lens is the same basic design as has been used forever, so that's proven. The camera is simply a lot more durable than the delicate point and shoot cameras mentioned. The image quality will absolutely blow the others out of the water. You will have a much easier time utilizing depth of field effects (blurry background) with the Rebel.

I see you picked up the phrase, "SLR with an LCD screen." Just be sure that you realize that the LCD is for reviewing your shots after you've taken them and NOT for composing and shooting the way you can with the other two. That's just the way it is with most DSLR's. They're like "real" cameras.

Now... I'd personally prefer to get into the Nikon family, but it was not on your list, so I will respect your research and I will not tell you to buy some camera that you didn't mention just because I like it. If you can spend over $1,000, though, look into the Nikon D80. Oops. I did it, didn't I? At least I answered your actual question first.

Answer 2

This is going to be long. There are 3 main types of digital still cameras. The compact, the bridge, and the slr. The compact, it seems you own one, is mainly designed for carefree amateurs and those-who-don't-cares. It takes control of almost everything you need to shoot a picture. You can literally point it to something and if the camera is good, you will get great images. The bridge, also called the prosumer camera, is aimed at people who want to take control of some factors, but not that much. It is larger than compacts, has great lens (you can't change them though) and has the look and feel of a pro slr. An SLR camera is the top end. They are no-nonsense, dedicated, top of the class cameras, usually used by those who know a thing or two about taking a photograph. They are meant for artistic photography, and have lenses that can be switched to get different visual effects. The important things you should keep in mind is what type of camera fits you needs. Since you are not deep into photography, I suggest a compact or a bridge type. The other things you should keep in mind is the CCD size. 7 mp is good but once you hit 8 mp, you have all that you need. The lens in these cameras cannot be changed, so look for one which has a long zoom range. It will depend on what you will be shooting the most, portraits or landscapes. For portraits, you need telephoto zoom, and for landscapes, you need wide angle. Next comes the memory card. Get a camera that supports SDHC or compact flash cards. It can hold up to 32 or more GB, so thats a lot of pictures, great when you are travelling. And make sure you get a camera that supports USB 2.0, 1.1 is getting lamer by the second. The LCD screen should be atleast 2.5 inches, most cameras have that. Also look for an optical viewfinder, it can help save batteries. Talking about batteries, if possible, go for AA type, the ones that work on clocks. They are available everywhere, and some of them can be recharged. As for the make, I really can't advise you on that. Different people consider different brands the best. Here is how they line up for me- The top 5; Nikon, Canon, Olumpus, Sony, Pentax. The rest; Panasonic, Fujifilm, Samsung, Kodak, HP. Anything that's not on the list, is most probably not going to work. The top 5 also make pro SLR , so if you buy them and want to switch to professional photography, you can adjust easily. And they also share some of the tech their pro cousins have, so it's an added benefit.

Answer 3

The sensor size on the SLR will give you SO much better photographs than the compact digitals. http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Camera_System/sensor_sizes_01.htm

However, if it's going to last for 5-10 years, I would go with one of the newer 10mp units like the Canon XTi. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_eos400d.asp It's almost the same price. Another great camera is the Nikon 40x. But stay with Canon or Nikon in dSLR's.

Answer 4

I have the Canon SD IS. its a great camera the zoom is tremendous 5 mega pixel is plenty to get great 8x10's and superior 4x6's. I recommend it highly. Use with rechargeable batteries to save even more.
Richard

Answer 5

I just got an Olympus FE 230. That' good if you're looking for a slim, sleek point and shoot type of camera that you can bring everywhere. It costs $200.

But if you're looking for a higher end type camera, I would maybe try a Nikon camera, that is an excellent brand and I have taken amazing pictures with that brand of camera.

Answer 6

Canon SD800-IS (small p&s)
Canon S5-IS (large p&s)
Nikon D40 (small DSLR)

Kodak really isn't as good a brand as Canon and Nikon.

Anything you buy today will be far surpassed in 3 years. Also, you might consider a DSLR and a small point & shoot. Nikon D40 and Canon SD1000, for instance. $750 combined.

Answer 7

Theses are all good quality cameras.My daughter is a photography graduate and uses the Canon Rebel to do professional weddings.

Answer 8

I have a Canon A510 an older model.

I would suggest the DSigital Rebel..

I wish that camera was in my price range!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

i onw the Canon Powershot SD900 and i really really like it. It is 10mp and i like how great it is to use. it has many settings but are easy to understand...if i were u..i would look into the Canon Powershot SD900...it cost me like 400 dollars

Answer 10

Canon is a great brand, it has worked for me.
Here are a few great cameras from them that I would recommend:

Canon Powershot A630
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-A630-Digital-Camera-Silver/sem/rpsm/oid/159470/catOid/-16941/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Canon Powershot A560
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-A560-Digital-Camera-Silver/sem/rpsm/oid/174589/catOid/-16941/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Canon Powershot A710
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-PowerShot-A710-IS-Digital-Camera-Silver/sem/rpsm/oid/160938/catOid/-16941/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

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