I think I am ready for a digital

[lagavulin62]

had a great visit with the family at christmas. seems everyone has a digital these days except me. I asked family what do look for in a camera and the one thing I kept hearing was make sure you get at least 8 megapixels, which I understand has to do with the detail of the photos. what I am asking is for some advice. what else should I look for?

here are my needs:

1. needs to be able to take detailed close-ups so I can post those cool gun photos on this forum.

2. should also have the ability to take photos in both indoor or outdoor settings.

3. I don't want to spend more than $150.00.

thats pretty much it. advise me please.

thanks in advance,

mike

 

[Iggy]

The feature you need for detailed close up is called "MACRO"

Otherwise I'm not much help. My digital came over on the Mayflower.

The new ones are far advanced over what I know about them.

 

[NFrameFred]

Your price range will limit you quite a bit as far as convenience and speed, but should still get you a camera that takes great shots (think Nikon "Cool Pix").

The biggest fault I have with these 'point & shoot' cameras is the latency between the time when the shutter is engaged and the time the shot is actually taken. Kind of like shooting a flintlock rifle - if you don't hold steady and follow through you miss the shot.

We have one of the early Nikons and it takes great pictures, but after trying to shoot candids of the active grandbabies and getting the shot "the second after", we went ahead and invested in a digital SLR that looks and operates just like a 35mm SLR. Instant response, much more versatility, motor drive type function built in, and changeable lenses. More bucks, but as fast as they have advanced/improved you can buy one that's two or three years old fairly cheap used from someone who wants to 'trade up'.

Most of the new 'point & shoot' models have the 'macro' feature Iggy alluded to. A must for taking quality still-lifes of S&W's.

 

[doublesharp]

Any camera with 1 mega pixel will give you a good gun picture. The mega mega pixels are if you want to do large prints or even posters. For a 5x7, my old Sony Mavica did a fine job as long as I used a tripod. That's the key, steady and have the light at your back.

Go to Newegg and look. Here's a dandy for $90 otd.
Newegg.com - Nikon COOLPIX L22 Black 12.0 MP 3.0" 230K LCD 3.6X Optical Zoom Digital Camera

 

[wbraswell]

Canon has a good reputation, and are usually easy to operate.

 

[2152hq]

My Sony's not too bad, but I can only get about 15 pictures on a floppy disc.

 

[smith revolver cop]

Canon has a good reputation, and are usually easy to operate.

I've had very good luck with Canon. I'm not sure exactly what they currently have in your price range, but look at their "Elph" and "Powershot" lines. I also had a Samsung that I got at Circuit City when they were closing their stores. $79 for an 8 megapixel point & shoot. Probably one of the absolute best little cameras I've ever had. I think I finally wore it out, as it started to 'lock up' periodically, and I'd have to pop the batteries out to 're-boot' it. It did very well in macro mode. You should be able to find a good assortment in your price range.

 

[truckemup97]

The Nikon L110 is kind of in-between the simple point-n-shoots and the DSLRs. I had a predacessor as my first digital and loved it. It still works, but I've upgraded to DSLR. It's a little more than $150, but would be well worth the extra bucks, IMO.

Nikon Coolpix 110 - Digital Cameras - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review

 

[m1gunner]

Canon has a good reputation, and are usually easy to operate.

What he said. Get a Cannon in your price range and you will be more than happy.

If you are wanting a SLR for professional and artsie work, your budget is too low. But for a great digital camera, Cannon can't be beat for features and price.

 

[pawncop]

Oh you meant a camera - my bad.

 

[Faulkner]

I'm a big Nikon DSLR camera guy with all the lenses and photo nurd stuff, but I do carry a pocket camera in my jacket pocket most of the time.

I've had several (I'm pretty rough on 'em) including Canon, Kodak, and Olympus. The last two have been Nikon CoolPix which are good camera's at a decent price, around $125 at Walmart. Lots of setup features if you want to use them like macro, sport, portrait, landscape, indoor, outdoor, etc., but I usually just put it PHD mode (i.e., Push Here Dummy).

 

[lagavulin62]

thanks to all who responded. I just placed an order for the nikon coolpix recommended by Doublesharp. looking forward to better pics in the future. you guys won't have to be tortured with any more of my phone camera shots.

thanks again.

mike