I'm looking to buy a digital camera but i'm not sure which one to buy. ?

Question

I've been looking for a while and i've pretty much narrowed it down to 2 cameras. The Canon Powershot SD850 IS and the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC H10. If any of you have any suggestions please help. The absolute must-haves are: 8 megapixel, 4x zoom, macro mode, 31 fps (video), and rechargable battery (no alkaline batteries). (Please note that all these are "at least").

Note: Personally I like the bulkier cameras (not sure why?) and I dont really plan on taking alot of people pictures. more in the line of nature, landscape, animals, etc.

Thanks and please help.

Answer 1

Have you looked on dpreview?  http://www.dpreview.com

You can search for cameras that meet your requirements, but you will not find any video at 31 fps ... 30 fps is the standard.

One thing you seem to have overlooked is the memory card issue.

All P&S cameras but three use SD or SDHC memory cards ... sort of the standard of the industry.  Sony uses a proprietary card that only can be used on other Sony products, the Memory Stick.  Olympus and some Fujifilm cameras use a nearly proprietary memory card, the xD.

You may want to look for a P&S camera that uses SD/SDHC cards and uses a Li-ion battery.

Answer 2

You can compare them here side by side---

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_...

The Sony has a longer zoom, but the Canon has a viewfinder.   You would find that viewfinder very valuable if you are taking pictures in bright sunlight, as the LCD screen is worthless in sunlight.

It all depends on how much you will be taking pictures of things far away.  Unless you would be taking pics of a lot of animals that are a long ways off, the 4x zoom should be enoough.  Only you know what you will need it for.  

Answer 3

My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes ... like magic. Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Ask what cameras they own. Once you select a camera read all about it in the owner's manual.

Many of the new cameras come with only an LCD display. Would suggest that you find one that has an optical view finder because the LCD is almost impossible to see in bright sun.

Check this camera.  FUJIFILM - FinePix 10.0-Megapixel Digital. This is more camera for the money.

Wide-angle shooting, a 12x optical zoom and picture stabilization mode combine in this camera for exceptional shooting performance, even at a distance. Plentiful scene modes, autofocus and automatic white balance controls make this camera a snap to operate. Life time Warranty (Parts & Labor)

You may be able to find it on the Internet for a lower price.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?... ...

This could be the best slim line camera.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber... ...

The last source link will show you most of the old and new cameras available today.

The first source link will help you clean camera and battery electrical contacts.  Digital Cameras require lots of power.  If the contacts are not really good, it can cause lots of problems.