digital camera shopping

[homer15]

hey everyone,

my parents are looking for a digital camera. i haven't shopped around in a while, and i'm looking at all the newer features on the cameras. i've read some reviews, but i trust everyone here more than anywhere else.
this is what they'd like:

5.0 megapixels or better
not too complicated (my dad can figure most things out, but i'd still like it to be simple)
any kind of media
decent flash
fast captures

just start giving me recommendations. thanks a lot guys.

[jong2k4]

I and one of my friends have the kodak dx 4530. It's 5 MP, does everything pretty much automatically unless you want to fiddles with settings, has a flash (I don't know if it's "decent" or not) and can take succesive pictures fairly rapidly for a digital because it has 32 MB internal memory.

However, be warned that this is NOT the kind of rugged or ultra-reliable camera a serious photographer would probably want. It's got a lot of nice features, but it's also a pretty cheap camera. I had to RMA mine because there was something wrong with the power circuits, (wouldn't completely turn on,) and I've read that the plastic parts are prone to breaking off (battery cover, SD Card/USB port cover.) It's also kind of bulky.

So if they're looking for something that has some nice features at a low price, and which won't be used very hard, this is the camera for them. If they're looking for something that's never going to have any problems and that they can fit in their pocket easily, this is probably not the camera for them.

[glc]

I'd look at the various Canon models.

[bailey]

I have had several digital cameras, all have worked great and had no problems,
the one I have now is the sony cyber shot DSC-828, it is the best one of all, it has many features like the better 35mm cameras had and a lot more, it uses several types of storage devices and has a good options and acessarys avaiable too, and it taks great piceures.

[Redfallon]

I personally like the Nikon Coolpics. Also look at the new HP's, Cannon's and Kodaks. Sony's have good lenses also.

[Hi Ho]

I love my Panasonic digital camera. Most people overlook them but they make ecxellent cameras. I've taken over 3,000 pictures in just under two years with mine and I am nothing short of impressed. Mine is only a 2.0 MP but the newer ones are obviously much higher. HERE is a review of one I have seen in person. It is "only" 4 MP but it is an excellent camera.

[colecifer]

My mom teaches journamlism, photography, newspaper, and yearbook at a local school. She works with cameras a lot so i know some about them too. She doesn't know much about digital, but the brands she recomends most for film cameras are Canon, minolta, and Kodak. I think the kodak is more of for budget cameras but is still good quality.

[juicelooser]

Canon Powershot SD10

I know this isn't 5.0MP, but, if you want compact, this little 4.0MP is great. I love it, because I can bring it just about anywhere and it takes great pictures. The biggest problem with it, though, is the fact that it doesn't have zoom. Otherwise, it's a great camera.

[Driv33R]

Just got my camera today. Wow, its so good. Much more then i have expected. Its the Canon S410. Its very small. And I got it for 280 from ebay, new. You can get the S500 for like 70 $ more. Very good cameras. The pictures are clear and everything. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...120-120&depa=0

[Driv33R]

always use www.bizrate.com to compare prices.

[patrickt]

When you're talking about a compact digital the things that separate a winner from a loser frequently have nothing to do with photographic capability. Some people love composing on the LCD and others hate that. Some like an EVF and others want optical. Some like tiny and some don't.

You can find a bunch of cameras that fit your specs that would do fine. I'd suggest your folks handle some and see what they like.

[shazam]

I have a Kodak DX 6490. I like it a lot. Even my wife can run it .She does not read this. Around $325.

[homer15]

thanks for the suggestions, guys.
as for my parents handling some, therein lies a problem... something could look totally great and perform poorly, but you can't see that in the store. most stores around here charge a 15% restocking fee, so it's not supereasy for them to just take it back.

[Cricket]

Check out Steve's Digicams for reviews and sample pictures.

Cricket

[shazam]

As Cricket mentioned. Steves is a good site. They list the Kodak DX6490 wich i have. You can read the review there. Good luck.

[Mr N8]

Also check out DP Review

I am a Canon fan, and I now own 3 Canon Digicams. (S110, G5, 10D) For them, I would recommend the Canon S60 or S500. They are small and lightweight, and take awesome pictures. If they want something with more features, the G5 is great. The G6 just came out, so the prices on the G5 should be falling very soon. The lens and sensor on the Canon cameras are incredible, which is why they slightly higher price tag.

If you want a lower cost camera, look into Kodak cameras. Their ease of use is actually very good. The DX7630 is a great compact 5mp camera. The think with Kodak is that their optical zoom take horrible pics. If they want a higher zoom range, the DX7590 is a much better choice.

[shazam]

Mr N8.The DX7630 does not use the same lens as the 4690 or the 7590. The 4690 and the 7590 use the Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon zoom lens wich is a very good lens.I have no complaints with the 4690 len in any focal lenght.The 35mm equvalent is 38-380.