Digital camera, looking to spend $400.00

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bob

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Im going into the airforce, and I decided I better buy a digital camera. Ive always been wanting one, but for the next 4 years who knows what I will see. I suppose this is a good excuse to buy one.

I borrowed someones HP407, and have been using that. Its a 4Mp, but unless i choose "macro" mode, the pictures always come out grainy and out of focus no matter what I do.

I also have shaky hands, so my pictures always end up blurry unless I lean up against something.

I want a good camera, at least 3Mp. Ive used a 2Mp sony mavica, and I want more MP. 9 Would be nice, but it wont happen on $400.00...

I would like a lot of optical zoom, lots of features. Im mainly interested in having an option to set exposure time. This HP I borrowed, it has like 3 options of exposure time... Slow, normal, or fast :rolleyes:.

I have seen some 6 Mp cameras. What do the rest of you think?
 
If you have shaky hands you are going to want a camera with optical image stabilization.

With your budget I'd recommned looking at the Canon S2 IS and the Panasonic DMC-FZ5. The Panasonic can be found for around $390 and the S2 in the $400 to $500 range.
 
Yeah, I have a hard time with that HP. 4Mp is nice, but when you shake the camera a bit while it takes 2 seconds to take a picture, it comes out like crap.
 
I would suggest any of these:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/c...wSearch=Y&stabSearch=Y&submit.x=31&submit.y=8

Obviously, do your research of what features a good digi-cam should have b4 u buy.

I got my Panasonic DMC-FZ5K for $390...$430 with upgraded battery. It is AMAZING!! 12X Optical Zoom is soooo worth it, and then, if you want even more zoom, you can use the digital zoom (which obviously compromizes quality) but you can zoom in on fear in a guy's eyes going down a waterfall if you wanted, its insane.

Got it from ButterflyPhoto, couldnt have had a better experience. Super fast shipping-got here before expected, two phone call checkups, email confirmations, lowest prices. Unbeatable.
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wc...rogram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702
http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx!!!!!!!cnet&sku=DMCFZ5K

I upgraded from a Kodak EasyShare Crap camera with no optical zoom, 2X Digital, and shutter speed blew ass, so this thing is AMAZING to me. No flaws, at all.
 
I picked up a Fuji E550 a while back for around $350 and I love it. 6MP regular, and has a 12MP mode. (Not a true 12MP, but does increase the quality.) I really like it, the only drawback I have with it is that it uses xD cards and not SD or CF. It has auto and manual modes, so you can set exposure times, etc. easily.
 
I also like the Pentax WP - It's waterproof. Mine has already gone into the pool, glasses of water while on(to show off), it is sealed. So dust/dirt cannot get into it. Going water water rafting with it soon.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0501/05010501pentax_optiowp.asp
http://dcresource.pricegrabber.com/rating_getprodrev.php?masterid=7831036&id_type=masterid
Overall, the Pentax OptioWP is ideal company for an all-weather vacation. The compact, durable shell is solid enough to sustain skiing accidents and heavy snowfall. It is waterproofed and pressurized to submerge in up to 5 feet of water, capable of surviving snow, sleet, or rain. This camera is perfect for the adventurous vacationer that travels in many environments and attempts everything from snorkeling to sky-diving. This 5-megapixel point-and-shoot has a sleek design and many functional applications.
Click to expand...


Also the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W7 - it's 7.1 megapixels.
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review2853.html
 
agentzero9 said:
If you have shaky hands you are going to want a camera with optical image stabilization.

With your budget I'd recommned looking at the Canon S2 IS and the Panasonic DMC-FZ5. The Panasonic can be found for around $390 and the S2 in the $400 to $500 range.
Click to expand...

Those should both be pretty solid cameras. The Canon has a better movie mode if that's a factor.
 
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