Need an affordable point & shoot camera

[kyzen]

Going to Vegas in 2 weeks, looking to pick up a camera for the trip. My last digital camera was some old 3.1mp HP thing that used SD cards - that's all I could tell you about it. It made its way into a pitcher of beer the last time I was in Vegas, so I'm not looking to spend much on this one in case it should have a similar fate.

Can any of you camera-gurus suggest something in the <100, 100-150, and 150-200 price ranges? Or suggest things to avoid when I'm out shopping?

I'd love to do pick something up in the next 2 days or so, so I can spend some time learning how to use it before the trip.

 

[zig3695]

just picked up a canon sd400 off the bay for $100. you cant beat the digital elphs for value and portability.

 

[kyzen]

Cool, thanks. I read somewhere at some point that more megapixels does not always make for better photos. Is this true, or should I go for the most megapixels I can get for my budget?

 

[AmigaMan]

Originally posted by: kyzen
Cool, thanks. I read somewhere at some point that more megapixels does not always make for better photos. Is this true, or should I go for the most megapixels I can get for my budget?

that's true to an extent. You'd probably be ok with anything over 5MP. Anything more in a P&S is a waste for the most part.

 

[davestar]

Originally posted by: kyzen
Cool, thanks. I read somewhere at some point that more megapixels does not always make for better photos. Is this true, or should I go for the most megapixels I can get for my budget?

there's a sweet spot for compacts around 5-7 MPs. less and you don't have enough resolution to print decent sized pics. more and you introduce lots of noise due to the small sensors.

 

[kyzen]

Swung by some stores at lunch. Really like the feel of some $100-$130 Samsungs, but prefered the features and useability of the Canon a560 and a550. If I can get Circuit City to match their websites price on the a560 ($21 less than the in-store price), and then let me layer a $40 off $200 coupon on top of that (for accessories) I think I'm going to pick one of those up this evening.

Anybody have any reason for me to avoid Canon?

 

[PowerRanger]

I think the Canon A560 should be pretty good. The design leaves something to be desired, but picture quality & features are fine. Only personal gripe with that particular model is that it has no manual controls...but if you're just looking for a P&S, then that's a moot point. In general, I'd choose Canon over Samsung. Here's a review: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A560/A560A.HTM

 

[kyzen]

Well to stay within my budget *and* get it in time for the trip I'm going to have to choose between the A550 + $40 worth of accessories, or the A630. Either one will come out to $160 when all is said and done.

Any suggestions/input?