Please help me purchase a new digital camera

[gtexan]

Hi everyone. I'm looking to purchase a new digital camera, and would prefer to spend <$150. The lower the better. Around $100 would be ideal, if possible. A few questions:

Point and shoot is fine, and I don't care about the size/shape/color/etc.

Picture quality is the most important. I don't care about mega pixels as long as it's reasonably high (7/8+?).

I would greatly prefer a camera that uses a rechargeable battery rather than AAs, but this isn't critical.

Finally, I have no qualms about buying from ebay if it will save me money. If theres a fantastic camera that costs $300 new from amazon, but can be found for $150 on ebay, I'm fine with that.

Used is also fine with me.



I will reward helpful posts with rep points for taking your time :)

[shifter25]

The Canon A480 is what you want. Currently on sale too at Amazon for a little over $100 for the silver and black. Add $10 for the red and blue versions.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001SER4BU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

[gtexan]

The Canon A480 is what you want. Currently on sale too at Amazon for a little over $100 for the silver and black. Add $10 for the red and blue versions.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001SER4BU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Sorry to ask so many questions, but why do you recommend this camera so highly?
How does this compare to the forum-popular A590IS?

Thanks!

[shifter25]

Sorry to ask so many questions, but why do you recommend this camera so highly?
How does this compare to the forum-popular A590IS?

Thanks!

If you can find the a590 at clearance, then I'd go for that. However, it is going for $289 on Amazon so I didn't think it was in your budget. The A480 seems to be your basic point and shoot for a great price. The reviews at Amazon (4.5 stars) confirm it. I'm not camera expert but the Canon sensors found in these budget camera are generally well regarded (Digic III). I believe it's even found all the way up in their high end 10MP pro SLR camera like the MkIII, albeit I'm sure heavily modified. Wikipedia entry:

The DIGIC III Image Processor was advertised to deliver superior image quality, faster operation and extended battery life compared to its predecessor. DIGIC III provides a faster interface to the SD memory card for the Canon PowerShot G7 and G9, SD750, SD800, SD850, SD900, SD 1000, A560, A570 IS, A590 IS, A650 IS, A720 IS, EOS XS/1000D, EOS XSi/450D, EOS 40D, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark III, and S5 IS. It also provides higher resolution for their LCD screens

[gtexan]

If you can find the a590 at clearance, then I'd go for that. However, it is going for $289 on Amazon so I didn't think it was in your budget. The A480 seems to be your basic point and shoot for a great price. The reviews at Amazon (4.5 stars) confirm it. I'm not camera expert but the Canon sensors found in these budget camera are generally well regarded (Digic III). I believe it's even found all the way up in their high end 10MP pro SLR camera like the MkIII, albeit I'm sure heavily modified. Wikipedia entry:

The DIGIC III Image Processor was advertised to deliver superior image quality, faster operation and extended battery life compared to its predecessor. DIGIC III provides a faster interface to the SD memory card for the Canon PowerShot G7 and G9, SD750, SD800, SD850, SD900, SD 1000, A560, A570 IS, A590 IS, A650 IS, A720 IS, EOS XS/1000D, EOS XSi/450D, EOS 40D, EOS 1D Mark III, EOS 1Ds Mark III, and S5 IS. It also provides higher resolution for their LCD screens
Ah, I see. I've seen the A590 on ebay for around $100-$140, but its difficult to find online. I guess because its been discontinued

[colet73]

circuitcity.com is live again - under new management

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4146002&sku=G48-1066

GE A835 8mp, AA batteries, 1 per person $49.99
-------
kodak easyshare m893, rechargeable batteries 89.99

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3720260&csid=_23

[gtexan]

circuitcity.com is live again - under new management

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=4146002&sku=G48-1066

GE A835 8mp, AA batteries, 1 per person $49.99
-------
kodak easyshare m893, rechargeable batteries 89.99

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3720260&csid=_23

Is 8MP going to be much different than 10MP? Would I be better to purchase a 10MP camera instead of the A590IS (which is only 8MP?)

I found the A590IS at a Staples, but its pretty far away. Is it worth it to trek all the way out there just for the camera? How reliable are the Staples inventory checks?


After looking at the A590IS a little more, Im thinking it may be a bit too bulky. Whats the quality difference between the A590IS and the other Canon Powershot posted earlier in this link?

[LP2008DEAL]

Canon sd790 clearance in-store price if your Staples still have some, my area store has some left for $123.95, reg:$249.95

[gtexan]

bring up my post ;)