Best affordable digital camera to buy???

[Arby Rick]

Hey guys, Im looking to purchase a lower end, affordable digital camera and I dont know ANYTHING about them! Went on the internet, but kinda confusing. Anyone have any opinions on a good one for around $300?

Thanks for the help. Hope I can return the favor.........:thumbsup:

[BERTRAND #92]

Bump,

i'd like some opinions on this topic as well if anyone has any. Im looking for something that can zoom quite a bit so I can get some good action shots at games if possible.

[Arby Rick]

Bump,

i'd like some opinions on this topic as well if anyone has any. Im looking for something that can zoom quite a bit so I can get some good action shots at games if possible.

My sister in law did a lot of research on this and she is on her third camera. She recommends:

Panasonic DMC-F27K Digital Camera-Black

Ive seen them on line from $254 to the $500 range. They come with a great lens made by Lumix and you can purchase additional lenses for more power. Ive researched it a bit more and it looks like this might be the best camera in terms of quality, features and value. Hope this helps. Im probably going to buy one in the next few days. If you go on line you can see the different stores that have them and the prices, store reviews/ratings etc. Good luck!!!

[Tiz]

Bump,

i'd like some opinions on this topic as well if anyone has any. Im looking for something that can zoom quite a bit so I can get some good action shots at games if possible.

i posted a pic of Mcnabb from the Denver-Philly game last year

http://forums.azcardinals.com/showpost.php?p=197784&postcount=6

That's probably the best zoom capabilities i can come up with in a "rocking" stadium with my camera. The zoom goes further but at that point it's harder to focus on a target and even harder in the SEZ of Invesco.

As you can see from the picture Donovan was around the 30 yard line.
We were sitting in section 130 http://www.invescofieldatmilehigh.com/stadium/level1.html
the part closer to the Bronco Ticket Office

some other pics taken just for an example of what our digi cam can do.
It cost between 350 and 400 at circuit city. Sorry i'm at work so i can't get the model type off hand but it's a kodak

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0165.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0167.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0166.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0164.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0159.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0162.jpg

heres the one with the zoom all the way up so as i said the picture is bad
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/tiznut/100_0161.jpg

I thought i had some at the Colorado crush game online already but i guess i didn't. Those we didn't push the limits of the zoom because it's an indoor arena but anyways like i said when i get home tonight (5:30 MST) i'll get the model type if you think you're interested in the same type of camera.

[BERTRAND #92]

Tiz hold up on postin that model info.

Arby,
if you buy that Panasonic would you mind posting a couple of shots similar to what Tiz posted so we that are looking for a nice camera can tell the difference ? If so, i'll just hold off until you post somethin. I know it's extra BS but I would really appreciate it. Im seriously considering stepping up to a Canon EOS but if I can get one for about half the cost of a Canon I might jump on it. Cardsloco has one of them Canon's and **** they take some good shots.

Tiz , that thing does take some nice shots and I really like the zoom capability. Your angle sometimes looked like you were more in the 129 or 128 sections though. Did you move around during the game when taking those shots ?

Another thing I was thinking about was the camera/camcorder combo idea. Anyone think that would or would not be a good way to go ? I really don't know much about them but I would think that the camcorder's would have less zoom capabilities.

Thanks for posting the info

[Tiz]

Tiz hold up on postin that model info.



Tiz , that thing does take some nice shots and I really like the zoom capability. Your angle sometimes looked like you were more in the 129 or 128 sections though. Did you move around during the game when taking those shots ?

Another thing I was thinking about was the camera/camcorder combo idea. Anyone think that would or would not be a good way to go ? I really don't know much about them but I would think that the camcorder's would have less zoom capabilities.

Thanks for posting the info

naw didn't move around at all. That game it was raining so i stayed put. I was on the edge of the 130's tho so that may explain the angle.

[BigDinGlenDale]

I'm hearing that the Nikon Coolpix L2 is a pretty awesome little camera. If you are looking for something with some good zoom though go for a Canon.

[Arby Rick]

Tiz hold up on postin that model info.

Arby,
if you buy that Panasonic would you mind posting a couple of shots similar to what Tiz posted so we that are looking for a nice camera can tell the difference ? If so, i'll just hold off until you post somethin. I know it's extra BS but I would really appreciate it. Im seriously considering stepping up to a Canon EOS but if I can get one for about half the cost of a Canon I might jump on it. Cardsloco has one of them Canon's and **** they take some good shots.

Tiz , that thing does take some nice shots and I really like the zoom capability. Your angle sometimes looked like you were more in the 129 or 128 sections though. Did you move around during the game when taking those shots ?

Another thing I was thinking about was the camera/camcorder combo idea. Anyone think that would or would not be a good way to go ? I really don't know much about them but I would think that the camcorder's would have less zoom capabilities.

Thanks for posting the info

B92, No problem. BTW, you can take shorter videos on the Panasonic too. I will warn you though, sometimes I take FOREVER to get things done! I should be able to get the camera and get some pics for you fairly soon, but my plate is kinda full sometimes and Ive been known to procrastinate!!! Sorry about that, Ill see if I can get it done though. Take care and good luck. Sounds like some of the other posters have some great ideas too and know a lot more about cameras than I do!!! :thumbsup:

[Nah_The_Yum]

I have a Canon Powershot A520 and I think it's a great camera. I'm not all about all the fancy stuff that you don't use but this one still has quite a bit.

You can find one easily less than $200 and use the extra money you save to get yourself a huge SD card.

[Arby Rick]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/hawaii_06_033.jpg

This is a picture taken with the panasonic camera in Hawaii. I'll send a few more......

[Arby Rick]

heres one from Sedona......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/P1020365.jpg

[Arby Rick]

and one of my daughter's wedding cake......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/P1020519.jpg

[Arby Rick]

hope these help with your decision. Im going to order this camera soon if I can ever stop procrastinating!!! take care...

[SunDevilDon]

Hey guys, Im looking to purchase a lower end, affordable digital camera and I dont know ANYTHING about them! Went on the internet, but kinda confusing. Anyone have any opinions on a good one for around $300?

Thanks for the help. Hope I can return the favor.........:thumbsup:

Wait until BLACK FRIDAY, you should be able to get a smoking deal.

[BigDinGlenDale]

Here is one from my Samsung S500.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i236/bigdinglendale/BlackHelo1.jpg

[Arby Rick]

Order this today, will post some more pics shortly after I get it......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/dmc-fz7k.jpg

[BERTRAND #92]

Order this today, will post some more pics shortly after I get it......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/dmc-fz7k.jpg



Is that the camera you said your sister inlaw has ? Also , can you add a wide angle lens to this model ?

[Arby Rick]

Is that the camera you said your sister inlaw has ? Also , can you add a wide angle lens to this model ?

Yes, its the one that took the pictures I posted. The one of the wedding cake was in very low light and still came out pretty good!

You can add a wide angled lens...

[Arby Rick]

The wide angle lens is the DMW-LW55 and sells for $210.....

[SunDevilDon]

Order this today, will post some more pics shortly after I get it......

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/dmc-fz7k.jpg

I did some research on this camera because I am looking to upgrade. I like Circuit City's website and there are good reviews on there most of the time. I see that they also have a 10mp model, see link below. I don't feel like dropping $600 (but my birthday's in a couple of weeks, so maybe I'll treat myself), but IF YOU guys do, this newer model looks pretty darn good.

They also have the other model.http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DMC-FZ7K-Digital-Camera/sem/rpsm/oid/145409/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Here's the newer one http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DMC-FZ50K-Digital-Camera/sem/rpsm/oid/159038/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Also, Newegg.com (best company on the web I've EVER had pleasure doing business with), has it the cheaper model for $289.99 (silver is $279.99) and they have open box ones for about $250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830134043

They also have both in Silver and BOTH got VERY GOOD reviews.

[SunDevilDon]

Happy Birthday to me (a week and-a-half early!!!) Merry X-Mas too!!!

I just ordered the Panasonic FZ50s 10.1 MP. There goes my X-Mas bonus, but I wanted something for the holidays and besides, I'm impulsive, so all of this talk got me into doing some research. I won't be buying anything major for the next couple of months, but have been meaning to upgrade for a couple of years now, from my POS Kodak, although it's going to make a nice throw away now. I'll post some pics when I get it on Friday and test it out over the weekend.

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/30-180-067-02.JPG

[Arby Rick]

Sun Devil Don, that is an awesome camera! Congrats! You will love it and hopefully you will be taking a lot of shots of great Cards plays on the field to post!!!

I bought the Panasonic DMC-FZ7K Black from Crutchfield for $329. It was a little bit more from them, but their service is just awesome. Very nice, knowledgable people with no pressure sales at all. Also, the shipping is free and they are an authorized Panasonic dealer.

Im anxious to start using it when it comes and will post some pics!!! Im no camera expert but luckily have some friends/relatives that are pretty good. Im usually the guy with the disposable camera!!!

Maybe we can keep this thread going as the official pic posting site and see what kind of great Cards shots we can get?!!

Again, congrats on your camera, looks super!!!

[SunDevilDon]

Yeah AR, we WILL keep this thread going. I'm pretty excited and hope it's as great as what the reviews I read say it is. Hopefully, it will get here before Saturday and I'll make it to the ASU game, and shoot some picks there.

My birthday is next weekend and I may be going to the Roger Clyne concert, so I will probably have it out for all of that jazz too. I picked up a camera bag. I am a little :paranoid about taking it out when drinking a lot, as I tend to lose things, so I'll have to have the DD hang onto it for me (if there is one).

Peace,

Don

[Arby Rick]

Yeah AR, we WILL keep this thread going. I'm pretty excited and hope it's as great as what the reviews I read say it is. Hopefully, it will get here before Saturday and I'll make it to the ASU game, and shoot some picks there.

My birthday is next weekend and I may be going to the Roger Clyne concert, so I will probably have it out for all of that jazz too. I picked up a camera bag. I am a little :paranoid about taking it out when drinking a lot, as I tend to lose things, so I'll have to have the DD hang onto it for me (if there is one).

Peace,

Don

Looking forward to your pics. I know they will be great ones!

Happy Birthday by the way.

Thats funny about your losing things. In my younger days I was the same way. The problem is, now that Im older, I cant blame it on the drinking anymore!!!

One time at college after a few beers I remember going nuts looking for about a half hour for my car keys. I looked everywhere. Finally, I gave up, went back to my room and as I put my stuff down i realized I had them on my finger the whole time!!!:d'oh: :cheers:

[BERTRAND #92]

Looking forward to your pics. I know they will be great ones!

Happy Birthday by the way.

Thats funny about your losing things. In my younger days I was the same way. The problem is, now that Im older, I cant blame it on the drinking anymore!!!

One time at college after a few beers I remember going nuts looking for about a half hour for my car keys. I looked everywhere. Finally, I gave up, went back to my room and as I put my stuff down i realized I had them on my finger the whole time!!!:d'oh: :cheers:

thats hilarious LMAO:iconrolf:

[SunDevilDon]

Looking forward to your pics. I know they will be great ones!

Happy Birthday by the way.

Thats funny about your losing things. In my younger days I was the same way. The problem is, now that Im older, I cant blame it on the drinking anymore!!!

One time at college after a few beers I remember going nuts looking for about a half hour for my car keys. I looked everywhere. Finally, I gave up, went back to my room and as I put my stuff down i realized I had them on my finger the whole time!!!:d'oh: :cheers:

That's not THAT bad. I've actually looked for my glasses before and they were on my frigging face. Oh, and that was when I was sober. My old camcorder got stolen at a party when I lost sight of it a couple of years ago, and last weekend (for halloween), I was at a club, but dressed like Matt Leinart. I didn't have anywhere to keep my phone (treo 650), so when I went to the bathroom, I put it on the urinal. I had to go back 3 different times to get it because I was so *** up!!! Of course, I was drinking Jack on the rocks, and pretty messed up. Once I hit 30, I'll tone it down.......maybe!!!

[AZFan22]

Hey guys, Im looking to purchase a lower end, affordable digital camera and I dont know ANYTHING about them! Went on the internet, but kinda confusing. Anyone have any opinions on a good one for around $300?

Thanks for the help. Hope I can return the favor.........:thumbsup:



heres a few cameras


http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a640.asp?dontcount=1

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a710is.asp?dontcount=1

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a630.asp?dontcount=1


I'd suggest going to www.dpreview.com its actually a decent site, and I think that people who don't understand much about cameras can go there and find out a few things about cameras. And theres also reviews from people who have bought cameras. So go check it out and see what you can find.

[Arby Rick]

Got my camera today, wow, I should have it figured out in about 6 months! j/k I hope!!!:scared:

[SunDevilDon]

Got my camera today, wow, I should have it figured out in about 6 months! j/k I hope!!!:scared:

I think mine came today too, but I wasn't home to sign for it, so I'll probably have to pick it up tomorrow, unless my roommate did, but he would have called me if he was home when it came.

I'm excited, but it's gonna be a chore to get used to.

[SunDevilDon]

Here's a pic of my Direct TV HD dish. This was taken at night in basically complete darkness. I could not see the dish in the digital view finder at all.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000071.jpg

[Arby Rick]

Here's a pic of my Direct TV HD dish. This was taken at night in basically complete darkness. I could not see the dish in the digital view finder at all.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000071.jpg

wow, that is an AMAZING picture!!! GREAT camera SDD!!!:bowdown: :toothorn:

[Arby Rick]

Finally got my camera going a bit here with the help of my 15 year old daughter!!!

Here's one of our "other" kids!!!....

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/P1000008.jpg

I havent messed with any of the camera settings yet and have no idea what im doing but considering the low light and me being "a camera dummy", it turned out pretty good. Hopefully I will learn how to use this better soon!!!

[BERTRAND #92]

- It's got a built-in movie camera that takes 30 min w/ stereo sound
- 12X optical zoom
- 6 M-pixels
- Excellent Canon optics

Highly recommend it ... i paid i think 3 or 4 hundred online


Very nice camera. Recently picked up this camera and we're very happy with it, the functions will suit our needs for making short movies while riding the dunes and trails as well.

The adaptable wide angle lens is next on the list. :biggrin:

Very happy with it, thanks for the recommendation. And thanks to everyone else for they're input.

[SunDevilDon]

I took these on my 10 MP Panasonic last night hangin' out with some friends after finals. I resized them with iphoto to 320x240.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000176.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000177.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000179.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000178.jpg
This is Adam, he made the table and went to U of A. He made an ASU side for his roomie who's graduating from ASU tomorrow.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000180.jpg
This is Adam's P.I.M.P. 300
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000185.jpg

[SunDevilDon]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k207/sundevilnation/P1000177-2.jpg

[Arby Rick]

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/arbyrick7/P1000052.jpg

Hey SDD, heres a pic I took at 6 and resized thru photo bucket like you said. Turned out pretty good, thanks for the help!

[BERTRAND #92]

Korbo,

I got the same camera you have, can you tell me how you downsize your photos or clips so I can email some shots ? Do you down size them on the camera or after you've uploaded them ?

My email server only allows 10 MB and I have NO idea what the hell that means.

[SunDevilDon]

So ever few years or so, I take a drive (used to be a motorcycle ride) up to South Mountain. This is my first time with my camera. Still have no clue how to use most of the features, but just took a ton of pics (115) to play with the different settings. I deleted a bunch, but posted several on my website.

Here are a few I'll post here, and the link to my website is at the bottom of this post, if you want to download some for desktop backgrounds you are more than welcome to. All were taken with 10MP but I'm not sure if they resized themselves when I uploaded them.

This one's my fav.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000349.jpg

Just screwing around, threw my hat in.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000428.jpg

The nicest Saguaro I saw.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000369.jpg

Nice Pollution, huh?
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000381.jpg

I remember Camelback being easier to see from Dobbins Lookout several years ago...
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000409.jpg

More development than I remember too.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000341.jpg

I liked this one a lot.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000423.jpg

More pollution.
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000340.jpg

That's a lot of Saguaros
http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain_files/P1000345.jpg

That's all I'm posting, but you can view them all here.
:link: http://web.mac.com/donshrock/iWeb/cardsfanzone/South%20Mountain.html

[Arby Rick]

Hey SDD, those are some GREAT pics! Thanks for posting. Looking forward to seeing more pics soon. I'll try to post some too when I can. Thanks again buddy, good job!!!:thumbsup:

[Saturn5]

The best cameras take crystal clear pictures of the subject from mere iches away in low light. That's one of the differences between a good quality camera and one that can only take snapshots.

Megapixel size (MP 10.0) and lense are also determing factors in quality cameras. Canon is generally regarded along with Minolta as having some of the best lenses. SLR (single lense reflex) with a good quality lense and high MP will run $500 and up.