Recommendations for a digital camera?

[gaemul]

Anyone got any recommendations for a digital camera? I'm looking for something with at least 5 mega pixels. I don't like carrying a huge SLR either. I want something small and compact. I've had a sony cybershot for the last 4 years and it's been great for me. But with a newborn on the way I'm thinking I need to get something better.

Any suggestions?

[Grimm]

I suggest you post things like this in the hardware forum.

[gaemul]

I thought that was for computer hardware.

can someone move this to the hardware forum for me?

[CornMonkey]

canon sd450

[zero2dash]

canon sd450

:agree:
If you want a small camera, buy an SD450.
I'm planning on buying an A610 instead of an SD450, primarily because the A610 is a little cheaper and it has a more powerful optical zoom. (And I can deal with the camera being larger + taking more batteries than the pocket-sized SD450).

(After doing a lot of reviewing/researching - I'm not purchasing another digital camera unless it's a Canon. Although Nikons are good too.)

Keep an eye on the Deals page...SD450s can be bought with Dell coupons for around $250 (a little over $50 off retail) and A610s can be bought for around $200 (around $280 retail I think). Both are 5 mp and both use SD cards.

I have a Cybershot PSC32. I regret ever buying it. (No optical zoom.) It's done well for us over the few years we've had it, but...I still regret buying it.

[Aristo]

How about Sony W7? I've used it for quite awhile and I'm pleased with its performance, better than my T1.

[DaFunkyUnit]

the Panasonic Lumix FX-8 or 9

those cameras are just that good. very, very easy to use. the best thing about them, imo, is the Scenerio modes, where it comes with some preset settings for various common situations that you would use a digital camera for, for example, there are settings for: Outdoors, Nighttime, Scenery, Party, Baby, Food, Motion, even Self-Portrait (you know, when you just take the camera and aim it at yourself).

[smeakim]

Fuji F10. Go to dpreview and you can get opinions on cameras. It takes great indoor low light photos without a flash. I have some pretty cool pictures at night without flash of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. It can do video as well, and it is small. It has a good optical zoom as well. My wife has a D70 and we wanted something to use to have in our pocket or if the D70 needed cleaning. JMHO

[clutchy]

the fuji is supposed to be a great camera, but i'd also suggest you take a look at nikon compacts as well. They have some neat features and are typically a great camera.

canon... if you want to be like everyone else...

[GilbertsGrape]

CAnnon SD500 Is a great camera

[BobyJo]

Anyone got any recommendations for a digital camera? I'm looking for something with at least 5 mega pixels. I don't like carrying a huge SLR either. I want something small and compact. I've had a sony cybershot for the last 4 years and it's been great for me. But with a newborn on the way I'm thinking I need to get something better.

Any suggestions?

Kodak makes a great camera and not as expensive as some to the others. We have a 2mp and a 4mp, both are super and have never given us a problem of any kind. They have a 5mp and a 5.1mp in thier new stuff, the 5.1mp is only $389 and encludes a tripod and dock (Best Buy has this in this weeks ad) The lens Kodak uses is as good as Cannon or Sony or even the very high priced units. Look into these, I think you would find they are very good.

[VTGreg]

I have a Canon SD400 and love it. It's 5 MP and is very compact. Plenty of built in settings for different scenarios also.

[Cheesypuff]

canon is the only digicam to go with!!! I'm a strong lover of canon, and will NEVER go anything else.

[zippyjuan]

Nikon and Canon are the top two in photography and usually have the best lenses which gives the best picture. Ignore the number for digital zoom- you wont' want to use that. Manual zoom yes. Also get a larger memory card- the ones with the camera are usually pretty small and don't hold many pictures- although some makers are starting to include bigger ones. A second battery (unless it uses AA ones- then get an extra set of rechargables) is a good idea too because you will eventually forget to charge up.
Two good review sites:
Check the list here and reviews on the site: http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html
or www.dpreview.com Use links from the top left corner.

[zero2dash]

But with a newborn on the way I'm thinking I need to get something better.

One thing to look for (especially in reviews) is how fast the camera takes pictures.

The Cybershot we've had for a few years...it's not that fast and usually when we take pictures of our 1 y/o, her picture is all blurry since (obviously) she doesn't stay still for too long (most kids don't obviously).

Get a camera with a fast and/or customizable shutter speed and quick response.

That's another reason why I'm buying a Canon...those have very fast shutters and response times in addition to having a "Kids & Pets" setting.

/just a heads up :)

[Markel]

I consider a high optical zoom lens mandatory - unless you have used one, you have no idea how much easier it is to zoom in on your subject without having to move in close. You get much more natural shots of your kids, and when they start playing sports, etc., you will be able to take shots of them that would otherwise be impossible. I would suggest looking in the 10x optical zoom range.

[zippyjuan]

zero2dash is quite right about suggesting a camera with quick picture time. With digital, there is a delay between when you click the shutter and it actually going off. Part of that is autofocus. Another part is simply powering up when you turn it on. Then there is the camera buffer which effects how long you have to wait before you take you next shot. With kids and pets, you want something that will react fairly quickly. If keeping it pocket size is important to you, one of the longer zoom cameras may be too large for you. Try to see them in person and hold one before you make a purchase.

[Nija]

My girlfriend loves her Canon A610.

[theorangeone]

I've got a Canon A95 and I love it. Easy to use, lots of useful settings (if you read the book to get a basic understanding of them).