Where's the definitive digital camera FAQ?

[blurredvision]

Yes, I know, I can google it and find millions of them. But where can I find the best and most detailed FAQ for a newbit looking into buying a digital camera??

 

[RossMAN]

There's probably one out there but I just make up my own as I go.

What's your budget?

Do you want something small and compact or a regular sized digicam?

 

[blurredvision]

Well, size is not a factor. I don't want something big and clunky, something mid-sized would be perfect. Budget would be $200 max if I decided to buy one. I am mainly wanting to look, maybe trying to hook one up off of ebay once I get a feel of what specs are out there, and what I would need.

A friend once told me that after a certain number of megapixels, it was completely pointless to the average user to even spend more money because the clarity was completely unnoticable to the naked eye. What's the truth behind this? I'm sure he's correct, I've just forgot what number he gave.

 

[yllus]

Originally posted by: WoodchuckCharlie
A friend once told me that after a certain number of megapixels, it was completely pointless to the average user to even spend more money because the clarity was completely unnoticable to the naked eye. What's the truth behind this? I'm sure he's correct, I've just forgot what number he gave.

*shakes head* I would actually assume that you would need an ever-increasing megapixel rating as you took pictures to be printed in ever-increasing sizes.

Generally...

2.1 mpix = 4 x 6 prints
4 mpix = 8.5 x 11 prints

 

[RossMAN]

Unless you're going to PRINT pictures a lot, anything over 2MP is overkill.

Look for the
Fuji Finepix 2600 (excellent deal for under $100 if you can find it - uses SM which is cheap and easy to get)
Fuji Finepix 2650 (newest model, uses xD which isn't as good as SM or CF, can buy brand new for $150 from Staples.com after coupon)

Canon PowerShot A40, A60 or A70 - you can't go wrong with any of those

 

[Platypus]

here

 

[RossMAN]

Here's a list of 2MP-2.9MP digicams which includes specs, retail prices, reviews and sample pictures.

Just remember to avoid HP and Kodak digicams.

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks for the links guys. Why avoid HP and Kodak Ross? What brand has the overall highest satisfaction rating among consumers?

 

[pennylane]

Originally posted by: WoodchuckCharlie
Thanks for the links guys. Why avoid HP and Kodak Ross? What brand has the overall highest satisfaction rating among consumers?

canon, olympus, sony, nikon, fuji all make good cameras.
Everybody here will praise the A70 (awesome camera for the price)
or the Olympus C-720 (8x zoom! Another insane camera).

 

[Ionizer86]

Well our Olympus has 2mpixel (2.2 or something I think the box says), and the res is 1600x1200 so even if you have a 19" monitor at 1600x1200, the camera will have enough for a wallpaper that size.
If you're viewing on a screen, and you use 1024x768 like most ppl, even 1mpixel is enough. But prints need more.

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Here's a list of 2MP-2.9MP digicams which includes specs, retail prices, reviews and sample pictures.

Just remember to avoid HP and Kodak digicams.

They're geared more towards point and shoot. Kodak used to have decent cameras (DC4800, which is what I have), but with their new series of point and shoot, they've declined.

 

[blurredvision]

Well, I was reading up on one FAQ I ran across, and it seems a 2.1 megapixel CCD will get me what I need. Anything more will be overkill for me and a waste of money to boot. I know very little about digital cameras, only from what I've read on the FAQ's. Of course, the FAQ's do not normally suggest brands, which is mainly what I'm looking for.

My budget is $200 or less, less being better. I already have an internal Compact Flash/Smart Media reader that came with my DRAGON Platinum Soyo board, so I'm hoping to get a camera that accepts this type of flash to cut down on the extra purchase of a multi-reader. I run my Sony 19" in 1600x1200, so a 2.1 will be perfect.

 

[RossMAN]

Since you must have CF and your budget is under $200 your choices are really limited unless you can find a used Canon A40 on eBay (best bet).

Otherwise if you want brand new, check out the HP 720 for $150.

I still stand by my original recommendations. If you can find the Fuji Finepix 2600 then BUY IT, otherwise you can get the excellent 2650 for $150 @ Staples.com after coupon.

 

[blurredvision]

So the main difference between the 2600 and the 2650 is that the 2600 uses the type of memory I want, and the 2650 does not, right? The 2600 is a very nice looking camera, and if I could find it for under $100, that would be great!

I will start looking for the 2600 and see what a friend thinks of it. He purchased a digicam a few months ago, and knows a bit more about them than I. Thanks for the recommendation Ross.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Unless you're going to PRINT pictures a lot, anything over 2MP is overkill.

Look for the
Fuji Finepix 2600 (excellent deal for under $100 if you can find it - uses SM which is cheap and easy to get)
Fuji Finepix 2650 (newest model, uses xD which isn't as good as SM or CF, can buy brand new for $150 from Staples.com after coupon)

Canon PowerShot A40, A60 or A70 - you can't go wrong with any of those

I am going to have to dispute the grand nagus on that one. xD is not as good as CF (4 gigs already), but it is a lot better than sm. So small with a gig in the plans for the near future, SM is outdated, used only with old olympus & fuji cameras.

in the same comment i must agree, for what you need the 2600 with sm would be fine, 2650 even better. 2650 one of the best 2mp cameras out there.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: WoodchuckCharlie
So the main difference between the 2600 and the 2650 is that the 2600 uses the type of memory I want, and the 2650 does not, right? The 2600 is a very nice looking camera, and if I could find it for under $100, that would be great!

I will start looking for the 2600 and see what a friend thinks of it. He purchased a digicam a few months ago, and knows a bit more about them than I. Thanks for the recommendation Ross.

I think the 2600 still uses Smartmedia cards.

EDIT
A few of the Nikon cameras Coolpix 2000, coolpix 2500 use CF cards, and can be found on clearance lately @ Target (Although 90% are probably gone off clearance racks) They were way cheap on clearance, and had a $50 rebate.