Need Your Opinion on Which Camera Is Better to Buy.

Unless you're planning on enlarging (8x10" or larger) most of the photos you take, you probably don't need a camera with more than 4 or 5 megapixel resolution. Most standard photo developing software (like what's used at Costco and Walmart) is actually maximized for 4 megapixel images and may make a higher resolution photo come out grainy rather than more clearly (ironically). I found that I prefer the control I have over the focal length with an SLR camera over the point-and-shoot. We have a Nikon D40 - 6 megapixel, and an Olympus of some sort - 4 megapixels. There's no doubt the Nikon takes "better" photos, but that's only when we're looking at them on the computer - it's hard to tell the difference between the prints.

I think for that price point I would go for the Kodak easy share. The higher mp the better. I had a Kodak easy share3.0 for my first camera! up-graded to a 6.0 and recently got my first canon! But I was very happy with the Kodak 6.0 and even had the camera dock where I could print out pics at home. very easy. one touch transfer. hope this helps!

I second the www.dpreview.com post! I've researched all of my digital camera's there and have not regretted a single purchase. I'm an avid scrapbooker and have a big weakness for the latest and greatest when it comes to cameras.

I would go for the 8 mp with the Image Stabilization. It will definitely help keep your pictures from being blurry, even if your hand isn't so steady.

I am a semi-professional photographer, and I have not been impressed with the shutter speed on the canon point and shoots. I have been impressed with all of the Panasonic Lumix point and shoot cameras. I got one of them in 2005 because it was the only point and shoot that was fast enough for me (returned Canon and Nikons before settling on Panasonic), and just replaced it the other day--not because there was anything wrong with the one I had (it is still in great shape), but simply because the one I had was 5.1 megapixels and they came out with a new 14(!) megapixel one. Here are some cheaper Panasonics that are fast and take beautiful photos:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/545322-REG/Panasoni... (10 megapixels!)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/545355-REG/Panasoni... (8.1 megapixels)

You can search "Panasonic Lumix point and shoot" and find other colors and models, etc.

The company I linked to, B&H photo, is one of the best--if not THE best--photo retailers in the nation. This is where the professionals shop, and they have amazing prices with NO CATCH. You can trust them. I've been shopping with them via internet for years, and visited their store (an entire city block in Manhattan!) when I went to New York. They are amazing. Good luck! Panasonic Lumix is super-fast and have Leica lens, which are some of the very best.

WE got a Kodak Easy share for $79.00 online and we LOVE IT even better than the one we paid $500.00 for a few years ago.

Trish,

I am by no means a camera expert... But recently I went shopping for a new camera and this is what I learned...

If you plan on actually printing, or having the pictures printed off, go with the higher megapixel.
If you plan on just posting the pics online, or on a digital picture displayer, you are perfectly safe with the 7.1 megapixel. (In fact, anything online will work fine with a MP of 3 or higher.)

If it were me, I would go with the 8mp and 2.5" screen. After you get this camera, you are probably going to love taking pics, and start snapping away. I have even used mine to create some "art" pictures in my home. I even plan on getting some pictures blown up REALLY large (almost poster sized) and I am happy that I have a 10mp camera).

Read the reviews for the cameras that you are considering. That will really help you decide, then keep in mind the info from above.

Happy snapping! :)

I just got the Cannon A590, it is light weigt, has awesome zoom and is easy to use. It was about $150 at Best Buy but I think they are on sale.

I LOVE my canon powershot! It a few years old but I think it takes pictures very fast and Is very user friendly.

I highly recommend not buying one unless you can test it out (most places will let you)...because some of the new fancy pants cameras may have all the high tech features but they take forever to load after every picture : (

I have a SOny Cybershot that I love and use it almost daily. It's fast and very light - that's why I carry it in my purse at all times. Don't want to miss the perfect moment :)
Good luck!

Here is a good place for you to compare camera quality:
www.dpreview.com

You can look at actual photos from the cameras and compare the pluses and minuses of the camera features.

D.
SAHM mother of three: 19,18,and 5.
Home Baker and crafter. Married to the same
wonderful man for almost 12 years.

I have had this camera for over two years now: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7386431
and I absolutely love it. It is on sale for $250 at the walmart link above. I take approximately 350 pictures a week because photography has become a hobby for me. You can see how they turn out on my blog: www.junecleavernirvana.com where I post pictures every weekend.

Hi Trish, First bit of advice is only purchase a camera from a company that has been in the camera business for a long time. I have owned many digitals since they were first introduced. My favorite is a Canon. It uses generic batteries(rechargeables or disposables) so your cost for the batteries is less (some brands have their own proprietarty batteries so they really cost). Secondly the media (film) card is a secure digital and this seems to be the standard. Even my laptop has a secure digital port which is very convenient for viewing and transfering. My photos are terrific and since my present camera is 2 years old I have 5mp and that is good for clear prints up to 8x10. I rarely print larger than 4x6. Lastly, go to BestBuy for good informed information. Their prices will be comparable with Walmart and they will have better models in your price range. Good luck, Nana

the 8.0mp is going to give you better quality pictures.

As for shutter speed, check the camera and see if there is a setting for this... I have a kodak and I can actually set the shutter speed.

I have really liked my kodak camera.

D.

i have the sd750 and it is an awesome camera. my son bought it for me for mothers day last year. it takes great pictures andvideos. it is fast and easy to use. we took several videos this summer water sking and they came out good. this would be my pic!!! i like the bigger screen on the camera.

Once you get above 6 megapixels, it really does not matter between a 7, 8, 9, etc unless you are going to be blowing your pictures up into poster size. So do not worry between a 7.1 and an 8- it will make no diff. to you.

Since speed is what is important to you,
you need to ask to try out the 2 cameras with a memory card inside and see how you like the "shutter speed." Upon looking at the 2 links, it looks as if there will prob. be no difference in the speed between the two.

If you keep missing your little girl's perfect pose because the camera is too slow, you will need to go back to film cameras or get a digital SLR (a digital camera that works just like a film camera- no lag time between when you press the button and save the picture.) SLR stands for "single lens reflex." Those are more expensive but one of the best purchases I have EVER made.

Canon PowerShot A570 IS (or whatever the latest model is)-- You might check out this one as well. I think it is in your price range. It is a regular digital camera- not SLR- but may have the faster speed for which you are looking.
Good luck!

We bought the Canon 770 the week it came out. Before that we were looking at the sd100. Both are awesome cameras. Shutter speed is kid fast and camera is lightweight and quick to get the perfect shot. My husband has a canon DSLR and he prefers mine for indoor shots. You can't go wrong with either one but you will get better pictures from the larger megapixel camera.
Good Luck!

My husband, who is a photojournalist, and does still photog. as a hobby said that he would probably buy the one with the bigger screen because the MP's are so close between the two that there isn't enough diff. to matter. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but I hth.