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General discussion

Digital Camera Purchase Advice

Aug 27, 2004 4:52AM PDT

Hi,
I am about to venture in to the world of digital cameras and would like to know which cameras would suit my purpose from people with experience.
I am in the UK and would like a camera which is small so that I can carry it anywhere, has a wide range of abilities and has a quality which will last and produce high quality pictures. A camera that looks good would be an added bonus. My budget is about

Discussion is locked

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Re: Digital Camera Purchase Advice
Aug 27, 2004 8:48AM PDT

You need to know what size camera you really want.

If you are looking for an ultra-thin camera (less than 1.1 inch thick), it will be a point-and-shoot camera. The Canon S410 or S500 is where you should start looking. Owners are reporing very sharp photos with this little camera.

Cameras with more features will be slightly bigger. The Canon A80 (just replaced by the A95) is typical of the size of small cameras with manual override capabilities.

Check out the size of the S500 and A95 and see which fits your idea of a camera that you can carry anywhere. Go to a camera store and get your hands on both. You don't have to buy, just try it on for size.

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Re: Digital Camera Purchase Advice
Aug 27, 2004 11:46PM PDT

thanks very much for your advice

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Re: Digital Camera Purchase Advice
Aug 27, 2004 9:18AM PDT

I am a graphic designer/mother of two who takes lots of portraits. I too am looking for something like you after my 6 year old Nikon 990 was retired this June due to repeat battery door problem. I spent $999 on it, loved it, but don't want to spend the $250 to fix AGAIN!

Two professional photographer/designer friends have the Sony Cyber Shots, and use for kayaking and hiking trips. They both love compact size, and Carl Zeis optics. I'm considering a Canon Power Shot S1 IS, recommended by owner of local photo store. It has a pop up flash, views thru the lens (not a view finder), and 8x zoom and is about $350.

All 3 of the above only have 3.2 image res, but I printed up to 8 x 10 (with Nikon 990) with excellent results and don't plan to print bigger. I'm also gaining ability to take video clips, transfer data using usb, and utilize compact flash and AA batteries I already own, with Canon.

It comes down to portability, price and quallity for me.

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Re: Digital Camera Purchase Advice
Aug 29, 2004 11:58AM PDT

I just purchased an Olympus 6.1 Digital camera as my very first digital. My daughter has an earlier model and she loves it so we looked at Olympus first. I had the camera on my vacation and found the size very compact and the Aluminum body is very well designed for durability. The photos are very sharp even on the lower factory setting and great on the 6.1 meg setting. I just don't like the cost of the XD Picture cards, they are more expensive than others but then this little beauty has more features. I got this camera under $450.00 (US)