Would like to purchase a digital Camera. I need advise from you the experts.
Something easy to operate. Is there someone who could tell me what kind to buy?
Do I also have to purchase a memory card, batteries, charger etc.
Am going to Scandinavia with Insight Vacations. I understand the scenery is just beautiful over there. Would like take lots of pictures. Do not want to spent more than 350 - 400 US Dollars.

Thanks

Hi,
Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way an "expert" on digital photography (or any kind of photography, for that matter ) but from one digital photography "newbie" to another, here's my advice...
My boyfriend has a Kodak EasyShare camera. Our pictures from our tour turned out great and the best part...even I could use it, it's that easy! It also has a function on it that allows you to take short videos which is nice. I can't remember exactly what it cost, but it would definitely fall into the price range that you mentioned. The Kodak website has lots more info and details on price. www.Kodak.com
Anyways, that's my advice anyway. Hopefully you'll get some replies from some who actually know what they're talking about! Good luck!

ps. Yes you would need a memory card. It has internal memory but wouldn't hold very many pictures. The memory card that we bought cost around $70 US and held 300ish pictures. The charger came included with the camera. We didn't take the charger with us and opted to take batteries instead. I think one battery came with the camera and we had to replace it twice during our 2.5 week tour.

My wife and I just bought the Canon Powershot S1 IS Digital Camera. It is a 3.2 megapixel, 10x optical zoom and even includes a movie mode which lets you record short movie clips. We did a lot of research, reading experts reviews on digital cameras. This camera was the number 1 on the list of 3 megapixel cameras, given its zoom capacity and movie capabilities. Price wise it was about AUD $870. I would recommend taking a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries as well as a fast charger. We are also looking at taking a 1GB compact flash card which will last us our 6 week trip. Hope this helps.

I'd personally steer clear of Kodak digital cameras. I've owned 3 of them over the years, and none has been particularly good. They've all been rather poor optically, and lack features compared with other cameras in the same price range.

The Canon Powershot S1 is a superb camera, but probably out of your price bracket. All Canon digital cameras are excellent, however (I've owned many) and one of the ones lower down the range would, I'm sure, but an excellent choice.

Whatever you go for, I'd suggest getting a camera which uses "CompactFlash" memory cards (both Canon and Kodak do); these are significantly cheaper than some other type of memory card.

Regards,

Chris

Hi Schweig, In the price range you mention, I own the Canon Powershot A70 and am very pleased; even has a 30 second movie mode with sound. It uses 4 rechargeable NiMH batteries and a compact flash card for memory.

A couple of my thoughts: Night shots outside, (involving neon lights or outdoor lighting) come out "wavy"; a syndrome called "noise" or night shake. I would suggest upgrading to the $499 bracket for the Powershot SI which has "image stability" (IS) that combats this. If I had known about IS, I would have upgraded my purchase. Otherwise you have to resort to tri or mono pods for stabilization, which for me, are not an option when on tour.

You also have to feel very comfortable with the camera in your hand, so be sure to go to a store and fool around with them first. I like the "grip" the A70 has-it helps me focus better.

You will need a second set of heavy duty batteries and a compact charger for them. I recommend Monster Power Charger and their power cells (they can take up to 1000 reharges and in less than 3 hours). The 4 that came with the camera are not heavy duty. One set stays fully charged in the charger and travels with you and your loaded camera on location. Twice I did not bring the spare set and had no battery life by the end of the day's outing. If you don't need them that day, fine. At night you transfer the charged spares into the camera and recharge the used ones. This charger is really great-it works on 50 or 60 hz and 100-240 volts so anywhere you travel-no converter needed. It has a built in plug in the back so it plugs right into the wall socket (adapater needed for foreign travel). It is also small: 4-1/2" x 3" x 1" and fits into one of my sunglass cases for protection.

You can do a search up top on more particulars I have mentioned in past as well as great info from many others. Cheers!

Awww Chris,
I just purchased the Kodak Easy Share Digital and you don't recommend Kodak cameras As previously mentioned I needed a camera that was easy to operate and that took decent pictures - this camera seems to fill the bill for me. I just came back from a trip to the Grand Canyon and it seems to have done very well for me. I am using lithium batteries and after well over a hundred and twenty five pictures it is still going strong. I really don't want to get involved with rechargable batteries - I purchased a pack of eight lithium batteries for about $2.00 each. I am going to Europe in the fall and I will make sure that I have sufficient batteries with me so that I don't have to worry about recharging.

Perhaps they've improved, Judy, but the ones I've had in the past have been rather mediocre. It's been a couple of years since I last owned one, though, so it's certainly possible that they're better now .

Just my personal opinion, obviously.

Regards,

Chris

This is for Chris: While we cannot predict what the weather will be like on a certain day, do you think it is wise to take a jumper with me to London in August?

Chris and NYJudy:

The folks in my wife's office bought a Kodak Easyshare 4mp a couple of weeks ago. Works fine for their needs: photographing folks for the company newsletter.

Of course, it has limited abilities: no white balance and limited zoom. However, it was less than US$300.

Glenn
www.pbase.com/gsrunyan

I'm also shopping for a digital camera, I was told in one place I looked that CF cards were "going out" and would be hard to find.[ I see them all over] I don't know whether to trust that or not. How widely available are the CF cards, SD & XD in Europe? I have found a Konica Minolta that I am considering. It's a DiMAGE S414. Anyone used this one? Chris can you help me here?
thanks,
cleocat

There's no way that CF cards are "going out"; they're the most popular type of memory card, and all sorts of devices use them, not just cameras. Bigger and bigger ones are becoming available; 1GB cards are pretty cheap now, and I see that (strictly for the super-rich) 6GB cards are now on sale!

Every camera and general "electrical" type shop in Europe these days sells memory cards. CF and SD you see everywhere. I'm afraid I don't have any devices which use XD cards, so I can't comment on their availability, but I suspect they're just as easy to find.

As far as Minolta cameras go, I'd recommend them without hesitation. Minolta have always had a reputation for excellent optical quality; as you may know I have a Minolta DImage A1 and it takes fabulous pictures.

Regards,

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by George F.:
[qb] This is for Chris: While we cannot predict what the weather will be like on a certain day, do you think it is wise to take a jumper with me to London in August? [/qb]

Not for the daytime, certainly. You might want one for walking around at night; it can get a little chilly. Make sure you bring a lightweight waterproof jacket - it can rain at any time of year.

Regards,

Chris

Thanks Chris, I'm leaning towards the Minolta, so I guess we'll go back and take another look. Won't go back to the guy who said CF's are "going out"
cleocat

Schweig:
All the major manufacturers generally offer the same features in their digital cameras at a given price range. Minolta is one of the majors and makes a good product.

If you have found one with the features you want at a price you can afford and an owners manual that you can understand, buy it.

Chris and George F: What is a "jumper?" In the US, it is a style of women's dress.

Glenn

jumper = pullover, sweater, etc.

Regards,

Chris