Good digital camera for around $300?

[Jugernot]

What would you guys recommend? I've got around $300 to spend, what should I get?

Jugs

 

[Mitzi]

I've got a Fuji FinePix 2600z, I have been very impressed with it.

Sample Shots I've taken.

 

[sohcrates]

I'm in the same boat. $300 is what i'm looking to spend.

From what i've seen, the differences between 2 and 3 megapixel's is minimal for ordinary use.

Thanks for posting some pix taken with that Fuji....i think i'm gonna go look around and see if i can find it for even less!

 

[JOSEPHLB]

check into the Canon Powershot A20

 

[Homebrew]

I just picked up a Toshiba PDR-M71 for $320 through Gateway accessory store..guess the
PDR-M81 4.2MP can be had for that much also (after rebate). Search the hot deals forum.

This was my first digital and pleased with the output. Only complaints are it's semi slow
focus. Very good options for the price.

 

[Homebrew]

Some sample pics with the Toshiba PDR-M71
samples

sorry for the low quality but you get the idea, really had to compress them down
to get under netgains 256kb per pic limit. Originals were full size.

 

[geckojohn]

I have the Fuji FinePix 2600z also and think it's a great camera. It's really easy to use and takes terrific pictures. There are a few reviews for this camera on the internet.... just do a search on Google.

 

[sohcrates]

<< I have the Fuji FinePix 2600z also and think it's a great camera. It's really easy to use and takes terrific pictures. There are a few reviews for this camera on the internet.... just do a search on Google. >>



yeah, i found lots of reviews through google as well. that camera looks exactly like what i'm in the market for.

what it comes down to now is price.

the cheapest i can find the 2600z is about $260 from pricewatch.com.

all the local stores sell it for $299.99

i found past threads that say they snagged this camera under 200 bucks with all sorts of deals...none of which i can find anymore

so is $260 a good price?

 

[NeoMadHatter]

<< check into the Canon Powershot A20 >>



that's a very good camera. my cousins have it. i have the nikon coolpix775. the dell.com deals might still be there somewhere. you can probably get it for very cheap there.

 

[EXman]

I Like my Sony p20 1.3 very easy to use... so a p50 the $299 2.1 might wanna check into it. Also everywhere I went said Olympus was great. I just got to like the sony's package and interface.

Oh get some "MONSTER" 1800NiMH batteries they rock! most are just 1600's and digicams USE Batteries like crazy.

 

[sorehead]

I am in the market for a digital camera but I keep hearing stories about the problem's some camera software has with Windows98SE, which is what I use. Anyone have any problems with their camera
and Win 98SE?

 

[Mitzi]

the cheapest i can find the 2600z is about $260 from pricewatch.com.

all the local stores sell it for $299.99

i found past threads that say they snagged this camera under 200 bucks with all sorts of deals...none of which i can find anymore

so is $260 a good price?

I paid £250 ($350) for mine :disgust:

I gotta come live in the States - anyone wanna give me and my computer stuff a new home

 

[manly]

The 2600Z was dirt-cheap in the pre-Christmas shopping season with various promotions out there.

Unfortunately, it pretty much sold out at many online merchants so you're then forced to hunt around to get it at around list price.

I bought one with the intention of keeping it (it's a good camera) but eventually sold it off. Right now, since you can't get a great deal on it, I'm not sure I would recommend that camera for $300.

For example, you can get a Nikon CoolPix 995 for about $400 after an AMEX BVG pricematch. By all accounts, unless you want a simple-to-use camera, the CP995 is heads and shoulders above the FP2600Z.

 

[Rottie]

I would pick Canon PowerShot A20 2.1 megapixel I don't know the price cause I don't own it yet but will plan to buy one later on.

 

[Homebrew]

Still think the Toshiba PDR-M71 is a much better buy for $320.

3.2MP - 6x zoom (2.8 opt) - video w/sound (320x240), granted its not the best but better than nothing.
full manual mode - nice options here. Aperature from 2.9 to 8.0, exposure from 1/1000 to 15 seconds,
great for night photography. Worth a look.

 

[amheck]

I happened to be over at the www.compuplus.com website looking for a video card, and saw that the Nikon 995 is now down to $439. What an incredable price for an awesome camera. If it were me, I'd save up the extra money and get one of these babies. Who knows, you may even be able to PM these to get one even lower.

Aaron

 

[sohcrates]

<< Still think the Toshiba PDR-M71 is a much better buy for $320. >>



I'll admit that Toshiba looks pretty sweet...but the fact that it only comes with an 8mb card and NO rechargeable batteries kinda makes me lose interest.

Btw...anyone with a Finepix 2600Z....can you set the exposure for longer than the default (so if you're shooting at night you can leave it open for a few seconds?)

Thanks

 

[amheck]

Just got a email from Computer Geeks. They have the Fuji Finepix 4700 and a free mp3 player for $339. Enter code 'GEEK4700'. Maybe that will help someone out.

Aaron

 

[Mitzi]

<< Btw...anyone with a Finepix 2600Z....can you set the exposure for longer than the default (so if you're shooting at night you can leave it open for a few seconds?) >>



I think so but its not something I've tried. I'll check tonight and get back to you.

Cheers.

 

[Mitzi]

<< Just got a email from Computer Geeks. They have the Fuji Finepix 4700 and a free mp3 player for $339. Enter code 'GEEK4700'. Maybe that will help someone out.

Aaron >>



Isn't the posting of coupon codes strictly forbidden

 

[nealh]

I would ver seriously consider the Toshiba PDR-M71:

you are going to need to pick a larger media card..the fuji come with 16mg..not really going to hold alot...so that is a push vs tosh...

the nice feature is the batteries(fuji needs 2 AA..tosh needs 4AA).... the fuji comes with 2 rechargable batteries

I picked up a tosh pdr-m71 as well....it is once nice camera..lots of manual features if you want that..movie with sound real nice..the pictures are fantastic IMHO...

the tosh is 3mp vs 2mp on fuji.....this can make a difference..I am by no means a camera expert but I think you are better off with a 3mp camera and the added features of the toshiba for about the same price..except for batteries..you can pick up 4 AA 1800mh NIMH and excellent charger at thompson battery for $40(got the best rating from image resource)..I got 8 batteries with charger for $60

Toshiba PDR-M71: 2 reviews for you..very detailed...check their review index for other camera reviews
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/M71/M71A12.HTM

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/pdrm71.html

batteries:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

Good Luck

I do not think you can go wrong with the Fujui or toshiba or any of the others recommended ..I know for me it was very tough decision..since there is no easy way to test them all out

 

[Homebrew]

In case you don't frequent the Hot Deals forum they have listed a
Toshiba PDR-M81 for a little over $300 (after rebate) through Gateway accessory store.

Its the same camera as the PDR-M71 except it's 4.2 MP versus 3.3 MP.

Also when you purchase either of these they have a coupon for a free camera kit
which you mail in..could take a month or two though.
32MB smartmedia card, lithium batteries and some other lesser items.

good luck.

 

[sohcrates]

<< In case you don't frequent the Hot Deals forum they have listed a
Toshiba PDR-M81 for a little over $300 (after rebate) through Gateway accessory store.

Its the same camera as the PDR-M71 except it's 4.2 MP versus 3.3 MP.

Also when you purchase either of these they have a coupon for a free camera kit
which you mail in..could take a month or two though.
32MB smartmedia card, lithium batteries and some other lesser items.

good luck. >>



looks like gateway just canceled all orders for it...they ran out