I am in the market for a new dig camera.

noflash · 03-07-2006, 04:57 PM

I know there are a ton of "photogs" here, but please don't flame me for being so cheap.

I want great picture quality for $200.

I have an old 2.1 mp HP and it takes crappy pictures.

Consumer Reports recommends the Canon PowerShot A510 with "Excellent" print quality but only 3 mp for $180 (in November). How can it be excellent with 3mp?

PC World recommends an HP with 6 mp for $200.

Any other recommendations?

HRC · 03-07-2006, 05:10 PM

Hey Ian - I'm a n00b, but I got my Canon SD400 for like$280 shipped. It takes pretty good pictures.

Danny

Squawks · 03-07-2006, 05:33 PM

Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera.

Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com.

If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony.

EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will *not* be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet.

Enroutte · 03-07-2006, 06:20 PM

just get a canon. they're liek rated #1 for click adn shoot photos or somethinggg of that nature

BMW F22 · 03-08-2006, 12:18 AM

there's a Sony CyberShot at Office Max for $178. It's a good camera for the price. Look in last weekend's newspaper for more details.

BellasBmw · 03-08-2006, 12:22 AM

I'd have to go with Nikon.

mava330 · 03-08-2006, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

I'd have to go with Nikon.

I'm partial but Nikon for me. Former Canon D-SLR shooter and I went to Nikon. I love their color rendition out of the box. My .02.

Nikki · 03-08-2006, 12:37 AM

i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome.

eleven24 · 03-08-2006, 07:50 AM

If you're going to be producing standard size prints (3x5 or 4x6) then 3mp is more than sufficient. Larger MP cameras allow you to print larger sized prints -or- crop larger sized images into smaller sized prints. The notion that the MP of a camera is relative to the quality of pictures was created by the camera makers to make the consumers believe they need to upgrade.

Photography is also an art, or skill. Having a top of the line camera doesn't make you the next Ansel Adams. I've seen wannabe pro's with $3,000 lenses attached to $8,000 DSLR cameras snapping away and creating horrible pics. On the flipside, I've seen professional quality images created with point and shoot cameras.

Don't get caught up in the "more $ = better camera". dpreview.com is an excellent resource, as is fredmiranda.com.

Armen52 · 03-08-2006, 08:25 AM

Depends on what type of camera you're looking for. I'm quite partial to Canons myself as far as picture quality as well as usability are concerned.

Ultra-compact point-and-shoot - Consider the Digital Elph line of cameras, whichever one is closest to your budget should be just fine. Don't know if you can still find SD200 or SD300, maybe also try the SD400 or 450.

Compact + manual controls - This will allow you to move away from the Auto mode if you're interested in learning more about photography etc. I'd go with the Canon A series cameras. A510 or A520 are good. As is the A95 and A620.

red_wagen · 03-08-2006, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squawks

Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera.

Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com.

If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony.

EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will *not* be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet.

What he said...

Booster · 03-08-2006, 09:16 AM

I am a Nikon guy

noflash · 03-08-2006, 10:03 AM

Thanks all for the great responses. I will try to squeeze some research time in today. Canon v. Nikon -- the epic battle!

Thanks again. Once again the community comes through!

younghov85 · 03-08-2006, 10:42 AM

My girl friend is getting me the sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W50 Digital Camera
DSC-W50. It comes out in like two weeks, so when i get it i will let you know how it is.

Nikki · 03-08-2006, 11:22 AM

and check newegg.com, they have good prices.

lux.sh · 03-09-2006, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome.

I second this. I recently got SD400 japanese version. great camera.
so much better than sony cameras.

Nikons are the best for macro shots, but lacks all-around performance compared to Canon. Nikon's movie mode was very disappointing when i tried it. then again, who uses movie mode alot in a digital camera.

Just avoid sony's 5mp chips(7+mp chips are known to be better however), and you'll be fine.
www.dpreview.com is an awesome site for digi cams.

noflash · 03-20-2006, 07:54 PM

Just wanted to update and say thanks for ya'lls help.

I bought a Canon A520. Consumer Report's highest rated Best Buy was the A510 and this one just has an extra megapixel. It was on sale at Target for $168. What a deal.

Here are some pics I took today.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15562

03-07-2006, 04:57 PM	#1
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I am in the market for a new dig camera. I know there are a ton of "photogs" here, but please don't flame me for being so cheap. I want great picture quality for $200. I have an old 2.1 mp HP and it takes crappy pictures. Consumer Reports recommends the Canon PowerShot A510 with "Excellent" print quality but only 3 mp for $180 (in November). How can it be excellent with 3mp? PC World recommends an HP with 6 mp for $200. Any other recommendations? __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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03-07-2006, 05:10 PM	#2
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	Hey Ian - I'm a n00b, but I got my Canon SD400 for like$280 shipped. It takes pretty good pictures. Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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03-07-2006, 05:33 PM	#3
Squawks One of my two dachshunds: 53 Rep 663 Posts Drives: B6 A4 3.0 Quattro Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ithaca, NY iTrader: (0)	Go to www.dpreview.com to find out the true specs/features/capabilities behind each prospective camera. Since you already set yourself a price range, use shopper.cnet.com to find what cameras are available for you - what you like, and from your choices you can further refine your final pick by judging them based on the criteria given to you by dpreview.com. If you want a rough breakdown, I would suggest the brands (in order of preference): Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and then Sony. EDIT: Trust me - with a superb photo printer (or professional service such as Ofoto.com) you will not be able to distinguish between a 2 MP digital photo or film photo on a 4x6" sheet. __________________ I'm sorry about my outlandish behavior - there's too much blood in my alcohol system.
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03-07-2006, 06:20 PM	#4
Enroutte Private First Class 172 Rep 160 Posts Drives: ;D Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Undecided. iTrader: (0)	just get a canon. they're liek rated #1 for click adn shoot photos or somethinggg of that nature
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03-08-2006, 12:18 AM	#5
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	there's a Sony CyberShot at Office Max for $178. It's a good camera for the price. Look in last weekend's newspaper for more details.
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03-08-2006, 12:22 AM	#6
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I'd have to go with Nikon. __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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03-08-2006, 12:37 AM	#8
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	i recommend the sd400. i have an sd500 and it's awesome. __________________ Nikki
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03-08-2006, 07:50 AM	#9
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	If you're going to be producing standard size prints (3x5 or 4x6) then 3mp is more than sufficient. Larger MP cameras allow you to print larger sized prints -or- crop larger sized images into smaller sized prints. The notion that the MP of a camera is relative to the quality of pictures was created by the camera makers to make the consumers believe they need to upgrade. Photography is also an art, or skill. Having a top of the line camera doesn't make you the next Ansel Adams. I've seen wannabe pro's with $3,000 lenses attached to $8,000 DSLR cameras snapping away and creating horrible pics. On the flipside, I've seen professional quality images created with point and shoot cameras. Don't get caught up in the "more $ = better camera". dpreview.com is an excellent resource, as is fredmiranda.com. __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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03-08-2006, 08:25 AM	#10
Armen52 Captain 33 Rep 663 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Depends on what type of camera you're looking for. I'm quite partial to Canons myself as far as picture quality as well as usability are concerned. Ultra-compact point-and-shoot - Consider the Digital Elph line of cameras, whichever one is closest to your budget should be just fine. Don't know if you can still find SD200 or SD300, maybe also try the SD400 or 450. Compact + manual controls - This will allow you to move away from the Auto mode if you're interested in learning more about photography etc. I'd go with the Canon A series cameras. A510 or A520 are good. As is the A95 and A620. __________________ E90 330i delivered 6/29/2005, ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/Step, Arctic/Gray/Walnut
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03-08-2006, 09:16 AM	#12
Booster Pave The Rainforest 269 Rep 1,197 Posts Drives: Wagon Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norfolk, VA iTrader: (33) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	I am a Nikon guy __________________ Sold: 2015 Pyrite Brown M3 Sold: 2020 Sunset Orange M340i Xdrive Sold: 2021 Bluestone 540i Xdrive Msport
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03-08-2006, 10:03 AM	#13
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Thanks all for the great responses. I will try to squeeze some research time in today. Canon v. Nikon -- the epic battle! Thanks again. Once again the community comes through! __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2006, 10:42 AM	#14
younghov85 Captain 65 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland iTrader: (0)	My girl friend is getting me the sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W50 Digital Camera DSC-W50. It comes out in like two weeks, so when i get it i will let you know how it is.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2006, 11:22 AM	#15
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	and check newegg.com, they have good prices. __________________ Nikki
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03-20-2006, 07:54 PM	#17
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Just wanted to update and say thanks for ya'lls help. I bought a Canon A520. Consumer Report's highest rated Best Buy was the A510 and this one just has an extra megapixel. It was on sale at Target for $168. What a deal. Here are some pics I took today. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15562 __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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