Need some tips on cameras.

[Double Trouble]

I'm not much of a camera or photograhpy buff. A friend of mine's mom wants to buy a camera as a Christmas present for my friend. She's asked me what would be a good camera to purchase..... so.......

The nice thing about Anandtech is, there's always at least someone that knows about something, no matter the subject

In the range of about $200, what would be a good camera to get, and what should be some of the features I should look for if I decide to go check out cameras? Digital or not digital? Can you get digital pictures developed at a 'regular' photo place? I'm pretty sure the camera will need to have a decent zoom and should be easily portable (not something to use in a home to take pictures for a website or something)

<edit> is there a reputable site out there that does camera reviews? Something like AnandCamera?
I'd appreciate any pointers

 

[Chef0083]

I don't think your giong to get much of a digtal camera for 200 if you intend to have prints of those pics made. The lower priced cameras are usualy used for on screen stuff only.

D

 

[dennilfloss]

Camera resources

Anandthread 1

Good links here

Another anandthread

One more

Anandthread tips

A search for 'camera' in General hardware will yeld more threads.

Good luck!

When I Come Around (Green Day)

 

[Chef0083]

You go dennil..

 

[Double Trouble]

Thanks for the links Denil, I didn't even think to search the boards (duh!), I didn't think there was much banter about Cameras.

I think in the price range they're looking at ($200 or so), digital is gonna be out, so that leaves me trying to find the best non-digital for that price range........

 

[PG]

photo.net is a good place if I remember correctly. They have sort of a forum and you can search there. They even have static articles. Read up on cameras before you go out and buy something.
The biggest online camera stores are B&amp;H and cameraworld, but check prices before you buy.
You really need to ask yourself what you really want in a camera. Do you want a point &amp; shoot or do you want an SLR so you can change lenses? If you want an SLR do you want a cheaper manual camera or do you need autofocus and auto film advance and stuff? There are a million choices. I bought a Canon Rebel X recently and it is OK. The body is plastic, but it seems durable enough to me. It has auto everything, but can be set to manual also. It is a camera that Canon has discontinued, but some Wal-Mart's have them. It was cheap. It was only $200 and came with 1 lens. It is an SLR, and I do have other lenses for it now, so it is big compared to a P&amp;S camera, and the bag and gear are clumsy to carry places sometimes. Good luck.

PG

 

[PG]

oops, double post

 

[PG]

Doh!