Looking for new camera

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I'm looking for a good digital camera for under $400.00 for my wife for
mothers days, but have no idea of brands I see alot of talk about the cannon
EOS, any recommendations? Thanks.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

If you have no idea, then use the reviews at www.dpreview.com or use
consumer reports. I would suggest you stick with middle-of the road on most
things. E.g. don't go for a super zoom or super small (unless your wife
refuse to carry a compact size camera) or super expensive or super cheap
one. Pick a compact size cameras in the $200 to $300 price range, with 3MP
to 6MP (more than 6MP is not necessarily better due to other limitations).

Costco seems to have a good return policy (but double check that for digital
cameras). This would be a good insurace. Plus, costco usually carry decent
quality items.

To give you some perspective, when I pick a compact camera, I evalute it
based on
size of image sensor (I prefer 1/1.8" or larger)
quick to turn on and ready for shooting
resolution (I prefer 4 to 6MP)
zoom range, especially the wide end (I like wider than 35mm equivalent)
aperture at the telephoto end (the smaller value (means larger aperture) the
better e.g f3.0)
type of battery used (I prefer AA over proprietary, that rules out super
compact cameras)
price (within reasonable range; which rules out leica or other exotic
cameras)
availability of manual mode
type of memory card (I prefer CF, that also rules out most super compact
cameras)
ratings from dpreview.com and other web sites

Other people would have different sets of criterias. For example, I'm pretty
happy with my recent purchase of a fujifilm E330 (satisfies many but not all
of my criterias), but one of my friend thinks it's too bulky.

EOS refers to Canon's digital SLRs. They cost > $600 and makes great photos
but are very big.

-peter

"Richard Rhoden" <rick@spamfree.com> wrote in message
news8ab5$4277991c$4654b234$15835@ECHOFORUM.COM...
> I'm looking for a good digital camera for under $400.00 for my wife for
> mothers days, but have no idea of brands I see alot of talk about the
> cannon EOS, any recommendations? Thanks.
>

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

"Richard Rhoden" <rick@spamfree.com> wrote in message
news8ab5$4277991c$4654b234$15835@ECHOFORUM.COM...
> I'm looking for a good digital camera for under $400.00 for my wife for
> mothers days, but have no idea of brands I see alot of talk about the
> cannon EOS, any recommendations? Thanks.

Most gals like small and light and easy to use cameras. Keep that in mind
as you work towards a choice. Don't get caught up in the megapixel race, by
the way. Stick to the big brands and handle them at Circuit City, Best Buy,
Ritz, Costco and so on.