Dig Camera Question

[Gilgamesh]

Hi people i'm planning to buy a digital camera but i have no idea how this things work, i'm kind a old fashing after all this is gonna be my first dig camera.
I would like to get a digital camera around 300-400 bucks but don't know which brands are better, the features i need are 3.3 megapixel, a long life battery, a rechargeable battery (don't want to waste money on standard battery) and also some good memory enough to store around 60 pics.
I would apreciate if anyone can make me a suggestion such as own experience or has better knowledge than me.
One last question 3.3 megapixel are enough? or should i go higher?
Thx all

 

[NeoMoses]

Last November I bought a Sony Cybershot DSC-P50 (2.1 Megapixel) digital camera. I love it. Like you, I was thinking about getting a 3.3 Megapixel camera, but didn't know what I wanted.

While looking at BestBuy, I immediately discounted this camera and was looking at a couple of others. I don't remember the model numbers or anything, but they all appeared to have more features (on paper) than the Sony DSC-P50.

The point that finally sold me on the DSC-P50 was the 2 hour battery life with the optional "Info-Lithium" battery. It is really amazing to have this long of a battery life with a digital camera. I took it on vacation with me to Puerto Rico, and had no problems with one battery lasting the entire day. (approx. 100 pictures/day.)

It takes 1600X1200 pics, which are excellent 8"X10" printouts. May print larger, but my printer won't allow larger sheets. It also has a twilight mode, which is excellent! It auto adjusts the flash for light conditions, and is very easy to take pictures that are focused. No need to worry about unsteady hands.

My only complaint may be that it takes about 3 seconds between pictures to charge the flash. Sometimes this is annoying. You might check this on whatever camera you decide on.

To be honest with you, I don't know how well this camera compares with others, but it takes excellent pictures and has great battery life. It's the best camera I've ever used.

If you want to see an example of picture quality, I'll post some on my web page.

http://www.umr.edu/~bpryor/gracy.html (pics of my GF with dog.)
http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=74302 (shows a pic of my northbridge, for idea of closeup quality.)

 

[IFMU]

Wow, that is very nice... dayum... I really need to get me a digi cam. Whats the cost on that now??? lmao..... Im a poor sob and there is no way I can afford 300 let alone over 150 really... lol

 

[NeoMoses]

Yes, Digital cameras are still expensive. I bought the camera for $400, then paid an additional $100 for the "accessory" pack, which included the Info-Lithium Battery, a case, and a charger. I also bought a 64MB memory stick and the 4 year BestBuy extended warranty. Total package came to about $750. (ouch!)

But, the camera definately has its advantages. I recently put together an informational CD, and in about 3 weeks I had taken ~1000 pictures. Imagine the amount of money saved in film and developing costs (not to mention time saved!). I figure this camera will pay for itself in about 2-3 years.

Oh yeah, here's one unexpected benefit: chicks at parties really dig seeing what they look like right away. It's a great way to meet new women. Inevitably I'll come home with 2 or 3 phone numbers/emails after a party. (Can I get a copy of that pic?....)

 

[IFMU]

Nice, but for 750 bucks, it better do the laundry and spin me some gold yarn!~! Otherwise, Im never getting it!~!

 

[NeoMoses]

Nice, but for 750 bucks, it better do the laundry and spin me some gold yarn!~! Otherwise, Im never getting it!~!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention those features. LOL!

 

[Ugmore Baggage]

I have a Canon Digital Elph. Two things this camera has over other cameras:
tiny size, small enough to slip comfortably into a pants pocket and completely disappear.
famous make manufacturer.

I looked at reviews and decided that consistent excellent image quality was only possible by buying from a name I respect. That left Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and Canon. Many other name brands are available but non have the reputation of those 4; Minolta, Fuji, Kyocera(Yashica) for example.

PS The battery life in this camera is very poor for a digital camera. A full charge gets less than 50 pictures. Then again, that is equivalent to a full roll of film. It's enough for a day of shooting if you aren't flippant.

You also need a card reader. Most cameras use special drivers and/or cables. Card readers are Plug and play and some can even read/write any file through your PC.

 

[Mothra]

I've got the Canon Digital Elph also - great camera. I was swayed that direction due to the extremely small size and I don't have any regrets. Picture quality is great, and the software included is one of the best picture organizers I've ever used. I agree, the battery life isn't great - I bought a spare rechargeable though and with the 2 I've never run out of power. Get out of the habit of looking at every picture you take in the LCD and showing it around to everyone and you'll probably be fine with one battery however - that LCD eats up the power.