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General discussion

Best camera for my needs ??

Sep 26, 2004 3:35AM PDT

I am going crazy trying to figure out what the best camera would be for my needs. I would like something $400 or less.
Here's what I plan to use it for:
* auction pictures
* pictures for website (animals, family, school projects)
* soccer (so I'd like it to have the movie mode (preferrably with sound) as well as a good zoom
* possible enlargements up to 5x7 or 8x10


My brain hurts Happy
Any advise ?

Discussion is locked

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Re: Best camera for my needs ??
Sep 26, 2004 4:54AM PDT

I could get by with my 300 buck refutb by Kodak 6490 (included the dock). And would certainly try out the 7440.

Bob

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Re: Best camera for my needs ??
Sep 26, 2004 11:39AM PDT

You only need 3 mp to get a decent 8 x 10. I would avoid spending the cash on 4mp, especially if you plan on doing the majority of display on the web - high mp are not nearly as important for computer viewing. My Kodak 3.1 mp took pretty good photos, but I had several repair issues & will never recommend them. But 3 mp was great for the 8x10s I printed. I would look at Canon or Nikon - but from there I am in the same dilema myself as to which one... Good luck!

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Re: Best camera for my needs ??
Sep 27, 2004 1:04AM PDT

This is the opinion of an amateur with three digital cameras and the experience of giving four more to children and grandchildren.

First decide if you want a point-and-shoot camera (which sounds like what you need) or something more "professional" that will take various lens attachments.

Then decide if you want a small pocket camera or a larger camera. It is certainly easier to carry the pocket cameras around and use unobtrusively.

Finally decide if you have a printer that will give you a good quality print on glossy photo paper.

In my opinion, my Nikon Coolpix, Fuji Finepix, and Minolta Dimage (2.1 to 3.2 MP) cameras can give excellent quality 8X10 in prints. Certainly much better than most of the ones I took with 35mm cameras for 30 years. Ninety percent of the time I use the pocket Minolta which cost a lot less than $400!