I need help picking out a camera. I don't have any knowledge in cameras, but I really only want one to take some pictures of things like razors and shave gear (so it must take really good close ups). I am getting one for my B Day and my price range is from $100-$180 or so. I would like to get the best bang for the buck.
I would only recommend a Digital SLR, but that is not in the price range you are looking at. There are a lot of great point and shoot digitals out there. The one recommendation I'd give you is find something that is at least 7 megapixels or higher.
If you can find one, get a Canon PowerShot SX100IS. It has been replaced by the newer model so you should be able to find it at a good price. I can specifically recommend it because of its GREAT closeup-quality.
These are available on Amazon. As an aside, if you do get this model, you can install CHDK on it. CHDK makes inexpensive cameras do things normally found on more expensive models. http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
I'd recommend a Canon, point and shoot or DSLR. I have a model A620 which I think is now discontinued that I really love. I've had it for at least 4 years and it has survived being dropped repeatedly and once sat in the mud on the bottom of a stream for a few minutes. After it dried out for awhile, three months, it now works as well as when it was new and has for a couple years now. If it can take that and still work it's got my recommendation. Tough cameras.
I just ordered the Canon PowerShot A590IS. It isnt here yet but after buying it I got to see that it ranked very high on many lists.
Yeah, that was my initial choice too before I decided to get the sx100is. Its closeup-performance is noticeably better. @minderasr: Yeah, CHDK is great. Enables me to do stuff with my little one that I can't do with my eos 350d
well where were you with that tidbit last week? oh, just went and looked at the sx100is. not the price range I was shopping for initially. so whew. I still want to get a higher end, lens changable camera in the future. I am partial to the Canon Rebel. I have a 35mm version at home that I should get out of the mothballs and play with. I am a total noob with cameras. No skill beyond point and click. Maybe add focus too.
is there any difference between an 8mp and a 10mp? Also lets bump my range up to $210 and get some new recommendations. @moviemaniac: my new price range would allow me to get a sx110is over the sx100is, would that be the best buy?
Most cameras point and shoot digital cameras have small sensors. The megapixel count for most point and shoot cameras are mainly used for marketing and don't matter unless you are making really big printouts. Anything between 6 to 8 megapixels will be fine for most everyone.
10 mega pixels is impressive! My Canon is 7.1 and it's more than enough for me. I think you'll be just fine with 8. Remember larger resolution takes up more memory. Edit: I would highly recommend the flip out and rotating screen, that feature is just plain awesome. Congratulations on 1,000+ posts Bong!!
They ought to be nearly free these days. I love film, but sold my extensive collection about 7-8 years ago.
No. Go with the SX100IS - less megapixels, less noise than the newer SX110IS. 8MP is MORE than enough - actually it's even more than I normally would feel comfortable with on a camera with a 0,25"-sensor... 5MP would be best for these cameras but they don't make those anymore - at least not when you're looking for a new camera with great macro-performance. I've looked at like 100 different compact cameras before I decided on mine
Thanks for the input guys, here is the one I went with. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270335593468
