Non SLR Question

[C.S.I.]

Hi,

I hope Im in the right forum. I know absolutely nothing about non-slr digital cameras, and have a question regarding obtaining a decent one (actually for a friend). He (my friend) is looking for a digital camera that wont cost him more than $300. He only shoots pictures on vacation, and when he goes to a ballgame. I think the less gadgets/options the better......hes pretty electronically challenged. I do think he would be pleased however, with a camera with a decent zoom.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Your brother in arms from the EOS forums :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

I don't think you'll find a "G" in that price range unless it is seriously used,. so I move this to "Small compact digitals"

For Canon cameras in the under $300.00 price range there is the "S" series,. (digital Elph) and the A series,. whcih is a little more flexible than the Elphs,. and still rather portable.

An "S"
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_sd300.asp?dontcount=1

and an "A"
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a95.asp?dontcount=1

[Moppie]

How big a zoom does he want?

Most of the canon compacts are limited to around 100mm (equivilant), and to get anything longer you need to get a G series, or an S1 or Pro 1, all of which are more expensive and IMO are getting to big to really count as compacts.

There are of course really good lens adaptors, but your adding cost and complication.
You might want to have a look at some of the "other" brands on the market, see if Olympus still make a compact with a large zoom (200mm equivliant).

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oh yeah,. forgto about the IS model,. about 3.4 MB and about $350.00 last I checked... this is really a great camera.

[Geeeyejo]

S1 IS goes for about $308 from Beach Camera - thats where I got mine - just stay away from the rip off "executive" and other packages. Get the Camera alone and then find a bigger CF Card, case and rechargeable AA batteries elsewhere.