digital camera

[xkvator]

i use my dig. camera a lot, and if anyone is looking for a nice camera - look at the KODAK 6490...4 m.p. - 10x optical zoom - 2.2" LCD is great for those of us that can't see 20/20 anymore. and i see walmart has it for $298.
also...BUY.COM has the 5 m.p. version for $390.

[Jacksnap]

For those not familiar with mp or megapixels, a little info. The higher megapixel number equates to the size of the print you want to make without losing picture quality.
For normal 3 X 5 inch prints, a 2.0 MP is fine. For a 4 X 6 inch, a 3.0 is best. If you are going to print anything bigger, like 5 X 7 or larger, go with the 4.0 MP and up. Aside from photo print size, another important feature is 'optical zoom'.
xkvator's Kodak really shines in that dept with 10X optical zoom. Coupled with the 4.0 Mp it will take a great picture with lots of potential for crisp photos even when enlarged. Kodak also has great software to go with the camera and offers excellent web support.
Be careful when shopping for cameras that have both optical and digital zoom, or only digital zoom. Many cameras have a higher digital zoom then optical zoom number. The digital zoom just blows up the picture electronically, while an optical zoom actually gets you closer to the image being photographed. Always go for the higher optical zoom number. Avoid digital zoom only cameras.
Next compare battery life. There is a vast difference in how long a camera will operate in the digital lineup. You will find yourself using the flash more, which eats up battery time. And be sure to get rechargeable batteries. Lithium-Ion is the best and longest lasting but also is more in cost. Ni-cads are the norm.
Aside from these basics, no matter what camera you choose, the digitals are a new breed and need some setting up to be ready for 'one button' shooting. The instruction manual is a must read and keep it with the camera until you get knowledgeable on programming it. Also, if you have glasses for reading, then you'll probably need to keep them close when making adjustments to any digital camera.

[Mr Fixit eh]

Another REALLY nice feature is 'image stabilization'. If you shake the camera or there's vibration, this feature makes the picture perfect. My daughter has a Canon IS SI with 10X optical zoom. It's amazing.

One day I'll be able to afford one...... :rolleyes:

steve

[suemarkp]

I looked at that one, but found the autofocus didn't work well when zooming past about 5X. The mandatory features I was looking for were: 3MP or more, lots of optical zoom, using normal (AA or AAA rechargable) batteries, decent film speed (200, pref 400+), and a video movie mode.

The Canon met all of those, but I didn't like where my fingers landed or the poor auto focus (what's the point of image stabilization if the camera can't focus!). I bought a Fuji S5100 instead and have been pleased (and it does better at movies than the Canon which is important for action scenes where you don't want to miss the shot). But there is no Image Stabilization on the Fuji. There are a few others with lots of zoom and IS, but I think they are bulkier.

If you shop on line, you may be quite surprised how much less expensive these cameras are. I saved about $80 buying online instead of from Best Buy.

[xkvator]

the panasonic LUMIX dmc-fz10k is supposed to be a really great camera.
features - 12x optical zoom
Leica lens
4 mp
image stabilization
I'm thinking of getting this for me and giving the kodak to wife :)