Digital Cameras

[Duke of Marlbrough]

I'm looking at getting a digital camera.

Here's what criteria I'm trying for:
At least 3 MP
Ideally something more than a 3x Optical zoom
A 'true view' finder, either SLR or electronic would be preferred.
Compact, not large, but not tiny
Up to around $400

Ths is the closest I can find to what I would want.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Niko...sem/rpsm/oid/108461/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Any other ideas out there?

 

[MOTH]

I have the Canon Digital Rebel. I love it. Its twice the price (although a quick web search shows some sites with just the body for $549 and the starter package for $669).

What are you looking to use it for? I would suggest that you check out sites about your specific use and see what others experience has been.

I use my camera mainly for pictures of my son and the rate of fire is excellent and the lag time between click and picture is very small. One of the most annoying things with some of the point and shoot cameras is that they take fraction of a second to "charge" the CCD after you click the button. It makes it tough to get the exact pciture when you want it. The rebel seems to have solved this.

I also use my camera for some Astrophotography. The programmable features make this great for this function as I can take a 30 second picture before the "chip noise" becomes noticeable.

 

[Jeratain]

I like this one: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-120-160&depa=0

If you want to buy a camera for roughly $200, the best in that range is the Canon A75.

 

[Neomega]

The fuji S5000. I bought it for my girlfriend when I was selling cameras a year ago. Only problem is it's optical zoom can have some serious blur issues in low light.

It's bastard cousin is the Minolta Z-1. Minolta has had a serious image problem as of late, the tend to make breakable cameras.

My girlfriend loves her little fuji.

A digital rebel you can buy as your next camera. .. by then it will be $400, and you'll be willing to spend $1,000 if you are bit by the shutterbug.

 

[Serutan]

From what I've seen, the SLRs are out of your price range;
the cheapest I've seen is ~$700, and most are arount $1000.
Wait a year. They'll come down.

 

[shortguy]

I got a Kodak DX 7440 for Christmas. 4.1 MP's, 4x optical zoom. I doubt it meets your other criteria, but I think it's only $299 or so at Circuit City. I like it.

 

[funxus]

I have a Pentax Optio S4 that I'm very fond of. The optical zoom is only 3x though and it's on the border to tiny...