Consumer level camera recommendation

I have an OLD sony digital camera that came with my TV 5 years ago.
Looking to upgrade to a $150-$200 range, for general purpose picture
taking.

Not really sure what to look for. I figure something with a good
optical zoom lens. Much of the picture taking (I wouldn't insult you
pros by calling it "photography"!!) will be outdoors. Golf course
stuff. Something small, which I imagine everything is pretty small
nowadays for non-SLR cameras.

Movie captures aren't important as I have a DV camera for that.
Firewire or USB is fine...

TIA!

 

I recommend something in the Nikon Coolpix L line. They have several compact
models under $200 and some under $150. The new Coolpix L10, L11 and L12
models are all under $200 list price, very compact, all have 3x optical
zooms and use readily available AA batteries (you'll want to get
rechargeables and a charger, but those are available under $20 at Wal-Mart
for example). The L10 is only about $120 suggested retail price. Older
models are no doubt still available from some sellers, perhaps at discounted
prices. You'll want to get an SD memory card too -- they are very
inexpensive, often on sale and/or with good rebates, for example from
Buy.com.

Look on this page and compare:
http://nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2

Neil

 

You can get a good camera for that kind of money these days. They all will
shoot videos, most with sound, so it is something that can be avoided, but
it is nice to have anyway. In this price range all have optical zoom lenses.
Personally, I'd recommend something that uses AA batteries and SD memory
cards. Check your local stores. Many have a large selection of cameras you
can get your hands on to try. You sould find most of todays models are
pretty small.
John

 

First, I advise reading the latest Consumer Reports. This will at least get
you started on the right track.

Cheers,

Norm Strong

 

Try the camera screener here

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php

 

There isn't a whole lot or difference between brands of digicams in the
$150-200 range. It is mainly a matter of choosing a camera with the
features that you REALLY want.
The current issue of Consumer Reports evaluates and ranks a bunch of
digicams. That is a good place to start (and end?) your research.
Bob Williams

 

(snip)

(snip)

If you find an optical viewfinder essential, as I do, be sure to check
out the Canon and Eastman Kodak camera lines -- before the ones with a
handy little window get away. Both companies have some good models
offering very good features and value for money.

A camera in the 5- to 7- megapixel range should serve your purposes
well. If especially clear, well-thought-out and easy to follow menus
and manuals appeal, look closely at the Kodak models.

Both Kodak and Canon offer some decent bundle deals of a camera and
dye-sub snapshot printer, sometimes with other accessories thrown in,
all in one box. Just be sure *not* to get a combo put together to help
unload a very limitedr low-end camera, unless you're very sure that's
what you want.

Best of luck,

sw2U

 

Not all of the combos include limited, low-end cameras. At a time
when most stores were out of the recently discontinued Canon A620,
Staples was selling it for less that its regular price, bundled with
one of their "regular" sized basic printers, the Pixma ip6220D. The
package also included a second set of ink cartridges, but I don't
know if they were or weren't included when the printer was not
purchased as part of a bundle. One more thing to watch out for are
the special sales that include printing paper. I think it's Canon
that offers several different quality grades, and if you check the
spec's, the ones usually on sale usually have the shortest quoted
print longevity.

 

yeah, it will help him to know to avoid any device that CR rates highly.
Usually IMHO and experience, most of what CR rates as good is crap.

 

Go to http://www.dpreview.com/ and then "buying guide" and "side by
side". You can compare your old camera with any one off the list.

Lori

 

Thanks for all the advise. I, of course, spent more than I initially
wanted and got the Canon A710. Looks like it got some good reviews,
has I.S. and 6x optical zoom.