Compact Digital Camera

Talrak SG

Need some help on choosing compact digi cams

Thinking of buying a digi cam to do some basic photography like capture sunrise,clouds,nature stuff, people etc.

Don't want to go so high until slrs.

What megapix should I be looking for? 8 enough?

Besides the megapix,what other features should I be looking for?

Budget is about $250

Please enlighten me.

Thank you.

abao SG

7-8 mega pixels should be enough for your needs.

Look for good lens, optical zoom and best if got optical image stabiliser.

Then make sure your try the camera out and see if its to your liking lor. :)

DriftingGuy SG

Me too.. looking to buy a digicam as well.. heard that canon and fuji are good

ceecookie SG

Fujifilm Z5 is going for $199

For compact digital camera,do check out their manual operating capabilities.As the P&S tag implies,its meant for simple picture takings so some P&S has very limited manual function.

Since you mentioned that you liked taking challenging photos,i suggest you find compact cameras with Scene Modes,that is - pre-configurated settings to take a particular shot.

My previous Casio camera had this function which allowed me to take very nice photos without needing to know technical details(as with dSLR cameras)

PS:Oh,if you want this kind of capabilities,prepare to pay more than your budget of $250.

kenn3th SG

For a budget of ~ $250, you could probably go for a samsung. (my mom's collegues bought her one for her farewell gift)

With a higher budget of about $350+ you can get most 6 mp cameras from brands like Fuji, Canon (power shot, not lxus) and nikon.

a few things to take note:

Iso settings. (amt of light sensitivity, the higher the iso the better, that is , in the case for night shorts, though u will see more noise in your photos)

Lens type. A wide angle lens would be better when zooming in, as you capture more detail.

Type of card slots. For cameras like olympus, their cameras do not use Sd card, instead they use XD cards.

ceecookie SG

Be sure to check the equalavant tele range of the camera lens.Dont be so happy if the lens is like 5mm-15mm because thats before the focal length multiplier.P&S sensor size are most likely with 5* FLM so calculate the appropriate tele lens if the retailer did not state.

Try to find a 28mm lens as its wide enough for group photo.

kenn3th SG

If you have about $700+

you can get a professional digital camera (below dslr standards)

but above the norm digital cameras.

They look like Dslrs, but they have a fixed Lens instead of removable interchangable ones.

ceecookie SG

If you have about $700+

you can get a professional digital camera (below dslr standards)

but above the norm digital cameras.

They look like Dslrs, but they have a fixed Lens instead of removable interchangable ones.

Thats Prosumer cameras.They allow you to handle more manual capabilities such as Mode selection(the dial) and true manual focusing ring.

However,the sensor size is still small(typically 1/2.5") which is slightly bigger or same as P&S's and its not true through-the-lens viewfinder

Small sensor size = forget about playing with ISO

My advise is - go for dSLR if you are willing to set aside 2-4k for the bodies and lens(ad least a wide angle and tele for walk-around).Lower end dSLR(Nikon D60) will appear fun but u will be disappointed