Need recommandations for digital cameras

[camaro]

I'm looking into buying a digital camera in the $300 range. One choice is Olympus D-490, but is USB important cause it doesn't have one. Any other recommandations and also tell me which to stay away from. What are the important specs?

[jaida]

In my opinion the best camera in that price range is the kodak DC280.

Its got everything you need and the picture quality is great.

[DougR]

Camaro, here's a good site on Digital Cameras. Lots of useful info.....


http://www.pcphotoreview.com/

[This message has been edited by DougR (edited 04-10-2001).]

[camaro]

I can't find that Kodak DC280 below $499. Sure looks great, but a little pricey.

[Richard_Cranium72]

The replacement for the 280 is the DC3400.

The reviews are great..

Here's a link for $300.00, make sure to use the American Express "Blue" so that if you find it cheaper within 90 days they'll reimburse you the diff, and extend the warranty too..


http://shop.store.yahoo.com/worldwidedirect/kodakdc3400.html

[camaro]

I though it was getting replaced. Very few stores had it. Thanks.

[camaro]

Well I read the review and it's subpar in low light environments. That's actually an important spec to me. So what other choices do I have in the $300 ballpark? Those cameras don't really go down in price do they? They just get replaced. USB is definitely something I want.

[johnpaul]

The ability to download through as USB is faster than using a serial port. The new cameras have USB cables, but some of the older models might not. Another method of downloading the pictures is a Flashpath Adapter. The Smart Media card on which the photos are saved is placed in the adapter and the adapter goes in the "A" Drive. The PC thinks it's just another floppy. They cost about $75-80, I think, but they sure make it easy to download.

JP

[Richard_Cranium72]

The low light comment(if it was the same one)I saw said the user did NOT use any compensation.

All digital cameras I've used lately have the option to add light to dim situations.

I've read at least 600 reviews in the last 2 months, the 3400 seems to give the biggest bang for the buck..

I was luck enough to get the Fuji MX-2900 for $349.00 from buy.com.
It is GREAT, wonderful color, close grain, everything.
Got a smartmedia reader for $27.00 and 3 32mb cards for
1. $40.??
2. $32.37
3. $17.37
So for $90 I got 96mb of memory http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Also I grabbed the 64mb Compact Flash from buy.com for $65 for a future camera purchase for my Mom.

I've ordered the Kodak DC215 from Staples for $199.00 and I might be eligible to get the $40.00 rebate "Maybe"!

Here's some reviews from the DC215 96% say it's OK


http://eopinions.com/elec_Cameras-Digital_KodakDCC-Kodak_DC-215/show_~allop/listype_~opb

Kodak DC3400 reviews
(I like that the LCD does NOT come on automatically)

http://eopinions.com/elec-Photo-Cameras-All-Kodak_DC-3400/show_~allop/listype_~opb

and

http://google.yahoo.com/bin/query?p=kodak+dc3400+review&hc=0&hs=0

[camaro]

"Overall, the DC3400 wouldn't be the camera to choose if you really want to be able to do outdoor photography after dark: For reference, a light level of 1 foot-candle is about what you'd find in a city night scene under typical street lighting, and the DC3400 needs about twice that to deliver a good image."
<A HREF="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DC3400/D34A12.HTM" TARGET=_blank>http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DC3400/D34A12.HTM</A>

That's what the pro review said about the low level light pics. That's the only sticking point now. I'm convinced that it's a great camera for everything else. I wish they included the charger and that NiMH battery. It's like another $40 for that. And 32MB card is $50. BTW are all those cards interchangable? All those accesories really add up. I might have to wait for a deal.

[This message has been edited by camaro (edited 04-12-2001).]

[mondayz]

digis do struggle with low light.
I bought a cheap digi for casual work. And use my reliable Pentax slr for serious work.
But then you'll want a film scanner and they are...you know...expensive.

[Richard_Cranium72]

For about $350.00 the Olympus 490Z is rated somewhat better than the Kodak, according to some reviews anyway.


http://google.yahoo.com/bin/query?p=olympus+490z&hc=0&hs=0

[acosmo37]

I bought a Sony Mavica FD-73. It has been great for what I use it for but I haven't tried too many low light situations. You don't have to worry about USB connections or memory sticks. Just slip in another 3.5" and keep shooting. Then put the floppy in your A drive and move the pics to your hard drive to manipulate them with the program of your choice. There are better Mavica models, with higher picture Quality, but not in your price range! If you get one, spring for the F550 battery, it's worth it!

[Cygnus-X1]

For 300 Bucks I got the HP 315 2.1 megapixel
camera.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/PS315/P31A.HTM

It's pretty decent for point and shoot type stuff.
Although the image quality could of been a tad better. I hear Fuji's are very good in image quality.
I guess the better they are the more pricier
they go.