What do you recommend as a high quality, easy to use digital camera?

Question

I am looking for a digital camera to take high quality pictures of our 6 month old son and other casual photography. I am looking to spend no more than $300, but if need be I'll consider. I am by no means a professional photographer, so nothing with too many bells and whistles, but I am a quick learner.

Answer 1

If you are really on a budget and want the best quality for the money, check out the P&S Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 [with a Leica lense] which has more features than most pro DSLRs that require auxiliary lenses not even equal to the single initial full-range lense that comes with the FZ28. It is reviewed at:



http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/panasonic_fz28.html



It just came out on November 4, 2008.



It's an all-in-one 10.1 megapixel digital camera which includes (i) built-in image stabilization; (ii) HD720 quality video [Quicktime] which permits zooming while videoing skateboarding, action sports; (iii) a 18x zoom [27 - 486 mm (35mm equiv.)] "Leica" lense for nature and concert photography; (iv) up to 0.39 inch macro option; (v) up to 6400 ASA; (vi) takes up to 380 pictures per 120 min. battery charge; (vii) has a "burst speed" of 13 fps; and sells new for $280 at amazon.com. in the U.S.



Here's an actual handheld picture of the moon:



http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/bf/1b/a83ac060ada0881604bad110.L.jpg



Good luck!

Answer 2

I recommend either the Canon Powershot A series or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS series. Both offer high quality cameras, easy to handle and have a good price tag. These product lines are targeted for beginners without sacrificing quality. You need not buy the newest models with 8+ megapixels. You could as well get an earlier model on eBay with 5-6 megapixels which is more than enough for making normal prints. The main difference between the two series is that the Canons use AA batteries (good for travelling).

Answer 3

Any DSLR these days has good resolution, pretty much no delay, and would fit the bill. Take your pick... Nikon Canon Olympus Sony Pentax they are all fine for the purpose you describe. I shoot a Nikon D3 but your budget might not extend to a professional grade camera... Even the entry-level DSLRs will have the features you require.

Answer 4

Nikon P-80

Answer 5

i bought this camera Canon 590IS few months ago and it is awesome, its very easy to use, its got loads of picture modes like easy, auto, outdoors, and also advanced ones like beach, forest, etc.

IS stands for image stabilization, which gives you a perfect image even if the subject is moving

i think you'll get it for less than $200, but it gives a tremendous bang for the buck

you can google the name for the reviews

Answer 6

Newegg.com has the Oly E-420 DSLR, with 14-42 lens on sale, today! for $299.



Small, light, and better pictures than anything listed so far.