Really need help in picking the right digital camera, there is so much information out there...confusing.

Question

If I want to take regular pictures of friends and special moments and only blow them up to 5x7's, rarely 8x10's (I'll mostly have regular 4x6's) what is the best optical zoom and megapixesto have? I do enjoy shrinking pictures so they fit in lockets and smaller frames (again, rarely). I'd like something fairly small and easy to use with some video capability. Anyone know about cameras?

Answer 1

For your needs, it is hard to beat the Canon Powershot line. There are several options, from about $180 - $280, and all of them are excellent.  They take great video and have excellent results with still pictures as well.

Have fun and good luck.

Answer 2

HI Scorpion,

There are so many brands and models to choose from... I know it is a hard decision.

You will be happier if you choose a name brand.  I suggest Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji.   There are others,  but they just don't have the same reputation for making cameras as the brands I listed above.

Anything you buy now... New... will have good resolution and you will have no problems with blowing up all the way to 8X10...  meaning your 4X6's will be awesome.

Try not to get one that it TOO small,  even in the better brands,  as these tend to be so easy to fall out of your hand... on to the floor... and resulting in  ....into the trash.   Buy one that is large enough to handle a neck strap and it will last you longer... make you happier.

Thanks for reading and happy camera shopping.  The link below should give you all of the specific details for all the new cameras out on the shelves right now.

***Employed at a camera repair facility.

Answer 3

So for 8x10's you'll want something with at least 7.2 megapixels (300dpi = 2400x3000 = 7.2mp). You don't really need any more than that so look for something in the 7.2-10mp range.

For optical zoom more is better. Basically go with the most you can afford.

Everything else with a digital camera is basically preference.

My suggestion to you is decide on your budget. Then go into a reputable store and find all the models with at least 7.2 megapixels. Then pick the one that you find most comfortable. Some features you may want to consider are the size of the screen and whether or not it has a viewfinder.

Some good brands to look at are the Canon Powershot line and the Olympus cameras.