Digital Camera Help

Artwo · 12-12-2003, 12:18 PM

I'm looking at giving my wife a digital camera for Christmas (good thing she doesn't read ifish, now if it was "ishop" that would be a different story :grin: ) and I am having trouble picking a camera. My crteria is that I'ld like it to be at least 3.2 megapixals and around $250.

I know this subject has been discussed on here many times but I don't remember much discussion about price.

I'm looking at the Olympus D560Z (3x optical/3.4x digital zoom) as my first choice ($229 at Cosco w/ $20 rebate)

I also like the Kodak EasyShare 3.1 (EKC CX6330). The only thing I don't know about this camera is if you have to have the docking station (which is sold seperately) to download pictures.

So you digital camera owners out there, give me some feedback............

Thanks

12-12-2003, 12:42 PM

Good Deal

Pitch Pocket · 12-12-2003, 02:48 PM

Nikon Coolpix 3100 is a great camera for a point & shoot.

Pricegrabber has it at $257 delivered.

Nikon price search

nerta · 12-12-2003, 02:50 PM

I looked at lots of cameras and settled on a Cannon Power Shot A70 3.2 mega pix and 3x zoom under $300. It works great and is easy to use. Check them out.

Silver Hilton · 12-12-2003, 02:58 PM

Another vote for the Canon a70. I got it because in addition to having all the basic features, it's housing will accept add on lenses such as a polarizing filter, which is nice for outdoors shooting, like we all do.

ultralight · 12-12-2003, 04:01 PM

...and the PC World says that the Canon A70 is their best rated and Best Buy (under $500) digi camera. I like the solid hand grip feature, too.

tt3886 · 12-12-2003, 04:17 PM

Canon A70. Straight from our resident dig cam guru.

ampersat · 12-12-2003, 04:23 PM

I shopped a lot before I got my camera last year. I went with the Olympus D520 Zoom and I've been very happy with it. Although I don't know for sure, I'm guessing that you can use the Kodak camera without the docking station (probably USB). The docking station just makes it easier. Unless your wife shoots pics on a regular basis, it's probably not worth the extra expense.

Some general digital camera tips:
1. I like rechargable AA's. First, they're rechargable. Second, if you happen to be on vacation and blow through your rechargables, you can pick up a couple of alkalines and be back to shooting in no time. Third, AA rechargables are available anywhere; you don't have to get some proprietary battery pack from the vendor.
2. Focus (pun intended) on optical zoom and forget that the camera even has digital zoom. Digital zoom is something you can do much better with the software on your PC than the software in your camera.
3. Whatever you get, make sure that it covers its own lense when you turn it off. It's just a convenience thing really but do you really want to have to remember to cover the lense each time you're done using the camera? Failing to do so could end up ruining your lense though.

The two places I did my research on were www.epinions.com and www.zdnet.com. Epinions is great for all kinds of stuff. However, make note of how many times something has been reviewed and by whom as well as the thing's overall rating. If you're looking at newer just-on-the-market stuff, it won't have been reviewed by very many people so pay special attention to the reviewer's profile. ZDNet is great for most computer related stuff. Their Editor's Choice picks narrow the field down for you pretty well.

Fshklr · 12-12-2003, 05:04 PM

Artwo,
Amp has the info pretty straight forward there, some good advice. I have spent countless hrs researching Digi cams these past 3 weeks. I sent a PM with some helpful info you may like to take a look at.
:grin:

roadsend · 12-12-2003, 08:58 PM

Artwo
"I'm looking at the Olympus D560Z (3x optical/3.4x digital zoom) as my first choice ($229 at Cosco w/ $20 rebate)"

I bought it last week, took about 200 pictures. Very satisfied. Easy to use. Highly rated by Consumer reports (one of their quick recommends).

Drachir · 12-12-2003, 10:51 PM

You should take a look at the Canon Powershot S-30, it's a great camera and should fall in your price range.

LongJohn · 12-13-2003, 04:21 PM

Try the Canon PowerShot A300 3.2mp digital camera. Good reviews. Dell has it for $170 shipped.

Artwo · 12-15-2003, 07:52 AM

Thanks you all for the reviews. I spent some more time online this weekend looking at different cameras and I also talked to a few people who have recently bought new cameras. I think for the money I want to spend I'm going with the Olympus D560Z.

Thanks again, Merry Christmas
JK

Smily · 12-15-2003, 09:43 AM

Good choice Jeff,
Got an olympus 550 last year and like the camera alot. about 8 months ago they come out with the 560. It only takes 2 batteries than my 4 and is a little sleek and nicer unit. The funtions and performance is about the same as my 550. Enjoy!!! you won't be disappointed. :grin: Walmart has the best prices on rechargables and don't forget to get more memory. 64 mdg minimum.

:smile: Smily :smile:

[ 12-15-2003, 10:44 AM: Message edited by: Smily ]

Mojo · 12-15-2003, 01:54 PM

Go with Cannon. I have used a dozen or so, at work, friends etc. I bought a Cannon last year, and it is the best move i ever made (in the shopping department). The thing has easy to use software, is configurable (if you know about photography), and takes great pics in auto mode.

My .02...

Joe Schwab · 12-15-2003, 02:08 PM

Just a side note. I have the Kodak Easy Share and have had great luck with it. If you have Windows XP you don't need any software. Just hook up to UBB port and download. You can edit your pictures with paint. If I can do it anyone can.

12-15-2003, 02:33 PM

Merry Christmas Capt. Hook. :smile:

chummer · 12-15-2003, 03:27 PM

I also have a kodak easyshare. It has been an excellent camera. I've taken some beautiful, scenic shots with it, but I mainly use it for those catch or kill photos. I don't have the loading dock, don't need it.

Surething · 12-15-2003, 08:24 PM

to find some good deals try shopping.com it will give you the best deal from lots of venders on the web. then I took that and got frys electronics to make me the same deal

Joe Schwab · 12-16-2003, 07:30 AM

Thanks ******, same to you and yours.

dampainter · 12-16-2003, 11:10 PM

I would not get a kodak, again...... I bought a ls443 last christmas for the wife :grin: and had nothing but problems....I sent that thing back to kodak NUMEROUS times to get fixed and came back with other problems and they would also not send back things(usb cable, memory card )that they had asked me to send them along with the camera. at one point I asked them for my money back and they said that they were discontinuing the ls443 and would send me a brand new dx6440(replacement for the ls443) if wanted, said I would be very happy with it and was not even on the market yet....well I went for it and no problems yet....I have my fingers crossed.

I have noticed with this new one that if I zoom in even a little pictures are very blurry....and yes I can hold my hand very steady so I know that is not the problem, tempted to call kodak and ask. other than that it seems to take good pics. anyone else having problems with the zoom thing?

if I were to do it again I would definately look at the canons.