I want to buy a new digital camera...

[techfuzz]

It's time to replace my 5+ year old Kodak digital camera, but I have no idea what to look for these days. I'm not photo nut, but I could be if I got the right equipment and have time to get into it.

I typically take pictures of my family/friends and I like to document my vacations by taking pictures of the scenery. I would like to take some more close-ups (< 1 ft.), but my current camera sucks for that. I would be willing to spend $500, maybe a little more.

So what should I be looking for in a digital camera these days? What are the must-have features? What kinds of cameras fit my needs? Any constructive criticism appreciated too.

TIA,
techfuzz

 

[dmcowen674]

I just replaced my Canon A40 which I got when it first came out with the brand new Canon A630.

 

[ElFenix]

28 mm wide angle if you're taking scenery pics

 

[DCFife]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I just replaced my Canon A40 which I got when it first came out with the brand new Canon A630.

Not to threadjack, but my sister-in-law scratched the body of my A610 and insists on buying me a new camera to replace it. How is the A630?

 

[The Stigenator]

Canon S3IS or maybe the S2IS, cause the diff isnt much, the price diff is nice though.

 

[LtPage1]

Canon/Nikon for image quality, Casio/Sony if you want really thin.

 

[compguy786]

canon A620 7.1 mp is the best ever

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: DCFife

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I just replaced my Canon A40 which I got when it first came out with the brand new Canon A630.

Not to threadjack, but my sister-in-law scratched the body of my A610 and insists on buying me a new camera to replace it. How is the A630?

I prefer the A620 over the new canons personally. If I were to add-on to my camera collection...I'd get one ultra compact and one true dSLR. My wife carries a SD450 everywhere which I really wouldn't want to do with my A series or larger....that is a huge benefit.

My brother is pretty much a professional photog, although he doesn't do it for a career. He recently sold off his Canon dSLR to 'downgrade' to a G series. He carries it a lot more places. Losing a $3000 rig vs one thats a few hundred while mountain biking or kayaking is important . His financee just went to the SD700. She always has it too.

To the OP, check out these sites:

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/

edit: to add I have had a non-digital Canon A1, then the A50, A70, A620. My wife has had the Nikon Coolpix 3500, then the SD450. She loves the SD450. Both my A620 and her SD450 make very impressive movies as well for a digicam.
Å

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: DCFife

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I just replaced my Canon A40 which I got when it first came out with the brand new Canon A630.

Not to threadjack, but my sister-in-law scratched the body of my A610 and insists on buying me a new camera to replace it. How is the A630?

I prefer the A620 over the new canons personally. If I were to add-on to my camera collection...I'd get one ultra compact and one true dSLR. My wife carries a SD450 everywhere which I really wouldn't want to do with my A series or larger....that is a huge benefit.

My brother is pretty much a professional photog, although he doesn't do it for a career. He recently sold off his Canon dSLR to 'downgrade' to a G series. He carries it a lot more places. Losing a $3000 rig vs one thats a few hundred while mountain biking or kayaking is important . His financee just went to the SD700. She always has it too.

To the OP, check out these sites:

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/

edit: to add I have had a non-digital Canon A1, then the A50, A70, A620. My wife has had the Nikon Coolpix 3500, then the SD450. She loves the SD450. Both my A620 and her SD450 make very impressive movies as well for a digicam.
Å

qft

 

[0roo0roo]

and get image stabilization if u can

 

[0roo0roo]

and get image stabilization if u can

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
and get image stabilization if u can

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
and get image stabilization if u can

Post stabilization would be nice, too

Anyway, I would recommend picking up an S2 IS for under $300. 12x zoom, image stabilization, and a nice set of manual controls. The biggest drawback is the 5 mp sensor, but 5mp should last you a while anyway.

If the S2 is anything like the S3 close-ups are okay, but it has some trouble focusing on the right thing.

 

[dds14u]

If you're looking for compact digital cameras...
The canon SD series has always been reliable in terms of photos taken.
I'd personally suggest the Fuji F30 as it is the best you can get for low-light situations, and all around a good camera.

You might want to stay away from sony and olympus for compacts.

Online resources are the best to look for what you might want, as someone mentioned a couple of the more prominent sites earlier. They often have photos taken with the actual camera and comparisons with others.

 

[NaOH]

A series would be fine if you are just taking pics of family and outings. If you want closer to slr without the price then you could spring for the S2 or S2. I personally have a G5 and am fine with it for friends/family outing pics and site seeing/fancy shots. My girlfriend usually brings her sd300 to shoot regular outings though since it's smaller.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: DCFife

Originally posted by: dmcowen674
I just replaced my Canon A40 which I got when it first came out with the brand new Canon A630.

Not to threadjack, but my sister-in-law scratched the body of my A610 and insists on buying me a new camera to replace it. How is the A630?

It's 8 Megapixel for $299 with all the Bells & Whistles, awesome.

 

[techfuzz]

I haven't decided if I'm looking for a compact or maybe a low-end dslr. Is image stablization something reasonably new in digital cameras? Any other features?

techfuzz

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: techfuzz
I haven't decided if I'm looking for a compact or maybe a low-end dslr. Is image stablization something reasonably new in digital cameras? Any other features?

techfuzz

IS has been around a long time. It's new to ultra compacts though.

It trickled down from the video camera lines. Now those cameras are almost 'pocketable'.

The trick to finding what camera is best for you is first your budget (which you have posted) then how you are going to use the camera. Obviously someone buying a camera for shooting NASCAR / Indy shots from the stands is going to be a lot different than someone looking to shoot low-light dinner gatherings/parties. Needing to have audio/video capabilities is something to consider too. Also battery and memory technology. I prefer cameras that take regular batteries...esp on long shooting days. No matter how many rechargables you have with you, you are going to run into a day where either you forgot your spares or they were not charged. I can run into any store just about and find AA batteries.

My A620 has manual settings as well...it doesn't have the perfect ISO range for the lowest light shots to be 'stellar', but it does a good job when needed. I usually don't shoot in those situations.

 

[techfuzz]

alkemyst, thanks for the additional comments. I guess what I really need to know is what other new features, like image stablization, have recently or will be making their way into cameras in the next 6-12 months as standard? I'd like to get a camera that is "semi future-resistant".

techfuzz

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: techfuzz
alkemyst, thanks for the additional comments. I guess what I really need to know is what other new features, like image stablization, have recently or will be making their way into cameras in the next 6-12 months as standard? I'd like to get a camera that is "semi future-resistant".

techfuzz

Cameras will always take the shots as good as the day you got them

I would not try to think about future proofing.

In general I have a $100 budget when I move up in 'camera'. I can sell my old one for a decent price (esp with box, manual and my cameras are kept really clean)...when it comes time to upgrade $100 is nothing.

 

[techfuzz]

Well I want something that has most if not all of the most current features in digital camera technology today because I may not upgrade again for another couple years.

techfuzz

 

[imported_Stew]

As everyone says, get a Canon A-Series camera.

 

[cardiac]

Last week I picked up a Canon S3 IS to replace my 3.2 MP Fuji. What a camera!! Full manual control, yet the auto mode is adequate for point-and-shoot. Great burst mode, I think 2.8 pictures per second. There is some hunting when trying to focus out far away, but it also has manual focus that solves that right away. Great macro shooting, and gotta love the 12x optical zoom (432mm equivalent).

You can find them at Dell right now for $341.

Lotta camera for $341.

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Sony DSC-H5 (Unless this old man missed it). Quite a camera also, but after doing my homework, the Canon won out (The reasons why would be a whole 'nuther thread). The Sony is over $400 still in most places.

Bob

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: techfuzz
Well I want something that has most if not all of the most current features in digital camera technology today because I may not upgrade again for another couple years.

techfuzz

Bad way to pick a camera.

Budget then size desired then type of photography you will be doing are the ways to choose the right camera.

The type of photography will tell you the features you need.

 

[techfuzz]

The A630 and A640 both look pretty nice. Has anyone owned or played with both and can compare the two for me?

It doesn't hurt that I have a Canon printer to interface with either of them should I buy one.

techfuzz

 

[techfuzz]

The S3 IS is also very interesting, but has a lower resolution than both the A's. What's the advantage of going with it vs. either of the A's?

techfuzz