Originally posted by: ArmchairAthlete
Sure, I should go do my own homework too... but I figured I'd ask the bright minds of AT.
$400 to buy a digital camera (memory should be included). Just general use. I have limited photography experience but digital cameras are pretty easy from the ones I've used.
Thanks!
I call this my "never buy film again" kit
I bought a Canon A75 originally, but the A520 is the newer version. Plenty of fun controls to play with and excellent picture quality. I actually just put together a list for a friend of mine of what I got:
1. Camera: Canon PowerShot A520 ($174)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120168
4 megapixel camera. Newer, smaller, and better than what I have.
2. Memory card: Sandisk Ultra II 1GB Secure Digital ($86)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820180615
You may also want to get a USB card reader, which you can leave connected to your computer so that you just have to put the memory chip in to get the photos. I recommend using Google's free Picasa 2 photo program to manage your photos. Get two chips if you plan on doing a lot of shooting and won't be around a computer to dump the photos to. My 1 gig CF chip holds about 600 pictures at max quality on my A75 camera (3.2mp).
3. Battery charger: Maha MH-C204W 4xAA battery charger ($30)
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/maha...erex-mh-c204w-nimh-battery-charger.htm
Great battery charger.
4. Batteries: Energizer 2500 mAh rechargable batteries ($10 for 4 batteries)
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/energizer-aa-nimh-rechargeable-batteries.htm
The Canon A520 uses two AA batteries, so if you buy 4 you'll always have some charging. The Maha charger can charge as few as 2 batteries or as many as 4.
5. Case: Tamrac digital series
Available on Amazon.com in various colors. I think I got the medium size. Compact and can hold spare batteries and memory cards.
6. Lens cleaner: Kodak lens cleaning paper ($2 for 50 sheets)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...ku=27988&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
This is a special dry paper used to clean the camera lens. Never use a tissue, paper towel, shirt, etc., as they can scratch the lens. Buy a couple packs, you won't need to buy more for years.
7. Air duster: Rocker Air Blower (about $10)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control...tialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=rocket+air&image.x=0&image.y=0
This lets you blow dust and particles out of the lens. Use this with the Kodak lens paper.
8. Screen/body cleaner: small blue Microfiber cloths (about $5 for a 2-pack)
Available at Staples in the computer cleaning section. These cloths won't damage the LCD screen on the camera and are good to use on the whole body after a day of camera use - cleans fingerprints right off.
That's pretty much it. You can get a tripod if you want, plus lights and other stuff, but this covers the basics. There are some good online sites for getting pictures printed as well, such as Ofoto.com, or you could get them printed at the local Walmart or CVS. You can also get a photo printer, which gives you the convenience of printing out whatever size photos you want at home. I use an Epson R200 (about $100), which lets me print 4x6", 5x7", 8x10", fullpage, and custom sizes, as well as print on white or silver printable CDs. They also have 4x6" photo printers, of course. I believe the Epson one with the handle currently has the best picture quality.
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There you go. The pricing may be a little out of date because I sent this list like a month ago. You will never have to buy film or batteries again. It's a great little setup and looks like it would fit within your budget.
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