HELP! Need to Buy a Digital Camera...

[Carbo]

... and I'm an old Nikon F3 guy. I'll continue to use that beloved relic, but I want to pick up a good quality, higher end digital point and shoot model. Something that Mrs. Carbo can use in auto mode without much fussing around. And something that won't disappoint me when I decide to play with it.
I'm definitely behind the times with this technology. I'm digging around online and overwhelmed is an understatement. Where do I go, what do I buy? There's hundreds of seemingly good models to choose from. Experienced, knowledgeable voices are welcome.

 

[stan394]

i'd recommend S60

 

[tami]

want a small camera? get the canon SD-400.

want a larger camera? get the canon powershot S2 IS.

 

[Kenazo]

I have an s500 b/c I knew I wouldn't fool w/ the settings offered on better/bigger cameras anyway. I figured the small size would be more useful than more features.

 

[vi edit]

Whatever Canon AXX that happens to fall in your price range.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

i vote for an A95

 

[NuroMancer]

Don't buy anything with a plastic lense.
Unless you get a deal stay away from sony. - if you go sony go with the carl zice(sp?)

The real question is size.
I have a Canon Powershot Pro1 and my buddy has the Canon Digital Rebel both of which are GREAT cameras. Now, neither of our gf's like them because "they are too big" or "they have way to many buttons". Both cameras have an auto function where all you have to do it point and shoot. So if the wife isn't intimidated by haveing all the buttons stareing back at her, then go for something you can enjoy too. Like the above mentioned cameras or a Nikon D50 if you have lenses for it. If not, then find a good point and shoot like the Canon A95 or an Olympus.

Just my 2 cents.

Cliffs:
Size does matter, so chose wisely.

 

[nakedfrog]

I'm a Fuji fan, so I'd recommend one of their offerings.

 

[stan394]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
I'm a Fuji fan, so I'd recommend one of their offerings.

^^^ the first non-canon suggestion

 

[Trey22]

Originally posted by: HomeBrewerDude
i vote for an A95

 

[ttown]

don't forget panasonic

whatever your choice... more opinions at dpreview

need more info for good suggestions:
what's important to you?
indoor flash?
long-range zoom?
manual options?
manual focus?
photo reprint size? <8x10, >8x10
photo editing? (>MP)

 

[jcovercash]

Originally posted by: tami
want a larger camera? get the canon powershot S2 IS.

Just got one of these myself, and I LOVE it.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Whatever Canon AXX that happens to fall in your price range.

qft

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Canon AXX = point shoot
Canon SXXX = small, nubby no features
Canon SXX = Kick@$$ features that border the G series
Canon GX = wow you own now

I recommend the S70 for $350 on Dell. It's only SLIGHTLY larger thna the S500 and you can still stash it in your pocket. Why not get something with mroe features.

 

[Carbo]

Originally posted by: tami
want a small camera? get the canon SD-400.

want a larger camera? get the canon powershot S2 IS.

That S2 IS model looks mighty tempting. The reviews are raves, too. Anyone have any firsthand experience with it, or its predecessor?
And does anyone have one for a good price that, um, fell off a truck or something??
Oh, yeah, one more question. In real world terms, how many pics can be taken/stored with the OE card that these cameras come with? Is an upgrade to a larger capacity card usually needed?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Carbo
Oh, yeah, one more question. In real world terms, how many pics can be taken/stored with the OE card that these cameras come with? Is an upgrade to a larger capacity card usually needed?

a 4 mp picture in jpg mode with superfine compression takes up about 2 megs. so in reality you're looking at something like ~10 pics on the card it comes with. i wouldn't go with anything less than a gigabyte of flash (i have a 2 GB card myself for my 4 mp S40)

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: DLeRium


I recommend the S70 for $350 on Dell. It's only SLIGHTLY larger thna the S500 and you can still stash it in your pocket. Why not get something with mroe features.

Most people don't even know how to use the features on lower-end cameras. I'm surprised by how many people don't even know how to disable the flash or enable macro mode.

 

[Carbo]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Carbo
Oh, yeah, one more question. In real world terms, how many pics can be taken/stored with the OE card that these cameras come with? Is an upgrade to a larger capacity card usually needed?

a 4 mp picture in jpg mode with superfine compression takes up about 2 megs. so in reality you're looking at something like ~10 pics on the card it comes with. i wouldn't go with anything less than a gigabyte of flash (i have a 2 GB card myself for my 4 mp S40)

Are most of these cards all the same, quality wise? In other words, shop price and load up?

 

[BaboonGuy]

Panasonic Lumix FZ20

I'm too lazy to link right now but here's a review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz20/

EXAMINE ALL YOUR CHOICES. There are so many canon lovers on this forum and practically nothing else. The FZ20 has an amazing lens (12x F2.8 with Image Stabilization) and is probably the best point and shoot digital on the market. More expensive than some other things you could get but very much worth the extra cost.

 

[ultimatebob]

I'll go out on a limb and recommend a Nikon D50. It works a LOT like the F3 SLR that you're used to, but it can also be set to "auto everything" so the Mrs. can use it without too much trouble. Hell, you'll even be able to use a bunch of your old lenses and flashes with it, too.

You can get one for around $850 now, which isn't too much more than a high end point and shoot camera.

 

[compnovice]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Most people don't even know how to use the features on lower-end cameras. I'm surprised by how many people don't even know how to disable the flash or enable macro mode.

what happens in the macro mode?

 

[Doboji]

I just got a Sony DSC-W1.... any opinions on that?

 

[GhettoFob]

Canon SD400

 

[SSP]

Originally posted by: compnovice

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Most people don't even know how to use the features on lower-end cameras. I'm surprised by how many people don't even know how to disable the flash or enable macro mode.

what happens in the macro mode?

For extreme close up.

 

[SSP]

Originally posted by: Doboji
I just got a Sony DSC-W1.... any opinions on that?

According to Ornery:

quote:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by: SaigonK
I have a guy i work with who has the V1, it is a nice little camera, she might like that one for sure, or the next rev of it..whats it called the W1 right?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO! The W1 is a POS. The replacement for the V1 is the DSC-V3.

I just found out that Sears is selling the DSC-V1 for $299.00! Buy their Protection Agreement for 20% of the cost. It will cover the item for 2 years and they'll give you a new one over the counter for as many times as that one breaks during that period. If they no longer sell the item, they upgrade you. It's a no-brainer really.