Thanks, Ben, great info (DNO)

> Hi Carla,

> I've been looking into digital cameras myself over the past two weeks due
> to mine dying for no apparent reason (Samsung S530 5.1MP). I can give a
> few hints as to what will make a good camera as well as a couple of places
> to do your window shopping.

> First tip, SD Card. Make sure that you get a relatively new model camera
> that supports SD Card. There are several memory card formats available but
> recently SD has taken the lead in everything from PDAs to MP3 Players to
> even a few really new Cell Phones. As a result the storage size is getting
> bigger while the price is dropping like a rock. I've seen a 4GB SD card
> for $99 and several brands of 2GB cards for roughly $40 (all online
> prices, stores still sell the 512MB for around $69). This is where you
> have to be careful though, older devices may not be able to read anything
> over a certain size so avoid the 4GB for sure. Find a support group for
> the camera you choose since they may already know what size and brand SD
> Card will work best. I say a support group because the manufacturer will
> always tell you one of two things - use our brand or use X size only,
> "because that is what we designed it for."

> Second tip, zoom. If you want to do lots of close ups (best for pets and
> kids if they cooperate) then you want a good zoom. Your best bet is
> OPTICAL because digital zoom will blur if you have the slightest movement
> (even if you twitch while pushing the button to snap the shot). Many of
> the autofocus digitals (the lens retracts into the body when turned off)
> offer a combination of optical and digital zoom which is fine, but don't
> rely on the zoom they quote because it typically will be 40% optical zoom
> and 60% digital zoom.

> Third tip, tripod. My wife always fussed about the hassle of toting and
> using a tripod but I can post examples of the difference of with and
> without. If you have a steady hand and you are really patient then you
> could probably get away with not having one, but it would still make your
> photo sessions more consistent. For example, your glass art needs to be
> shot at a certain angle to prevent glare while still showing the subject.
> A tripod will allow you to make tiny adjustments instead of guessing if
> you are close to the same spot as the last shot. It doesn't have to be
> expensive, just make sure you get one that can put the camera at your eye
> level to prevent back soreness from stooping over (unless you are nearly
> as tall as a pro basketball player, then you'll have to buy a custom one,
> lol).

> Now for the window shopping:

> NewEgg's $100 to $200 range

> Wal-Mart's $100 to $150 range

> I highly recommend NewEgg over 99% of other online sources for any online
> purchase of electronics. First, they are usually very good with fast
> shipping. Second is their customer service. Third, the user ratings for
> most of their products will tell you alot about the products. The only
> thing I don't like about their user ratings is the editing that they do. I
> rated three items and stated exactly what I wanted to come across. One of
> my ratings was shortened and while it didn't change the overall meaning it
> did change the tone of the post. A few other rating edits cause spelling
> and grammar errors (so don't go by the spelling and grammar but by the
> overall meaning of the post).

> I hope this helps you make a sane choice,