Best digital camera for about $300

[NeoPTLD]

I am asking here as I learned the hard way that reviews sometimes miss out something very important. When I played around with a Ricoh RDC-7 in the store, I noticed the auto focus was VERY slow. I mean it takes a few seconds. This was not mentioned in the review.

These are what I'm looking from highest to lowest importance:


1. Auto focus speed
2. Overall processing speed
3. compact size, preferebly with an automatic lens cover.
4. Smart Media based. I have half a dozen 64MB SmartMedia card around here.
5. Manual priority modes would be nice

any idea?

 

[Mem]

Have a look at these sites below,

Steve`s digicams.


DC Resource.


Megapixel .

 

[techwanabe]

Look for a "last years model" Canon S30 (3 mega pixel) - got good reviews on CNET and other sites. I have the S40 (4 mega pixel version) and it is a nice camera. Only disadvantage is limited flash range, but this is true for most camera's with built in flash and now hot shoe.

 

[filmmaker]

Canon Powershot S300

EDIT: Scratch this one. Powershots use CF.

Fuji camera would be your best bet if you really need Smart Media cards.

 

[Sheriff]

Fuji's have many Models and use Smart Media as well.

 

[Tikerz]

Hands down - Panasonic LC33

Check the specs

Best feature set out of all $300 digital cameras. The best part? Leica DC Vario-Elmarit Lens ASPH F2.8 Leica makes the BEST lenses in the world

Go to your local Circuit City and check it out.

Edit: It uses SD, but it's worth it! Smartmedia is too slow.

 

[TJN23]

an S230 can be had for around $314 at Dell these days....you should look into it despite it having CF

edit: theres usually lots of trades that go on in FS/T for memory media