Looking for a digital camera.......need some advice

[bullion416]

I am looking to get a nice digital camera soon. However, I don't know what brands are good and what features to look for in these cameras. I don't want to spend a ton of cash (looking to spend $350 or less). It will be for home use. I basically need to know what the top brand(s) is/are, what models to look at, what a reasonable price is for those models, and what features they come with. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[VIAN]

Well, for one, there is SONY. Looks like you can get about a 3.0MegaPixel camera. Its about $100 per MP.

 

[bullion416]

I heard some good things about Fuji Film digital cameras......anyone know anything good or bad about them? Also, what is the highest mega pixel camera out there now and when do you reach the point where it is pointless to have such a high mega pixel camera for home use?

 

[SilverLock]

The Minolta S414 camera is $349 at Best Buy and is an awesome camera for the money. It all depends on what is important too you; size, resolution, zoom, digital zoom, etc...

 

[oldfart]

Canon makes very good digital cameras. To me, the 3.2 megapixel cameras are the sweet spot right now. They allow printing of a very good quality 8 x 10s. Since most people cant print larger than that on a home printer anyway, that is a good number. They are also a good bang for the $$ at this time. If you want 11 x 14 or larger prints go to a 4 or 5 megapix model.

Size is another factor. The can be the size of your average point and shoot, or quite tiny.

Also look at optical zoom. How much do you need? Ignore digital zoom. Its worthless.

DPreview
Steves digicams

 

[bullion416]

I came across a 5 mp SONY digital camera for $300 after rebate. The model was Sony DSCP92 Cybershot 5MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom. Does anyone know if this is a good camera? Also, how much optical zoom can you get with a digital camera and os 3x good enough?

 

[sodcha0s]

I just ordered a Canon A80. It's 4 mega pixels and has had some very good reviews. It's going for $379 @ newegg right now but you can find it cheaper at some other online retailers.

 

[Mem]

Canon A70 is a good choice in your price range,review here .

 

[Jeff7181]

I have an Olympus... I chose it because everyone said Olympus has higher quality optics than all the others. I'm very happy with it. It's an Olympus C-3020... 3.2 MP, 3X optical zoom. Can use it as a point and shoot or set it up yourself.

 

[Richdog]

Canon A80 is by far and away the best camera in it's class, we've got one at work and the picture quality is outstanding, not to mention it's one of the only digital cameras that you can add optional lenses to. Fuji Finepix are good quality, but not as good as Canon.:beer: