(Sorry this is so long!)
Here was my original request:
Hello all,
I'm trying to make the best use of monies I won in a grant (in my first
year; yes, I'm excited!). I checked through the archives, but didn't
see anything particularly helpful on this topic from the past year, at
least not with my particular circumstances. I'd like to purchase a
point and shoot digital camera for between $100-200. What I'd like to
hear from you are specific brands and models that work well, either in
school or personal use. Of course, I'm looking to get the most bang for
our buck, but if there are particular features that you feel make the
camera you use better than others, I'd love to hear it.
One limitation: I do NOT want to purchase a camera that uses a 3.5 disk
for storage, since most of the computers in our library do not have that
drive.
Anything at all you can give me on this would be appreciated. Please
respond to me - I'll compile the information and post a HIT.
Here’s what I decided, based on all of your information:
I’m going with the Canon Powershot A530. This is a 5 megapixel camera,
with 4x optical/ 4x digital zoom. I’m pleased with this choice; it was
one I was considering before, and with so many of you happy with your
Canons, I decided to go ahead. It's between 130-150, depending on where
you buy.
Thanks for all of your responses. I’ll list them all below, for reference.
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I have several Sony Cyber-shot cameras. Most of mine are 4.1 mega
pixels. They are great - they always work well, will take short video
as well as many pics, and are easy to download. Don't forget to also
purchase memory sticks, cases for the cameras (with a pocket for the usb
cord, which will need to travel with the each camera), and rechargeable
batteries are a great idea too. Good luck!
-----
I cannot claim any expertise, but I've had to buy a number of digital
cameras for schools in recent years and, as a result, I've done a lot of
reading. The price point might be tough to hit -- they've come down a
lot, but decent ones are still fairly spendy -- but here are a couple
suggestions. Canon and Sony are the technology leaders, reliable,
versatile, easy to use, feature-rich. The Canon PowerShot line is
excellent and includes a range of products that might extend below $200.
I just bought one, 6MP for $250, but I wouldn't be surprised if you
could find one that was a little cheaper. It runs on AA batteries, too,
which is good for a school because kids often forget things like
charging up a lithium ion rechargeable. And it's got a standard USB 2.0
connector for uploading to a computer. The Sony CyberShot line is also
excellent, though I think more expensive with no measurable improvement
in features. The Canon I bought uses a standard xD memory card. I got it
on sale at Best Buy, 512 MB (about 500 pictures) for $20.
-----
I have an old Canon Power Shot with 4 megapixels and I really love it!
It's fairly user-friendly and it takes really clear photos. One photo of
Central Park in NYC that I took I had enlarged to 20x30" and it came out
totally clear and sharp. Also, it takes standard, easy to find batteries;
I have rechargeable NiMH ones in it but it can use regular AA batteries. I
think there are still some cameras which only use a special type of
battery which make them much more high-maintenance. It stores photos on
one of those
tiny square thingies (can you tell I'm not a techie)and comes with a
little cord that plugs into a USB port to download onto the computer.
------
I purchased an HP R707 after doing extensive research including looking at
the profile on Consumer Reports. What I liked about the camera was that it
could take and store up to 17 photos without a memory card or stick (I
guess it has an internal one). It was easy to use. But - and this is a big
But - I used it for only 2 years when a problem occurred - the camera
would hang up whenever the flash was on and I'd have to take out the
battery in order to turn the camera off and start again.
I went to their website and downloaded something that might fix the
problem (it didn't). I called their "help" desk in India and result was
that the young Indian woman gave me the "opportunity" of upgrading this
model to a newer one for $169...I hung up on her.
I am now very turned off on HP products and would never buy another one. I
think a camera should work for more than 2 years (I have a Minolta 35mm
film camera that works just fine after 20 some odd years). Or they should
have handled this problem better, which must be a problem with this model
because it is now discontinued. Instead they just tried to sell me another
one.
I have since purchased a Canon Powershot - and am hoping their company is
a bit more reputable in solving these problems.
The bottom line - stay away from HP products.
-----
Definitely get a model that uses a USB port rather than disk...some
still use disks. The teachers in my school never think to order disks
with their supplies and they come looking to me for those...and I don't
order them because none of my computers use them. The cameras that
still use disks are so much cheaper. That's why they usually wind up
low bid on school purchases.
Just my experience....
------
My advice would be to get the most Optical Zoom possible - digital zoom
only looks good in the camera, but appears 'digitized' when you
print.....
For a school setting, the ones that have a little disc make it really
easy for the teachers to get their pictures OUT of the camera. We have
the Sony Mavicas with the 3.5 disc & they are so easy to use, all the
non-tech teachers are willing to use them without feeling threatened. I
know there are some other Sony ones that you connect with a USB cord &
it is easy to copy the pictures over, but that is a step many teachers
act like they can't do.
------
I have a Canon Poweshot A430 With 4.0 megapixels. I love it. It's
small, easy to use and takes great pictures. 4.0 megapixels is fine
if you want pictures to use on web pages or blogs and it prints very
well, too. I bought a 256 megabyte card for it and it is plenty of
storage for my use. I bought it through Samy's Camera online and if
I remember correctly the camera and card came to about $200.
I also have a Canon with 5.0 megapixel that I use at home and it's
really great, too. I bought it several years ago and it was about
$400 but you might be able to get that amount of megapixels now for
less money.
Anyway, to make this rambling email end....I'd recommend a Canon!
------
Try to get a camera with a USB download cord (if your computers support
USB connections). You will only need a memory stick--then you can
download directly from the USB cable. I would NOT purchase a camera
that requires a CD...it takes too long to record in between pictures.
The Canon PowerShot Sd450 works well...it is extremely compact...and
takes wonderful digitals...I don't remember the cost, but I do believe
it may have been more than $200.00.
------
I purchased an HP Photosmart M407 for $179.00 two years ago. It still works
great and is probably cheaper now. I also purchased a larger memory card
and a battery charger (it takes two AA photo lithium batteries). I just
always make sure some are charged. It is 4.1 MP. I have been pleased.
------
We have several of the Nikon CoolPix cameras in the library for
teacher checkout. These small, lightweight cameras are
relatively inexpensive ($150-$250), take very clear pictures,
and are SUPER easy to use. All of our teachers, from the tech
savvy to the tech terrified, have used these cameras with few
problems. The newer models have been really good about battery
usage, and the rechargeable (Duracell) batteries I purchased
have been GREAT! Connecting the camera to computers and
transferring the pictures couldn't be easier! We don't have
memory cards--the camera's internal memory hold about 30
pictures, which is usually plenty for our teachers' needs.
------
I did extensive research last year. We bought Canon powershots. Easy to
use and have a 4x optical zoom. 4-5 megs is plenty unless you plan on
making wall size posters. We really wanted the 4x zoom as digital zoom
means nothing. This camera was highly rated for quality at several web
sites evaluating cameras. It also uses 2AA batteries.
------
Recently on LM_NET a site was listed for consumer report information,
That site is www.wize.com Take a look at this site, I liked it.
------
I would suggest a Kodak Easy Share. They have different models and prices.
Our library has an older 4pixel, but the resolution is great! It has simple
controls and a memory stick option. I have never had to get a new battery
and love the docking style recharger.
------
I'm a novice to this technology . . . here's my experience. Hope it's
helpful. Attached, find a picture taken with the Canon Cybershot.
PARTICULAR MODELS
I got a good deal at Best Buy, about $130, for a SONY Cybershot. It not
only takes still photos it shoots video !!!! My friend has an Olympus FE
and it seems to operate much more efficiently than mine. He has a battery
charger, the pictures in the viewer on his camera look crisper than mine
but mine look just great when I print them, when he plays back his video
on his camera he has sound (I do have sound after I upload them), his
camera is a little slimmer and more lightweight than mine. You can see
customer reviews on various cameras at amazon.com. I purchased my printer
(canon pixma) through Amazon.
A CONCERN
See anniegii.bebo.com : many of these pics were taken with our cell
phones but the tourist pictures were taken with the Olympus. I haven't
been able to post any of the Cybershot photos because my photos are too
large.
HOWEVER, the videos were taken with the Cybershot and created/edited with
iMovie !!!
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: All the cameras use different memory cards so you may
want to stick with one brand if you are buying more than one camera. Most
likely you will have to purchase the memory card separately. I bought a
one gig memory card for maybe 40-50 dollars. I'd like to get a 2 gig
memory card for about 60 dollars.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION
You may consider the cost of a warranty or protection plan. I think when
all was said and done I actually paid close to 200 dollars for the
Cybershot. With all it's limitations, this camera was a bargain.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT : Two cables
The cameras SHOULD come with a CABLE so you can upload directly to the
computer. Another cable with two RCA jacks will enable you to hook the
camera up to the TV. Instantly you can see the pictures you just shot.
THE KIDS JUST LOVE THIS !!!
**Make sure these cables are included. They should be.
FANCY FEATURES/OPERATIONS
The cameras now come with some new technology that provides some sort of
stabilization feature for movement . . . not a priority for me at this
time . . . I'm most concerned with stabilizing the battery power
situation.
Someone once mentioned something about her camera being able to shoot
faster . . . within so many seconds she can shoot several times . . . . .
I'lll have to investigate this concept when I upgrade because I have
actually felt the frustration with this camera's inefficiency. I have
lost many photo opportunities due to the slowness. Perhaps some of my
problems could be fixed but I haven't figured out how to change any of
the settings . . there are so many different buttons on this camera. The
Cybershot doesn't come with an actual book, (owner's manual) maybe you
download it to your computer but I haven't seen it . . . it's still hit
or miss . . . trial and error . . . I haven't exactly figured out how to
turn on/turn off the flash.
ONE LAST NOTE:
One particular nice thing about this technology (digital cameras) is that
you can take hundreds of pictures of the same thing and simply delete all
the bad ones . .
you know how when you take a group photo someone's eyes are shut . . .
------
I love my Canon Powershot. It has a great zoom, I like the feel of
it in my hand because it's easy to grip. I like where the zoom lever
is. I also like the fact that the LCD screen can be closed off so it
doesn't get scratched easily.
Kelly Jo Lasher
School Library Media Specialist
Middle Township High School
Cape May Court House, NJ
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