Question about digital cameras?

Question

What's the cheapest?

What's the most expensive?

The best?

The worst?

The most popular?

The best place to get one?

and do I need to know anything else?

Answer 1

The cheapest (and quite likely worst) is a fixed focus digital compact from a name with nothing to do with technology or photography.

The most expensive (and most versatile) would be a Digital SLR (DSLR) with interchangeable lenses, like a film SLR.

A step below the DSLR is a category referred to as ZLR (Zoom lens reflex) similar in functions to the DSLR, but with a non-interchangeable lens, this is a typical Prosumer (professional/consumer) category.

Fuji, Canon, Olympus all have pretty good coverage at most price points.

Another thing to consider is the memory type:

Sony will be memory stick

Fuji are now on XD

Those formats tend to be more expensive than SD (Secure digital) or Compact flash.

Another thing to watch out for, is SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) - this format is used for SD cards of 4GB and above, and SDHC cards are only compatible with SDHC supporting equipment.

Another deciding factor may be the battery technology - while proprietary Li-Ion packs have better power to weight ratio, consumer NiMH AA cells allow the cheap provision of a large amount of reserve power - most AA cell cameras can also run on Lithium AA primary cells for low temperature use or emergencies, while many do not recommend alkalines as the power drain is too high.

Answer 2

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a new compact, point & shoot digicam:

1). Requires regular (AA) batteries or not? There are many cameras that all you do is recharge, (like a cellphone), the camera. I like cameras that use AA batteries. You can buy rechargeable AA batteries, and buy non-recharge ones in a pinch anywhere, should you find your camera without power, instead of being without a camera to use while it's hooked up being recharged. (What happens if you need to replace the lithium ion battery? Might be costly to replace and not easy to find). It's true that digicameras use up non-recharge batteries quickly. But you can buy rechargeable ones and they last a long time. It should be a must to buy rechargeable batteries (with it’s charger), There are some rechargeable AA (stick with the name brands), that now recharges in an hour, or even less! (Remember to figure in the cost to buy rechargeable AA battery and battery recharger).

2). Media Memory Format? SD (Secure Data either MMC [media memory card] or HC [High Capacity]) I know for sure this 'memory card' is used by Canon, Kodak digicams; and I'm sure they're other brands. Then there are other brands who require xD and CF (Compact Flash) and Sony uses exclusively their memory 'sticks' (pro Duo and other different configurations). The pros for having a camera that uses SD/MMC, is that they are also used in other electronic devices and are the most affordable media memory storage.

3). An optical viewfinder is very useful for those times when it's difficult to see your subject on your screen, i.e. a distance face in a crowd; too sunny to see subjects in the LCD screen; fast action shots. It can help conserve power of your camera by periodically turning off the LCD screen and using the optical viewfinder. This feature seems to be important to some, (me included), but to others, not necessary. (This is where IS [Image Stabilization] comes in. Helpful if your camera does not have an optical vierfinder.)

4). Don't get sucked in by the more MP (megapixels [10 and above]), the camera has, the better. It is not always the case. 5-6 mp is sufficient for most.

5). Optical zoom of at least 3-4x. Higher optical zoom, a bonus. Don't be fooled by a high digital zoom number. Opitical is what you're looking for.

6). IS (image stabilization) and face detection? This is a personal choice for what an individual wants, and on some models, it's a standard feature.

7). Camera size: Compact or subcompact? You might compromise in some functions and options when you go with a small and sleek camera. Camera size will dictate what functions and features will go into the camera. This too, is a personal choice for an individual.

Don't forget to consider in your budget: Rechargeable batteries and extra memory cards/sticks. Good to have if your camera also takes video. Nothing more frustrating than running out for memory space on your card/stick.

In no particular order, here are some of the best and popular: stick with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji, Kodak, Pentax. They have models that can fit any budget.

The most expensive are the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras.  But those who are pros or really know a thing or two about photography, use this type of camera.

If you do your research on cameras, then go to your local electronic/camera merchants like Best Buy, Circuit City, Ritz, etc...or even Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Costco, Sam's Club, or consider your office supply stores that have a camera dept., OfficeMax, Staple, Office Depot.  Or check on-line.  A good place is B&H.

Answer 3

-What's the cheapest?

Well you can get them for $15 or so but those are REALLY cheap but otherwise the cheapest good quality ones you can get are $70 - $100

-What's the most expensive? Well for a point and shoot digital camera I am going to say the most expensive is between $350 - $450

-The best? Canon

-The worst? Some off brand like sony, fuji...

-The most popular? Canon or Nikon

-The best place to get one? A local store like Circut City

and do I need to know anything else?

Answer 4

The cheapest would be disposable

The most expensive is the HasselbladH3DII-39MS SLR Digital Camera about 45 grand

The best is up to the photographer

The most popular is Nikon and Canon

B&H or Adorman is wear I shop



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