Digital Camera Advice

[osugrad21]

Preface: Novice...not into taking tons of pics and will likely let the lady keep the camera. I want it for upcoming cruise and to document the construction of my house...

Looking at the Nikon Coolpix L11 Digital Camera for approx $125...

Any thoughts on this one or recommendations for others?

[tibor75]

Going to spend 125 bucks for a gift for the lady?

[Best Buckeye]

I'm not into cameras all that much but mine can only hold about 20 pics at a time. I would make sure about the capacity and any flash storage available.

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by tibor75

Going to spend 125 bucks for a gift for the lady?

Nope, its a gift for me...then when I do my usual thing and quit using it, she can have it...

I know if I gave her 125 vBucks, you'd be much more impressed...if I threw in 10 reps, you'd think I was damn Romeo

[elliemae]

Get a Canon Sure Shot series digital camera! You can't go wrong!

[jwinslow]

Honestly, these days the market is saturated with quality point 'n' shoots. My first impulse was to check ebay for the coolpix listed above: $50 + 12 shipping for a new one (many auctions at that rate).


I would suggest getting something which is good (great is not necessary), has a solid battery life, and is small enough to slip into a purse or pocket. If it's cumbersome, you won't take it with you.

Here's a good place to start (editor's picks):
http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6530_7-...4.html?tag=dir

For instance, the well reviewed DSC-W80 can be found on ebay for $100.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...W80&category0=

Honestly, there are a million cameras that will work. I'd play around with them at an electronics store (best buy, circuit city, walmart) where they are actually plugged in... and see which one you like best.

In person, you can find out if it's too thin or fat, clunky... etc.

[NJ-Buckeye]

Per Consumers Report:
#1) Canon Power Shot S2 IS - $280
#3) Fuji FinePix S5200 - $250

I bought the wife the Fuji for Xmas... she loves it...
but I also bought addl memory that holds 1000 shots

But this doesn't slip in a pocket...

[CleveBucks]

Anybody had any experience buying cameras on eBay? Generally reliable, or a cause for concern? Anything to look for?

[tibor75]

I have the Sony DSC-W7. Wouldn't recommend it. Somebody internal broke about 8 months after buying it. The camera still works but a black spot is always on the picture. Indoors you can't tell, but when up against the sky, you can tell. I would get another, but for outdoors I just use a Canon Rebel (SLR). I don't really see the advantage of shelling out 500 bucks for a digital SLR as opposed to what I have now.

[jimotis4heisman]

i have about 300 one that i won as a reward from work. its fine but nothing special. honestly id buy a moderate price one and not be so freaked out worried about it breaking or being stolen. im not saying trying to get it stolen, but if its 170 or so you wont ruin your entire vacation cuz you droped the thing...

[Oh8ch]

I have bought two via eBay with no problem.

Seller rep is very important and also make sure it says new in box and not refurbished. You can generally get good package deals via eBay as well - cards, cases, etc.

I am a Canon man myself. I have an S2 IS and an SD450.

The S2 IS takes great shots and let's you get somewhat sophisticated if you like. But it is a bit bulky.

I got the SD450 just to carry in my pocket. Still takes nice pictures, but not quite as crisp and doesn't have as much zoom as the S2.

[HabaneroBuck]

I got some slim 10 megapixel Kodak from Sam's and I love it....about 220.

Regardless of what you get, just make sure you get about 1 GB memory stick with your camera. You can get a 7 or 8 megapixel camera with 1 gig of memory, and that sucker will hold over 500 pictures in it. Only about $20.

[Dryden]

No Nikon, they're clumsy and write SLOW. Grad, buy a Canon. Either one of the Elphs or PowerShots, doesn't really matter. They accept industry standard/vendor neutral memory formats, should you ever decide to print photos at home, their photo printers are actually very good and super cheap, and Canon will back their cameras with accessories for years after the camera has been discontinued. Also, the PowerShots (now) use standard AAs, so you can quickly swap in your own rechargeable NiMHs instead of having a built in solid battery pack that's not accessible on-the-go.

I would not buy a camera on eBay, personally. Circuit City and Best Buy are competitive enough as it is that you'll probably find something guaranteed NIB at the brick-and-mortar at an eBay price, you won't get stuck eating $30 in shipping, and you'll have somewhere to exchange it if its broken. Amazon would also be a good bet, as their shipping is more inline with actual packaging cost, and their prices normally best eBay average. I see Amazon has a Canon A550 listed now for <$150, and that's a great camera. The A560 is only $10 more, and that one includes the DIGIC-III processor, which has superior stabilization, red-eye reduction, and corner-blur correction. The A560 for ~$160 is an absolute steal.

[Taosman]

Do not buy used on E-bay! OK to buy new there.

And Best Buy or Circuit City have good enough prices.
If your hands are big, don't go too small a camera, it will just drive you crazy.
And the view screen is important, a standard viewfinder is a major plus.

[jwinslow]

Originally Posted by Dryden

No Nikon, they're clumsy and write SLOW. Grad, buy a Canon. Either one of the Elphs or PowerShots, doesn't really matter.

Looking at actual vendors, I'm not seeing any Elph's or Powershots below $225.

However, I can find a 'like new' Powershot 750 for $80 + 10 ship.

If you're looking to spend 200ish on a camera, I'd definitely go with brick and mortar. If you're looking for a really cheap option around 100, I'd go with ebay.

They accept industry standard/vendor neutral memory formats, should you ever decide to print photos at home, their photo printers are actually very good and super cheap, and Canon will back their cameras with accessories for years after the camera has been discontinued. Also, the PowerShots (now) use standard AAs, so you can quickly swap in your own rechargeable NiMHs instead of having a built in solid battery pack that's not accessible on-the-go.

good advice