Best (low end) digital camera?

verity wrote:
> You should be able to find a good Kodak 4- to 6- megapixel model with
> at least a 3x optical zoom lens in your price range. Kodaks come with
> good user manuals, easy-to-work-with menus, and usually, a generous
> number of buttons, which means less fussing with menus.
>
> Another Kodak plus is that most models still come with an optical
> viewfinder, which is better for steadying the camera in low light
> levels and can help conserve battery power, compared to relying on the
> LCD screen all the time. Those are real advantages. So is choosing a
> camera that works with AA batteries.
>
> If you can reach up a little in price, you'll find Canon A530/A540
> models are loaded with features and are well made. Both have an optical
> viewfinder.
>
> For brand reliability you'll have to consult Consumer Reports. Just
> realize that with any manufactured product, even a top-rated one from a
> usually reliable manufacturer, you can get a clunker.
>
> Hope this is of help


go for the canon a530. you should be able to get one for $150 or less.
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BperryB wrote:
> I'm planning to get a digital camera from Sammy's Camera or maybe
> Walmart. Need recommendations for a low end model in the $150 price
> range. Something with reasonable resolution, and an optical zoom lens,
> and not too many other features. Someone at work has a Kodak C703 from
> Walmart which takes pretty good photos and seems easy to use.
>
> What should I expect from a $150 camera, and which manufacturers are
> best in terms of performance and reliability?
>
> If I walk into Sammy's Cameras, what should I ask for?
>
> -Bill
>
I bought my wife the Kodak C743 (I can't see anything to distinguish it
from the C703 but the number), and I am quite pleased with it. Small,
light, big LCD, good movie mode, quick to startup (my older DX6440 takes
6 to 8 seconds to come up), takes just about any kind of AA cells, and
is 7mp with 3x optical zoom, and even has a small optical viewfinder
(rare on P&S cameras these days). Price at Circuit City was $139!
Great deal.
If you want a bit more bang, try the C875.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

wiseman wrote:
> verity wrote:
>> You should be able to find a good Kodak 4- to 6- megapixel model with
>> at least a 3x optical zoom lens in your price range. Kodaks come with
>> good user manuals, easy-to-work-with menus, and usually, a generous
>> number of buttons, which means less fussing with menus.
>>
>> Another Kodak plus is that most models still come with an optical
>> viewfinder, which is better for steadying the camera in low light
>> levels and can help conserve battery power, compared to relying on the
>> LCD screen all the time. Those are real advantages. So is choosing a
>> camera that works with AA batteries.
>>
>> If you can reach up a little in price, you'll find Canon A530/A540
>> models are loaded with features and are well made. Both have an optical
>> viewfinder.
>>
>> For brand reliability you'll have to consult Consumer Reports. Just
>> realize that with any manufactured product, even a top-rated one from a
>> usually reliable manufacturer, you can get a clunker.
>>
>> Hope this is of help
>
>
> go for the canon a530. you should be able to get one for $150 or less.
>

Comparing the A530 to the Kodak c743.

Zoom--- A530 (4x vs. 3x)
LCD---- C743 (2.4" vs. 1.8"
Movie-- C743 (640x480 30fps vs 640x480 10fps)
Compression A530 (3 modes vs. fixed)
Shutter speeds A530

Other features are pretty much the same. so, if a big LCD (both have
optical viewfinders) is important, and/or you want a good movie mode, go
for the Kodak, if you want more flexibility, with compression options,
and a 4x zoom, then get the Canon.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

On 2 Jan 2007 23:40:20 -0800, "verity" <verity.DeleteThis@volcanomail.com> wrote:

>You should be able to find a good Kodak 4- to 6- megapixel model with
>at least a 3x optical zoom lens in your price range. Kodaks come with
>good user manuals, easy-to-work-with menus, and usually, a generous
>number of buttons, which means less fussing with menus.
>
>Another Kodak plus is that most models still come with an optical
>viewfinder, which is better for steadying the camera in low light
>levels and can help conserve battery power, compared to relying on the
>LCD screen all the time. Those are real advantages. So is choosing a
>camera that works with AA batteries.

Is that because with the viewfinder one hand is steadied against my
head as opposed to out in front or even at arms length?

>If you can reach up a little in price, you'll find Canon A530/A540
>models are loaded with features and are well made. Both have an optical
>viewfinder.
>
>For brand reliability you'll have to consult Consumer Reports. Just
>realize that with any manufactured product, even a top-rated one from a
>usually reliable manufacturer, you can get a clunker.
>
> Hope this is of help


--
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

On Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:22:11 -0800, BperryB wrote:

> I'm planning to get a digital camera from Sammy's Camera or maybe
> Walmart. Need recommendations for a low end model in the $150 price
> range. Something with reasonable resolution, and an optical zoom lens,
> and not too many other features. Someone at work has a Kodak C703 from
> Walmart which takes pretty good photos and seems easy to use.
>
> What should I expect from a $150 camera, and which manufacturers are
> best in terms of performance and reliability?
>
> If I walk into Sammy's Cameras, what should I ask for?
>
> -Bill

First off, there is no 'best' - else why would the others even be there?
There will be particular features which will appeal to certain folks. I
have had good experiences with Kodak - most recently a P850 refurb from
the online store - suggest you look there - you'll get lots of bang for
the buck. Recently got a C330 for our church - seems to be a nice camera
though I've not used it much - refurb with printer dock for under $200.
At any rate, I suggest you check manufacturers online stores for
closeouts, refurbs, etc.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

On Wed, 03 Jan 2007 07:12:48 -0600, Ron Hunter wrote:

>> go for the canon a530. you should be able to get one for $150 or less.
>>
>
> Comparing the A530 to the Kodak c743.
>
> Zoom--- A530 (4x vs. 3x)
> LCD---- C743 (2.4" vs. 1.8"
> Movie-- C743 (640x480 30fps vs 640x480 10fps)
> Compression A530 (3 modes vs. fixed)
> Shutter speeds A530
>
> Other features are pretty much the same. so, if a big LCD (both have
> optical viewfinders) is important, and/or you want a good movie mode, go
> for the Kodak, if you want more flexibility, with compression options,
> and a 4x zoom, then get the Canon.

Wow, the A530's 10fps is very disappointing. Better to pay a
little more for the A540, which at 640x480 is able to do both 15fps
and 30fps, increases the sensor's resolution from 5mp to 6mp, and
even has an LCD slightly larger (2.5") than Kodak's C743. Those
differences put the A540 ahead of the C743 in all 5 of your
categories. In addition, I believe that others have mentioned that
the A540 (but not the A530) is compatible with Canon's optional
software that allows for remote operation and control by a computer.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

BperryB wrote:
> I'm planning to get a digital camera from Sammy's Camera or maybe
> Walmart. Need recommendations for a low end model in the $150 price
> range. Something with reasonable resolution, and an optical zoom lens,
> and not too many other features.

Get a better deal; go to a pawn shop and see what digicams they have
up for sale (generally always some clean ones) - and they'll let you
try them out in the store. See how you like the features - and that
they work. Then pick one - and bargain on the price.

No $4 to park! No $6 admission! http://www.INTERNET-GUN-SHOW.com
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

"BperryB" <wrongaddress DeleteThis @att.net> wrote in message
news:1167801731.335278.260870@n51g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> I'm planning to get a digital camera from Sammy's Camera or maybe
> Walmart. Need recommendations for a low end model in the $150 price
> range. Something with reasonable resolution, and an optical zoom lens,
> and not too many other features. Someone at work has a Kodak C703 from
> Walmart which takes pretty good photos and seems easy to use.
>
> What should I expect from a $150 camera, and which manufacturers are
> best in terms of performance and reliability?
>
> If I walk into Sammy's Cameras, what should I ask for?

Which Samy's - Fairfax, Venice store or?
I can recommend a very good salesperson to speak too - Venice store is my
all-time favorite - speak to Glen Barr and tell him I sent you. You should
get a good deal!!. The employees that work the back rooms don't work on
commission!! Speak to Manny, the manager of the camera equipment dept.or if
he's not there try Raul - Where all the stands and strobes are - ask him
what's a good camera for under $200.00 and then ask for a break on the
price - They have a 40 - 60% markup on all digi cams - Take your calculator,
so that you can make a reasonable offer ie subtract 20 - 30% off the list
price ie is a good reasonable deal for them - If they don't go for it leave
and come back the VERY next day. Speak to Manny (Manager) about the same
deal - He always goes for it - Really nice guy!!
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

In addition to the other advice you've received, I recommend you
read reviews of the cameras you're interested in at:

http://www.steves-digicams.com
http://www.dpreview.com

Both sites have reviews by people who have tried a hundred
or more cameras and can often pinpoint any problems. They
also both have sample photos.

Alan
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

Daryl Bryant wrote:
> Which Samy's - Fairfax, Venice store or?
> I can recommend a very good salesperson to speak too - Venice store is my
> all-time favorite - speak to Glen Barr and tell him I sent you. You should
> get a good deal!!. The employees that work the back rooms don't work on
> commission!! Speak to Manny, the manager of the camera equipment dept.or if
> he's not there try Raul - Where all the stands and strobes are - ask him
> what's a good camera for under $200.00 and then ask for a break on the
> price - They have a 40 - 60% markup on all digi cams - Take your calculator,
> so that you can make a reasonable offer ie subtract 20 - 30% off the list
> price ie is a good reasonable deal for them - If they don't go for it leave
> and come back the VERY next day. Speak to Manny (Manager) about the same
> deal - He always goes for it - Really nice guy!!

Try pawnshops first. They always have pawned stuff that was
collateral on pawn loans not paid off - and, really, they only want to
make back what they lent the borrower and a slight profit. They're
eager to get SOMETHING for that digicam - rather than have it sitting
around a display case - and will put batteries in it and let you try it
thoroughly in store if you want, which I strongly advise. You're
likely to get a much better deal that way - particularly if you aren't
looking for a particular make or model.

No $4 to park! No $6 admission! http://www.INTERNET-GUN-SHOW.com
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

Yes, you can press the camera against nose and cheekbone while viewing
through the optical finder. This is much steadier than holding the
camera out in front of you, especially at arm's length.

--

LurfysMa wrote:
> On 2 Jan 2007 23:40:20 -0800, "verity" <verity.RemoveThis@volcanomail.com> wrote:
>
(snip)
> >Another Kodak plus is that most models still come with an optical
> >viewfinder, which is better for steadying the camera in low light
> >levels and can help conserve battery power, compared to relying on the
> >LCD screen all the time. Those are real advantages. So is choosing a
> >camera that works with AA batteries.
(snip)
> Is that because with the viewfinder one hand is steadied against my
> head as opposed to out in front or even at arms length?
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

LurfysMa wrote:
> On 2 Jan 2007 23:40:20 -0800, "verity" <verity RemoveThis @volcanomail.com> wrote:
>
>> You should be able to find a good Kodak 4- to 6- megapixel model with
>> at least a 3x optical zoom lens in your price range. Kodaks come with
>> good user manuals, easy-to-work-with menus, and usually, a generous
>> number of buttons, which means less fussing with menus.
>>
>> Another Kodak plus is that most models still come with an optical
>> viewfinder, which is better for steadying the camera in low light
>> levels and can help conserve battery power, compared to relying on the
>> LCD screen all the time. Those are real advantages. So is choosing a
>> camera that works with AA batteries.
>
> Is that because with the viewfinder one hand is steadied against my
> head as opposed to out in front or even at arms length?
>
>> If you can reach up a little in price, you'll find Canon A530/A540
>> models are loaded with features and are well made. Both have an optical
>> viewfinder.
>>
>> For brand reliability you'll have to consult Consumer Reports. Just
>> realize that with any manufactured product, even a top-rated one from a
>> usually reliable manufacturer, you can get a clunker.
>>
>> Hope this is of help
>
>
When using the viewfinder, one has the inertia of a 10lb. block of solid
rock. Grin.
Also, the posture moves the arms into the body and minimizes the motion
from pressing the shutter button. Most people just don't understand
that jabbing the button is not as good a method as squeezing it between
the thumb at the bottom of the camera, and the finger at the top. This
particular problem is one I have with my wife. Even when I sit beside
her telling her NOT to jab the button, jab she does. Sigh.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera? 

verity wrote:
> Yes, you can press the camera against nose and cheekbone while viewing
> through the optical finder. This is much steadier than holding the
> camera out in front of you, especially at arm's length.
>
> --

And turning off the LCD display will greatly increase battery life.
 >> Stay informed about: Best (low end) digital camera?