[techdawg667]

Hey all,

I am getting a new camera (yipee!), but I am totally lost on this subject. I am not a professional photographer but I like to mess around with cameras and Photoshop. I need an all-round camera that is easy to use and has a lot of user-friendly stuff so the rest of my family can use it too. Basically, a camera with some advanced options but is also a good point-and-shooter would be nice. Could anyone refer me to a camera that meets my criteria? Please cameras under $300 only!

[Guyzer]

I know you said under $300.00 but I think you would be better off spending $80.00 more and getting one of these from the sound of what you want to do. Just my 2 cents worth....
http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?ma...products_id=61

[Danyo]

Fujifilm FinePix S700 can't beat the price for this camera. Takes xD, SD, SD/HC (4GB) memory cards, 7.1MP , 10x tele, PS with manual selections.
Good review from Steves-Digicam.
$129 at this site.

http://www.thecameraprofessionals.co...FQWVFQodsmL03g

[techdawg667]

Thanks, I'll wait for for more posts until I decide.

I have another question: If, if, I choode a Kodak camera, do I need Kodak EasyShare to just get the pictures from the camera to the computer? I hate manufacturers' programs, so...

[xgerryx]

Originally Posted by techdawg667

I have another question: If, if, I choode a Kodak camera, do I need Kodak EasyShare to just get the pictures from the camera to the computer? I hate manufacturers' programs, so...

No you don't need easyshare. You can access the cameras files from "my computer"

[PopPicker]

Why on earth would you 'choose' a Kodak camera? When is a plethera of finer models out there.

Go to a camera store and have a play. Choose one that fits your hands, is within your technical grasp and has a menu that makes sense to you.

PP

[ferrija1]

I love the Canon PowerShots line. Try looking at the SX100 or for a bit more, the S5.

[Guyzer]

Originally Posted by ferrija1

I love the Canon PowerShots line. Try looking at the SX100 or for a bit more, the S5.

Post # 2 I mentioned the S5...

[techdawg667]

I have my sights on the Canon Powershot SD1000, but I can't find any reliable sources to buy it from, other than Amazon, which has an extremely confusing ordering scheme, and Ebay, which I highly distrust. Other than that, I only have lesser-known sites to order from. Could anyone give me a list of "trusted" sites? Otherwise I will buy the camera from Amazon, or Newegg if it ever gets reactivated.

I have another question: can you power cameras using the USB cable, not just the AC adaptor recharger? I have seen lots of devices do this, such as my PDA.

[Guyzer]

Originally Posted by techdawg667

I have my sights on the Canon Powershot SD1000, but I can't find any reliable sources to buy it from, other than Amazon, which has an extremely confusing ordering scheme, and Ebay, which I highly distrust. Other than that, I only have lesser-known sites to order from. Could anyone give me a list of "trusted" sites? Otherwise I will buy the camera from Amazon, or Newegg if it ever gets reactivated.

Do yourself a favor and buy the SD1100 IS. It's $50.00 more than the SD1000, still within your budget, but you'll be glad you got the IS. Here's a review............
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_...on_sd1100.html

According to your profile you live in Vancouver. That's about 30 miles from me and I buy most of my gear from these guys. You might want to give them a try. They are right in your back yard. Very reputable and the cheapest around.

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=1284

Originally Posted by techdawg667

I have another question: can you power cameras using the USB cable, not just the AC adaptor recharger? I have seen lots of devices do this, such as my PDA.

Nope....................

[wilson44512]

there are so many choices out there. your best bet it to go to some camera shops. and look at the different kind. that way you can see how it feels in your hand. and what kind of controls you like. then once you pick a few that you would like to get. then research them on the Internet. and ask questions about them. this is a good site to get reviews

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

[mrss]

I like to mess around with cameras and photoshop too. Have owned too many.

The SD1000 is a fun camera for the $150 USD it cost me last winter. With a $300 budget, you can do better, but you won't get one much smaller. If it's your only camera, do get one with image stabilization. I'm happy with mine being small and relatively cheap. I've only "lost" it a dozen times, it's so small, but it always turns up. I keep it in a hard case, so it hasn't broken yet when i sit on it or it falls out of a pocket.

The next small camera I get will be one of the small Olympus or Pentax waterproofed cameras. I've seen pictures of fish being released under water taken with them. Seems like it would be ideal for outdoors. I already wrecked a camera when I spilled a malt on it .

Anyway, what matters to others prolly don't matter to you. Enjoy looking. There are many many cameras on display at the stores. My bias ... You might avoid anything that uses XD cards. XD is expensive and slow.

[techdawg667]

I figured. But then after Guyzer's post about the SD1100 IS being an improvement over the SD1000, I think I might be reconsidering. But then again, I'll wait until I have a chance to go to a camera store (if I can find one, if not, then to Future Shop we go!) and try them out, since there isn't necessarily "improvements" from the SD1000 to the SD1100 IS.

[buck52]

Originally Posted by techdawg667

since there isn't necessarily "improvements" from the SD1000 to the SD1100 IS.

that's a rather curious comment...

I know nothing about either but...the IS alone, is a huge improvement if it works as advertized

[Guyzer]

Originally Posted by buck52

that's a rather curious comment...

I know nothing about either but...the IS alone, is a huge improvement if it works as advertized

Ditto that buck...............