Digicam advice needed.

[damronjr]

So, I am considering buying a new digicam so I can give my wife my old one to screw up. I want something with at least 4MP and I would like one with around a 10x zoom as well. I would like to find one that works well in both day and night but want to stay below like $400-500. Any advice or recommendations? Anyone know a good place to research this subject?

[ragingfish]

I have a fuji, and personally, I think it sucks with low light shots. Takes great outdoors, but if you do a fair amount of indoor shots (as most do), might want to look at other brands.Granted, mine is about 3 years old...their new models may not be experiencing these same shortfalls...

[Kari]

The biggest problem I have with mine in low-light conditions with flash is that the camera can't focus. It refuses to focus in our basement/family room at all, even with all the lights on. The artificial light of the flash makes the image colored a bit differently than it does if you just use ambient light, though, and that isn't something I've ever experienced with an SLR. I'm not sure if it's the flash though, or the CCD. But if you're gonna be taking pictures in the dark and aren't an experienced photographer with very steady hands who can take a 2-second shutter speed shot with no blur...I wouldn't recommend this one to you. I'm pleased with my camera though, which is the same as raging's and about the same age. (I bought it a week before I took delivery on my Vibe.)In fact, because I was so pleased with it, my parents bought the A210, and theirs actually tore up within the first year. (Luckily it was still within warranty.) I don't know if dad might have dropped it though; I know he dropped mine once.My next digicam purchase will either be an upgrade to this Fuji point and shoot, or a Canon EOS Rebel Digital.

[Sputnik]

I had a Fuji 2MP but got a Canon A80 4MP last Christmas. Its a great camera with a flip out screen (like on camcorders). Unfortunately it is not a 10x zoom - only 3x optical and 3x digital.

[cohocarl]

Here's a couple links to do your research:http://www.dpreview.com/http://www.stev ... ...htmlI'm on my 2nd Olympus camera, and have had no problems with either, and have been very happy with them. I have a C-750 now (4mp, 10x optical zoom, manual settings if you wish to use them) but it's no longer in production I don't think. One thing that is overlooked is the batteries. I love the fact that mine takes AA size batteries. It came with 4 nimh's and a charger. I've purchased another set so I always have an extra set on hand. AND if I"m somewhere and use up both sets, I can stop at a local store and pick up a pack of AA batteries. You wouldn't be able to do that with a camera that takes a unique battery. Also, digital zoom is a waste, don't even consider that as a "plus".Happy shopping.

[kostby]

One consideration is how much investment you may have in memory cards for your existing camera. I have 768 meg (3 256K Compact Flash cards) for my current (alas, now broken, Canon A70), and I hate to switch to a camera using another format, because it's an investment of at least $75-$150 at current prices to buy that much capacity in another memory card format.The Canon Powershot A-series (named because they take AA batteries) have an infrared focus light for low-light conditions, but the A75/85/85 all have just a 3x optical and 3x digital zoom.The low end A75 (3.2mp) and A85(4.0mp) cameras are being replaced as current stock is sold out, with the newer A510 (3.2 megapixel) and A520 (4.0 megapixel) which both have 4x optical zoom.I haven't noticed a problem focusing in low-light. The A-80 previously mentioned (4 megapixel) is out of production, replaced by the 4.0 megapixel A-85 which does not have the pop-out screen like a camcorder. The 5.0 megapixel A-95 now has the pop-out screen. Street prices range from around $249 on the 85 to as high as $389 on the 95, but my local camera store currently has the A95 for $299. That's the one I think I'm going to get. http://www.canonusa.com has more details. I also concur with whoever recommended steves-digicams.com. It's an EXCELLENT site, complete with comprehensive reviews and real-world pictures so you can compare models from different manufacturers.Happy hunting!

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by kostby »The Canon Powershot A-series (named because they take AA batteries) have an infrared focus light for low-light conditions, but the A75/85/85 all have just a 3x optical and 3x digital zoom.A good friend of mine I work with wanted me to give him a recommendation on a decent, $250 +/- digital camera, so I did quite a bit of reading up on the A75 and A85 which I recommended. They seem like a very nice camera, especially for the cost. If I had a little extra cash, I'd like one for a 2nd camera.

[POLO]

One of many site i visited to search for digi cam for me was http://www.imaging-resource.co...esignVery detailed site,it help me to choose and have like present the pentax optio 450 for it's powerful macro, zoom for the price.

[millster]

I purchased a Canon S1-IS recently. Wonderful camera. 10x optical zoom, through-the-lense EVF viewfinder, flip out screen. The only thing it doesn't have that you would want is that it's only 3.2MP. Even at that, it takes wonderful photos, even in low light. The only problem with the low light photos is the EVF (electronic view finder). It's a small LCD in the viewfinder similar to that found in most video cameras. It allows you through-the-lense viewing like an SLR without the limitations of SLR technology. The issue comes in low light as it can be a little difficult to see the subject you're trying to get a photo of.http://reviews.cnet.com/Canon_....html

[Nik]

THE high quality review source: http://www.dpreview.comThe best point and shoot digital camera for under $400 right nowCanon a95.http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona95/I just got this camera to replace my aging 2mp sony (my point and shoot when I don't want to use my SLR).If anyone wants to step up to a digital SLR. Go with the Nikon D70. The canon Digital Rebel is nice for a consumer level camera but the Nikon beats it hands down for a fraction more. Canon just released a new version of the Digital Rebel XT that is 8mp. Should be something to keep and eye on but I expect Nikon will be out with their anwser to that and it will most probibly also be much better. The canon Rebel series has quite a number of build issues.

[gpk99]

Cant go wrong with a Canon.....if you search for my first post in the top section my intro thread has a pic I took of my Vibe with the Canon A80.Also the deciding factor that made me decide on the Canon over a Sony was their software and in any pics I compared the two to,it seemed the Canon took better pastel shots than the Sony which from some shots seemed a little more flat.

[ColonelPanic]

A friend of mine just bought a Cannon, but I can't remember for sure what model... Don't hold me to it, but I think it's the s500. The camera is quite nice - and the size is incredible. The pics look very good with it, and from what little I've seen of it, it ain't half bad! Around $400 though, and not too good of an optical zoom.One serious issue I have with it though - the proprietary, albeit rechargeable battery. With a camera, I'd much rather sacrifice a little size so I can use the many NiMH rechargeable AA's I have, or always have the option of picking up some fresh batteries from pracically anywhere when necessary... I tend to take multiple pics of the same thing just in case they don't turn out right, so batteries are an issue with me at least.I just upgraded from my ol' trusty Fuji 2650 which has had a rough life to the A330. It sounds like it may be a bit basic for your needs - 3.2MP, 3X optical zoom, etc... But I'd highly recommend it to anyone needing a cheap (~$150,) camera with passable quality, unless you need to take low light pics. Sadly, the inability for the camera to focus on anything in low light still is an issue with this newer camera. On a positive note, Fuji improved on just about every gripe I had with the 2650 - things like how the 2650 did not have separate buttons to change the flash mode, or enable macro. The 330 doesn't force you to dive through the menu to change those settings. The lens cover isn't as easy to close shut on accident like the 2650, thankfully. And battery life with this camera is very good as well - haven't checked to see how many pics I can take before it loses juice... But it's a bunch! I really wanted to replace the 2650 with a more expensive camera, maybe one of the SLR-style models, Fuji S7000 for instance. http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fu...16757 But money was an issue... And I didn't consider other brands due to the fact that I've accumulated several xD memory cards, and refused to have to start a new collection with a different type.