Graphic Artist Needs Camera Under $100... Recommendations?

Question

I am looking to buy a digital camera for $100 or less. I need this for professional work as a digital artist, as I am not a photographer by trade. Here are my wish list items in order of importance to me:

1) Great optics. I really want the best lens possible even at a low price. I realize I am not getting an SLR so I am realistic about this.

2) Clean images. I don't think it's possible to get RAW files in my price range, but any JPGs that I do collect should be as free from noise as possible. Dynamic range should be very good, and a decent flash as I sometimes must shoot indoors or in areas with multiple, uncontrollable light sources.

3) Optical zoom. I don't care about the digital zoom really because I have found it adds noise and blur. See #2 and #5.

4) Speed and stabilization. I can pose a lot of shots, but sometimes I need to catch people in action. So a decent shutter speed would be nice. From my unprofessional viewpoint, optical stabilization would be helpful as I don't have a tripod.

5) File size. I am thinking that at least 7MP would be good. Higher is actually better for me, but I can do more with a 3MP that is crisp and clear than a 10MP image that is filled with noise.

6) A color LCD.

What will I be shooting? A lot of images of people engaged in sports, but again, most of these can be posed. Occasionally I would like to grab images on the street to use as backgrounds and textures. I won't be using this camera for personal use, and I can live without video capabilities.

So this is what I am looking for. It's hard to search on Amazon or other places online with these criteria in mind, which is why I am turning to you for recommendations. Thanks for any advice!

Answer 1

canon 100hs

or canon "A" series

canonusa.com

then you can find it cheaper online

Answer 2

Your best possible choice is this Sony Cybershot WX9. It's $119 new but if $9 really matters that much to you then buy the refurbished one for $108.



http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-Shot-DSC-WX9-Vario-Tessar-Wide-Angle/dp/B004H8FNJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337027619&sr=8-1



It's a 16.2MP point and shoot camera with a maximum of 3,200 ISO and it's highest resolution jpg's are at 4608x3456. It also has an amazing quality 3" 921k dot LCD screen. Decent 5x zoom. Capable of shooting video in 1080p. And photos at 10fps. Shutter speeds between 1/1600s - 2s.



Heres how it compares with that Nikon CoolPix S3300 you were looking at before.



http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-S3300-vs-Sony-WX9



The WX9 wins by a large margin and obviously in this price range it is the best camera to get. If you need anymore help or assistance just send me a message, [e-mail] ,Glad to help!

Answer 3

$100? Needs to be at least $500 to get a new entry level DSLR.



So think used DSLR at around $200. Could be Sony, Pentax or Olympus to get the specs you need. Canon and Nikon hold their value better as they are market leaders.



Best compact for you would be one of the older Canon G series.

Answer 4

Target has a well kodak digital camera on sale this week, in shops, the C182. Has 12 mega-pixels, 3x optical zoom, three" LCD display and face detection science. additionally intelligent image science that kodak says advertises as take the fine image the primary time each time. acquired one my self and it has nice image fine. priced at ninety nine.ninety nine this week...