$200 to spend on a digital camera. Any suggestions?

[gozulin]

Well, i've never owned a camera in my life and i figure it's time to start taking pictures.

The problem is I know absolutely *nothing* about cameras. Ii'm not going to be using it professionally nor very often so I don't really care about memory cards and the like. As long as it includes a usb or firewire cable, i'm happy.

I don't need it to be stylish, user-friendly or have a lot of features either. All I want is decent picture quality. An lcd screen would be nice too.

I'm somewhat flexible about the price but it simply can't exceed $250 (shipping/accessories included).


So, what would you recommend me?

 

[Comp625]

Well, you NEED a memory card because alot of cameras only give you a 16mb starter memory card or 16mb of built-in memory. Either way, it'll hold a little more or less than 15 pictures depending on how many megapixels you get.

Since you seem to want a no-frills camera, I would go for the Fuji Finepix A340. It's a 4mp camera (which lets you do nice prints up to 8x10 before everything gets pixelated). It goes for about $200 at brick and mortar stores...probably less if you look online.

It'll also take rechargable double "AA" batteries (aka NiMH Nickel Metal Hydride batteries). A recharging kit with 4 batteries goes for about $15 - $20.

Fuji Finepix A340

 

[Traire]

Im rather partial to Canon myself. I'd reccomend this:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-120-167&depa=7

or for less$ and less features:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-120-155&depa=7

 

[gozulin]

Well, thanks for the replies guys but i'd like some more feedback before I decide. Anyone else wants to jump in and second on of the former posters or put new options on the table?

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: gozulin
Well, i've never owned a camera in my life and i figure it's time to start taking pictures.

The problem is I know absolutely *nothing* about cameras. Ii'm not going to be using it professionally nor very often so I don't really care about memory cards and the like. As long as it includes a usb or firewire cable, i'm happy.

Don't use a cable to transfer the images. Buy a memory card drive. Makes transfering images a breeze.

 

[buttwhacker]

Canon have really good cameras and very reliable as well..... I would recommend a 3.2 - 4.0 megapixel(MP) camera for good picture quality
the new Canon A510 is a good camera, easy to use and good picture quality, its a 3.2 MP
If you can get your hands on the Canon A85 even better - love the quality on that camera

 

[RPatrick6]

I also like the Canons.

You ought to check out a good camera review website where you can look at actual pictures taken by the cameras.

Also, just becuase a camera has high Megapixels, does not mean it takes quality pictures. The pixel rating has nothing to do with the quality of the optics or focusing mechanisms.

Great Review Site

 

[razor2025]

Canons are the bomb. I have the A80, and it's awesome. There's plenty of manual settings, but there's also a really good auto-focus / adjust. You would definitely need to reserve some money for memory cards. Most camera only comes with 16-32mb card, if any at all.

 

[LASTGUY2GETPS2]

steve's digicams for reviews

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

 

[codeyf]

Another vote for Canon A-series

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

Canon A75 here. My second Canon camera, first was a EOS Rebel. Got a Canon Printer too

I'm pretty impressed with the features on the A75. The LCD is big, bright, and clear. Zoom works awesome, macro, flash, etc. I can't say enough about it so i'm going to stop here.

Thumbs up for Canon

 

[yhelothar]

I have a nice Canon S30, which is a compact version of the A75 that I can sell to you for $180.
It includes a 128mb memory card, sandisk USB2.0 card reader, camera case, manual, and two properietary batteries with charger.
It's a great camera with lots of manual controls.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/canon_s30.html
here's a nice macro i took with it
LMK if you're interested.

 

[crazyeddie]

I bought my wife a Canon A60 that we've had for about 15 months and it's been fantastic. I spent $199 on it at the time and she has probably taken (I wish I were exaggerating) about 4,500 pictures with it.

Our experience with Canon has been extremely positive. I have read good things about Fujitsu's budget digital cameras as well. Kodak digital cameras I've heard and read bad things about.

Hope that all helps.

 

[Bonesdad]

Canon again...I have A70 and A75...great cameras, you can't go wrong here for that price. I'd say the concensus is overwhelming...CANON.

 

[StormRider]

I've been looking at some websites with pictures from the Canon and a lot of them seems kind of blurry to me.

 

[corkyg]

For $200, I would be looking at a good, used $400 - $500 camera on EBay or locally.

 

[intogamer]

Get the Canon PowerShot A400 3.2MP.
Then you will have money for other things(sd card, tripod, etc.)

 

[yhelothar]

Originally posted by: StormRider
I've been looking at some websites with pictures from the Canon and a lot of them seems kind of blurry to me.

you think this looks blurry?

 

[corkyg]

Like I said - a good buy would be the Canon A74 for $145 here:

A75

 

[SilentRunning]

Originally posted by: virtualgames0

Originally posted by: StormRider
I've been looking at some websites with pictures from the Canon and a lot of them seems kind of blurry to me.

you think this looks blurry?

Yep blurry like this Canon A70 shot

 

[applesseed]

Your best bet is Canon... I personally like both Canon and Nikon.