so many to choose from

[mudcat]

I decided to get a digital camera. I know the higher the megapixel # the better. But what are all those other numbers? I would love to share many of the projects I am involved in but the lack of visual aids would make for a boring thread. what would be the best digital camera for a budget of $300? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Any suggestions or experiance would be much appreciated.

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> ( I know the higher the megapixel # the better. ) </font>

Not necessarily. More megapixels gives you the ability to crop more of a picture and still get a good picture printed -- or allows you to print a larger print. The quality of the image is dependant on the lens and sensor not the number of megapixels.

A good place to review different cameras is Digital Photography Review.

 

[rlk]

Mudcat, check out http://www.steves-digicams.com/ You can get most of your questions answered there as well as read some reviews of the different cameras.

rlk

 

[LMTC]

I echo reading a number of reviews. There are at least half a dozen very good choices in any mp range. I encourage you to google any intended choice before purchase. I was settled on a particular model, then discovered (by googling) that it had a specific problem, didn't occur often, but when it did it was fatal and the mfgr was denying it as warranty. I was very glad I took my time. We now have two Nikons, both "Coolpics", a 2.1 bought 2+ years ago and a 4mp bought late last year. Simply put, we could not be happier. Even the 2.1 provides very good print pics up to 5x7. It's a bit weak for 8x10, but the 4mp is fine there.

PS--bought both from Cameta Camera on ebay. They have a fantastic rating. No mechanical problems so far. Pkg. was missing a $35 item, they shipped without question when I called about it. They sell a lot of refurbs, with their own 1 year warranty. According to their feedback, they treat everyone well. App. $200 for the 4mp, a 4300 I think.

 

[meledward23]

Also I might point out that many of the digital cameras have a difference between indoor and outdoor abilities. For example my camera does a spectacular job outside but is good indoors. There is one that is reverse. Back when I was reading reviews of these cameras that was one point that was often mentioned. Since I am outdoors more often that is what I went with.

Other things to consider, Memory Card and data transfer type (compatible with your computer, requires a new reader, etc...) Batteris, Special Battery, or standard ? Battery Life.

Another important one for me was Size. I choose a smaller camera and it goes more places with me. I have a very nice SLR Nikon for my Ornamental and Wild Flower photography. This camera obviously doesn't compare but it does go almost everywhere an is never a buden. Some of the Digital Cameras are quite big. But that may not be a concern to you.

When I considered the cost of my camera I included more than the base price. For the top contending camera's I went through the trouble of adding up:

Base Camera, +Spare Battery, +Spare Memory Card (or on really big one). That gives a clear picture on what each will cost as the batteries and Memory Cards vary a lot based on type.

 

[EddieWalker]

You didn't mention your price range, so I'll just through our a few things to look for.

Batteries. Get one that uses AA batteries. You'll want to get rechargable batteries with a charger. Digital cameras go through them at an incredible rate. If you don't get one that uses AA batteries, than you will have a time when your battery dies on you and you won't be able to find a new one.

Magnification. Get optical magnification. Most mid priced cameras have at least 3X optical. Ignore digital magnification since it's meaningless. Only optical comes out clear. If you can get more than 3X, go for it.

I have a Fuji camera that is fairly cheap since I'm very abusive with it. My girlfriend has a Kodak and it's ten times the camera my Fuji is for just a little more money. My next camera will be the Kodak.

Eddie

 

[LMTC]

Very good points, all of you. The battery thing is very real. I can shoot outdoors, perhaps a 100 pics, before a battery change. Indoors, with flash....maybe 30-34 pics TOPS, then a battery change. Battery charges in 3-4 hours. And I like knowing that in a pinch I can use two AA alkalines which I can get anywhere. Same reason I wanted compact flash for memory...I had cards already, they are very common, and interchange in both my cameras.

You may not want the same configurations, but compatability and ease of obtaining batteries are factors to think about.

 

[weedsportpete]

Echo other's points on rechargeables. My Kodak (2+ years old) has this docking station that does both recharge the battery and also downloads the pictures to the pc with a push of a button. The convenience is wonderful. Unless we are using it, the camera sits on the charger. Never have to worry about it.

 

[Bird]

My Olympus uses 4 AA batteries and I have a little Maxell charger that charges 4 at a time. The 4 Maxell batteries I have (and got when I bought the camera a few years ago) hold a charge better than the 4 Rayovac Ultras that are a lot newer, but they both work OK.

 

[mudcat]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.