Need a good digital camera, no more than $300!

[003]

I want to get the best digital camera for my family that I can this Christmas! The most that I can afford is $300. This is limit is set in stone and it includes shipping. If it's $301, I can't get it.

There are so many cameras at this price point, all of varying quality. I know nothing about cameras. It must have an LCD previewing screen on it.

I know a lot of photo nuts hang out on head-fi, I could use some input here.

Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

 

[meat01]

This is Gear-Fi

I like the Canon A series.

 

[3DCadman]

Here's some reading:

Steve's Digicams - The "Best" Digicams
Scroll down to "Entry Level"

Recommended Cameras
Scroll down as there are many listed

DCRP Buyers Guide: Our Favorite Digital Cameras

Enjoy the search and whatever you decide to buy.

Happy Holidays!

 

[Capital R]

The Canon Powershot SD750 to SD1000's are all pretty darn good if you ask me.

 

[nick20]

PM sent!

 

[003]

Is the Nikon D40 worth the price?

 

[troymadison]

Panasonic DMC-TZ3

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

If you're looking for small size, I'd go for the Canon SD1000 (cheaper) or the SD800IS (more expensive, but gives you image stabilization and a wide-angle lens).

 

[Kasp3r]

I work at CompUSA and Circuitcity, and i usually recommend the SD1000, its compact, easy to use, and not one customer that I know of has brought it back.

 

[nickknutson]

I recommend the Canon SD850, it takes great pictures.

 

[fatcat28037]

Kodak Z812 IS

8.2 MP, 12X opt. zoom, Image stab.
$279.95 MSRP

 

[dj_mocok]

For family I assume you want those nice little ones?

The one that comes to my mind is those Canon Ixus range.

 

[soozieq]

Unless you're into realy high-class photography, for a simple point and shoot, what about the Casio Exilim EX-Z1050? I just got one when my Nikon died a sudden death. Only 'flaws' so far are the flash range and lack of optical viewfinder - but it's great value for money and simple to use (if you don't use the silly bundled software with it!). I think it's a great little gadget.
Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 - TrustedReviews
Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 review - IT Reviews

 

[GlendaleViper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is the Nikon D40 worth the price?

Absolutely... but not necessarily "worth it" for what you need.

Just popping in to second the recommendation on the Canon "A" series. Very robust little cameras that take great shots.

 

[3DCadman]

On the 3 links I gave earlier, all 3 had both the Canon A and SD series listed. You really can't go wrong with the point and shoot Canons.

About the D40: my buddy bought one and LOVES it. On his site Ken Rockwell runs on and on about how good this little camera is.

Of course, getting a DSLR takes you down a death spiral of lens buying...I'm a Canon victim. I've spent more on lenses than I did on my camera body.