What a strange question to ask on a weightloss board. But...

I want a digital camera and have NO idea how to chose one.

Like everything else, there is the good, better, best ones.

Just wondering from you guys which one is the 'better' one - and the easiest to operate. ($200 price range)

Oh, and Ive been shopping for one - MANY times - still nothing. Thats why Ive decided to come here and ask you.

Thanks!

Paula - Mine is a SONY, but I don't know how much it cost because my DH got it for me for Christmas about 3 or 4 years ago. It has been a good one though!

I have a Kodak i got about 3 years ago, and still still works great... I paid about 235.00 for it, but it came with an extra card with rebate and a chargeable dock. So i dont know how or if i paid all extra for that. You might just want to go to your local electronic store and ask them more info on them, look around to see who has better deals, or rebates. You might even find one you like and look on ebay for it, it could be a lot cheaper. Sorry I cant help much more.

You should be able to get at least a 3.1 megapixel digital camera for less than $200. The more megapixels, the higher quality the photo, and the bigger you can make it without it getting blurry.

Things to look for:

1. megapixels - don't settle for less than 3.1

2. OPTICAL zoom - minimum x3. Optical zoom is where the lens actually moves back and forth - digital zoom is NOT the same quality. Most have x3 optical with additional digital zoom.

3. decent-sized LCD display

4. QUICK refresh after taking a photo. I have an HP, which takes FOREVER to refresh after taking a photo - whatever I was taking a picture of is LONG gone by the time the camera is ready to shoot again.

5. Speed of focus - see problems with #4... lol

6. Battery life. Some cameras chew through batteries - like my HP (are you getting the impression I don't really recommend the HP??? lol) Mine takes FOUR AA batteries, and they don't last that long.

7. Check out the prices of the memory chips the camera takes - I highly recommend putting out for a 250meg chip or more.

8. Get yourself one of those multi-chip readers that plugs into the USP port. That way you can remove the chip from the camera and plug it into the computer without having to follow the directions about turning on the camera at the right time, remembering to turn it off at the right time, blah blah blah. I love my multi-card reader!

My SO has an Olympus - only takes 2 AA batteries, refreshes quickly, and does a good job. I have more luck getting pics of him with his eyes open using mine, for some reason, but then there's all that wait time before I can snap another one...

Once you go digital, you'll never go back... The instant gratification of SEEING whether or not the pic came out is soooo addicting...

Personally, I can't see past Kodak. I have a DX3600, which is probably a little dated now, but was very reasonably priced, easy to use and excellent quality. Great advice from Donali, that's exactly the things you should be looking for

Once you go digital, you'll never go back... The instant gratification of SEEING whether or not the pic came out is soooo addicting...

That is EXACTLY why I want digital. I have 3 kids and when I get my film developed maybe 2 out of 24 is worth keeping.

Thanks for the information everyone.

I HATE shopping for big items like this... I always have regrets later!

I have two digital cameras. One is a Canon Power shot A70. That is the predominate pics on this website. It cost about $200 to $300.

I have a nicer more expensive camera my sweetie got me for christmas. Canon EOS 10D. NICE CAMERA!!! Too expensive for what you want but a NICE camera. DROOLING!!!

I have a Gateway T-250 which cost me about $299. It's a 5 mega pixel, compact and takes pretty good pics.

I love my Canon A90!

5 megapixels

4 AA batteries that last a long time!

It even takes movies.

Got it on E-bay brand-new for $300.

Then bought a 256meg memory-flash card for $44 at Target.

While were on the photo quest...

Can anyone recomend a photo printer? If I want to print a pic I go to the Rite-aid photo place....I want something that will print a quality 5X7 picture at home.

Sorry for the hi-jack...believe me Paula once you get your digital camera it's just a matter of time before you'll want a printer too.

no problem Vera... Im anticipating the feedback as well

I have a good one at home, I think it is a HP, but not sure, it might be a Cannon. It prints fantastic pictures. They have came out with some newer ones recently, so I would check out some of them first. When I get home I will post the brand of mine.

I was wrong on both counts! My printer is an Epson, and it prints beautiful pictures. The only problem I have with it is the toner dries up fast and you have to replace it often. I heard that they have a newer model out that doesn't do that.

If you want a bevy of choices, prices, mega pixels, etc. Go to Epinions.com. It compares price, stats. You can also read what everyone who has purchased your item thinks of its performance. This site is great for Pro and Amatuer photographers.

I have a Sony 5.1 and still have no idea what I am doing with it.

Got it as a gift from my husband and it works great don't get me wrong I like to see the pictures I just took. But do not know how much it costed

I have a Sony Mavica CD500. It takes great pics, I just can't figure out the software, LOL!