2-3 Megapix digital camera recommendation please

[plucky duck]

Hi peeps, how are ya? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif Long time no see. Anyways, just dropped by to say hi and wanted to pick up some of your thoughts and advices...

I currently have a Kodak DC215 digital camera, great starter camera but flawed so I'm looking at getting another one, something better this time around, between a 2-3 or 3 megapixell camera. Budget is around $500-$600US.

I'm looking for ones with macro mode, at least 3x optical zoom (higher the better), looks like a camera (no wierd shapes please), at least 1.8" LCD display or bigger (must be easily visible in direct sunlight), decent sized buttons (Sony's I find are a bit cramped and small), uses Li-ion rechargeables if possible, uses the popular compact flash memory, utilizes USB for connectivity.

BTW, is there any digital camera on the market today that allows for action shots? Meaning I fire the button once and it will automatically take multiple shots within second(s) of each other?

Also, I find the DC215 takes around 4-5 seconds to get ready after a shot taken to be available for the next shot. So I need a camera that's an improvement in this area...

The camera will be used for everyday family takes, and will be used on the road as well when summer hits.

I'm looking at the Kodak DC4800 at the moment, anything bad I should know about it for those who own one? Pros and cons?

Thanks for your thoughts in advance, appreciate it http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Plucky

[Graham]

Plucky,
I got the Casio QV3000ex, and I love it.

3.3 Mpixel
3x optical zoom
2x igital zoom
Canon lens
Easy to use
Takes CFII cards, therefore the IBM microdrive, I got the 340M. I can take about 270 photos before downloading, about 1meg/ pic at 2084x1536, terrific quality.
Take a look at
<A HREF="http://www.dpreview.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.dpreview.com/</A>

They have a review of it and lots of others.
I have absolutely no regrets buying the Casio.

G

PS it will take 3 shots in quick sucession, havn't tried it though.

G

[This message has been edited by Graham (edited 03-26-2001).]

[Richard_Cranium72]

I've read some good reviews on the HP PHOTOSMART 618XI for $440.00
http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10260176&loc=2099

Or perhaps the Kodak DC4800 2160X1440 3.1MP
it has a $100.00 rebate thru May 5th

http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10260824&loc=2099

The Canon Powershot S20 2048X1536 3.34MP at $550.00 is super small and supposed to be very nice

http://www.us.buy.com/retail/computers/product.asp?sku=10246477&loc=13175

I really like my Fuji MX-2900, it don't have a usb connection, but I got one from buy.com for $27.00 , it has a lithium battery that lasts about 300+ shots w/o the LCD on. Super rich colors. Got it at buy.com for $350 next price on pricewatch is $500+ so I can't say if it is worth 5 C'notes, but it's really nice..

Any of the more modern machines outta do just fine, several will do multiple shots, the Fuji will do 9..

DrVette

[plucky duck]

BTW, if you folks don't mind me asking (lazy), what's the difference between SLR digital cameras and non-SLR cameras?...

Thx,
Plucky

[johnpaul]

A friend has an Olympus 2020 Zoom that's pretty neat. It can handle point-and-shoot stuff, but is capable of much more. It's a 2.1 Megapixel camera with resolution of 1600 X 1200 that uses Smart Media. Here's a review (http://www.thetechzone.com/reviews/digital_camera/olympus/c-2020/) and specs (http://www.thetechzone.com/reviews/digital_camera/olympus/c-2020/page2.htm) .

JP

[This message has been edited by johnpaul (edited 03-27-2001).]

[DanU]

SLR = single lens reflex.

In an SLR camera, your eye actually looks through the same lens that the film (or CCD) will "look" through. When you press the shutter button, the mirror that directs the light to your eye moves out of the way, allowing it to reach the film (or CCD)

Non-SLR cameras have two lenses. One for your eye and one for the film.

That's probably not the most accurate description of an SLR camera... maybe a photography buff can put up a better explanation, or a web link to one.