This seems the best board to ask as you'll have more of an idea then tech board (at a guess at least).

 

I'm looking for a new camera which I can use on my coming holiday as well as day to day usage (I tend to take pictures on my way to and from work, in my garden, etc).

 

 

 

I've been meaning to buy a decent digital camera for a while (I've just been using the 2m camera on my phone for about 3 years), but I honestly have no idea on what are the best deals out now.

 

 

 

Important info

 

Budget £100 (might budge up a little if its free delivery)

 

Decent optical zoom

 

Not too big or heavy

 

Not too flimsy

 

 

 

If the mods think this is in the wrong forum feell free to move it I just though photo loving people from this people would be the best people to ask.

 

 

 

Recommend away and thanks in advance,

 

 

 

Joe

because of your budget, I'd recommend this model:

 

 

 

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5591796/c_1/2%7Ccategory_root%7CPhotography%7C12109590/c_2/3%7Ccat_12109590%7CDigital+cameras%7C12109607.htm?Price+Cut=1

 

 

 

It's cheap, and you can get a Lexar 4GB SD card for half price with it (if you buy it through Argos).

 

 

 

Here's a review if you needed confirmation:

 

 

 

http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/panasonic-dmc-ls85.cfm

 

 

 

One thing to note with this Camera is that you would do well to invest in rechargeable AA Batteries.

O I should have added that I have a load of memory cards of various sorts so you don't need to take them into account.

 

Nice site.

 

 

 

ps whats a macro in camera terms I have (no clue :? )

ps whats a macro in camera terms I have (no clue :? )

 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macro_photography

 

 

 

Basically, in the 'non-true' sense, it's a photograph taken of something close up.

If you want a proper DSLR, £100 won't get you anywhere.

I know that I'm looking for something to get me started.

 

I could through £400 or so at camera, but there a massive overkill for me at this moment.

 

Plus there too bulky for what and where I currently take pictures of. I'm looking for just a decent digital camera I can throw in my work bag and holiday case (I'd never take anything over £100 in my luggage) which will take a good picture.

 

 

 

I'll admit I was looking at real DSLR cameras, but thats on my projects list (the holiday was more then I was expecting and drained my cash flow, so it go pushed to the back)

 

 

 

I was looking at this and this

Have you considered looking at Jessops Digital Camera Section? Jessops will often do good bundle deals, with memory cards, perhaps higher powered batteries.

I find Play.com do some excellent prices for digital cameras (compacts) if you want a quick decision

 

 

 

I got my compact off eBay from a company who get all the returns of nikon digital cameras, they then refurbish them and sell them as used even though they're brand new.

 

People don't bid often as they have had a problem before but they often give 1 year warranties.

 

 

 

My little Coolpix P1 has done me a good job the last 2 or 3 years, even though i think it is a very good camera i haven't been watching and keeping myself updated on newer models which are probably slightly more advanced and better.

 

 

 

3 years ago this cost me £100 with a 1 year warranty, charger, case and 1 gig card. Unfortunatly not many pop up now though.

 

 

 

Overall my advice would to be...

 

~ Do your own research, make a decision that you are happy about

 

Most people on forums like these will give you a very biased opinion on the 1 camera they have, without being able to test others themselves. (I'm not saying i have had other compacts, which is why i suggest you research for yourself)

 

~ Avoid cameras that places like Argos make a big deal out of, these are often cheaply made and not built to last. They get good write ups as they are cheap, and origianlly good and reliable for people.

 

~ Unlike SLRs, the specifications in the description of compacts don't mean much and are often just big numbers (a good example is 10x Digital Zoom!! In truth, digital zoom does nothing. Optical zoom however does.

 

~ Refurbishment companies on eBay are a good way to go in my opinion, the people that refurbished my coolpix were actually employed by nikon so they fixed them in a proper way with the materials they got from nikon.