Budget Digital Camera Advice

[meeja]

Because my work involves broadcast TV camera work, the rest of my office assumes that I know everything there is to know about cameras. Period.

One of my colleagues is looking for a budget (around £250) digital stills camera.... something that is pretty user friendly, pretty much fully automatic, and takes decent pictures!

She has been looking at this:
www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=1751&productId=86873&Trail=C$cip=12818>C$cip=12820&categoryId=12820


Any advice?!

[simpo two]

I'd go for a more recognised brand, eg Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Fuji, Pentax, because there's more to it than simply the number of megapixels. My minimum criteria would be 3+Mp and 3x optical zoom - you'll probably get more than that for your budget as it's so competitive. Style may be important as well, which will guide your decision.

Also get a decent sized memory card and a spare battery - 'cos once the battery goes on location you're buggered!

You can see what an Olympus Mju300 does here: www.blokewithacamera.co.uk

[.Mark]

I have a Fuji S304Z, 3.2mp, 6x optical zoom. Does the job for me, and quite guttingly should now be available for around the £250 mark.

[Ex-Biker]

Any of these any good?
www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=51692

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60419

www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=63755

[simpo two]

OK, get yourself to Comet or similar and have a browse.

[ricardo g]

Yip, a quick trip dpwm to the local Currys etc will help decide as all models can be seen together. They usually have respectable deals on as well due to the competitivness in the mearket at the moment. I will give the Olympus point and shoots a thumbs up to get the ball rolling. Think they have a 4million MP camera with 3x optical zoom going for £199 at the moment.

[EmmaP]

I'd definately recommend anything by Canon. I bought a Canon PowerShot S50 last October (just for snapping) and it is fantastic. It even records three minute movies which is actually quite good fun. I got some footage of speeding fire engines in NewYork (maybe that's just a girl thing).

Canon have just released an upgrade, the S60 which has a better lens and lens cover design. It still offers 5 megapixels, despite what the name suggests. This is retailing at about £400. Jacobs were selling off all their old stock of S50s for £249 a few weeks ago, so if you act quick you should be able to snap up a bargain.

The best site for reviews of any digital still camera is: www.dpreview.com/
They do extensive testing of all cameras, from cheap to re-mortgage price, and you can also download their test shots.

Personally I would only consider buying a camera from Calumet (geared towards professional market, with stores throughout country), Jacobs or John Lewis. If you are in London then the Tottenham Court Road is the place to go with lots of different independent retailers who are extremely knowledgeable.

Hope this helps!

EmmaP

PS I'd forget places like Currys, Dixons or Argos. Most of the assistants know Jack s**t about cameras, only what they probably read out of 'Amateur Photographer".

>> Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 11th July 20:08

[simpo two]

ricardo g said:

I will give the Olympus point and shoots a thumbs up to get the ball rolling. Think they have a 4million MP camera with 3x optical zoom going for £199 at the moment.

Yep, that's the Mju400 (I have the 300), and there's also a new 410. They're cute-looking and also 'weatherproof'.

[EmmaP]

Nearly forgot to mention, just in case your colleague chooses not to get the S50 (big mistake), make sure she opts for a camera which saves to a compact flash card as they are the most durable and reliable. A spare battery is also advisable, as is a fair sized card such as 256MB. Always best to have a couple of these too.

EmmaP