New Digital Camera?

[KillyKillall]

So, I know a lot of you guys on here are into your digital cameras because I see all of the beautiful pics you guys put up.

I need recommendations on what cameras I should be looking at. I have never made the switch to digital as I love my old school Minolta. Anyways, I want a digital camera now and would like to have one that is compatible with one of those kits where you place the camera on a tray and it prints the photos out on photo-paper. (I think Kodak was the one that made that, I'm not sure)

Anyways. Any cameras you guys would recommend based on what you have or have researched?

I'm probably looking to spend about $150-$450 total for the camera, the print-out thing, and a case for it.

BTW, Thank you in advance for the advice.

EDIT: What types of stats should I be looking at? How many megapixels do I need, etc?"

 

[blackdogdeek]

canon sd400 is $261.65 at Dell Home with coupon code. it is a point-and-shoot with good reviews.

 

[s0ssos]

the ones where you can stick on the kit aren't as good (mainly, cause they're made by kodak). you can just attach the new cameras directly to a printer though, and print out like that.

the big thing you should think about is size. bigger is always better quality. the smaller ones compromise by a worse lens, worse sensor, but are more convenient.

 

[KillyKillall]

Oh..I forgot to mention. I'll probably be buying at best buy because I have tons of gift certs from there and it will cover the whole cost.

 

[BCYL]

Definitely the Canon SD series... Good quality pictures, very small camera to carry around, and excellent battery life...

 

[Boxxcar]

I've had an Olympus Camedia 3.4 Mp for about 3 or 4 years now and it's been a fantastic camera. Highly recommend it!

 

[tfinch2]

Don't get caught up in the megapixel game. It's all about quality optics over megapixels.

 

[Freejack2]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Don't get caught up in the megapixel game. It's all about quality optics over megapixels.

He has a good point. 4-5 megapixels will print beautiful shots of anything so long as you're not printing poster sized. Look at the pictures that are taken for these cameras, look at the reviews. I like Steves-digicams for the picture comparisons and straightforwardness but I think he is not nearly critical enough about image quality. Other sites cover that though.
People here love Canons and I'm no exception but other companies make good cameras too. You're best bet is to decide what kind of camera you want, browse the reviews, narrow it down a bit, then come back here and ask.

 

[RossMAN]

Avoid HP and Kodak.

I would get at least 3MP and 3x optical zoom.

 

[Led Zeppelin]

Canon A510. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[nakedfrog]

Go Fuji. The Finepix S5100 is one fine camera.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
canon sd400 is $261.65 at Dell Home with coupon code. it is a point-and-shoot with good reviews.

Yep, that can be found here

 

[KillyKillall]

Thank you for the starting advice. I appreciate it.