[Warhawk]

I am looking to purchase my first digital camera and don't know squat about them I am looking spend in the $300.00 to $400.00 range. What camera do you recommend and why. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

[wmosner]

try www.steves-digicams.com and www.dpreview.com

two great sites with reviews

I like the Olympus and Canon products.

[PappyB]

Decide if you want a compact camera or a more standard-size body. The larger cameras will give you a longer optical zoom, around 10x, and generally more psuedo SLR features, in addition to point-and-shoot simplicity. The larger size generally also come with optical viewfinders in addition to an LCD, most compacts only offer the LCD for composition these days.

If you go compact, I wouldn't go higher than 5-6 megapixels in resolution. Generally speaking, many of the compacts squeeze higher megapixel counts onto the same size image sensor, which tends to degrade image quality in anything other than perfect shooting conditions.

If you go with the larger size, 8-to-10 megapixels are generally safe -- also look for optical image stabilization.

Either route, you can get a superb camera these days for your price point. I agree that Olympus and Canon make some truly excellent product, and the review web sites posted below are also superb.

The Canon Powershot series of compact cameras is excellent, I have tested quite a few of them.

Fuji, Olympus, and Canon all offer solid products in the "full-size" categories, as does Sony (for a bit more $, generally).

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by Warhawk

I am looking to purchase my first digital camera and don't know squat about them I am looking spend in the $300.00 to $400.00 range. What camera do you recommend and why. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

The Canon Powershot A95 does it all. Trouble free after two years.

[1250ships]

What do you want to do with it? Shoot models, shoot family photos, shoot action (sports)? Do you want a pocket camera or are you willing to work with something bigger? I ask because with the price bracket you listed there are probably 50-100 different cameras to choose from.

The number of megapixels is not the critical factor unless you plan to print photos in large sizes- anything above 8x10. If all you want is enough quality to post on the web and print some 4x6s you will only need 5 megapixels max.

The most important element in my mind is the lens. Avoid cameras with cheap plastic lenses and those that try to cover a massive range with a single lens. The second most important feature is the sensor. Better sensors will produce superior colors and give you low noise even at higher ISO settings. That can be critical in getting low light shots.

Finally I'd strongly recommend a camera with an optical viewfinder. There are some serious disadvantages to shooting with a camera that only has an LCD to look at. In bright light conditions they can be impossible to see. You will also have a harder time getting a steady shot because of the way you have to hold a display only camera.

[hawkonevoodoo]

I have a Canon S2IS and one of the features that I love is the LCD screen is hinged and makes it possible to hold the camera above the crowd in front of you. Just swivel the LCD monitor down so you can look up at it and see what you would normally miss. I have taken quite a few pictures using this, parades, sports games and so on.

[mhackl]

dpreview.com rocks, I used it to help me finalize the decision for my new camera. Yea X-Mas!!!

My dad has an 8mp Olympus SP-350 that he raves about. It seems to have a ton of features for a point and shoot. These have really dropped in price too. Dpreview shows these as low as $174.95.

[stalag8611]

Originally Posted by Warhawk

I am looking to purchase my first digital camera and don't know squat about them I am looking spend in the $300.00 to $400.00 range. What camera do you recommend and why. Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Tim

Hey, Warhawk, let us know yourfinal decision.Say Cheese

[Warhawk]

I would like to THANK all who replied, your advice and the links were a big help! It was a tough decision, but broke down and picked up a Sony Cyber-shot DSC H2 with 6mp and 12x. The Canons are nice though, but I got a deal on this model I'll post some pics of my small collection when I get it figured out . Hope everyone has a safe Holiday.

Tim