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General discussion

Cheap and good? An impossible situation?

Jun 8, 2005 12:16PM PDT

This would be my third digital camera. I'm still somewhat new to cameras. I'd like not to spend any more than $400. I just need some help deciding which company/model to buy. Simply I only need a few things: Cheap,good, a excellent battery life, and the abililty to shoot small movies. My first camera could barely stand on its own 2 feet (on battery power) for more than 1 minute. Anything relevant would be appreicated: tips, advice, etc.
Thank You
Ibrahim Jadoon

Discussion is locked

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Not at all
Jun 8, 2005 12:48PM PDT

Between the prices of $300 and $400
you can find many very nice cameras.

Including some 10X optical zoom cameras.

Which brings up questions:

What size camera are you looking for?
Do you want a camera with manual override controls?
About how much optical zoom do you want?

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Got answers
Jun 9, 2005 9:35AM PDT

Wow, cameras in that price range with that much zoom?

Ok, the size doesn't really matter as long as it isn't the size of a SLR. That might be the wrong acronym, but I mean those professional cameras that have like a thousand buttons.

What is manual override controls? I think you talking about when you can change the settings directly when you need to take a nigh shot rather than to use the preset night mode?

I'm not really good with all the 7X and 5X numbers. But something that can zoom maybe 10-15 feet.

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$300 to $400
Jun 10, 2005 12:07AM PDT

It sounds like you really don't need a big zoom camera. And yes they tend to be bulky.

Cameras with manual override features let the intermediate photographer take control of the camera in difficult photographic situations.

.........

Here is a side-by-side look at some shirt pocket thin cameras:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=fuji_finepixf10%2Ccasio_exz57%2Ccanon_sd400%2Cnikon_cps1&show=all

These are point-and-shoot cameras in a size that is very popular now.

............

Here is a look at two cameras that fit into a jacket pocket:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_s60%2Cnikon_cp7900&show=all

The Canon S60 has manual controls, the Nikon 7900 is point-and-shoot.

..............

Here are two long lens cameras (10X):

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=oly_c765uz%2Ckodak_z740&show=all

Both cameras have manual controls.

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Cheap and Good
Jun 8, 2005 1:28PM PDT

I'm in the market too. I have been drawn to the Nikon Coolpix 4800. It has a smooth 10X zoom and good battery life. Nikon is not without its detractors, but it seems to get decent reviews from some comprehensive sources. I found a website on this forum that was really good for small details:
www.steves-digicams.com

Most helpful was his conclusions page on each camera.

Good luck.

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Konica-Minolta Z series
Jun 8, 2005 3:06PM PDT

I think the Z5 can be had under $400. They do quite well in regards to battery life and movie mode.

Research the different models but I want to say off the top of my head the Z2 had the best movie mode of the line and obviously that camera could be had for a lot less than $400 though you may have to buy refurbished since it's older.

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Nice Features
Jun 9, 2005 9:42AM PDT

I like the features that the cameras have. They seem just a tad bulky though, but the features seem to make up for it. I like the sound of this "Progessive Capture"