Alrighty boys (and girls). I've been wanting to get a digital camera for a long time, just a nice thing to have around. With the combination of recently acquiring some money and the roadkill contest coming up, I think now is the time to buy.

I know nothing about digital cameras though, so I'm appealing to some of ya'll who might know a little more about them.

What I'm looking for:
-Not too big (but doesn't have to be tiny)
-Pretty good picture quality (doesn't have to jaw-dropping realistic, but good)
-Something where you look through an eye-thingy, not one of those big fucking screens like cameras at wchs
-Little or no delay from when I push the button to when it actually takes...
-Reasonable price (i'm not a rich man)

I'm not sure if these are unreasonable things to ask, but if anyone can make any good recommendations to me, it'd be appreciated. Also, is it better to grab one online or go to Circuit City and the like?

Ahhhh, for once a subject I know a bit about (I used to sell digital cameras at Staples like it was going out of style).
Now its been a while since I sold a digital camera (about 6-8 months), but I can tell you some of the key features to pay attention to.
Most people will say that resolution is the most important thing in a digital camera (the rating of the camera in "megapixles"). While this is important, don't be taken by a camera that has a high resolution, but lacks other features.
A traditional optical zoom lense is key, do not be fooled by a "digital zoom". This is fake, just ignore it, you can always blow up the pic w/ photoshop. The greater the zoom the better... most cameras will go to 3x, some to 5,7, or even 10.
Durability/brand/ease of use/software is also a concern to most people. While you can get a somewhat generic camera for $100 less, why be cheap when you will be using your Sony/Kodak/Olympus much much easier later.
Finally, what I consider the most important, but most people simply disregard, is a rechargible battery... that you don't have to remove. When I bought my camera, I purchased a Kodak LS443, which at the time was 4 megapixle, 3x optical zoom, and AN INTERNAL LITHIUM BATERY. Whenever I want to charge my camera, I simply put the camera on the docking station, and it starts changing immediately, no fumbling w/ batteries, no forgetting to keep it charged, so when you need it, you have it. Also, lithium lasts MUCH longer than traditional NIMH batteries.
I'm sure there is more, I may have forgotten.
The typical brands to look at are Sony, Olympus, Kodak, Fuji, and sometimes Minolta. Don't rule any brand out because they have a reputation, same thing as don't favor one over the other because of reputation, digital cameras are finiky things. I would recommend today's equivalent of the LS443, whatever that may be.

Also, as far as retail vs. Internet goes... always check out your retailers, many internet competiters have enough hidden charges "missing assesories, shipping" that it pushes the price up to nearly that of the retailer, and considering the fact that returning products to a retailer, if not 100% satisfied, is extremely easy, it may be worth paying 5% more for a digital camera.
You are also guarenteed new product from a retailer, instead of an Internet site selling last years stuff for somewhat lower than this years prices (I've seen this one a lot.)

[ February 18, 2004, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: DJ FC ]

Office Max on Coldwater Road in Ft. Wayne is going out of business and still has a shitload of cameras left in stock. Right now they're only 10% off but give it time.

www.digitalliquidators.com seems to have the best prices online. Exactly how much do you have to spend?

Office Max is going out of business? I like the sound of that, I'll probably try to run there next time I'm in town... thanks stab. Good link too.

Anyone else have some opinions?

I'm in Fort Wayne right now Pliedes. Office Max is just a mile down the road from my university. If you'd like I can run a scan for you and give you some ideas.

Wow, well, if you're ever over that way, feel free to check them out for me. Just keep in mind the things I listed at the top, and come back with some prices. That'd be pimp of you.

Pli-

What specific price range are you in? 100? 200? 300? I have some specific model recommendations I can make if you wanna throw out some numbers.

There are several nice ones for under 100 dollars I believe. Good designers like SONY. About the size of a box of cigarrettes or maybe a little bigger. And some with little to no delay. Also I just want to add that they are quite the deals in there Pliedes, definite must see for you my friend.

[ February 22, 2004, 10:22 PM: Message edited by: VOL ]

Vol- Thanks for checking, I might head there when I'm in town this weekend.

I know I'm a cheap ass, but I wouldn't like to spend more than $150 at most...

Then there should be a small SONY there that has a delay for about 100 or so. Ask them if they still have it. You might be in luck.

I think we should all ask what Pliedes needs a digcam for.

Hey, didn't you just get a new girlfriend??

That's not all true.

I've been needing a good camera for a while. It will have countless uses.

Anyway, after some talk with Percipitation on icq and a visit to my local Best Buy, I now have a camera. I am a happy man.

You decided not to go with Office Max? Oh well, I'm sure all is well Pliedes. Although I am curious as to the specifics on your camera.

You know Pliedes...I could get you one for a very cheap price...if you know what I mean.

'Tis alright bud, I already picked one up. Thanks though.

I'm Pliedes' camera, bitch!
http://www.nubblies.net/ubb/uploads/1077600561.JPG