Digital cameras

[mistiblu]

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Hi everyone

We are going to purchase a new digital camera today. Does anyone have any ideas on what make/model I should be looking at? I do not want anything fancy, just easy to use and one that takes sharp, clear images (and memories of my jolly hols!). We are willing to look at prices up to £250. I heard somewhere that the UK are about the same price as the USA so we are going to get one before we go.

(PS Good news that Frances is dying down a little, lets hope it keeps that way for the residents/tourists and there is no lasting damage. We are flying out next Saturday on the 11th and I simply cannot wait!!!)

[Nostromo]

First of all, UK prices are closer to the US prices only if you buy on-line. The high street shops charge more, and although Jessops (and maybe others) offer a 'price-match', that is not as straightforward as it sounds. They will want confirmation that the product on offer by the rival is a UK spec one and even if it is, the 'rival' will not be too eager to forward that info on paper (or e-mail) because they will be fully aware why you're asking.

Good on-line companies include 7-day shop, Digital First (one of the best prices & service), Unbeatble.co.uk (not always cheap and difficult to contact) etc. Avoid Pixmania since most of their products are non-UK spec and post-sale service is non-existent.

As to the camera itself, you need to make the choice based on the kind of features you need. £250 gives you a reasonable choice. I suggest using Google to go to the dpreview site, clicking on the 'cameras' icon on the bar and search out the latest models with each manufacturer. Not all have reviews, but if you click on the camera's title, the specs column will appear. Then note down the models you like (this is a US site) and check prices in the UK sites mentioned above.

[Nostromo]

Here are a few tips in choosing the Digital Camera:

- Think about what you are going to use the camera for. If it mainly for holiday pics, family photos and such, you do not need an all singing, all dancing contraption with a multitude of functions that you may never use.

- While you should go for the best sensor you can get for your budget, 3.2MP cpuld be more than sufficient for purposes mentioned above. You certainly do not need over 5MP unless you are a genuine enthusiast.

- Check the ZOOM. Digicams have two types of zoom, Optical & Digital. Of these, the former is by far the more important since Optical zooming does not significantly affect image quality while Digital Zooming does. Manufacturers have this trick of advertising 'total or combined zoom' by multiplying the two zoom functions, which should NOT be done. Thus a camera with 5x Optical Zoom and only 2x Digital Zoom (and so a 'total' zoom of 10X) is actually better than one with 4X Optical and 4x Digital zoom, even though the latter has 16x 'total' zoom.

- Unless you have strong reasons related to styling or price considerations, buy as recent a model as possible. With Digital Photography, technology is improving all the time.

Hope this helps.

[chrisj]

Just to add to Nostromo

If you go online and actually print off the details that show the price, Jessops will
price match, This is what I did the other weekend and got a full UK spec camera. Only
thing Jessops want is that the price must be that days and the company must be a uk
online company and then they will price match

UK prices are now slightly better for some goods than the USA, I saved £20 on my camera

[phaedra]

At around £250 I'd go for the new Minolta Z3 (£275)

http://konicaminolta.com/products/co...-z3/index.html

12x optical zoom, anti-shake for sharp images, standard AA batteries so rechargeables are very cheap!.

[Snapper]

Hi Mistiblu

Take a look at the Nikon Coolpix range (models 3200/4200/5200). Optically they are excellent, their menu system is easy to navigate and their 'photo modes' system gives you great photos without you having to worry about the technicalities or second guess what the camera is doing.

I have a Canon S45. It takes great photos but I find myself constantly having to watch what it is doing to make sure the photos stay great. It's autofocus speed leaves a lot to be desired too, so if you are hoping to get a great photo of Shamu jumping you need to look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong; it's a great camera without doubt, but if I were buying today having used it for a couple of years I would bypass everything and go straight for the Nikons.

Don't forget to allocate parts of your budget to a couple of important extras that could make all the difference. Make sure you buy a larger capacity flash card. Go for a 256Mb (about £35) or 512Mb card (about £70). Also buy a spare set of batteries as digitals tend to eat them (especially with the display switched on).

Then all you have to do is take some great photos ....

[Wazz]

i have a canon powershot a85 4MP and it is fantastic,giving great pics and easy to use shooting modes plus manual operation if you know what you're doing.about £170 on the net.

[Nostromo]

I agree that Phaedra's Konica-Minolta Z3 is a good choice for 'casual' digital photography with its long zoom and anti-shake feature. It scores over the Nikons, Canons, Olympi and Pentaxes in the same price bracket. The current price is around £280, but it should drop to the £250 mark within 6 to 8 weeks. If you have that much time before your holiday, worth waiting.

[mistiblu]

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Hi,

Thanks for all your replies, it has a been a big help for a beginner like me!! Someone did mention to me today that if you buy your camera at the airport, they are tax free. Does anyone know if this is true, would it be better for me to purchase one at the airport. I have left it a bit late as I go this Saturday so my options are limited (i.e buying online).

Thanks once again,

Zoe

[linda.s]

Hi Zoe,
I'm after the new Canon G6, and I have found one very cheap at a UK dealer, they have a shop and an on-line store. I rang Jessops and they promised to price match as long as I take in the print outs from the website on the day I go in....... So, you can get the on-line prices, as long as you choose the camera you want, and then take confirmation of price, and store info (address & phone number) with you. The only stipulation is that it must be based in the UK, and VAT included..........
Hope this helps, as you can probably get a better camera for your money now!