Dumb blonde needs advice

[Toria]

OK...I am not THAT dumb...but I am so darned confused right now about digital cameras. I just decided to buy a new digital camera but want the best one (obviously) for under $200 and need it to be at least 3mp...is that impossible?

Also, is there a place on this forum for buying used equipment? I would even consider buying someone's digital that they were wanting to sell if the price was right and the camera was in good condition.

If anyone can help...please let me know...thanks....:)

Toria

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hi Toria. Welcome the the forum :)

Under $200.00? That is a tough one in my opinion. Right now is a great time to buy as AMAZING cameras can be had for $400.00-$500.00.... but $200.00 is tough.

You mention 3 megapixles as a cut off.. but in fact for functionality,.. a good zoom lens on a 2 megapixel camera would be better than a 3 megapixel with a cheap fixed focal lenght lens.

So look for a camera with a 3x zoom (OPTICAL ZOOM! Ignore the term "Digital Zoom" it is pure nonsense)

Look for a camera from a camera company. Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Fuji Nikon. There are a lot of cheap ones being sold by printer companies.. electronics companies etc.

www.compgeeks.com

is a good place to get inexpensive refubished cameras.

this Minolta is a handy compact model for under $200.00

model;http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DIMAGEX-R

The three megapixle version is $219.00

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DIMAGEXI-R

[Toria]

Hey thanks CDS! I looked into this camera and it looks like it would be all I would need for the price. I will wait a while though before buying it in case anyone else has any other good suggestions for me to look into. I guess I need someone to just "point out" cameras like you did with this one because I am overwhelmed with how many there are out there. Thanks for the geek link too...:)

Toria

[mwinog2777]

Buy a used Canon G1

or:HP Photosmart 720xi 3.3MP 3x/4x Zoom Digital Camera w/SW, should get it for ~$169

[pradeep1]

I second the used G1 advice. You can get one on eBay for around that price. You get a 3MP camera with excellent optics and features. Of course, you may not want to go that route if you don't know much about digicams and/or about buying used camera equipment online.

If you want to go "new", another option, not 3 MP, but 2 MP but with a good lens is the Canon Powershot A60. Just bought one at Walmart for only $147.62 + tax. They had some goofy price match deal or something. In any case, this camera is well rated, even by the professional reviewers. You can pair this with a cheap and good compact flash card (Viking 256 MB on Amazon - $35) and with a set of good 2000 mAh batteries ($25 with high speed charger at Walmart) and you would have a system for around $200 that will give you a lot of flexibility.

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/canon-powershot-a60-reviews.html