Digital Camera Opinions

[minnesotamonster]

Hi, I'm looking at replacing my gf's digital camera that she dropped this year and I'm looking for some opinions. I'm looking to spend around $100, I know nothing amazing can be had for that amount, but I'd like to get the most for the money obviously. She is in college and taking some photography classes, so the more settings available the better, in other words, I'm not looking for the easiest point and shoot model.  I have heard very good things about the Canon A590is and found a pretty good deal for it online at $109. Only thing I'm worried about is it eating AA batteries like crazy.  So Anyways, let's hear what ya got    Thanks!

[Speeddog]

The late model cameras seem to be a bit less voracious.
Definitely use alkalines, or better yet, get some of the rechargeables.

No idea on the suitability of the camera..

[red baron]

Canon SD1100is



http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD1100IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B0012YC7AE

[Jaman]

It's above your price range, but a really good digital camera for the price - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584419-REG/Canon_3197B001_PowerShot_SD880_IS_Digital.html

I think Best Buy has em on sale for $199, or a very similar model.

It's got great funtionality, fits in your pocket nicely, and has a big 3" screen.

Canon has really good optics to boot.

I just replaced our point & shoot digital a few months ago with this, and it's basically the same model as our old one, updated, twice as good, half as much as our old one...

if you are able to, you get alot for the extra coin!

[Jaman]

+1 on the 1100, it has lower optical zoom (3x vs. 4x) and the screen is smaller... but more in your wheelhouse as far as price...

the good thing about both, is that they come with a battery & charger, instead of AA batteries...

I like the 870 due to the larger screen, it really makes life easier, and your get more zoom to boot.

whatever you decide, anything 8+ megapixels is more than plenty.  don't get sucked into a camera with high digital zoom, the pic quality drops off dramatically once you start using the digital zoom...

[il d00d]

Pretty good write-up on some inexpensive cameras - this is a pretty good site, I like their tests.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408budgetgroup/

I have a Canon A-series point and shoot that takes great pictures, but eats batteries like a motha'.  Rechargeable for the decisive win.  My vastly more powerful D40 about 1000 pictures before I had to recharge the battery - I am lucky if I get 100 out of the Canon.
One other thought, If you want to stretch your budget a wee bit, you might search craigslist for a used first-gen DSLR.

[He Man]

I really hate the canon A series.

Their G10 though.... god damn. LOVE IT but i settled on a Samsung NV24HD after buying and  returning 3 different cameras (stay away from olympus/ic watever)

canon has one of the best lens IMHO. And the Samsung NV24HD is about 90% as good as Canon. It also shoots 720P video!

[mihama01]

There is a week old review of cameras under 150USD posted on Digital Photography Review www.dpreview.com

Several are close to 100USD

It might help you make up your mind

[minnesotamonster]

Thanks for the responses so far guys, keep it up.  I have been scouring craigslist and can't find any decent deals. I would love to get her a dslr. I know she wants one, and I was all set to get one, but shit happened and I can't afford it anymore, so now I'm just looking for something to passify till I can afford the dslr.  The 1100 looks nice...decisions decisions.

[Le Pirate]

some of the panasonic Lumix are really good....they come with Leica glass

[red baron]

I have the SD800 and get around 400 pics per battery charge, I'd expect the 1100 to get a few more.

I almost never use the flash so maybe that helps.