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What digital camera has the features I am looking for?

I'm thinking of buying my first digital camera...what features should I be looking for?

  • I'm looking to spend between $100-$200. Closer to $100 preferably. ( Hopefully I can find a good Boxing week sale) Can you get a descent camera for that amout? There are so many different types and styles and features, I don't know where to begin.

  • Answer:

    Actually, it's fairly simple. At a minimum, I would recommend: 1) In the 5 to 8 megapixel range. 5 megapixels is plenty for making decent sized prints; anything above 8 is usually diminishing returns on quality, due to increased noise in the image and lower sensitivity in dim light. 2) At least a 3x optical zoom. You'll also see something called "digital zoom" which is worthless for quality. Digital zoom means that the camera crops the image. Stick with the optical zoom specification for a real comparison between cameras. 3) Image stabilization. Helps in dim light or if you have shaky hands. 4) LCD screen of at least 2.5". Makes it easier to compose your image and later check it out after you've taken the photo. Based on these basic specifications, I would look closely at the Nikon L15, the Canon A570 IS, and probably the Panasonic DMC-LZ7. All offer image stabilization. The Panasonic has a little more zoom (6x) than the Canon (4x) or Nikon (3x). The Nikon is an 8mp model and has a 2.8" LCD screen--pretty big. So, hopefully, this list of basic features will help you in making your decision. Beyond this, you begin to look at things like size of the camera (to get smaller, you'll pay more) or extra zoom (again, for more bucks and in a bigger camera). However, these basic features will deliver the quality without breaking your budget. Finally, don't buy into the more megapixels is better hype. 8 is plenty. You'll see companies trying to push you into a 10 or 12 mp camera for "more resolution." That's like buying a car just because it's got more cylinders--it doesn't mean the car actually performs better, it just allows you to claim that you've got more cylinders. Resolution is just one measure of image quality, and a poor one at that. Look at things like low-light performance or image noise and suddenly those 12mp camera ain't so good. Don't fall for the more is better hype!

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high Megapixel count is VITAL for taking crystal clear pictures with hardly any blur....around 7.0 should be good enough and still fit into your budget.

NicoleY.

hi Forget digital zoom, look into optical zoom only. Usually ranges from 3X optical zoom to 12X. There are Some that have more zoom. Megapixels is another thing to look in to. 4 to 6 MP is sufficient. You may want a camera that has an image stabilizer if one has shaky hands. You would want one that doesn't eat up batteries. The only way to find out is Websites like this, word of mouth or testing organizations like Consumer Reports.Lastly you may look into a camera that is a bit more than point and shoot. Some like mine let's you choose settings of aperture priority, shutter priority or just left on auto. Next shot delay can be important. Some as mine have just 1 second delay, some are very slow, 5 to 6 sec.Brands to consider are Canon, Sony, Fuji, Nikon and Olympus. I am very satisfied with mine. It's a Sony CyberShot DSC-H2.

ponting

Depends on your usage. For $100-$200 I assume you want a basic camera for everyday use, you'll find a camera around 5 mega pixel range for that price.

bv0r_27

Video. It's a cool feature, i luv it!

xman77

start at this website. be specific to the features you want and stick to top brands. http://www.myproductadvisor.com/mpa/home.do

epic_laydown

Resolution: You want at least 5MP, better around 7MP. ISO: If you are going to take pictures in low light, you need a high ISO. You need at least 400, my $200 camera has an ISO of 1600. Batteries: You don't want a camera that takes AA's because you will be buying 100 a week. No joke.

I <3 Bella

All of the major brands have their fans, and I have no doubt that they are all good cameras. Take your time looking, they are getting better and cheaper as time goes by. Optical zoom is the most important thing, get the most you can for your money. Digital zoom is a complete waste of time, do not consider this as a factor when buying a camera. Once you have bought a camera, turn digital zoom off. Get the most megapixels you can for your money, up to about 8MP after that it's generally a waste of time going higher (boring technical explanation). As a very rough rule of thumb when comparing your final choices in camera, take the number of megapixels and multiply that by the amount of optical zoom. Buy the camera with the highest number. Try to avoid a camera that uses two 'AA' batteries (except perhaps the Kodaks that can use the CR3 Lithium ion Battery Pack). Get a camera that either uses four, or one with its own dedicated Lithium Ion battery pack. (If you want to keep it for a long time, check the price and availability of replacement batteries. perhaps ebay?)

teef_au

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/holiday-gift-guide-best-digital-cameras-for-casual-photographers_roundup.html You need to do the research online and in store to find out which is best for you. However based on my experience, Canon is very reliable. Fuji last only after the warranty expires. Sony does not record movie video well and they use there own memory card which are more expensive. I haven't use Panasonic, Nikon, or Casio, they have good reviews too. Overall Canon is my choice for the latest innovation and quality. I got my sister the A570 IS and they love it. No worry about recharging the battery or can't find the charger. If you are not the organized type, go for those that use AA batteries. Always check the camera in store and buy online from Pricegrabber.com to get the best prices. My favorite online shop is Newegg.com, they ship fast and their prices are among the cheapest. I plan to get another A570 IS for my mom. It's not the best looking, but it's a great camera. Good Luck!

smallinvestorpower

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