Help me choose which digicam to get!

[Comp625]

I have boiled it down to 3.

HP PSC320 - 2MP - $135.95 refurb - 3x opt/4x dig

FujiFinepix 2650 - 2MP - $149.99 - new - 3x opt/2.5x dig

Canon Powershot A60 - 2MP - $215.94 - new - 3x opt/2.5x dig

Now I'm a newbie, have taken a couple pictures with a digital camera but never really owned one. Right now, I'm leaning towards the FinePix 2650 as the HP is a refurb (though it retails for a little less than $200 when new). The 4x digital zoom in the HP vs the 2.5x digital zoom in the 2650 doesn't bother me at all as I despise digital zoom anyways. Is there any reason I should shell an extra $65 for the Powershot A60? I know Canon cams are very awesome so I may want to splurge but I dunno...help?!

 

[geno]

The Fuji is a great cam for the money - but if you can spring for it, DEFINITELY go for the A60, it's the clear winner in that group, both in features and photo quality. The Fuji is awesome because you get a good camera with 3x optical zoom for the price of many cams without any optical zoom! Whichever fits into your budget easier, but I recomment the Canon

 

[BigSmooth]

DO NOT GET THE HP.

I have the Fuji and it is a fine little camera. It's easy to use and it takes great pictures. It's tough to beat price/performance-wise, and should suit the average person just fine.

The Canon is a better camera - it offers more control, and might perform better in some situations. However, it does cost 50% more so you just have to decide whether it's worth it to you or not.

 

[hollowman]

a60 is the way to go if you can afford it. sure, it costs more but it does worth it.

 

[Comp625]

I'm a poor college student who goes on alot of trips (renaissance fair, Rent in new york city, etc.) and a disposable camera sucks gnads. The Fuji definitely fits into my budget but what are some cons about it? I know battery life sucks...

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: Comp625
I'm a poor college student who goes on alot of trips (renaissance fair, Rent in new york city, etc.) and a disposable camera sucks gnads. The Fuji definitely fits into my budget but what are some cons about it? I know battery life sucks...

The battery life is pretty damn good for me using 2000 mAh NiMHs. I can take several hundred shots on one set. Plus it only uses two batteries to save weight, so it's not a big deal to carry a couple more.

It doesn't have any glaring cons IMO. It does what it is supposed to do. The only problem I have with it is that the flash does not seem to be powerful enough in some situations and there is no focus-assist lamp for low-light shots. Also, the movie mode has no sound so it's rather worthless.

Like I said, in most situations it takes excellent pictures.

Here are some reviews:
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[geno]

If money is really an issue, and you can't scrounge up the extra dough, buy the Fuji and some extra memory

 

[MaxDepth]

Originally posted by: geno
If money is really an issue, and you can't scrounge up the extra dough, buy the Fuji and some extra memory

Fuji FinePix 380 - $217 + shipping
3.2 MP