$350 for a Digital Camera, what should I get?

minew_m · Apr 22, 2005

Hi,

I just wanted some advice on getting a new digital camera. I do have a digital right now (Olympus Camedia D-390) but I need something better. Any advice what to get? I'm planning to buy one on Ebay (that's where I've seen digitals go for the cheapest). PLMK your input and thanks!

panocho · Apr 22, 2005

I'm afraid that with that budget you cannot afford a digital SLR. Not even with twice the budget! So this puts you in the situation of having to just upgrade what you have...

Let me begin by saying that I don't shot digital. So... what am I doing giving advices here!!!??? Well, the reason is that I've been doing some research lately to buy a digital myself (just as company to the film, not to substitute it!!), so I've gone to quite a lot of literature on the possibilities available and...

...and I should be able to have an opinion, after all!

I would encourage you to go for a "prosumer" digital. You already have a Point&Shot, and if you're planning to keep it, it would be silly to have a new one that will offer you practically tha same, wouldn't be?

These "prosumer" give you the same possibilities as the one you have, but they also will let you decide a lot of things, almost as with a DSLR. It's a more affordable way to have the decisions in your fingers while using a digital.

Someone will probably tell you that you should save a little longer and go for a DSLR. Mmmm, that probably would be a good advice.

Take a look at this discussion for some thoughts:

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20690

Digital Matt · Apr 22, 2005

$350 for a Digital Camera, what should I get?

Another $650 to add to that. If you already have a cheap digital, I dont' see a real point in buying another cheap digital, which is what $350 will get you. Either save up for a DSLR, (keep in mind you can buy used ones for $800 or less) or buy a film slr. I don't see a point in going prosumer, if you are serious about photography. DSLRs are coming down in price. I would never pay $700-800 for a prosumer digital with a fixed lens, when for $100 more I can buy into a DSLR system.

Menard · Apr 22, 2005

Matt makes an excellent point, especially from an investment strategy. If, however, that $350 is burning a hole in you pocket

, you may want to take a look at the [ame=http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007KQWE6/ref=wl_it_dp/104-3587973-9955111?%5Fencoding=UTF8&coliid=I3T2FYM8HYVROC&v=glance&colid=ZTRZHECFS5DD]Nikon Coolpix 7600[/ame] which is a 7MP camera that can be found for that range.

panocho · Apr 23, 2005

Digital Matt said:
I don't see a point in going prosumer, if you are serious about photography. DSLRs are coming down in price. I would never pay $700-800 for a prosumer digital with a fixed lens, when for $100 more I can buy into a DSLR system.

Totally agree! But let us not forget that he's talking about $350. I mean, sometimes it is not that you don't have $1000 to spend, but rather that you are not willing to spend that money in a camera, even if you had it.
That's why I still suggest prosumer: you can get one for even less that $200! (second hand, of course -and, of course, would never pay more than $300 in a prosumer, let alone $700!!). And it will take you further further into the fun of photography than a P&S as the one minew_n already has.

But, again, it is not worthy to spend that money in a second P&S, minew_n. Consider whether you are willing to go for a more expensive equipment, be satisfied with a prosumer or just save the money and buy yourself any other thig.

But, of course, my recommendation will always be: expend only half your budget and get yourself a really good (second hand) film 35mm. Then, save the other half of the budget for film and development!

minew_m · Apr 23, 2005

panocho said:
But, of course, my recommendation will always be: expend only half your budget and get yourself a really good (second hand) film 35mm. Then, save the other half of the budget for film and development!

The thing is I already have a great 35mm SLR (Minolta Maxxum 3000i w/ 4 quality lenses, 2x teleconverter, many filters, etc.). 35mm is getting to expensive for me, as I don't have enough room in my appartment for a darkroom and have to have my film developed by someone else. I'm really just looking to get a digital for the rest of my college years and a few years after that as well. Just basically until I get settled down into a house so I have room for a darkroom.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll probably just end up saving my money to get a DSLR. I've seen a few on ebay that I am keeping an eye one.