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 ]
|