Best digital camera for amateur photographer?

Question

Requirements:

1. Easy to use; hopefully fairly intuitive.

2. MUST take closeups, preferally 12" or closer.

3. Will do most things automatically if desired but does allow user to set certain functions such as flash (on or off), various simplified light settings (cloudy day, dark room, etc.).

4. Must have Shake Reduction or other feature which counteracts shaky hands.

5. Must not cost more than $150; closer to $100 would be better.

6. I am considering a Samsung S730. Anyone have any experience with this camera?

Also: How important is the number of megapixels? For the amateur photographer who takes primarily photos of family, vacation scenery, etc., what would be adequate and what would be overkill?

Answer 1

Go to steves-digicams.com for reviews of various digicams.

Shutterbug Magazine publishes Buyer's Guides and you should be able to find it at shutterbug.com.

Answer 2

Regarding your last paragraph about megapixels: In general, the more megapixels the higher quality enlargements. For prints of 4 x 6 inches, 3 megs is more than adequate. Prints this size, from a good quality photo printer of professional processor, I challenge anyone to see individual pixels. I have even seen good 5 x 7 prints from a 3 meg file.

For sizes 8 x 10, to about 12 x 14, you almost surely need to shoot with at least 5 megs. A decent 5 meg camera will produce excellent prints of this size. If you shop around, you may be able to find a few models in your price range, but other functions will be lacking, like good optical zoom. (don't even LOOK at digital zoom numbers. They are pretty meaningless)

For much bigger prints, you may be looking at some professional models, especially if you are thinking about poster sizes like 18 x 24 or larger.

Answer 3

Right depends on budget really, and whether you intend to stay amateurs in the forseeable future. Sony a-200 is a good camera for amateurs as long as you're prepared to stay that way. Though Sony have broken into the prosumer market well with a good set of kit, its still not as easy to buy kit as it is for Canon/Nikon. But if you have not intention to move up to semi/pro levels then a-200 is the best entry level out there. If you go down the Nikon route I wouldn't recommend either the D40/x or D60 since neither have AF motor and both have limited functions. I heard D70 is good, I've used the D90 and I found that smoother than my Canons. Rebel XS (or 1000D here in Europe) is a decent camera, but once more is a bit lacking in some functions you might wish you had, also the smaller Rebels don't feel as comfortable in hand as the older ones, mind you neither do the Sony alphas in my opinion. Best choice though (I never thought I've ever say this) is the Sony, with one proviso that you don't intend to go pro...and when you do you can afford to switch systems to Canon-Nikon.

Answer 4

If you're willing to spend alittle more than $150 how about . . .
Casio Z75 or Z1050 is a great choice, nice and thin,
7.1-10.2MP, lightweight, shoots photos and video with sound. Easy to use controls and a 2.5" screen to view.

Megapixels is important depending on what you'll do with the pics. Just for e-mail not printing, then 3-4 MP is good. Making small prints 4X6 or 5X7 5-6 MP is good. Making big prints, 8X10 or bigger, you'll need 7-10MP

www.besybuy.com
www.samys.com (my favorite)
ww.costco.com
Recommend a Scandisk memory card, about 2GB.
Check you Sunday paper for ad sales or coupons.

Answer 5

i would say go for the samsung camera its specs look pretty good and samsung is a good company i never had problems with them. if you have 6 mega pixel you are fine. go for more optical zoom. spend a bit more money and get one with 10x optical zoom