Looking for a KICKASS digital camera for <$250

[MaStA]

Since being in the Air Force I have wanted a camera to take pictures of all the events and stuff going on here but I always get stuck buying a disposable camera which sucks because of the cost. I always just send pictures online and don't care about the hard copy ones to tell you the truth so I am looking for a great camera for under $250. I love the Sony cyber shot's but was wondering if there was anything out there maybe better. I don't know too much about photography but anything to get some pictures back to the loved ones that look great would be cool to me. Is there any digital camera out that you can take pictures of moving things without it looking like junk or is that capable in the expensive ones only? Well thanks before hand for your input and please respond with some answers.

Thank you,
Jared

[egarrard]

The Nikon Coolpix 3200 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=315925&is=REG). It's $249 at B&H. You can probably find it cheaper.

Reviews:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix3200-review/index.shtml
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CP3200/CP32A.HTM
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon3200.html

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix3200-review/camera-inhand.jpg

[MaStA]

The Nikon Coolpix 3200 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=315925&is=REG). It's $249 at B&H. You can probably find it cheaper.

Reviews:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix3200-review/index.shtml
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CP3200/CP32A.HTM
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon3200.html

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix3200-review/camera-inhand.jpg

Seems it does not come with rechargeable batteries, charger, and a memory stick so that is definately not for me. I don't really like the looks of it either. I need something that will work for a while until I can afford a bigger memory stick. 16MB will have to do for a while lol. How do you feel about the DSC-P72?

Jared

[egarrard]

Seems it does not come with rechargeable batteries, charger, and a memory stick so that is definately not for me. I don't really like the looks of it either. I need something that will work for a while until I can afford a bigger memory stick. 16MB will have to do for a while lol. How do you feel about the DSC-P72?

JaredIt's a good camera. If you already have a memory stick, go with a Sony camera. The only problem is that you're stuck with Sony.

[JCYC5]

Take a look at the Canon Powershot A series...

[MaStA]

It's a good camera. If you already have a memory stick, go with a Sony camera. The only problem is that you're stuck with Sony.

I don't already have a memory stick but Sony's come with a whole package of everything you need to take pictures. I don't like when you have to buy the camera, batteries, and yet a charger seperate.

[Artcwolf]

Nikon CoolPix SQ (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CPSQ)

Nikon CoolPix 3700 w/ a $100.00 rebate (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CP-3700)

Nikon CoolPix 4300 w/ $50.00 rebate (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CP-4300)

[MaStA]

Nikon CoolPix SQ (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CPSQ)

Nikon CoolPix 3700 w/ a $100.00 rebate (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CP-3700)

Nikon CoolPix 4300 w/ $50.00 rebate (http://www.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CP-4300)

Nice nice...I think egarrard is right...I believe I am stuck on the sony's. I just love how they look and the funcionability of them. Then again I have never used many other cameras. My aunt has a olympus and I didn't like that one bit. I need to go up to a store and play around with them and see what I like I suppose. Is there any digital camera that can take good moving pictures?

Thanks again,
Jared

[Artcwolf]

Nice nice...I think egarrard is right...I believe I am stuck on the sony's. I just love how they look and the funcionability of them. Then again I have never used many other cameras. My aunt has a olympus and I didn't like that one bit. I need to go up to a store and play around with them and see what I like I suppose. Is there any digital camera that can take good moving pictures?

Thanks again,
Jared


Not really on the moving pictures. They will be so-so.

The only thing I have against Sony is that damn memory stick. Sony is so proprietary it's become arrogant. If Sony would start using CF or SD/MMC cards, I'd take them seriously. Until that time, Sony can kiss my arse.

[JCYC5]

Not really on the moving pictures. They will be so-so.

The only thing I have against Sony is that damn memory stick. Sony is so proprietary it's become arrogant. If Sony would start using CF or SD/MMC cards, I'd take them seriously. Until that time, Sony can kiss my arse.

Isn't there a Sony camera that uses SD or CF cards as well?

[egarrard]

I don't already have a memory stick but Sony's come with a whole package of everything you need to take pictures. I don't like when you have to buy the camera, batteries, and yet a charger seperate.The camera I showed you takes AA batteries. You can get batteries anywhere, or buy the rechargables of your choice. If you're posted overseas somewhere, you might appreciate the fact that it uses regular batteries. It takes better pictures than the Sony too, if that matters... :rofl2

[egarrard]

Is there any digital camera that can take good moving pictures?Not for that price.

[MaStA]

The camera I showed you takes AA batteries. You can get batteries anywhere, or buy the rechargables of your choice. If you're posted overseas somewhere, you might appreciate the fact that it uses regular batteries. It takes better pictures than the Sony too, if that matters... :rofl2

Rechargeable batteries are what I love...don't have to buy new ones for a long time. There are power converters. I would imagine you could use AA batteries in a Sony too no? Well thanks for the input...I might just wait on a camera until I get some more money to get a good one then.

Jared

[Artcwolf]

Isn't there a Sony camera that uses SD or CF cards as well?


The Sony DSC-F828 uses either memory sticks or CF cards but outside of that camera they all use memory sticks (exeption: CD and FD series uses cd-r/rw or floppy disk).

[Artcwolf]

Not for that price.


Even the higher end one's only take so so video. If you want good vid, you need a dv cam.

Another toy mesa wants... :D

[Artcwolf]

I might just wait on a camera until I get some more money to get a good one then.

Jared

Any of the Nikons Ed or I posted I would love to have (if I could go back before I bought my Canon S400 I would have gotten one of those Nikons).

You can pick one of the snapshot digi cams then save up for a more powerful, larger digi cam. I find having both is really nice depending on the situation. :)

[MaStA]

Even the higher end one's only take so so video. If you want good vid, you need a dv cam.

Another toy mesa wants... :D

I don't care about video but if a F-16 is flying above when you take pictures with a digital camera it tends to blur the picture a bit.

Jared

[JCYC5]

I don't care about video but if a F-16 is flying above when you take pictures with a digital camera it tends to blur the picture a bit.

Jared

Trust me, you wouldn't be able to take nice shots of anything near an F-16 with a compact camera....

[Artcwolf]

Trust me, you wouldn't be able to take nice shots of anything near an F-16 with a compact camera....

Well, if it's sitting in the hanger.... :p

[Bobenis]

Not really on the moving pictures. They will be so-so.

The only thing I have against Sony is that damn memory stick. Sony is so proprietary it's become arrogant. If Sony would start using CF or SD/MMC cards, I'd take them seriously. Until that time, Sony can kiss my arse.

Um...Sony are not the only ones who make MS or MS Pro. Also, Sony's new MS Pro Duo's are damn nice!!

[JCYC5]

Um...Sony are not the only ones who make MS or MS Pro. Also, Sony's new MS Pro Duo's are damn nice!!

Also TOO DAMN expensive!

[Tivon]

I own a Sony and it's a decent quality camera! Rodney, the owner of 3GM likes Sony! :D In fact, just about every other week someone tells me what great pictures I've taken of my kids. And I tell them thanks, it's a Sony. :D

Sony 256mb Memory Stick PRO Model MSX-256 = 85$
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-191-208&depa=7

Type: Memory Stick Pro
Capacity: 256MB
Speed: Transfer Speed: 160Mbps (20MB/sec) Thoeretical Maximum
Special Features: High Speed,Compact Design,real-time recording and MagicGate copyright protection technology with Memory Stick PRO media.

Sony DSC-P72 3.2MP,3X OPT,3.2X DG, 1.5"LCD,MS Digital Camera
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-150-023&depa=7

Imager:1/2.7" CCD
Megapixel:3.2MP
Zoom:3X OPT,3.2X DG,9.6X Total
Aperture:F2.8-F5.6
Recording Media:MS
Movies:640X480
Interface:USB
Battery & Battery life:2 AA size 98mins(LCD on,2 1600 mAh NiMH )
Size(mm):119.5X57.7X32.6(WxHxD)
Package Contents:16MB Memory Stick,NiMH Batteries,BC-CS2 Charger,USB/AV Cables,Straps
Warranty:1Yr
Features:Ultra Compact Design,MPEG Movie VX Mode,Support Memory Stick pro

I then got a leather case, cheap stand and 2 more 1600 mAh NiMH.

They do have cheaper brands of MS Pro.. I'll get one of these when I get more money. For now my Sony branded Ms Pro 256 takes about 151 pictures at the highest modes, more than enough for me. :)

Sandisk 256MB Memory Stick Pro Model SDMSV-256-A10 - RETAIL = 59$
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-191-408&depa=7

I stick with MS Pro because of the Transfer Speed: 160Mbps (20MB/sec) Thoeretical Maximum. :Nice

[Artcwolf]

Um...Sony are not the only ones who make MS or MS Pro. Also, Sony's new MS Pro Duo's are damn nice!!


I never said that Sony was the only one's that made the MS or MS Pro media. I implied that Sony was the only one's that used MS media.

[Tivon]

I never said that Sony was the only one's that made the MS or MS Pro media. I implied that Sony was the only one's that used MS media.


I never did see the problem with Sony using MS pro media. Once you buy a Stick it's yours forever and you only need so much memory anyway. I can also take my stick to any Walmart and use the Kodak or Alladins to print pictures just fine. To be honest I almost never take my 256 stick out of the camera. I just upload them to the computer, burn to cd and take the cd up to Walmart. Then again, this is my first and I'm not a hardcore digital picture guy. But so far I like what I've got just fine.:D

Now this is a camera! MS and CF2 :D
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/f828.html

[MaStA]

Well I will have to hold off on the camera unless my dad or someone wants to buy me one for my b-day or Christmas. Maybe I can talk my dad into getting me a camera for my b-day and Christmas present combined hehe that would be sweet. Right now I have to pay off this little loan I took for my car and also save up money for a ticket home come Christmas time which I have a few months to do so. I can't wait to go home and visit my family and friends...hard being away from home being only 18 hehe but I will get used to it I am sure. Well thanks for all your input and the P72 probably would be my choice currently...

Jared

[Artcwolf]

I never did see the problem with Sony using MS pro media.


:coffee

If you have one camera it might not be that big of a deal. Or if you plan on owning nothing but Sony's, no big deal.

As for me, I have two different brands of camera and both use CF cards making my life easier. My PDA uses CF cards and SD/MMC cards but unless you own a Sony PDA no MS for you. CF cards and the other universal media tends to be a little less expensive than the MS media. That is my hangup with MS media. I don't like the xD media that Olympus and Fuji are playing with. There isn't any reason for them not to use SD media. :)

[Tivon]

I guess that makes since ArtCwolf being that you have more than one camera. I'd hate to buy many types of ram when I could just share one. I'm just waiting for the MS Pro 1GB sticks to drop out of the freaking stratosphere. My next camera will probably be a Nikon or Canon, but that will be many years from now. This one was a simple point-n-shoot deal that even the wife could use.

[MaStA]

Sorry to bring my thread back alive but I figured I would instead of making a new one. Since it is so old has any of your feelings changed on a good camera for $275 and below price range? I am looking into the Sony P73 big time becuase it is right at that range and I could splurge for a bigger card real soon after before I go home for Christmas. Seems to me there is goods and bads about every camera and you just pick the one that looks nice to you. Any one have this camera or ever use it? Any other thoughts would be cool to but I really hate how nikon's and canon's look sorry heh...Look like a metal box or something.

Jared

[Tivon]

I also can't stand the cheap looks of the lowend Nikons and Canons.
Even if they are better in some areas than others Sony sure knows how to make their hardware look nice. :Nice

[MaStA]

I also can't stand the cheap looks of the lowend Nikons and Canons.
Even if they are better in some areas than others Sony sure knows how to make their hardware look nice. :Nice

So the P73 a good choice you think?

Jared

[Tivon]

So the P73 a good choice you think?

Jared

That's a really tuff call for me to say right now. I love my P72 and the P73 is the upgrade for 2004 over my Camera.

Here is a good read on the P73.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/p73.html

Steve's Conclusion
The Cyber-shot DSC-P73 is the 2004 upgrade to Sony's popular DSC-P72 we reviewed last year. The upgrades include an increase in resolution to 4-megapixels, an improved 5-point AF system, enhanced shooting performance, and the ability to attach conversion lenses. The P73 is also a better value than its predecessor; it not only offers improved features, but its MSRP is $30 less than DSC-P72 at the time of its introduction. The DSC-P73 appeals to the beginner with its point-n-shoot automatic mode, and satisfies the needs of the intermediate shooter with 6 scene modes plus programmed auto and full manual exposure mode.
The DSC-P73 is an attractive package. Its plastic body is both stylish and durable, and it's small enough to carry in your pocket or purse. The camera controls are logically arranged so that they're not accidentally activated, an achievement for such a small camera. The lens extends from the camera body when in use, and is protected by a shutter mechanism when retracted; there's no lens cap to lose. The 1.5-inch LCD is used as a live viewfinder, to review images, and to access the camera's menu system; it's usable in conditions ranging from bright sunlight to normal room lighting. The LCD viewfinder's image is not intensified when using flash, so you'll be happy that the DSC-P73 is equipped with a small but useful optical viewfinder. My only complaint with the LCD as a viewfinder is the small size of the icons and exposure information it presents.

The P73's small size is achieved in part because it uses only two AA batteries for power. But their small size doesn't mean short life; I was able to capture nearly 250 images before the capacity of the supplied 2100mAh NiMH rechargeables was consumed, and that included extensive use of the LCD as a viewfinder, to test the camera's menu system, and to field check the test shots. Sony also includes a small NiMH charger that can handle two AA or two AAA size batteries.

The P73's shooting performance belies its small size and price. From power-on till the first image was captured took only 2.5 seconds, helping you to capture those unposed spontaneous moments that some other cameras miss. Shutter lag (the delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing an image) was a fast 1/10 of a second when pre-focused and only 4/10 of a second including autofocus. In single shot mode, shots could be captured at a rate of one every 1.2 seconds without flash, or 1.4 seconds with flash. Burst mode captured 4 images in approx. 2.1 seconds, taking 3.5 seconds to process the full buffer before the next burst could be taken. These results were obtained using a 256MB Memory Stick Pro card, with the image size/quality set at 4M(2304x1728)/Fine mode and the flash off. The P73's responsiveness will contribute a great deal to your picture-taking enjoyment.

I was pleased with the P73's outdoor results. Our test shots were both well exposed and richly saturated. There was a bit of chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in high contrast areas at the wide angle end of the zoom range, but it diminished to near zero in the telephoto range. The lens produced sharp results throughout its 39 - 117mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom range, but with a moderate degree of barrel distortion that was most pronounced at extreme wide-angle. It zooms smoothly, but not continuously, throughout its 3X range, having nine distinct steps between full wide angle and telephoto. The camera's auto white balance system produced realistic colors in all outdoor shooting conditions.

I usually advise folks to avoid using the digital zoom feature. In most camera's, it simply enlarges the central area of the image sensor by interpolating it up to the full sensor image size, degrading image quality. The DSC-P73, however, has a "Smart" digital zoom feature that crops the central portion of the image and produces a high-quality uninterpolated image of smaller size. The smart digital zoom expands the 3x optical magnification to 3.4x when shooting 3-megapixel images, 5.4x when shooting 1-megapixel images and 10x when shooting VGA-sized images. You'll find the P73's Smart digital zoom of benefit if you need greater magnification than the 3x optical zoom can provide, and you don't need the camera's full 5-megapixel resolution for those shots.

If you need greater magnification and full resolution, Sony offers two optional telephoto conversion lenses, the $100 1.7x VCL-DH1730, and the $130 2.6x VCL-DH2630; both attach to the camera via the VAD-PEB lens adaptor. We tested the 2.6x lens, and found it to be a good match for the P73, producing sharp results but with an increased level of purple fringing in high contrast areas. With the 2.6x lens attached, vignetting occurs at all optical zoom settings except full telephoto, effectively converting the zoom lens into a fixed focal length of 304mm in 35mm-equivalence. While the optical results were good, I was disappointed with the mechanical connection between the camera and the lens adaptor; it had a lot of play and the locking mechanism did not feel secure. The adaptor SONY provided was pre-production; I hope they improve the final product.

I was pleased with the P73's indoor results. Because of the limited flash range (12.5 feet) and limited field of view provided at the camera's 39mm wide angle focal length, you'll obtain the best indoor results when shooting portraits of individuals or small groups; the flash is simply not powerful enough to illuminate a large room. Flash portraits produced natural skin tones and were absent red eyes when using the flash red eye reduction mode. The focusing system is an excellent performer in low ambient light because the P73 is equipped with a focus-assist lamp; it activates automatically when needed. The P73 is very effective at squelching its flash at macro range, making it a good choice for capturing images of small objects for inclusion in online auction listings.

With its small size, stylish design, 4-megapixel resolution, high-quality 3x zoom lens, 640x480 30fps movie clips and $300 MSRP, the DSC-P73 is a great value. Your children will get excellent results in Auto mode, yet its more advanced features will encourage the creativity of experienced users. Its excellent exposure system, accurate autofocus, realistic color balance, and 4-megapixel imager will produce photos you'll enjoy viewing on your computer or printing at 8x10 inches to hang on your wall. If you like the P73's features but want a bit more resolution, consider the DSC-P93; at an MSRP of only $50 more, it's a great value in the 5-megapixel class. Please have a look at our sample photos to see what this camera is capable of.

[MaStA]

Yeah I read his review but he said something about not liking the image noise or something which I don't know that much about digital cameras to understand that.

Jared

[MaStA]

I am going to head off to best buy now and check out cameras in my price range and write down pros and cons in my opinion of each then go from there I guess lol.

BBL

Jared

[MaStA]

Well I went to Best Buy and checked them out. The lady recommended for my needs the P73 so that may be what I get. I checked on the AAFES site which is the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (The military's stores on base or on-line) and I can get the P73 for $259 with free shipping...now that my friends is a STEAL! If I don't like it I can return it locally on base even though they don't carry that item and get my total refund without restocking fee's or whatever...wow wow wow hehe I am happy I looked on the aafes site before buying.

Also listed is the Nikon Coolpix 3200 for $209
Fuji FinePix A340 4.0 Megapixel Digital Camera for $229
Canon 3.2-Megapixel PowerShot A75 Digital Camera w/ Built-In Flash for $239
Sony® (DSC-F717) Cyber-Shot Digital / Still Camera for $629 (hmm I know a lot of you have it, how does this price compare with what you paid?

So what do you guys think about my biased self going with the P73? :lmao

Jared

[MaStA]

On top of the great price already I have an AAFES coupon that I send back with my order confirmation number and since I will be spending $251 or higher I get $30 back so the P73 would only cost me $229.99....that is freakin awesome hehe.

Jared