[DigitalEl]

Getting a digital camera from the in-laws for Christmas, but don't really know anything about them. They've told me to let them know what features I want and what brand. My questions are as follows:

1.) What is the minimum feature-set I need?
How many megapixels, how much memory, etc...

2.) Are all USB cameras Mac/iPhoto compatible?
If not, what should I be looking for?

3.) What brand should I ask for?
Not looking to start a "mine is better than yours" flame war here.

4.) Are reconditioned cameras okay?
They plan on buying from Overstock.com. Anything I should know?

Here are some models that have caught my eye. Anyone with any thoughts on any of these?

Olympus Camedia C-3020

Olympus Camedia C-720

Kodak DX-3700

Kodak DX-3900

What about rechargeable batteries, memory and a USB cable? Will I need to get this stuff on the side or should it all come in the box?

Thanks in advance for your opinions. If the MacNN search feature were working, I probably could've found the countless old threads on this topic.

[scottiB]

First, here's some links:

http://www.dpreview.com/ (check out the forums; they were invaluable to me), http://www.steves-digicams.com/, http://www.dcresource.com/

Also, I check out customer reviews at amazon.com and epinions.com.

Recent macnn forum threads:

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=130132

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=130133

(I have some comments in the above threads, so I'll try not to repeat much here).
Secondly, regarding your questions--it all reduces to how your going to use your camera (as a "point and shoot" general purpose 35mm replacement, for example). Regarding minimum feature set, I say, "As much as the in-laws are willing to spend."

The more pixels are advantageous in a few ways: the more you have, the larger the print that can be created without graininess. A 3 MP camera shoots an image that's roughly 2048x1536. The minimum resolution for printing I use is 200 dpi (while 150 or 180 can be acceptable), and that camera would result in a good 8x10 print.

It is rare, however, that I perfectly compose a shot (indeed, shooting digitally makes me lazy in composition because I know I'll be cropping it later). Once I crop-out any extraneous hand, dog tail, or doofus giving the peace sign in the background, what was 2048x1536 becomes 1500x800--giving me a 5x7 or so. Having more pixels available gives you more remaining for larger prints once the image is cropped.

Another feature to look for is optical zoom (disregard all digital or combined zoom specs--digital zoom magnifies the pixel size creating ugly shot quality, but can be used in a pinch). The closer you can focus on a subject, the less pixels you'd need to crop. If the camera is used primarily for family functions, holidays, when the subjects are pretty close, you can get-by with a 2x optical focus camera. If you're shooting anything where there's a great distance, you'll need a 3x, 4x, 5x camera (obviously the greater, the more expensive).

Regarding memory, a 3 MP camera, set to the highest resolution and image quality, takes a 1 MB image, approximately. It all depends how you shoot, but I would suggest an additional 64-128 MB media card. Everything you need should be in the box, but usually the supplied media card is on the small side.

Your point #2, iPhoto compatibility I have a separate media reader (which are pretty cheap) plugged into my Mac, and I leave the camera's USB cable in my bag, so I can download at friends and relatives' houses if need be.

Your point #3, I prefer Canon. The new models have OS X software; their manuals a clearly written, and quality accesories are made for them. Beyond that, I suggest any company that makes cameras: Nikon, Olympus, Minolta. I know people who love Sony, but I detest the Memory Stick concept.

Your point #4, I purchased a factory-refurbished Canon Pro 90IS, and have had no problems with it. I've never heard of overstock.com, but it looks interesting.

Of the four you listed, the Camedia C-720 looks good, and it's been well rated at Steve's Digcams and DC Resource.

A swell Xmas gift. Have fun!

[DigitalEl]

Thanks for the advice and the heads-up re: the other websites. Greatly appreciated.

[idparkinson]

I have an old trusty Kodak DC240 with 2 mega pixels, and I have been very happy with it over the years. I have taken well over 5000 photos with it.

It's not the highest resolution, but it takes great pics.

I did think it was a bit large to take around with me on the off chance that I might see something I want a photo off. So I have recently bought the latest Sony camera.

It's the Sony CyberShot U10. It only has 1 Mega Pixels, no viewfinder (you use the very small screen), no zoom.

But it takes great photos and 15 second movies. It is tiny, simple and very easy to use. It starts up in less than 2 seconds which is great for that quick snap you want. With the 64MB card I have installed I can take 187 photos. the battery lasts for ages, over 500 pics on one charge. It charges while connected to the USB cable. It is so small it fits in a shirt pocket and you don't know it's there. The build quality is also super, looks like a solid chunk of metal.

Images taken with the U10 will be posted here :-

http://homepage.mac.com/idparkinson/PhotoAlbum7.html

It may not be the best camera in the world, but I love it.

If you want more resolution have a look at the U20, same size but 2 mega pixel, slightly more expensive.

[quietjim]

I have a Sony DSC P50 I absolutely love. 2.1 mexapixels produces good 5x7 shots, excellent 4x6 and that's all I need; web pics are no problem of course. Completely compatible with iPhoto: it will produce either tiff or jpg files.

Sony does use a proprietary memory format (memory stick). I bought a PC Card reader for my Pismo and don't even remember where my usb cable for the camera is.

If you get this camera, the one thing to watch for is that it is sold with AA batteries; you definitely need the rechargeable battery/charger set which is sold separately--49 bucks I believe.

The camera is rugged, I dropped it twice (don't try this at home!) in London, it bounced and didn't have any ill effect. Obviously no one plans this, but it's nice to know it didn't break.

I think they are about 284 new, maybe less if you look around.

Reviews
www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/P50/P50A.HTM
Steve's Digicams
Owners' Opinions

The "Owners' Reviews" covers lots of makes, I'd check that for anything you plan tobuy

Bizrate quotes prices of 249 and up.

[DigitalEl]

Mom-in-law was really in a hurry to get this done and made me choose this weekend. Got a quick and rudimentary education at the websites suggested by ScottiB.

After looking at the side-by-side comparisons for various models at dpreview.com, I decided to go with the FujiFilm FinePix 2650.



I really wanted the FinePix 2800, but couldn't much justify the higher cost. The 2650 does everything I require, although I like the SLR look and feel of the 2800. Still, I'm excited for the l'il 2650 to come. I'm sure we'll get a lot of good use out of it.

Thanks again, everybody, for your suggestions and info.

[Jansar]

I own a sony DSC-P1, a very small, compact camera that packs a punch. It offers cross-platform compatibility, 3.3 megapixel resolution, movie features (although you don't really need it), plus some more filters.