Foo - Can I get a Decent Digital Camera...

... for under $200??

I'm not a photography fanatic... I just want to take 1028x768 sized pictures to upload to my PC.

I had a Sony digital camera that had a million functions before and sold it to my brother because it was too confusing to use.

I'd be happy with a 2.1 megapixel point and shoot digital camera with flash.

What's good?

I have a Minolta DiMage X which when it debutted in early 2002 cost around $350. It's a 2MP ultraslim/compact point-and-shoot with a 3x optical zoom that's completely internal. It's a great camera for cycling. Since it was introduced, the line has expanded and they have versions that are 5MP. However they still offer lower end models. The reincarnation is the X20 (http://konicaminolta.com/products/consumer/digital_camera/dimage/dimage-x20/) which retails for around $150 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000AQFUR/103-5626534-1431850?v=glance). The X20 is actually more advanced than mine and has more features but it's still pretty easy to use and starts up very fast making it easy to quickly whip it out of your jersey pockets and fire off opportunity-shots with one hand even while moving. Wow... that almost sounded dirty. :D

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AQFUR.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000AQFUR.01.BACK._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Check out the Ritz camera site (http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchView?storeId=10001&categoryId=1009&bct=t1003%3Bc1009&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&N=4294967284+4294966879+5&Ne=3), since they have a pretty complete list. I already sorted it out to the $100-200 cameras. You'll find the standard basic model now is 3 MP, which is ample for a camera that size.

I personally own a Canon Powershot, and I highly recommend it. It takes great pictures with the stock settings, but the interface is very intuitive in case you ever become interested in refining the shots. I'd rate the Nikon Coolpix second on the list, simply because the settings aren't quite as intuitive, but the quality is as good and it's more compact. I'm told the Kodaks are pretty good as far as simplifying the upload process.

One piece of advice for digital cameras: buy an extra memory card. I recommend a 128 MB or bigger. Because it's so easy to take a picture and throw it away if you don't like it, I find myself taking lots of shots. I admit I like taking pictures, but I filled my 128 MB and my 16 MB card on a 5 day trip with my 2 megapixel camera. With the cost of memory these days, it's pointless to be cheap and miss a picture because you're worried about saving disk space.

http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830120155

This one is pretty nice. Well under your price point, so you could get a nice big memory card for it. I'd go with a Canon digital camera myself, I've had nothing but good experiences with the 3 I've owned (upgraded each time).
The A400 is pretty simple - mainly point and shoot but it has some more features if you decide to use them.

G-Unit, try http://www.olympusamerica.com. They have comparison charts based on your personal
photography needs. I used a D-540 at work then got one for myself. Small enough to carry along on the bike. Very simple to use. Generally sells for $179.00 at Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Max,etc. :)

Make sure you get one with optical zoom, much better quality than with digital zoom alone.

I have the Sony DSC P-72 (last year's model) and it is 3.1 Megapixels. It makes some pretty good 4x6 and 5x7 photos. Not pro-quality, but they look darn good for a consumer level digital camera.

why did you change username? Banned? Or just rollin' with 50cent now?

inquiring minds would like to know.

I'd recommend the Canon A510. It's a 3.2mp, 4x optical zoom, manual shooting options. It takes pretty good pictures IMO. I got mine for $199. It's pretty easy to use, just put it on "auto" if you don't want to mess with all the options.

Hey thanks for the suggestions, I checked out Best Buy and Target and they were sold out on all the cheaper models... I might try out J&R Music World or B&H Camera this weekend, but I like that D-540 model.


G-Unit, try http://www.olympusamerica.com. They have comparison charts based on your personal
photography needs. I used a D-540 at work then got one for myself. Small enough to carry along on the bike. Very simple to use. Generally sells for $179.00 at Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Max,etc. :)



I changed my username because I finally upgraded my membership (notice that shiny red star?) and didn't like "ultra-g" all that much anyway. And I'm chillin' wit my homies rollin' kilo-G... (what the hell does that mean?) No... I just didn't like the old name and wanted to change it before donating. :D



why did you change username? Banned? Or just rollin' with 50cent now?

inquiring minds would like to know.

I found this:
Olympus Stylus 300 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productDetail&A=printerFriendly&Q=&sku=273698&is=REG)

I'm going to get it next week! Excited! :)