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Best Digicam under $275...Update w/ pics

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OK, I think I have it down to a few cameras. Please make suggestions!

- Sony DSCP72 ($233 - $30 Rebate)
Not too shabby, overall pretty cheap. USB 2.0 and 3.2 Optical

Link

-Nikon CoolPix 3100 ($270)
Looks nice...haven't really read into it much

Link

-Fuji FinePix S3000 ($270)
Nice looking camera, 6x OPTICAL, but I read that the viewfinder freezes onces it focuses, making action shots hard

Link

-Canon A70 ($300, but can be PMed to bestbuy for $270)
Seems to be the most popular here on ATOT...also takes CF cards which is a plus.

Link


That's all folks...what do you think?

Thanks,
Dan
 
Originally posted by: dmurray14
OK, I think I have it down to a few cameras. Please make suggestions!

- Sony DSCP72 ($233 - $30 Rebate)
Not too shabby, overall pretty cheap. USB 2.0 and 3.2 Optical

Link

-Nikon CoolPix 3100 ($270)
Looks nice...haven't really read into it much

Link

-Fuji FinePix S3000 ($270)
Nice looking camera, 6x OPTICAL, but I read that the viewfinder freezes onces it focuses, making action shots hard

Link

-Canon A70 ($300, but can be PMed to bestbuy for $270)
Seems to be the most popular here on ATOT...also takes CF cards which is a plus.

Link


That's all folks...what do you think?

Thanks,
Dan
Click to expand...

Of those, the Nikon can be eliminated right away. Similar price, and nothing that really stands out against the Fuji or Canon (correct me if I'm wrong). It's pretty clear-cut after that. Do you want (all with 3MP and 3x Optical zoom unless otherwise noted):

1. No manual controls and the smallest camera for $200
2. Semi-manual controls and 6x optical zoom for $270
3. Full-manual for $270

Can't really make the decision for you, it's a matter of personal preference from here.
 
No manual controls and the smallest camera for $200

It doesn't have shutter or aperture priority, but it does have:That's enough control to handle 80% of the difficult shooting situations you'll run up against.

Honestly though, you might want to crank it up a couple notches and go for a better camera from the start. I bet most people who posted in this topic are on their second camera already, and likely looking to upgrade at least one more time.
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
No manual controls and the smallest camera for $200

It doesn't have shutter or aperture priority, but it does have:That's enough control to handle 80% of the difficult shooting situations you'll run up against.

Honestly though, you might want to crank it up a couple notches and go for a better camera from the start. I bet most people who posted in this topic are on their second camera already, and likely looking to upgrade at least one more time.
Click to expand...
ATOT is definitely rubbing off on you. At this rate you'll soon be "the guy" to go to for camera questions 🙂

 
Nope, I'd keep checking with Ross, because he's up on the Hot Deals. (Hell, dmurray just found it for $10.00 less than I paid, at the same damn store!) I just happen to have info lately because I snagged one for my son. He'll be opening it this evening. I'll post some of his artsy shots ASAP.
 
I'd highly recommend the SD100 personally. Smaller than the S400 and can be found within the price you are looking for.
 
Originally posted by: Ornery
No manual controls and the smallest camera for $200

It doesn't have shutter or aperture priority, but it does have:That's enough control to handle 80% of the difficult shooting situations you'll run up against.

Honestly though, you might want to crank it up a couple notches and go for a better camera from the start. I bet most people who posted in this topic are on their second camera already, and likely looking to upgrade at least one more time.
Click to expand...
I'll conceed that the Sony can take 80% of difficult shots, but it's still short in comparision to the other two (as far as manual controls are concerned).

I personally, just bought my second digital camera (photography is growing into a serious hobby of mine). I went from a Fuji 1300 1.3MP fixed lens (aquired spring 2002 for $100 used, my senior year of HS) to an Olympus C-3020 3.3MP, 3x optical, tons of manual, for a tad over $200 and I probably will upgrade again at some point. However, $600 for a digital camera at this time in my life is very impractical (sophomore in college, ready to take out another student loan).
 
"...the Sony can take 80% of difficult shots, but it's still short in comparision to the other two (as far as manual controls are concerned)."

Is it $50 to $70 (30%) short? I've got full manual overrides available on my camera, and the only times I really take advantage of them is for back lit scenes and portraits. And then there's the size issue, because that was a priority concern. I'm certain it's $200.00 worth of camera. No doubt about that, but it's still a compromise, which is to be expected at that price. It ain't as small as I'd like it to be, and it's not as responsive as I'm used to.

I just looked at the pictures he shot today, which totaled 15. 5 were close ups, that he didn't turn the macro on for. 9 were shot indoors with no flash, because he purposely turned it off for some reason. 1 was shot by his brother, and completely missed the subject! 😕 Well, we've got some time tomorrow to read the flippin' manual, and see what it really can do. He shot this one last night, so I know both he and the camera are capable.
 
Well, just an update. I went to CC today to check out what they had, and lo and behold, they had an open box A70. So I picked that up...the thing is brand new, I think the only thing it's missing is the actual box. I have a lot to learn about this camera, but so far it's looking good...

Edit: teh pictars...

1
2
 
So, how much?

I get the first picture, but what is the second? It's got an artsy quality to it, but I have no idea what it is. 😕
 
$269...


The second pic is of the headlights of one of our cars...virtual cookie to the first person to name it...
 
It's a point & shoot. You're supposed to just leave it in Auto, and fire away! Run around the house and snap 20 random pictures as fast as you can, and see how many turn out OK.
 
Yeah, I know..and it is. But I'd love to master all the manual controls too...that's part of the reason I bought it. Everyone was emphasizing that the A70 had the most manual control out of all...
 
It is, eh? Why not try that experiment? How many of the 20 pictures do you think will be good? How many pictures will NOT be taken at all, because it couldn't focus? Once you find what the auto mode can't do, you'll be able to appreciate the particular manual modes. Quicker to figure it all out that way too, because it sinks in better.
 
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