Probably this issue has been discussed before but here I am again needing the help........I need to buy another digital camera....I have Sony DSC-85 with 4.0 megapixels camera.......I like it very much.....My sister liked it so I thought I will give to her and buy another one for me......So I am looking something in the price range of $400 to $600...it's for personal use not for commercial use as I am not a pro-photographer.....I heard that it's better to have more more Optical zoom and stick with 3 to 4 megapixels and less digital zoom....what makes the difference in having to have digital zoom and (more) optical zoom....I thought to put this subjest in here since I have been seeing lotta good photographer in here......Any input in this subject will be highly appreciated...........

Observer, I have to agree with what you have to say about the Sony camera,Cybershot W1 and other models.Sony's useage of memory stick is one of the factor that stop people from buying thier product as other form cheaper and popular storage is incompatible.

I guess if you have more money to spend then you should go for DSC F828.Currently, it is the only Sony camera to accept both memory stick and CF/Microdrive.Beside the acceptance of different form of storage media, its function makes this camera a worthy to own.But be warned that it is big and bulky !!!

If you need a really good Digital Camera, go for Canon Rebel 300D. It is a SLR Digital Camera and takes super good pictures. Personally I have Canon S30 (which now is less than 200 bucks) and I added attachable lens on it. If you want to see samples of pictures from Canon S30, go here - http://www.backtouniverse.com/photography/ All the pics here are from Canon S30

If you want the Canon Rebel 300D, this is the cheapest place I can find on the internet
- http://www.amphotoworld.com/product.asp?id=cneos300d1855

For buying Canon S30, check on ebay. It should be lot cheaper now.

Reviews for all the cameras are here, well this is where I do my camera research
- http://www.dcresource.com/

Ut2, I think you are a serious photographer.Personally, I would not really go for DSLR due to the high cost of the camera and the lenses.Beside being expensive, it is extremely unconvenient to carry around with different lenses in a big bag.I wholeheartedly agree that S30 and 300D are good cameras.

Personally, I prefer those at pro-sumer level which allows me to have some control and does not require me to carry extra lenses.I own Sony's DSC F828 and I am aware that these promser level cameras are definitely not really for the pro but to me this multi-function camera is the best that I can afford.Beside the picture I took seems all right.

As of now, I will still stick to the prosumer level cameras.Being aware of the limitation of the digital camera when compared with manual, I will just hang on.

Oh yes,Mr Uttim, I like your photos very much.Are you a professional ??

Wow !!!!

Mind posting you photos here at Sajha,Uttim.The threa name is :Photo 4

. guys
i use canon powershot s-50 and i am very much happy with it. here is one of the picture i clicked with my camera. if you want to see more you can explore photo2, 3 and 4 thread.

the powershot S 50 is not sold anymore..at least in the US.

By the way the photo that posted on this thread is not mine.It is taken by UT2

Froogle for DSC-T1
Want a really good DC? want to pay aroung 400? go for Sony DSC-T1. A very small camera with a great result. Professionals can notice that it has Carl Zesis lens.

check out http://www.bensbargains.net/ for really good deals on DC.

pls tell me more about sony DSC-T1

What keeps me away from Sony's digital camera is the extra memory stick I need to purchase that is only compatible with a Sony. DSC owners, could you please tell us how much a 256 MB or a 512MB memory stick cost you? I fear this may increase the total cost by $100 or more. Also, I'd probably want to buy an extra battery. How much is the battery by itself? Anything else I need to be aware of?

I do like the DSC's for their compact design.

Observer, you are absolutely right. Memory stick is used for most of Sony cameras.
I like only the lens. No words to explain the Ourdoor pictures.

Guys.....wow...wow....I like that DSC F828.....but man....to invest that much money in just the digital camera seems little too much for me..........Yesterday I was wondering around in the Best Buy and Circuit City as well........The more I see Cannon S1 IS, the more I love it.....probably it's due to the size or....i dunno what.......
What do you think about S1 IS....anyone owns it here in the Sajha that wants to share their experiences.....................PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE..............PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE

Thanks for helping me out guys.....does anybody in Sajha own Cannon S1 IS or FUJI S5000......they have equal optical zoom.........now I am cornering for either one of those or Sony DSC W1..........

Help me out guys.............

The Canon S1 IS and Fuji S500 do have 10X optical zoom, but appear to be only of 3.2 Mega pixel. If it wasn't for the autocratic memory stick, I would have gone for the DSC W1.

Have you looked at the Kodak EasyShare LS 753 ? @ 5MP...I think it's the best bang for the buck! ($329 - cheap!!)

- http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/ls753.html

I too went to Best Buy the other day looking for a Canon Powerhsot S 50 ..but they said they stopped selling those at the end of 2003. But yes, Canon is certainly the leader in Digi Cams.

Congratulations to me...............I went for FUJI FINE PIX S5000....Today I bought it in the Best Buy for $299.99 (Actually it was $329.99 and I told them that RITZ CAMERA was selling it for $299.99 and they gave me in that price...just being economic...hehehehehehe)........I went for 12 months no interest financing.....that comes to almost $28.00 a month......I am thinking to give that to my sister and bring back my own old SONY DSC-85.....thanks guys for helping me out....I hope I will enjoy this camera..........

U GUYS ROCK FOR HELPING OUT....................

Peace out....
Ram Prasad

I'd recommend the Fujifilm Fine Pix E550 for Around $320. Check out what this has:

Features:

6.3 Effective MegaPixels
Super CCD HR (Improved Image Processing System)
Fujinon 4X Optical Zoom (32-130mm)
6.3X Digital Zoom
2.0" LCD Monitor (154K Pixels)
Ultra Fast Startup
Fast Startup and Frame to Frame
Digital Movie With Sound (VGA / 30 fps)
Advanced Exposure Controls (Programmed, A, S, M, Continuous)
New Metal Body Design for 2004
USB 1.1 & 2.0 Compatible (1.5-12Mbps)
Video-Out
Lower Power Consumption (Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries x 2); charger includedOptional Picture Cradle (CP-FXA10)
Optional Lens Adapters (Wide / Tele)

For a complete description, visit:

- http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/presscentre/news/index.php?id=1199

It's the best I've come across for that price and I've been researching since the last 2 days. A 512MB xD may be a bit expensive, otherwise this camera is just ideal.

Oops, that's not the right picture. It's this one: