Need some digital camera advice

[Glenn(SD)]

I'm trying to determine what I need for a digital camera and could use a little (or make that a lot) of help.

I think my picture taking will be along these lines:

I don't want to have to remember how to focus, worry about lighting, redeye, etc. Basically I want to point and shoot.

We will probably have prints made and they will be the basic size. i.e. 5x7 - 4x6. Somewhere along the line we will probable try printing our own pictures.

I also think that battery life and next shot delay would be important to me.

Now it might take us 6 months to fill a roll of film.

From what I read a 4-5 megapixel is only need for making 8x10 photos. So I thought I could get by with a 2-3 megapizxel. A salesperson from radio shack tells me that the 4-5 will give you a better picture. Is this true?

Would optical zoom 3X serve my purpose?

When they say NO manual controls, does mean that it has like auto focus and is basically a point and shoot.

Also should I be looking at one that operates on AA batteries?

Appreciate your advice. I will be traveling out of state in a couple of weeks so I think I could probably get to a place where I could handle the ones I narrow it down to.

Thanks a lot for you time and advice.

Glenn

 

[Kelley (Texas)]

This camera is 5 megapixel and easy to use...takes great photos. It has a 12X optical zoom, large 2.5" LCD monitor, uses rechargeable AA batteries, and has the very important optical image stabilization feature. This camera is fun to use and you can do everything from macro photography to taking vacation photos.

You might also take a look at: Canon Power Shot S2IS, Panasonic DMC-FZ5, and the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 cameras. Of all these cameras, I prefer the Sony DSC-H1....but you must realize that this is the same situation similar to the Chevrolet and Ford debate.

Here is a link that should help you decide which camera to purchase. http://www.dpreview.com/

Good luck and please have a great day! Kelley (Texas)

 

[John in Florida]

the Fuji E550. One of the best lenses in the point and shoot category. Last time I looked you can buy it from Buy Dig for around $250.

Any other one recommended on this forum should also be good since they have already done the legwork for you..

Good luck !!


John

 

[Glenn(SD)]

think for my situtation I need to think of something less expensive. I am leaning toward a Kodak Easy-Share CX7430.

I don't have a clue about cameras so do any of you see anything that wouldn't fit the following:

I don't want to have to remember how to focus, worry about lighting, redeye, etc. Basically I want to point and shoot.

We will probably have prints made and they will be the basic size. i.e. 5x7 - 4x6. Somewhere along the line we will probably try printing our own pictures.

I also think that battery life and next shot delay would be important to me.

Now it might take us 6 months to fill a roll of film.

Thanks again and I sure enjoy the pictures you post.



Glenn