What is the best Digital Camera? $400-600 price range

Azelrok

Member
Dec 10, 2005
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Im not a huge digital camera guru, so hopefully someone can help me out here. Id like to purchase my sister a new digital camera and spend 400 to 600 dollars. (yes I did a search but most the topics here ask for cameras in the 200 to 300 dollar range)

Criteria is:

-400 to 600 dollars is the total price Id like spend(case, memory card, tripod, new lens, batteries, tripod? etc)
-camera is going to be used by an amateur (simplicity would be best, but the operator is not a dummy and learns quick)
-the smaller the camera the better (does not have to be ultra compact though)
-good battery life (or rechargeable battery Lit - ion battery if thats an option)
-reliable
-typical things youd look for in an all purpose camera

I hope this is enough information to help choose a quality camera. Any responses will be appreciated and suggestions on a reputable site to purchase camera and accessories from will be great too

Thanks!
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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the G9 is about the best compact camera on the market. it has full access to all photographic controls, but still has all the dummy modes that you expect from the typical digicam (so does any SLR under $1500, for that matter, though that is neither here nor there). it has very good build quality with a metal exterior, a pretty good lens, image stablization, etc. it's not going to take good pictures in the dark, but then again, nothing really does. it's a bit big for a pocket, but small enough to fit in a purse easily. the battery life isn't particularly good (oddly enough it gets half the battery life as canon's rebel xti SLR camera that uses the same battery), but the battery that it uses has inexpensive clones available.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
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Originally posted by: keeleysam
Canon G9 + 8GB SDHC card.

I would second that. I have a friend who just got one and went to London/Paris with it and absolutly loves it! It even has RAW mode (in Manual only) and a hot shoe for the 430ex / 530ex. If you want the point and shoot form factor is was one of the best cameras out there.