I want to buy a Digital Camera, but.....

[sale1980]

I have no idea about what's out there. I want something fairly cheap,,,it doesn't need to be able to have movies or sound, just something that will take a nice, clear picture. I have no idea about prices,,,how much would i need to spend to just get the basics?

Let's hear the suggestions guys,,,
Keep in mind, I don't want it too be too expensive. Thanks


What about the HP C215 that BB has for sale for $99 on Black Friday? Is this a good deal, or a not so good deal?
HP C215

 

[Ornery]

It might be worth $100.00, but it might not. I found a hot deal on a FinePix and cashed it in for a store credit. I'm holding out for a good one. When the price of the Sony DSC-S75 gets low enough that I can acquire it for $400.00 with rebates and coupons etc., I'll jump. In the mean time, I can get the job done with our 35mm camera and scanner. Buying a cheap unit would be wasting money I could put toward the Sony IMO.

 

[wluk]

DSC-S75 is a good one. I am waiting for the price drop too.

 

[sale1980]

up

 

[OS]

The 215 is a mediocre at best camera, it's bulky, featureless, limited resolution, no optical zoom, chews through batteries and has completely inaccurate colors. Because of the bad color and resolution, you won't get good prints out of it. However, it is a digital camera, and it does work, but like Ornery said, if possible, it's better to take that 100 and put it towards a better camera.

If you can spend around 400 dollars, the kodak DX3900 is a 3 megapixel camera with 2x optical zoom. It takes some pretty good pictures. The Sony S75 that Ornery mentioned is an even better camera, but of course even more expensive.

Obviously, not everyone has 400+ sitting around, so like I said, the 215 is a digital camera and it does work if nothing else.

 

[erub]

I'm going to get the Canon Powershot S300, because its really small and cool looking. It also takes pretty good pictures, I've heard . Also around $400 though.

 

[OS]

I should mention that in this case, I really do believe that buying a 400 dollar camera will buy you four times more camera than the HP 215. This isn't a case of spending alot more to get only a little.

There are alot of good digital cameras on the market today, but I don't consider the HP 215 to be one of them.

If you need more help or want sample pictures from the 215, PM me.

 

[djheater]

I just got the Kodak DC5000 from Gateway Accesory store for $236 shipped. was $500 4 months ago. It's a ruggedized version of the 280. Nice features and 2.2 MPixel. Really takes nice pictures I think.

My wife is clumsy and we have a 4 year old who will insist on using it (I don't mind I think it's cute) so I got the DC5000 you can drop it and splash water on it and it's fine. Pretty nice I thought.

Compgeeks.com has it for 259.00 there's a coupon at Techb@rgains.com but it probably won't work because it's a Geeks special. (can you tell I'm a ATHD regular? )

 

[Mday]

sale1980, I will say that if you are buying for $$$, the HP camera that BB has on sale is a good start. It's a good deal, though the camera is lacking in what I want. But for $99, it's not bad at all. Without optical zoom, what you are getting is similar to one of those disposable one-time use cameras that you can get for $15, since you have a fixed lens. But at least you get autofocus.

If you are familiar with film cameras, the good ones that is with zoom, you will find that the camera is less appealing to people who have a higher budget.

Remember that this camera has a maintainence cost: higher capacity media so you can take more pictures at once, batteries\recharger, a case to carry it, etc.

If you increase your budget to some $300 US, you can get a better camera. $400 is where you will find more features though.