Digital Camera Suggestions? I want it all... but i can only spend about $200.

i had searched out and found a model i liked, but when it ran by my wife -- it came up as too much for the current budget right now... i can wait and get the model i'm loving (for a little less than $350), which i may end up doing...

but while i did that, i thought i'd see if anyone out there had maybe some good recommendations...

i'm looking for something that will hit in the 3+megapixel range,
have a decent optical zoom,
work well as a point and shoot, but also have the flexibility to operate at least basically in manual modes (aperature and shutter).
viewfinder should be TTL.
a big viewscreen is nice, but not necessary (and probably not reasonable for that price point).
i don't need any video modes,
but most importantly - good image quality.
i used to be a big photography buff, so i want some of the abilities and controls that i had w/ my SLR, but i'm not as serious w/ the hobby anymore so, i'm looking for a good compromise...


so, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated... and at the same time, i'm very aware the two most common answers here will be - can't do it for $200 and 'wait'. so, if you care to chime in with those -- i'll welcome those answers... but if you have a serious suggestion i'd appreciate it, too.


thanks!

 

Canon A70 ... it's the complete package for everything. I love it.

 

If you dont care about zoom too much, then the Fuji cameras are wonderful. Clear crisp images and vibrant colors.....low zooms though. I have an Olympus C-4000, and it has more features than a 747, but I never use them. I would only get Olympus, Canon or Fuji. (with the exception of the top end models, Nikon, Sony, and Minolta are crap....i say this from experience.)
Just got this for my cousin and I think its great.....right in your budget too...

$299 retail...so can be had for about 200.

Let me know if you need more info!

 

I have a Cannon S100 (a few yrs old), I know it has been updated to 3mp.

I love the size and the pics are fine. It fits in my shirt pocket and I bought a belt holder. It also fits in the glove box easily. I hate carrying cameras.

Price now is probably closer to 300-400.

It also has a metal case.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TepEvan
[B]Canon A70 ... it's the complete package for everything.

 

I just got a Sony, mentioned it to the "Boss" and first she said it was too much but by the time I got home she had located it on the web and orderd it. She loves it, but over the price range though. I had been using 12 ex rolls and having them transferd to disk for a time. the model is a cybershot model xx10 5 Meg. so far it's great small and I can fix the focus but not the exposure. Even so I seem to beable to shoot fast.
Andy

 

I've had an olympus c3000 for two years and love it. It has everything you listed that you wanted plus a few extra modes and adjustments. I don't know what it goes for now, but if you keep an eye on ebay or shop around carefully, you might be able to find one for at or near your budget. Good luck!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PJK3
[B]
wow.

 

I just bought the Canon G5 and am thoroughly impressed. It is outside of your price point, but you can get a G1 off of ebay for around $200 I think.

The G series is considered "prosumer," which is a combination of point and shoot ease, but all the additional modes for the more discerning photographer. You can actually buy some different lenses for the G series, although it is not an SLR. The view finder is not through the lens, but I always use the viewscreen anyway. The G series also has arguably the best battery life of any digicam, even beating out Sony.

If you have any interest in the G1 I would be willing to sell mine, just PM me.

BTW - while steves is a great digicam site, I have found www.dpreview.com to be more informative.

Good luck!

Ian

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Andy Kirk
[B]I just