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I'm going to buy my first digital camera soon but don't really know much about them. I want to be able to load the picts to my compter via USB ( I have USB 1.0 and 2.0 ). I don't need a high end camera but I will spend up to $300.00 for one. I do know that the higher the megapixels the better the picts. Any links or recommendations or any more info ?


Thanks.

Most newer digital cameras come with a usb adapter. If running XP then no software is even necessary as XP picks it up and lets you transfer pics to a folder very easily.

One big thing to keep in mind if you want zoom. <b>Optical</b> is true zoom, forget "Digital" zoom. "Digital" zoom is completely worthless and a cheap sales technique camera makers use to make people who don't know any better think they are getting a zoom lense. All digital zoom does is enlarge the center of a pic, same thing you can do with any decent photo editing application. And that makes you lose quality. Optical zoom is true zoom and with that you don't lose nearly as much quality.

Other good things to have is a flash, optical viewing lense (so you don't have to rely on a lcd screen only), self-timer, macro (for closeups), compact size and the ability to use AA batteries. Using AA batteries allows you to use rechargeable nimh batteries. In the long run using nimh batteries will save you moola, plus they last longer than alkaline batteries. I mention a compact size because I've had several digital cameras and when I had a larger one I didn't carry it with me as much as I do with one pocket size.

Most digital cameras use either smartmedia or compact flash for the memory stick (where pics are stored). Both go at least up to 128mb and that's more than enough for most people. But most cameras come with a small 4-8mb card so you'll need to get another card eventually because with a 4-8mb card you can usually store around 6-12 pics. Good place to get memory cards is http://www.newegg.com. Both are good media and about the size of a matchbook, smartmedia is thinner and while compact flash is a bit thicker.

Most newer cameras have the options I mention above, but not all have optical zoom, if you want zoom anyway. Check out some reviews I've done on our news page for sample pics, the pics were all taken with a ricoh rdc-4200 (earlier reviews), fuji 1200-1300 and a fuji 2300 (most recently). The pics looked better before I resized and compressed them for a web page of course.



And yes, usually the higher reso the better quality. But that also depends on the camera and the lense. With your budget of $300 you'll be able to find a good one easily. Check the sales at places like Compusa and Best Buy. Sometimes they have good sales on digital cameras and include a larger memory card and other assorted goodies.

I'm not up to date like I use to be with the latest digital cameras but check out these sites and read reviews on any you may be considering.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/
http://www.dcresource.com
http://www.megapixel.net/

For nimh batteries and a charger I suggest
http://www.thomas-distributing.com/batteries.htm

Or a local Costco or Sam's Club usually has an 8 pk of AA nimh batteries 1600mah with a charger for 19.99. Higher the mah usually the better and they last longer.


*One real cool thing I discovered by accident is the last few fuji cameras I've had can take a good pic in darkness, when using the auto or forced flash. Everything is in focus just fine. That still amazes me. *&


Hope that helps

I've used Fujitsu, Sony and HP so far.
Fujitsu seems to have great outdoor pics but indoor pics come out quite dark.
HP seems to be good all around but don't expect anything that'll wow you.
Sony is my overall favorite with good all around performance... however you'll be pay much more than other cameras.

With the prices of cameras today, I highly suggest you spend the $300 on something higher than 2MP.

oh yeah... I went here for my camera... good prices...

http://www.beachcamera.com

Thanks ! Great info ! Really helps allot.

even though my sony is now over 2 years old It still takes excelent pictures and holds its own with the newer breed of camaras. I really like the sony menu system. it is by far the best I have used on any digital camara. So maoe sure you test them menu system when you hit the stores. its what really sold me on the sony one.

Im now lookign for a smaller cheaper camara I can keep in my car.

Greg

i got this camera a couple weeks back:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/P51/P51A.HTM

if you are just gonna use it for basic pictures and stuff on a $300 budget, then this should work. i know it 2.x megapixels and can take pics at a decent resolution. i got mine at best buy but don't remember the price. i'll try and look at the receipt when i get home today.

but indoor pics come out quite dark.

I've had three Fuji cameras and don't find that true at all. In fact they all have come out nice and bright.

Alright guys ..... seems as though I let the cat out of the bag so to speak .... I was talking to my wife tonight and was mentioning digital cams and what I've learned from this post. So she then tells me to go to this web page that has a Sony digital camera she just bought off my brother in-law for my birthday comming up. It's a Sony DSC-F505V ,... Here's a link to this camera ....



Sony DSC-F505V


This is a expensive camera that goes way over the $300.00 range I was shooting for but as it turns out he's selling it to us for ...... $ 300.00 ! !


So tell me what ya think of getting this for a deal good or bad ?


Thanks.

<B>COWABUNGA!</B> #@ >?

Did you ever get a deal! I've been eyeballing that camera for months and last I'd seen it had a retail price of $750 or more. Carl Zeiss (da best that is) 5X optical zoom lense, ability to shoot in almost total darkness, does your dishes, etc.. it's too much camera for you. You must trade to me.

Only downside is it ain't pocket size but with all of it's features you'll get over that. Congrats!

<drool>

it's too much camera for you.......

He he .... no doubt bout that I guess I'll just have to suffer though all those extras and lack of pocket size then


I was truly amazed by this news last night from the wife. She and her family are very good to each other and to me as well. Very lucky here

sweet deal!!!!!!!!! anything else your bro-in-law is selling ???

you could refer me as your long lost brother :-)

j/k.. anyway have fun with your b-day gift!!!