Best Digital Camera < $500

[TimSJ]

Thanks all.. this is way to confusing for a dummy like me...

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

Thanks all.. this is way to confusing for a dummy like me...

Sorry for the confusion, but don't let my windedness get in the way of getting the right great camera!

If you're just not sure, go with the D40 on sale for ~$400 @ Future Shop. It's a great price for a real nice entry level DSLR. I think it would make your wife ecstatic.

[Old Yeller]

Ok I'll piggyback on this thread.

My wife is somewhat of an amateur photographer and she wants a new digital camera.

Her criteria are:

1) No more AA batteries - must be rechargeable (lithium ion)
2) Must be able to adjust a variety of settings
3) She wants an SLR with good zoom

Edit: updated my criteria, I never listen that well to my wife

[TimSJ]

OBCT..

No need to be sorry.. I appreciate the info greatly...There are just so many different ones that all seem to be close etc.. Makes it very hard to figure out what to buy..

[Bean]

Originally Posted by johnnyrocket03

Im looking to get my girlfriend a DSLR for christmas, under 400 would be preferred as im far from wealthy, anyone have any recommendations?

I was in the Walmart Photo area the other day (NE location off of Deerfoot) and was surprised to see a Canon XS for $449 or so w/ a lens. The guy behind the desk said that they've also got 2 lens packages available for not too much more $$ but I didn't ask too much about the details as I'm a Nikon guy.


Good luck.

[TimSJ]

What about the Canon xS anyone have an opinion on this one.. It seems to have the Live View on the screen. Which i think the bride mike like.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

What about the Canon xS anyone have an opinion on this one.. It seems to have the Live View on the screen. Which i think the bride mike like.

Research tells me that the XS delivers absolutely top-end picture quality for its class. In most situations, the XS delivers exceptional photos for it's price point. That's really the most important thing in the end, but it is one of the very few outright strengths of the camera.

From what the experts are saying, the Live View mode is not something to base your purchase on. Apparently, it is S L O W - to the point of frustration at times - and is considered little more than a gimmick by most experts. Unless you plan on shooting static subjects with a tripod, you probably won't get a thing out of this feature.

Other notes: apparently a number of small things like unusual ergonomic feel, strange button placement\settings, inconsistently intuitive autofocus, and no USB external flash drive support have hurt the XS's ratings. Most of these things are individual preference, though, so it could be that the XS is the camera for you(r wife)!


Other PROs:
- above-average battery life (rechargable lithium-ion)
- many highly configurable settings, including the nifty "My Menu" settings system page
- bundled with a useful, decently comprehensive software suite for your computer (for importing, editing and exporting photos)
- lightweight, compact design offers more freedom than do other cameras in it's class


Other CONs:
- far less rugged construction and "feel" than other similar cameras
- included lens kit is sub-par compared to others in it's class
- small viewfinder
- mediocre auto white balance performace, especially in incandescent lighting
- no IR remote

Averaged internet expert and customer reviews: 8.6/10


Overall, this camera looks good and rivals the D40 in many key areas. Not sure which I'd buy myself, in all honesty. I only hear good things about Nikon DSLRs, but my family owns a Canon point & shoot that is just great, so I would have to do even more research myself.

I would recommend finding a store that lets you compare these cameras hands-on. Short of that... go with your gut?

[Ryan Coke]

I just bought the Xs package (w/75-300 lens as well) from Costco for my wife (don't tell her). It looks good to me, and for an entry level SLR it will certainly have far more capability than she can use for now.

Nikon's are always a great name too, but I like the 10 Mp Xs over the 6 Mp D40. I think the D60 might win me over the Xs, but the D60 is more coin.

[TimSJ]

Dell has a Canon XS with an 18/55 lens and a 75/300 lens on for $669.. does this seem like a good deal to people?

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

Dell has a Canon XS with an 18/55 lens and a 75/300 lens on for $669.. does this seem like a good deal to people?

Looking at Dell.ca, they offer free shipping to Saint John! There will be $87 worth of HST added to the price, but I guess you're accustomed to that.

All in all, I'm not sure you'll find it much cheaper. $750 all said, shipped to your door, is a good price for that combo.

I wonder how much Ryan paid for his. costco.ca only offers this combo (which includes a superior second lens and a nice camera bag) and also includes free shipping to New Brunswick. I'm sure Costco has the camera itself (and other kits) available in-store.

[Ryan Coke]

Costco had the kit w/ 18-55 and 75-300 lens (not the one you linked OBCT) online for 749 w/ a $90 rebate, though I just looked and it is not showing up--maybe they are temporarily sold out.

Having said that, it ended up showing up at my local store for 729, still with the $90 rebate. I might go back to get the extra $20 if I get time.

Anyway, looks very close to the Dell deal, though the Costco one does come with a bag as well.

So I'd check out your local Costco, and if no luck then go with the Dell deal.

[ken0042]

I haven't read any of this thread as I'm not in the market for a camera, so I don't know if the following camera is any good. But on www.dell.ca/daysofdeals they have a Canon Powershot SX10 normally $450 on for $320.

[ms.conduct]

I didn't read this whole thread to see if it's mentioned but I highly recommend if you're getting one with a decent zoom, to find one with Image Stabilization. Nearly eliminates the need for a tripod for super zoomed out shots, macro shots, or slow shutter speeds. I love love love my Canon S5 IS. I believe Nikon calls it "Vibration Elimination" or something along those lines. Probably just as good as Canon's IS.

[OBCT]

For a budget digital camera <$200, I'd probably go with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8. Available for $100 USD here (in black only; $120 in silver here or here).

This camera has received extremely positive reviews from experts and users alike.


Other good options <$200 include the Canon PowerShot A590 IS and the Sony Cybershot DSC-W120.

[OBCT]

In the $200-$400 range, definitely give the Fujifilm FinePix F100fd a look. This camera is currently tops in it's price range for picture quality - excelling even in low light, the bane of most every point&shoot's existence.

This thing is loaded with features, and though it has an older style interface, it is very functional. It boasts good battery life (rechargeable lithium-ion), multiple media format compatibility (SD, SDHC, mini-SD, mini-SDHC, xD (incl. Type H, Type M)) and all the auto-focus, face detection and image stabilization you could hope for.

And, it happens to be on sale here for <$300 USD after mail-in rebate. A relative bargain.


Other good choices in the $200-$400 range include the Sony Cybershot DSC-T700, Canon PowerShot SD790 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37.

[SebC]

Yeah, Fuji's have the best high ISO modes in point-and-shoots, by a mile. My next point and shoot will either be a Fuji or two Canons.

[Neeper]

Originally Posted by Nancy

I've spent a couple hours today trying to research this, but I still don't seem to have a clue what I should buy. Any recommendations from anyone on the < $500 price point?

Hand down for that kind of money I would be looking to buy a Canon G9 if you want a compact point and shoot. But a D40 is the perfect camera for a starter DSLR You'll get the same kind of creative control I get with my D700. It all depends so much on your needs and what you want to be able to do with it. I bought a G9 last week because I wanted a good compact p&s for vacations and ease of use. I ended up returning it because it wasn't enough camera for me. I am just so used to my DSLR that I will continue to lug around where ever I go.

[Nufy]

I've been thinking about picking up the Canon SX10 IS....

Any thoughts...pros...cons....

Current $$ is about $400 & change.......

[Aeneas]

Thought I would bump this thread. The camera above that Nufy just mentioned has sort of fallen into my lap.

Canon SX10 IS.

I have no previous skills with a camera more expensive than say $50.
I see it has "Image Stabilizer" that someone mentioned as being important.

Is this a decent camera for a technology challenged very amatuer photographer?

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

Thought I would bump this thread. The camera above that Nufy just mentioned has sort of fallen into my lap.

Canon SX10 IS.

I have no previous skills with a camera more expensive than say $50.
I see it has "Image Stabilizer" that someone mentioned as being important.

Is this a decent camera for a technology challenged very amatuer photographer?

I would say yes. But with one caveat - you need to put aside some time to read up on the feature set and ease of use functions before diving in. Not a lot of time, but some. If you would prefer a camera that requires absolutely no time to learn, I would look elsewhere.

That said, the SX10 IS is by all accounts a great camera. It is fun, fairly easy to use with out-of-the-box settings, and it provides tons of advanced features to "grow into" as you wish. The 20X zoom is excellent for the price and size - a definite plus.

Here's my advice: watch the 8 minute video tutorial HERE. It is excellent, and even though it goes more in-depth than you need, it will give you a good idea of what the SX10 IS is all about.

After that, skim through the comprehensive review of the product on the same site (start with the INTRO link near the top, and read through as you have time). Don't worry about terminology you aren't familiar with.