digital camera help

[agtpunx40]

My dad wants a digital camera for Christmas, nothing too fancy, something easy to use in the $200 range, nothing over $250. I don't really know alot about digital cameras. Anybody know a site that will get me a good start?

[Monstrous Mike]

My dad wants a digital camera for Christmas, nothing too fancy, something easy to use in the $200 range, nothing over $250. I don't really know alot about digital cameras. Anybody know a site that will get me a good start?
I visit this site on a regular basis. http://www.dpreview.com/

I have an older digital camera and am looking to upgrade. However, two friends of mine bought this one and they love it. FWIW, they are fairly technologically challenged so that must mean something. Here it is in Canadian dollars.http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=14&WLBS=fsweb19&sku_id=0665000FS10049110&catid=10129&newdeptid=14

[royphil345]

The A400 is an awesome little camera. Sort of pushes the top end of your budget though. Keep in mind that just about all digital cameras come with a very small memory card,(recommend at least a 256MB card, about 150 pics on a 3 MP camera) no case (can find nice ones for $10.00), and no NIMH batteries (a MUST for digital cameras).

I recommend a Canon A75. Has all the same features as the A400. (A TON of features for a small point and shoot, including movies with sound!!!) The case isn't metal coated and it's a little harder to slip in your pocket. (but not a big difference, still a small camera) The picture quality is EXCELLENT. The A75 is probably the most popular point and shoot around with good reason. NewEgg.com has good prices on digital cameras and memory cards. They are a reliable dealer and ship very fast. http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=30-120-122&ATT=Digital+Cameras&CMP=OTC-P12ice5can

Another possibility is the Olympus D540. Very reliable, great picture quality, a little more pocket friendly than the A75. A little short on the features though. (no sound for movies, no video out for tv hookup) They sell for a little less than the A75, but they take xD memory cards that cost more so you don't really save any money in the long-run. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-111-126&depa=0

Buy all of my batteries and chargers on eBay from this vendor. Never heard of the brand of batteries he sells, but they have proven to be of very high quality. Can't beat his prices and you always get your package in about two days. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50603&item=5733526893&rd=1

Check out the Circuit City web site for user reviews on all of the cameras they sell. I own the Olympus. Bought it because I got rid of a Fuji that I didn't like and had a supply of xD memory cards. Only Olympus and Fuji use the xD cards so... Very pleased with the picture quality and it does fit in the pocket nicely. Recommended the A75 to my cousin and the picture quality is exceptional... And I'm a little jealous of the movies with sound!!!

I would tend to stick with a quality 3 Mega-Pixel camera, rather than a "cheapie" 4 Mega-Pixel model. Not a very significant difference between 3 and 4 MP. 3MP will print nicely at 8" X 10" and 4MP won't print good posters so... Better handling of light and color are more important than the difference between 3 and 4 MP.

[ericl]

http://www.pcphotoreview.com
and
http://www.photographyreview.com
Just like this site, but for photography gear instead of audio. They have forums, reviews, articles, a great holiday buying guide.

http://pcphotoreview.com/HOL_0crx.aspx

-Eric

[agtpunx40]

I'll keep researching the ones you guys recommended. I also found a deal on a Kodak 5 MP EasyShare DX4530. It was recommended by someone else, and seems to be good, read a few reviews and such. Anybody have any experiences with this. It comes with the docking station and a decent battery, but he'll still need a better memory card. Haven't decided yet though.

[Glen Rasmussen]

Ebay is a good place to start to shop for prices. I bought a Olympus C-50 a year and a half ago at a great price from the Olympus site through ebay. Reconditioned with full warrenty from theManufacture. I am sure there would be lots of camera in you price range. B & H has a good internet site. check wallyworld and BJs wherehouse as well.