What digital camera brands last the longest? I need Optical Zoom and manual settings.?

Question

For me Kodak hasn't been that great in that they break easily and the ones that I have gotten at least didn't have very good features like manual settings where you can pick f-stop and aperture. What brand would you strongly recommend and is there a site that reviews cameras and their features. Lastly is there a good site that has good deals. I want to get a camera that has at least 10x optical zoom and some manual settings.

Answer 1

The G9 is a good camera with maual settings, and noise levels are lower than the other ultra zoom cameras, but it's optical zoom is only 6x, although it is stabilized.

If you don't need high ISO levels for taking pics in the dark, then the PowerShot S5 from Canon would be ideal.
It comes with a large LCD with a stabilized 12x optical zoom, and 8 megapixels.

Websites?
www.dpreview.com
www.dcresource.com

Need to see photos taken by the S5?
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/canon/powershot_s5_is/

Sony's megazoom is so-so. The canon is still better.

Answer 2

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 3

Have you considered moving up to a DSLR? Your desire for "... at least 10X optical zoom..." is a digicam feature. If you're serious about having more control over the camera a DSLR will give you that. Plus a DSLR gives you interchangeable lenses which really increases your creative possibilities.

IMO, you should visit a real camera store - one that only sells cameras, not 10,001 other things and cameras. The salespeople in a camera store are trained and knowledgeable about the cameras they sell. They'll be able to answer questions, help solve problems and offer intelligent advice. Some stores even offer an hour or two of hands-on instruction with your new camera. Try getting that level of service at a discount store or on-line. Try asking a question or describing a problem to some CSR in India or Taiwan or Bangladesh. Good luck with that.

If you do spend time at a real camera store you should buy from them. Don't take up someones time and then stiff them by buying on-line. Most camera salespeople are on commission. You can always buy accessories elsewhere.

If you're not ready for a DSLR, take a look at the Canon G9.

Another good source for camera reviews is steves-digicams.com

Answer 4

Take a look at the Canon PowerShot G9 or the PowerShot S5 IS.

As for deals, take a look at Amazon.com. They tend to have good prices, not necessarily the best so look arround. You can also get some good product reviews from actual users, not just the camera writers.

For other reviews, just do a quick search on-line for the model you're interested in.

Answer 5

I agree with someone who brought SLR camera up - they are usually more robust and durable - especially their semi-pro and professional line. Of course, you're gonna to handle a much bigger and heavier camera but ever since I had a film SLR 8 years ago, I never looked back and now I have 2 Canon DSLR in my disposal, one of them is 4 years old and still in pretty good condition.

Go to www.dpreview.com for site that comprehensively reviews camera. You'll waste a lot of time there, just like me. :D

What brand would I strongly recommend... if you really want durability, you just can't go wrong with a Nikon professional SLR. They are expensive but people swears by them - people have them dropped or brought them to extreme condition, and its still working. But since I doubt you will purposely drop your camera or go to the Arctic for your holiday, I would guess a Canon or a Nikon should do.

Answer 6

My camera looks like it's built pretty solid; but drop any camera at the wrong angle and you'll be looking for a new one. My camera plenty of zoom at 12X optical zoom, 6 megapixels. Will give you excellent 8X10 print. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2.
Has manual controls, and image stabilizer, very good on AA rechargeables and comes with battery charger.

Answer 7

they don't build digital cameras to last long they build them to last till the next generation comes out

that said i think Kodak is probably cheap and Polaroid and Vivitar

try Casio Nikon Olympus Pentax

but generally no matter what brand if you spend less than $200 then you can figure its disposable

Answer 8

I think Canon makes one of the best cameras. I have owned many over the years, they have great picture quality and i have had zero problems.

Answer 9

For reviews, try this site.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/default.asp?view=alpha

And here are some customer satisfaction ratings.
http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/pressrelease.aspx?id=2007153

You could try Amazon.com for generally good pricing. Watch Ritzcameras.com, Adorama.com, or BHphotovideo.com for some nice deals. Of course, check locally for holiday and end-of-model sales.

Answer 10

Nikon or Canon