Need new digital camera $300-$500 range

[thirdlegstump]

I need a phenominal digital camera in the above mentioned price range (or a bit more if a model of significant difference in quality exists)
Primary uses will be for taking product shots so light adjustment, manual focus and overall great picture is a must. Will be taking DETAILED close up shots of small products (ie: a memory DIMM etc.) to full shots of computer towers etc. Will be using external lighting equipment.
Quick transfers to the PC is important.
I'm so sick of that sandisk in my Fuji Finepix 2300 camera. It takes nearly 6 mins to transfer 64MBs...
Mega pixels are not so important. Just need something that is very adjustable and is capable of producing great picture at or near professional levels.
Prefer brands like Olympus, Nikon etc. rather than HP etc.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RossMAN]

If you can buy NOW (within the next 15 mins), look at the front page of http://www.xpbargains.com

Get either the Canon G2 or S400

 

[HiTek21]

I'd go with the Canon G2

 

[Anubis]

yea grab that G2 thats a sweet deal

 

[RossMAN]

Read these reviews which include specs and sample pictures

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_g2-review/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/g2.html

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/G2/G2A.HTM

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong2/

 

[RossMAN]

Here are some real pictures taken with a Canon G2.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Thanks guys. That G2 looks like a real winner. Newegg has a great price on it too. Any other recommendations from different brands?

 

[palidor]

i just got an olympus c-4000 zoom from newegg for $379 and it takes SWEET pictures.
here's a sample of one of the first i took (shrunk down):

http://www.nerdvision.net/jason/photography/flowers/bleedingheart.jpg

 

[deftron]

The G2 is like $380 at Best Buy, clearanced, if you can find one in stock.

The best deal I see through Dell would be an S45..
Super nice camera.. It's basically a G3 in a smaller body.

 

[NutBucket]

I know a guy at work got a Nikon Coolpix 4500 for ~$400 from one of the office stores over the weekend.

 

[RossMAN]

BB mailed out 10% off customer appreciation coupons for this weekend's sale.

10% off $600 = $60 nice savings

Ooh and they're offering a free $50 BB GC now
http://www.bestbuy.com/Detail.asp?m=488&cat=533&scat=&e=11077459

 

[FrustratedUser]

Olympus C720.

Own one, awesome camera.

 

[Wingznut]

Both the G2 and S400 rock!... But don't discard the S400's smaller size. It easily fits in your pocket, and you can take it everywhere.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Olympus C720.

Own one, awesome camera.

i second that. and you can even get a C-740 or 750 for that price

i also own the 720

 

[RossMAN]

G2 > Olympus C-700/720/730/740

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
G2 > Olympus C-700/720/730/740

Based on what?

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

Originally posted by: RossMAN
G2 > Olympus C-700/720/730/740

Based on what?

image quality

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser

Originally posted by: RossMAN
G2 > Olympus C-700/720/730/740

Based on what?

Based on awesome reviews like this.

The Oly C-7xx's still rock but they're one class beneath the Canon G2/G3.

 

[deftron]

The G2 image processor is last generation.
The only real good thing about the G2 now is the lenses.

The G3 and new S series cameras ( s45, s50) as well as the s400
use the new generation Canon processor which has great improvements in noise handling ,
photo quality, and faster performance.

 

[Lore]

Just got a Canon S400 recently. Great little camera that fits in most pockets, which makes it convenient to take everywhere.

 

[NuclearFusi0n]

s40 still uses the old image processor
s45 is what you want.

 

[FrustratedUser]

At the same time in IRAQ....

 

[thirdlegstump]

Overwhelming information! Thanks. I'll be sure to check them all out.

 

[toant103]

Cannon G2.

I have the G3. love it, but kinda slow though

 

[thirdlegstump]

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