Looking for a new Digi-Cam.....

**DETAILKING** · 03-02-2007, 01:31 PM

I am running out of reviews to read and my head is spinning! :think:

I am hooked on getting an SLR after borrowing my friends for a week, but I still need a good point and shoot (something compact) to bring on vacations and stuff. My old one is dying and I plan to get one in the next week or so.

My wish list (in order of importance) is:

(5-7 MP max)

Among the best of the pack in low light (even if it does suck, which all P&S do apparantly)

Good macro capability

manual settings...want to be able to set shutter speed / apeture

Compact size

Good battery life

Large LCD

Under $250-300US

So with that......I`d like to hear all your recommendations.

**BigJimZ28** · 03-02-2007, 01:34 PM

canon a710 is

**BobD** · 03-02-2007, 01:36 PM

Something Canon for sure. I have had Sony, HP, and now Canon and my Canon A85 has been the best out of the three. Awesome battery life and is easily used as a point and shoot or you can mess with a ton of manual settings.

**jasonmac** · 03-02-2007, 01:55 PM

I got a Canon S3iS and it`s great, big feature set, feels solid, etc. It`s not a pocket cam though...

**TigerMike** · 03-02-2007, 01:59 PM

I just got a Canon XTi (and a few lenses) and love it. Big upgrade from the P+S Canon A95 I had (although it takes wonderful pics in its own right).

If you are looking for new product, I would go with this....and then pick a nice lense to pair it with. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (a.k.a. 350D) Digital Camera Body (Black)

This is a decent alternative... Nikon D50 Digital Camera (Camera Body)

I am definitely a Canon fan though, and if you can afford it, I would pick the Canon.

**BigJimZ28** · 03-02-2007, 01:59 PM

review:

Canon PowerShot A710 IS Digital Camera - Full Review - The Imaging Resource!

best price I found $219.90 shipped

@digitalsuperdeals.com

**TigerMike** · 03-02-2007, 02:01 PM

Oh, sorry, I had read your post as saying you were looking for a entry SLR.

In that case, have a look at the Canon P+S. I still love my A95!

I would personally go for the Canon A640, with 10MP. Can be had around $300 and produces wonderful images. DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot A630/A640 The rotating LCDs are very nice and useful. The 570 and 710 IS cams are very nice also, with the IS feature, although to be honest, I have never once truly needed IS with my A95, even at full zoom.

**Diesel1** · 03-02-2007, 02:17 PM

For P&S and something compact in your price range, i have the nikon coolpix 5200 and it takes pretty damn good pics for what it is! All the pics I have posted on heere have been from that camera.

The following concert shots may be slightly blurry because I didn`t have my lil tri-pod

The coolpix has many manual features which I am still tinkering with and the P&S is pretty good. You can also take consecutive shots in sport mode like this:

For what it is (My first digital) I really like this camera. I have a Canon Rebel SLR (Film) that I used and really like film, but this digital camera made me like digital. It`s pretty small, takes video, manual options, and some other cool features. I am still learning this camera as I am no where near even a hobbyist....I just like taking nice photos. It`s small enough to fit in a coat pocket and the case I have can go around a belt to make it even easier to carry around.

**Diesel1** · 03-02-2007, 02:20 PM

^^^^^ None of teh pics have been photoshopped as I have no clue how to use the damn program! LOL The resolution is a bit distorted as the files were resized to upload into photobucket.

**imported_DieselMDX** · 03-02-2007, 03:35 PM

I have the canon SD630 and it is perfect for what I use it for

**Grimm** · 03-02-2007, 09:32 PM

Sounds like you want something like what I was looking for. The Canon S3 IS, Sony Cybershot H5, and Panasonic FZ7 were the three I was down to. I ended up going with the Panasonic mostly on price as it was under $300, and the other two were closer to $400.

I just got the camera late November so I haven`t had the opportunity to take many outdoor shots, but the Panny has one of the best lenses and takes some of the best outdoor pictures.

Here are some samples. I`m new to photography so excuse my lack of proper lighting skills. The second to last one is a close up of a bottle of XMT polish. The one knock people have on this camera is the noise. To me it`s not an issue at all. The last picture is at ISO 400 and to me the noise is minimal, and a noise program easily removes it.