Need some cheap Digital Cameral Help.

GlossyTundra

GlossyTundra

Tractor Detailer
I got my new laptop this xmas and I want to get a camera for an addition. I have a sh!t load of best buy gift cards that I need to blow, so I was kinda set on cameras there. I probably know that I can get better cameras for the money elsewhere (just like Best buy car audio).



I was looking at these

Fuji - FinePix 5.1MP Digital Camera - A500



Hewlett-Packard - Photosmart 5.0MP Digital Camera - M420



Kodak - EasyShare 5.0MP Digital Camera - C530



Kodak - EasyShare 5.0MP Digital Camera - C533



Samsung - Digimax 5.1MP Digital Camera - S500



Which one would be better. I like kodaks user system, but I dont know if that's the best out right now.:thx
 
I will look into that josh, thanks. I want one to post all my details on this site. I do about 5-6 details a week, so I would like to post them.
 
I've had two canons so far.. Love them! The only reason I bought another one is because I dropped my old one and that did it in.
 
I'd go for a canon also. Canon has great technology AND great optics. Some of the other guys have one but not the other (mainly crappy lenses). Some features to think about are Image Stabilization, real zoom (not digital) and battery format (many like AA). Don't sweat the megapixel count, 5 is plenty unless you regularly make poster sized prints.
 
Ok, I can figure out Image stabalization, but the real vs. digital zoom confuses me.



Is the camera Josh posted good? If so I may get that one, if cannon is indeed the verdict.
 
Brandon,

I would wait for others to chime in and see if that camera is good or not...Im sure it will be fine for your detailing shots. I have had the S2 and the A620. Both were very nice cameras.



Just doing a quick compare between the 530 and 540 I would go with the 540 if you can stretch your budget an extra $50. With the 540 you get a bigger LCD display which is nice to have but the main selling point is it has aperture priority and shutter priority. These settings will allow you to take your shooting capabilities up a notch IMO. Hopefully more people can chime in with their thoughts.
 
"real" zoom = optical zoom, a function of the lens.



If image stabilization is a a requirement, I would offer the Panasonic DMC-LZx series as an option. I finally entered the digital camera zone by purchasing one for my wife. I'm sticking with my 35mm Ricoh for the time being.



I chose the Panasonic because it seemed to be ahead of other offerings in the same price range:

- what appears to be a superior lens

- image stabilization

- 6x optical zoom



Reports indicate that it is not quite as battery hungry as others. It uses AA batteries (not that unusual), and the common SD memory.



I know that the Canon cameras are very popular, and I infact had originally had the PS A540 on my shortlist, but was discouraged by the reports of the E18 error code that seems to be fairly common amongst Canon users. Any Canon users here that can relate their experience(s)?
 
You always want real zoom. With real zoom the camera draws the picture by adjusting its optical lenses. With digital zoom the camera brings the picture closer by using its software much the same way you use internet explorer to zoom in on a picture you have displayed on your computer screen.

Optical (real) zoom is preferably. Some cameras will let you max out the optical zoom and then switch to digital zoom if you want more zoom.
 
Just keep in mind that it seems Brandon only want the camera for detailing shots so zoom wouldnt really be too much of a factor. If so I would be reccomending the S2 hands down that thing is like a telescope :bow But I agree with you guys, digital zoom is horrible!
 
so optical zoom it is.



Thanks to all for the help. I should be making a decision tommorow and taking pics of my truck with RDF (thanks josh).
 
Hello Brandon , I was in the same boat recently,looking for a good camera for $150ish. Many reviews pointed to the CanonA530, I just got one this weekend. I was told it was discontinued, and getting hard to find. See my link on camera opinions for other review sites and opinions. I noticed some reviewers did not like the Pansonics, I was looking at them too.
 
Yeah, you really can't go wrong with the Canons. I really like the software they use. I found it should work with any camera as well since I just got a Panasonic and can still use it.



On a side note, I didn't look at the links, but Best Buy has camera sales all the time online so if you find one you like that's not on sale just check back.
 
Recently went through another round of digital camera shopping, so I can add a few comments.



Cnet is a great internet source for some visuals and specs. They have many review and sometimes have video clips of one of their editors doing a 60 second review.



DPReview has similar, minus the clips, but they add discussion forums within their site on each specific brand. They have some links for actual photos taken by members, too.



If you're not afraid of shopping online, Amazon has super deals such as free memory cards and shipping.



With Best Buy, I've found their internet price is often cheaper than in-store.
 
Canon is great. Kodak makes a good cheaper camera. Kodak digitals generally have brilliant colors, but the image processor over-sharpens at times. They're a good choice if you're buying a camera for people that just want a digital camera and not be bothered with anything else. :)
 
Mr. Clean said:
"real" zoom = optical zoom, a function of the lens.



If image stabilization is a a requirement, I would offer the Panasonic DMC-LZx series as an option. I finally entered the digital camera zone by purchasing one for my wife. I'm sticking with my 35mm Ricoh for the time being.



I chose the Panasonic because it seemed to be ahead of other offerings in the same price range:

- what appears to be a superior lens

- image stabilization

- 6x optical zoom



Reports indicate that it is not quite as battery hungry as others. It uses AA batteries (not that unusual), and the common SD memory.



I know that the Canon cameras are very popular, and I infact had originally had the PS A540 on my shortlist, but was discouraged by the reports of the E18 error code that seems to be fairly common amongst Canon users. Any Canon users here that can relate their experience(s)?
Click to expand...



I wouldn't consider a camera without image stabilization now. :)
 
Not to throw another camera into the mix but I have always been intrigued by Fujifilm's feature of Real Photo Technology...Granted with the Canon it is very easy to achieve near perfect pictures in "P" mode by just tweaking the Exposure a notch or two...but still seems pretty cool to me.
 
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