Digital camera help for a noob

[FABulous]

I don't even own a traditional camera, but I think I'm going to get a digital camera as my standard camera. I'm willing to spend $300 on a basic point and shoot camera. It'd be nice to get some perks with the camera, like a macro and micro mode and an OK optical zoom. If anyone has suggestions, I would love to hear it. Thanks!

 

[Kalvin00]

Canon A75. 'Nuff said.

Edit: Please inform me, what is a 'micro' mode?

 

[UCDAggies2k4]

Spend a little more and get the Canon S60.

 

[FABulous]

I think micro mode is used for taking pictures of really small objects. Macro mode would be used for taking a landscape pic. Thanks fellas.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: FABulous
I think micro mode is used for taking pictures of really small objects. Macro mode would be used for taking a landscape pic. Thanks fellas.

Negative. Macro is for close ups of small stuff.

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: FABulous
I think micro mode is used for taking pictures of really small objects. Macro mode would be used for taking a landscape pic. Thanks fellas.

Negative. Macro is for close ups of small stuff.

He may be refering to "super macro" mode that some cameras have. My Fuji has such a feature, it's very good for photographing small flowers or bugs.

Definatly get the Canon A75 or A80. Everyone here loves the A70 (the A75 is an upgraded 3mp model I think?), the A80 is a similar model, only with 4mp mode.

 

[yllus]

Basic point-and-shoot, not to mention small but sturdy:

Canon PowerShot S410 4MP Digital Camera for $313.54 @ OneCall

The Canon A75 or A80 are good options too, but they're larger and - not that this is a detriment - have more manual features. Decide whether or not you'd actually use 'em before purchasing.

 

[UCDAggies2k4]

I never heard of this micro mode. I wonder what it is?

The S60 has a great macro mode. It can take great pictures of an object only 4cm away. Very few cameras can focus on object only 4cm. The S60 can be had for $375, just a little more than your 300.

 

[FABulous]

I guess I got the 2 modes confused. If macro is for taking close ups of small objects, then micro must be for taking landscape type pictures of mountains/ocean/other big things.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out the Canons.

 

[SilentRavens]

Originally posted by: FABulous
I guess I got the 2 modes confused. If macro is for taking close ups of small objects, then micro must be for taking landscape type pictures of mountains/ocean/other big things.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out the Canons.

I have never heard of a "micro" mode before. The others are right about macro mode, but "micro" suggest that the camera sets itself for close up focusing, which is exactly opposite of what is needed for Landscapes.