Dumb Digital Camera Question

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
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I just found out that my Grandson wants a digital camera for Christmas.
I have read enough here to realize that Canon is a respected/recommended brand. I am completely new to digital cameras and my head hurts from reading reviews at Imaging Resource, Steve's Digicams, and Digital Photo Review.

The Canon
A70
S230
SD100
A300
G1
S20

all seem to be quite similar in price and features.
I'm leaning toward the A70, but am open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks!
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
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How much do you want to spend?

The Canon a70 has a huge following here, everyone loves it. It's about $250-300

If he just wants to do point and shoot stuff so he can keep the photos on his PC, a two megapixel camera (Fuji FinePix 2650 at buy.com for $140 AR) is a good choice. 3MP makes acceptable 8x10 prints.
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
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Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Actually, the answer is Canon PowerShot A70 :)
Just check shipping costs when you buy from buydig. I bought my digicam from them, paid $25 for shipping, which consisted of normal fedex shipping in a box slightly bigger than the camera itself.

So make sure the shipping doesn't offset the low cost of the camera itself
 

everman

Lifer
Nov 5, 2002
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What kind of camera does he want though? I would much rather have an SLR than a simple point n shoot. But those still cost about a grand. Or you could go with an SLR-like camera, such as a Fuji s5000 or s7000. Both of those are very nice with many manual features. Canon EOS 300D is a great digital SLR btw.
Well that's my point of view, just because I like SLR over anything else :)
 

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
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Originally posted by: everman
What kind of camera does he want though? I would much rather have an SLR than a simple point n shoot. But those still cost about a grand. Or you could go with an SLR-like camera, such as a Fuji s5000 or s7000. Both of those are very nice with many manual features. Canon EOS 300D is a great digital SLR btw.
Well that's my point of view, just because I like SLR over anything else :)
That's a bit above the budget for now, but thanks.

I'll do some more reading on the cameras that you mentioned.

 

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
29,767
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S20 and G1 = quite old. Didn't know you could still buy them new!

A300 = Fixed Lens. Blah.

SD100 is the S230's replacement. They are very similar, both featuring the same CCD and lens. The SD100 uses the more compact SD memory, which I think is a bad thing. SD memory is a little more expensive, and if he decides to upgrade to a higher-end Canon digicam like a G5 or 300D, he wouldn't be able to use the SD memory. Both S230 and SD100 use special, lithium batteries.

A70 = More optical zoom and uses AA batteries. This would be the best choice for him.
 

Conky

Lifer
May 9, 2001
10,709
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I did the homework and there is a Canon A70 sitting under the Christmas tree for me. :D
 

DaWhim

Lifer
Feb 3, 2003
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how old is your grandson? get sd100 (I have this camera) the smallest camera /w 2x zoom by canon. cost around the same as A70. but a70 is not that compact compare to sd100.
 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
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Don't forget rechargeable batteries if you get the Canon A70. l love mine but rechargeable batteries are a must!
 

Cyberian

Diamond Member
Jun 17, 2000
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Originally posted by: Queasy
Don't forget rechargeable batteries if you get the Canon A70. l love mine but rechargeable batteries are a must!
I picked some up FAR at CompUSA a couple of months ago.

Thanks.