We know some of you are proficient with a digital camera, so any  suggestions as to type and brand that is worth purchasing--at the least cost we can?  What is cheaper and great in digital cameras?

I bought an HP Photosmart 620 about a year ago at Wal-Mart (don't remember the cost--about $150) and have been quite pleased with it. It uses AA batteries so I also bought rechargeable batteries and a cheap recharger (has been a good investment).

The answer to this is dependant upon what you intend to use the camera for.  If it is for casual pictures to be used on the internet that requires one type, the other end of the spectrum is professional performance.  There is a huge variety between these poles.  

In other words we need more data to answer your question.  What is it going to be used for, is a large zoom lens needed, etc...

Good Luck.

Jeff

If this helps, 3.0 megapixel is equivalent in quality to a standard 35 millimeter picture.  This is the standard that most people are used to when they get regular pictures developed. They are probably around 2 hundred buck... if you wait a year they will be probably a hundred

If you go to Google etc and type "digital camera" you will get more info than you can use.  I have a Canon 10D and a Cannon Digital ELPH and love both.  There is a ton of useful info, reviews etc. out there on the net much of it quite good.  It just depends on the type of photography you do and what your budget is.
Good Luck,
Akro

epinions.com for consumer feedback and ratings on all kinds of items.

I have a Fuju Fine Pix and it's a great lil camera for the money.

http://www.dpreview.com

use a 35mm camera and have the film scanned to a CD when you get the film developed.

the quality and resolution of the image produced by a "professional" digital SLR (costing thousands of dollars) still does not approach that produced by a $149.95 point-and-shoot 35mm camera.

however, if the question is: "what digital camera should i buy because i don't want the guy at walmart photo to see what i'm doing with my pets?" then you should probably look at the nikon coolpix line - good quality, good company, lots of features (though you'll have to carry the instruction book at all times). or, buy a samsung - they come with a four year warranty; most electronic cameras are covered for 3 months to a year.

Believe it or not, in my local photo shop, they have "disposable" digital cameras that cost about $10.  What I think is really happening is that it's a cheap digital that they recycle.  But I'd suggest looking around for one of these, trying it out and seeing how you like it.  

I have a Canon Supershot 200 (I think).  Anyway, it's got 3 megapixels.  I've found that I need no more than 1 megapixel.  I shoot almost everything at low resolution -- what this means is that you don't need to spend a lot of money.  In fact, if I try to email pictures that are at higher resolutions, it doesn't work.  And the prints look as good as my 35 mm camera.  

I haven't shopped it, but I suspect you can get what you're looking for for under $100.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm

Most of the replys above seem pretty reasonable.

For most consumer products check out Consumer Reports.
The November issue had a big article on digital cameras.
Not only do they tell you what's out there, but they
review many brands and then rank them.

They are 100% unbiased in the sense that they don't
have ANY advertising in their magazine, nor do they
allow anyone to use their name when selling a product.

After you know what you want, you can then check out
various web sites and retail outlets to actually buy.

Also, if you can't find the Nov issue, go to their
web site.  Some content is free but reviews are probably
not.  I think it costs like $25 per year.  Well worth
it.

good luck,
fr

-- Modified on 1/6/2004 12:24:58 PM

When used with a high quality camera and lens, on a tripod.  But it's true that most folks who shoot snapshots and get 5" prints at Wal-Mart or Costco would not be able to determine the difference between a 3-4 megapixel digicam and a 35mm camera in normal useage.

it's a disposable camera loaded with 35mm film. if you don't believe me, blow ten bucks and break one open, you'll find it loaded with film.

when you drop it off at the lab, they process the film and scan it to a CD - or just e-mail you the images if that's the deal.

bottom line: a 3 megapixel digital will take fine snapshots and blow up well in print to about 8X10. a 4 megapixel unit will make an acceptable 11X14. but if your main goal is large (bigger than 5X7) prints, your best bet is still a 35mm camera.

There's a similar site I really like called dpreview, linked below.