Ok,
As I continue with my search for the ultimate camera that is affordable to me, I came up to something I was not expecting.

Kodak DC 4800 for less than 400 dollars shipped to my door after the rebate. Now, I guess this is an upper class camera than the ones I mentioned before, but any feedbacks are welcome about this camera.


Please do not send me to any more review sites since I am really confused right now. Either none of these cameras built good so that the quality and stuff differs alot for the same model, or people have very different expectations from these cameras.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by QueRAM
[B]Kodak DC 4800 for less than 400 dollars shipped to my door after the rebate.

 

I guess I should go ahead and throw in my 2 cents. I work at Best Buy in the Digital Imaging department so I this is my specialty.

Olympus camera's are not bad...I have one, but I wouldn't buy another one. They take pretty good pictures but the menu system on the camera is a very poor design. Olympus is also one of the worst for battery usage. My Olympus camera drains 4 AA batteries in under an hour. And the last complaint I have is the software. Olympus uses Camedia software which is very annoying. 70% of the time the software crashes my computer and the other 30% it makes it run very slow. I would stay away from Olympus.
You may want to look at the Sony's. The Sony camera's are great for advanced or 1st time users. They have many different models. I would reccomend the DSCP-50 for what you are looking for. It is a 2.1 megapixel camera(which means you will get a good 5x7 image if you want to print it out). The on-screen menu's on the Sony's are very easy to use and view. This camera also has a motion clip feature. You can record 60 second movie clips but without audio. If you want audio, the next step up is the DSC-75(an amazing camera, but $699). The DSCP-50 is a good deal at $399. It can use 2 AA batteries, or you can get the optional kit that includes a Lithium-Ion rechargable 3 hour battery, AC adapter/charger and a carrying case for $99.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
(By the way, we're not on comission)
-Brandon

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by brandonb
[B]I guess I should go ahead and throw in my 2 cents.

 

Yes, actually I love that camera! They are discontinuing it, so you should be able to get it for a pretty good price.
The screen on it is sooo clear and the menu on it is very simple and easy to use. The quality will be very similar to Sony's. It is a 3.1 megapixel so you could print out an 8x10 and be happy with it. I really don't have anything negative to say about it. I would definatley buy rechargable batteries(or the AC/charger kit) for it and get a larger memory car. That 16mb stick will only hold about 8-10 pictures in high quality mode. I know we(Best Buy) have the 128mb compact flash card on sale for $99 which is a really good buy. If you can get that camera for a good price....go for it!
If you need anything else, let me know.
-Brandon

 

I just bought the Canon digital Elph S300 and I love it.

It has 2.1 megapixels, stitches panoramics, takes short videos, pretty cool. I got a 64 meg card to hold me over.

Cost me $599, but worth it.

 

I am also in the market for a digital camera. Last week I found the DSC-S75 online for $544. If you can stretch the budget, I have learned that this camera is quite excellent for the price. If you are interested, I can post the link when I get back to work on Monday.

 

Given the 3 cameras listed at the C|Net comparison (the Olympus and two Canons), the Canon Powershot S10 appears to have the best features.

However, given the deal you appear to have found on the Kodak DC4800, you really shouldn't pass it up. C|Net gives it a 8/10, and I concur. The DC4800 is easy to use, packs a ton of features, and takes great pictures. For $400, I just might have to get a second one so my wife doesn't fight over it with me ;-)

The only negatives I have found with the camera so far are:

1) In auto-focus mode (what I always use, and what you probably will, too), it takes a little longer than I'd like to "lock in" the focus/settings, etc. (You know how on most cameras you press the button halfway to focus, then press the rest of the way to take the shot? The half-press-to-focus takes too long, in my opinion). This really isn't a deterrent, and I've learned to live with it, but it makes taking quick candid shots more difficult.

2) For indoor shots, you generally want to use the flash, even when you think you won't need it, as low-light shots without the flash generally don't turn out that great. (Note, however, that given the awesome preview window, it's easy to look at the results, press the left arrow button to toss the picture in the trash, then retake with the flash).

3) The camera is a too large and heavy to slip into a pocket or purse. It's not a brick or behemoth by any shot of the imagination, but you can't just "toss it in, and go". I'd recommend buying a camera case to hold it and any accessories you purchase.

If you do end up getting the DC4800, feel free to send me email or PM's with any questions you have!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by brandonb
[B]I know we(Best Buy) have the 128mb compact flash card on sale for $99 which is a really good buy.

 

I am aware at this point that I definetely need a second card but can you tell me why do I need a USB reader. The cameras I am looking for come with a USB port. Does this reader makes the transfer faster?