Looking for a good digital camera, but don't know what to look for?

Question

I'm trying to help my girlfriend find one that is less than $400 and shoots high quality pictures quickly(short delay between button click and taking of picture). She says that she does not care about the size and would prefer not to have one of those flat cameras. I've been looking at:

http://www.cameraforless.com/itemdetail.asp?itemid=1856

this site and refurbdepot.com seem to be selling this camera for cheap, but is either a trustworthy site? thank you for your help

Answer 1

The Panasonic Lumix that you referenced in your question is a fine camera. Nevertheleess, should you want to look at another 5.1 megapixel camera which is (i) more compact [but not necessarily a totally "flat" camera] and (ii) less expensive, please read the following recommendation.

Even though I personally own this ultra compact camera, I would still like to highly recommend the purchase of a Nikon Coolpix L10 for the following reasons:

1. Besides taking well-exposed hi-quality 5 megapixel pictures, it uses a standard set of rechargeable double AA batteries which last a very long time;
2. Has a 3x optical zoom;
3. The flash setting for "red-eye" correction is on the navigator wheel and not within a submenu;
4. It's very small and light;
5. Uses inexpensive SD memory cards;
6. The digital video feature takes wonderful "sound" videos which are noise free. It records the piano very well with it's built-in microphone;
7. It comes with a USB 2.0 transfer cable which you connect to your USB computer port;
8. Has tripod mount on bottom of camera;
9. And the price is a mere $119 [sold at Samy's Camera - www.samys.com, and Staples.com.]

Review(s) can be found at www.amazon.com [Query: "Nikon Coolpix L10" along with pictures provided by satisfied purchasers.]

Good luck!

Answer 2

I am very fond of the Canon camera, I have a digital ixus, my father a powershot.
The camera sold as powershot in Europe has a bit of a grip, the ixus are flat and smaller.
http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/canon-powershot-a630.cfm
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2006/12/27/Canon-Digital-IXUS-65/p1

Both models have been around for a few years and the slightly older versions are much cheaper than the newest in shop, so you can safe a lot there.

The price difference between websites and shops seems big, but when you need service, the shop is still the best, and often they have special offers too, while Internet shops have hidden costs like packaging and postage, so maybe better not buy on-line.