need some speedy ideas, what digicam to get?

[solarshot]

Well I'm about to go buy a digital camera, what do i get??? i have lots of experience with film and SLR ect, but not alot about digital cameras. Any ideas guys? (I'm not spending alot.... not like 1200 dollars think more like in the range of 200-400, I know I'm not going to get the best of the best, but any ideas on what i CAN afford?

thanks!

[CharlieJ]

Dean,
I would suggest you read the reviews on dpreview.com. You can even narrow down the choices by using their Buyers Guide. It's a great site with LOTS of good informaiton. Forget CNet and ZDNet as both derive a large portion of their income from the companies whose products are reviewed.

I love Nikon cameras, but I would stay away from the x100 models (3100, 4100, etc) as some have lingering battery problems.

Since you're used to SLRs, you might consider a refurbished Nikon CoolPix 5700. They are pro-sumer SLR-like cameras with LOTS of SLR features. *IF* you're used to various ASA/ISO film speeds, I would suggest you make that a criteria for your new digital camera. Many midline models have only 100~200 (or maybe 400 ISO) equivalents -- which can leave you wanting in some situations. Also, check the OPTICAL zoom -- digital zoom is useless as it is only a digital multiplied rendering of your full optical zoom (and quite grainy at that).

Lastly, glad to see another North Carolinian on RTB.net! I hope this advice helps!

[JuliusSqueezer]

Get the best Nikon you can afford. There is no substitute IMO. Nikon is the only name I trust....I should get paid for that eh? lol

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Finghin]

I have the Nikon Coolpix5700. I love it lots and lots. I'm a complete newb when it comes to cameras so I don't use all the nifty features on it. yet...
it's a lovely little camera, i think the only flaw is that the battery dies quickly, but i have two so it's ok.
also, epinions.com is another good place for reviews.

[monkeykoder]

My dad has the nikon D70 it makes me agree with the nikon only motto but I use his old olympus and it works great for what it is.

[mpgt]

I've had pro-model SLRr for years, and recently, some very nice lenses. The lenses really make the camera. I needed a good macro and macro ring, or off camera flash for the snakes.
Instead, I bought a Canon A610 digital compact for 1/2 of what a 35mm lens would have cost me on e-bay. You can get them online now for under $200. I really love it. It takes awesome close-ups, has a great flash, and fits in the tackle box if I take the kids fishing. It also runs on 4 AA batteries. Some other members on this site have them too. The world's finest SLR is worthless if it's at home in your closet when you need it. I still love SLRs, but since I bought the digital, I've taken about 600 pictures with it (you don't have to buy film or pay for developing), and only used the SLR once. Also, the Canon image software is awesome; way better than Kodak Easyshare, IMO.
Here's a link to my photobucket site. Hope it works...I LOVE photobucket too!!!!!!!!
http://s101.photobucket.com/albums/m80/MOVEOVER_PB/
All pics, and those in my RTB.net gallery were taken with the A610. Everybody should have at least one

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[mpgt]

One more thing: I took the heavy SLR to a theme park this year. I'll never do that again, but I wouldn't go to the zoo without it. I guess the best would be a digital SLR if you have the money, but you need a compact too. I never thought I'd say it, but if I had to give one up it would be the SLR. I've never told anyone that before but it's true.

Did you see the A620 thread at the top of this forum? Check that camera out. Same as the 610, but 7 MP instead of 5.

[mpgt]

Here's one of the pics I took recently: