Cheap Camera

[Mirage]

Does anyone know of a cheap yet good quality camera? I'm in the neighborhood of 200 dollars. DSLR would be nice but I know they're expensive. I plan on picking this camera up on black friday, so maybe if you know certain stores that have sales that would be helpful too :)

[unknownuser]

You might want to keep your eyes out on Ebay Daily Deals and Amazon around Black Friday; you might be able to pick something up for a decent price then.

$200 isn't going to get you a new DSLR (an older used model, yes, maybe, but you also need to consider the cost of a lens because most of those 18-55mm kit lenses are crap), you might be able to buy a nice bridge/hybrid camera, though.

Maybe start here to get some ideas:
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-16928
http://www.digitalversus.com/digital-camera/buyer-s-guide-best-bridge-cameras-a1343.html
http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2012-33-reviewed-963985?artc_pg=2

Personally, for $100, I think this wouldn't be a bad choice ---> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-14MP-Resolution-18x-Optical-Zoom-/190748034128

[Mirage]

You might want to keep your eyes out on Ebay Daily Deals and Amazon around Black Friday; you might be able to pick something up for a decent price then.

$200 isn't going to get you a new DSLR (an older used model, yes, maybe, but you also need to consider the cost of a lens because most of those 18-55mm kit lenses are crap), you might be able to buy a nice bridge/hybrid camera, though.

Maybe start here to get some ideas:
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-ultra-zoom-bridge-digital-cameras-16928
http://www.digitalversus.com/digital-camera/buyer-s-guide-best-bridge-cameras-a1343.html
http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-camera-2012-33-reviewed-963985?artc_pg=2

Personally, for $100, I think this wouldn't be a bad choice ---> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujifilm-FinePix-Digital-Camera-14MP-Resolution-18x-Optical-Zoom-/190748034128

That fujifilm looks awesome! I'm kinda new to the camera scene, is the 14MP that the fujifilm has decent quality? Like opposed to a canon PowerShot which I have now?

[unknownuser]

That fujifilm looks awesome! I'm kinda new to the camera scene, is the 14MP that the fujifilm has decent quality? Like opposed to a canon PowerShot which I have now?

Despite what most beginners think, the MP resolution isn't all that really matters. The higher pixel count just means that you have a larger image file to work with; so if you plan on using it for some casual shooting and sharing your photos on Facebook, Flickr, or whatever, 14MP should be more than enough... unless you plan on blowing your pictures up and making huuuuge prints.

I don't think the camera lacks any features, unless there is something in particular that you really need...

Also, what I think is nice about is that it allows you to manually control factors such as aperture, shutter speed, etc, via the little control wheel at the top. It still lets you shoot in AUTO mode, where the camera chooses settings for you, but if you are feeling brave, having the option to control things yourself will help you learn and prepare you for using a DSLR, should you ever choose to purchase one in the future.

14MP resolution - probably enough to satisfy most casual shooters' needs
3.0" LCD screen - big screen to compose and view your photos
electronic viewfinder - you get the choice of using the view finder or LCD screen when taking a photo
CCD sensor - this probably won't really make a difference to you; if you want to read up about it, google "CCD vs CMOS"
18x optical zoom - pretty big zoom range
720p HD video recording - video probably won't be as great as in a camera dedicated for video recording, but a nice plus to have
Wide-Angle 28-504mm zoom lens - again, a pretty large zoom range from wide (think wide landscape) to long zoom (think birds far away)
Enhanced dual image stabilization - a plus, so even if you've got shaky hands, your photo won't turn out terribly blurred
SD/SCHC memory card slot - SD cards are probably the most common memory card types taken by cameras; making them relatively cheap and easily accessible. Also, most newer computer have built in SD card slots so you can just take your card out of the camera and onto the computer to get your photos, as opposed to having to hook your camera up to the computer.
Auto ISO, Up to ISO 1600 - google, "what is ISO"
1.2fps for 3 frames - means that it can take 1.2 photos per second for up to 3 photos
4x AA batteries required - I see having AA batteries as a plus as opposed to a rechargeable battery pack- just because AA batteries are easily accessible and you can pick them up if you're out somewhere or on vacation. (you can always also get rechargeable AA batteries)

Like I said before, personally, I don't think it looks like a bad camera; its got all your basics plus more, you've got manual and auto controls, and you've got a sensor capable of producing some pretty decent images.
If I were purchasing a budget camera, I would have considered this camera or a camera similar to it.
If you plan on spending $200 and buy a camera for $100, you can spend the other $100 on some basics like a memory card, small tripod, small case, and Photoshop Elements (or if you want to be more frugal; Paint Shop Pro).

[justinglives]

Cannon elph.
Bout $100 and takes awesome pics!

[Brighter.Tomorrow]

That fujifilm looks awesome! I'm kinda new to the camera scene, is the 14MP that the fujifilm has decent quality? Like opposed to a canon PowerShot which I have now?

I own that Fuji. It is a good camera. It's more flash than ability, but it's better than any point&&shoot. =]

[Mirage]

Despite what most beginners think, the MP resolution isn't all that really matters. The higher pixel count just means that you have a larger image file to work with; so if you plan on using it for some casual shooting and sharing your photos on Facebook, Flickr, or whatever, 14MP should be more than enough... unless you plan on blowing your pictures up and making huuuuge prints.

I don't think the camera lacks any features, unless there is something in particular that you really need...

Also, what I think is nice about is that it allows you to manually control factors such as aperture, shutter speed, etc, via the little control wheel at the top. It still lets you shoot in AUTO mode, where the camera chooses settings for you, but if you are feeling brave, having the option to control things yourself will help you learn and prepare you for using a DSLR, should you ever choose to purchase one in the future.

14MP resolution - probably enough to satisfy most casual shooters' needs
3.0" LCD screen - big screen to compose and view your photos
electronic viewfinder - you get the choice of using the view finder or LCD screen when taking a photo
CCD sensor - this probably won't really make a difference to you; if you want to read up about it, google "CCD vs CMOS"
18x optical zoom - pretty big zoom range
720p HD video recording - video probably won't be as great as in a camera dedicated for video recording, but a nice plus to have
Wide-Angle 28-504mm zoom lens - again, a pretty large zoom range from wide (think wide landscape) to long zoom (think birds far away)
Enhanced dual image stabilization - a plus, so even if you've got shaky hands, your photo won't turn out terribly blurred
SD/SCHC memory card slot - SD cards are probably the most common memory card types taken by cameras; making them relatively cheap and easily accessible. Also, most newer computer have built in SD card slots so you can just take your card out of the camera and onto the computer to get your photos, as opposed to having to hook your camera up to the computer.
Auto ISO, Up to ISO 1600 - google, "what is ISO"
1.2fps for 3 frames - means that it can take 1.2 photos per second for up to 3 photos
4x AA batteries required - I see having AA batteries as a plus as opposed to a rechargeable battery pack- just because AA batteries are easily accessible and you can pick them up if you're out somewhere or on vacation. (you can always also get rechargeable AA batteries)

Like I said before, personally, I don't think it looks like a bad camera; its got all your basics plus more, you've got manual and auto controls, and you've got a sensor capable of producing some pretty decent images.
If I were purchasing a budget camera, I would have considered this camera or a camera similar to it.
If you plan on spending $200 and buy a camera for $100, you can spend the other $100 on some basics like a memory card, small tripod, small case, and Photoshop Elements (or if you want to be more frugal; Paint Shop Pro).

Wow, thanks so much. Now I know what to get for Christmas :D

[ImCoolBeans]

http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikonusa/en_US/pd/ThemeID.18145600/productID.245596500

These are very good cameras and you will not be disappointed with it. The quality of a Nikon is hard to match and they make very precise cameras. It's a great starter camera and you won't have too hard of a time learning how to use it. Great step to take prior to getting a DSLR if that is what you plan to do eventually.

[Silicate Wielder]

I'm also new to this, I use my 3ds which can take a good picture when it wants to, but as soon as I look at them on the computer, they look like crap.

Yeah I need a good camera. maybe I'll get lucky.

[Gymrat17]

Despite what most beginners think, the MP resolution isn't all that really matters. The higher pixel count just means that you have a larger image file to work with; so if you plan on using it for some casual shooting and sharing your photos on Facebook, Flickr, or whatever, 14MP should be more than enough... unless you plan on blowing your pictures up and making huuuuge prints.

I don't think the camera lacks any features, unless there is something in particular that you really need...

Also, what I think is nice about is that it allows you to manually control factors such as aperture, shutter speed, etc, via the little control wheel at the top. It still lets you shoot in AUTO mode, where the camera chooses settings for you, but if you are feeling brave, having the option to control things yourself will help you learn and prepare you for using a DSLR, should you ever choose to purchase one in the future.

14MP resolution - probably enough to satisfy most casual shooters' needs
3.0" LCD screen - big screen to compose and view your photos
electronic viewfinder - you get the choice of using the view finder or LCD screen when taking a photo
CCD sensor - this probably won't really make a difference to you; if you want to read up about it, google "CCD vs CMOS"
18x optical zoom - pretty big zoom range
720p HD video recording - video probably won't be as great as in a camera dedicated for video recording, but a nice plus to have
Wide-Angle 28-504mm zoom lens - again, a pretty large zoom range from wide (think wide landscape) to long zoom (think birds far away)
Enhanced dual image stabilization - a plus, so even if you've got shaky hands, your photo won't turn out terribly blurred
SD/SCHC memory card slot - SD cards are probably the most common memory card types taken by cameras; making them relatively cheap and easily accessible. Also, most newer computer have built in SD card slots so you can just take your card out of the camera and onto the computer to get your photos, as opposed to having to hook your camera up to the computer.
Auto ISO, Up to ISO 1600 - google, "what is ISO"
1.2fps for 3 frames - means that it can take 1.2 photos per second for up to 3 photos
4x AA batteries required - I see having AA batteries as a plus as opposed to a rechargeable battery pack- just because AA batteries are easily accessible and you can pick them up if you're out somewhere or on vacation. (you can always also get rechargeable AA batteries)

Like I said before, personally, I don't think it looks like a bad camera; its got all your basics plus more, you've got manual and auto controls, and you've got a sensor capable of producing some pretty decent images.
If I were purchasing a budget camera, I would have considered this camera or a camera similar to it.
If you plan on spending $200 and buy a camera for $100, you can spend the other $100 on some basics like a memory card, small tripod, small case, and Photoshop Elements (or if you want to be more frugal; Paint Shop Pro).

^Got it in one^

Defo get photoshop elements, it will literally transform your photography. I should have bought it when I bought my SLR. In digital, it's invaluable.