Looking for a LOW-COST Digital Camera - advice?

[UrbScotty]

Preferably one that costs less than $250.

Photography Group, here I come!

[AmyDeLune]

1. I picked up this little point 'n' shoot camera for traveling

http://www.buy.com/prod/Fuji_FinePix_A500_5_1_MegaPixel_Digital_Camera_600004428/q/loc/17078/202289267.html

It doesn't take really fast pictures (1-2 second delay between pressing the button and taking the picture) and it doesn't have a "burst" setting, but so far I've had good luck with it.

My only advice would be to check feedback/reviews from other buyers on models you're interested in and get a camera with optical zoom, not just digital.

Happy Hunting! :D

[Kutjara]

2. Anything greater than 7 megapixels is a waste for normal use...

...so, unless you're going to blow your photos up to huge size, you can save a lot of dough by getting a camera in the 7MP range. Some digital photography experts are even beginning to say that shots from 7MP cameras are subjectively better than ones from 10MP cameras. This has to do with the number of sensors required for the 10MP cameras tending to blur edges and muddy contrast.

I bought my 7MP Nikon Coolpix two years ago for about $600, so prices should have fallen a hell of a lot by now for similar cameras.

[Spacemom]

3. I just bought mine for $120

It's the HP M425, 5 MP, 3X optical zoom. Add in a 1G SD card for 20 bucks and it can store about 500 pictures. It's a nice point and shoot.

[Deja Q]

4. What is the primary purpose?

I know of a good one, but it's good for my needs - which aren't taking pics of people in dark buildings (the flash is a bit wimpy) but is otherwise a strong performer with excellent quality.

[UrbScotty]

9. Well...

I'd like one with high resolution and clarity, but a low price, if that's even possible.

[Deja Q]

13. The Casio Exilim Z120 or EX-Z750 may suit your needs

I have the Z120.

The Z750 is the model that replaced the Z120.


I'm overall happy, but I generally don't do photography in dark environments...

It's worth a look at any rate; especially the Z120 if you can find it...

[Maine-ah]

5. we got a kodak easy share for xmas (7.1mp's)

[UrbScotty]

10. Adorable!

:-)

[Maine-ah]

12. thanks

I was hoping those might help you out...she's a good subject, though pretty much my only one (other than the hubbie & animals)

[NewJeffCT]

6. try cnet.com

They'll give you a bunch of choices and you can pick or choose by a whole bunch of features, including price range.

And, I would advise not spending more than $250 on a digital camera - what is $250 today will likely be $99 in about a year.

www.cnet.com

[bullwinkle428]

7. I just bought the Canon A540 ($139.99) based on a recommendation

from a very experienced photographer on his personal site:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/a530.htm

I know the review is for the A530, but I ended up getting the A540 after I took the 530 home and noticed a couple of things missing from the package - they gave me the better model for the same price after bringing it back to the store! Only taken a few shots so far, but I'm quite impressed overall.

[LynneSin]

8. I got a 5MP Nikon for $160 and it does really great shots

I had a friend who borrowed it and he'd got some really great pictures with it

[meegbear]

11. overstock.com

[bikebloke]

14. Panasonic FZ-5

I have a Panasonic FZ-5. Zoom lens, not overly bulky in size, and excellent photos. I think I paid around $230, but that was a year and a half ago.

[hunter]

15. There are a lot of good ones for less than $150.

I've got a little Kodak I bought on clearance that takes higher quality movies with sound than my old camcorder did.

I'm most fond of gadgets I don't have to worry much about. If I had a seven hundred dollar camera I wouldn't take many pictures. A much less expensive camera I can just grab, take lots of pictures, and not worry about it. If I happen to fall on my butt in a tidepool or something, it's not a potential financial disaster. My cameras always have some serious scars by the time I retire them.

[CC]

16. Here is a great site with

reviews and how to on lots of digital cameras. It is important that you know what you want to do with the camera. Close ups, landscapes, people pics, a combo? How big do you want your prints or are you going store most on a cd. If you get a camera that is best suited to what you want to do you will be much happier and use it more.

Not sure about point and shoots but I do know that when a new model comes out in DSLRs you can find the older model for a very good price in pawn shops around here. There are some that just have to have the latest greatest and get rid of the old one. The advantage with digital in buying from a pawn shop is that you can test drive it right there before you buy it.

[mzteris]

17. I am soooo dyslexic

I thought your header said LOST-COW.......

doh.

[graywarrior]

18. Nikon Coolpix, 4.0 Megapixels $129 Amazon or Staples

[EFerrari]

19. I'm lookin' too! Thanks, graywarrior!

[graywarrior]

20. The one I got came with everything you need to download to your computer

I loves it!

[EFerrari]

21. Exactly what I need! I love taking pitchures but mostly use them

to look at when I mess around with paint. I'm jonesing right now because the process is B R O K E N!

I was checking Amazon last night and there are just too many choices. :scared:

[graywarrior]

22. Go to Staples first. Saves on shipping.

[dysfunctional press]

23. ebay.

once you decide on a model, check there first.

[UrbScotty]

24. Thank you all. Other suggestions? Share away! (nt)

[gmoney]

25. Avoid the Nikon Coolpix S9

Bought one because it was small, but the thing just refused to take a decent picture under almost any circumstances. Sent it back for a Canon...

[Rhythm]

26. The 5mpx Kodak 'EasyShare' is under $100

i've had mine for about 2 years now, and i still love it...