Digital Camera freaks~!

[Yzzim]

I need some advice

I'm looking for a camera to mess around with. I want to take pictures of computer stuff that I'm going to sell, my g/f and family, my dog, my socks....anything. I'm looking to spend around $200 and so far the best buy looks like the Kodak DX3500.
Here's my question. What's the difference between the DX3500 and the Kodak DX3600 besides $100? I realize one is "Zoom" but they both have Zoom capability, right?
Any other cameras better than the DX3500 in my price range?
This is rather confusing...thanks for the help.

 

[iamwiz82]

digital zoom only enlarges the picture after it has been taken, so it is more grainy. Optical zoom will give you perfect quality. Also, the 3600 has the ability to make videos with sound.

 

[mithrandir2001]

Zoom comes into two forms: optical and digital. Optical is far superior because it allows the camera to use true, full resolution at different focal lengths. Digital zoom uses interpolation, which degrades the image. My Nikon 995, for instance, has a native 152mm reach, thanks to the 4x optical zoom...I can add a 3x teleconverter and use the built-in 4x digital zoom for an incredible 1824mm. But I'm certain it looks like absolute crap at that focal length.

At $200, you are often limited to cameras with fixed lenses, like the DC3500, that use digital zooming to change the effective focal length.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Another good selection though its now discontinued is the Kodak DC-215 several of my friends have this camera and its great, easy to use and everything, it only has 2 downsides 1. the battery life can be a bit short when using normal alkalines. 2. no usb connection, but this can be solved with a jumpshot or other such device.
JMHO,

CrackRabbit

 

[rb56]

I have been using a DC215 for about a year or so. It is an easy to use camera. If you are going to publish to the web or use your PC to look at the pics it does a fine job. If you want to print pics any bigger than4X6 you might be disappointed with the quality of the picture. As CrackRabbit stated with a jumpshot you can easily upload your images to a PC. I use rechargeables with it and they work fine.
rb56