digital camera recommendation

[joe]

all I have left to do before leaving is purchase a decent dig. camera. Any suggestions? I'm looking for something that is not very expensive (limit of about $200). Is it possible to get something that takes nice pic's for this price? Also, are memory cards expensive and do i need to get them here in the US before i leave, or can they be purchased there? thanks guys!

[Eagle]

JOE, I suspect it's going to be challenging to find a "decent" Digital Camera for $200.00. Does that amount include additional memory cards, extra batteries and case?

I'm always reluctant to recommend a specific Camera model, as everyone's needs and budget are different. I tend to favour Canon or Nikon Cameras, but I'm sure there are good models from other manufacturers as well. Any Camera can develop problems, so it's important to do some research before you buy.

You might want to check out www.dpreview.com or www.steves-digicams.com as they both have review sections, and more importantly User Forums where you can get some ideas on the experiences of other users of a particular Camera.

With regards to Memory Cards, if you're on a limited budget it would probably be a good idea to limit your search to Cameras which use Compact Flash cards as these are usually the least expensive, have the greatest capacities, and seem to be the most readily available.

Which batteries to use shouldn't be a consideration, as a set of four NiMH rechargeables & Charger are about the same cost as a "proprietary" LiIon battery. You WILL need at least one extra set of batteries, so factor this into your budget also.

Also, DO NOT buy these in Europe (especially in the U.K.) as they will most likely be much more expensive! I'm sure some of the U.K. members on this board can relate the difference in the price of electronics between North America and Europe. I noticed that even in the "Duty Free" shops in Gatwick, camera gear & accessories were more expensive than here in Canada. And of course theres the 17% VAT to consider.

You might find it helpful to read through some of the previous Posts in this section, regarding travelling with a Digital Camera as these present some unique problems not encountered with a film Camera.

Hope this will be some help in getting you started on your Camera purchase. Good luck with this!!!

[dougj]

i'd recommend something from the canon a series. even my old a10 (1.3 meg) still takes great shots. they're pretty good on batteries and nice point and shoot cameras.
yeah, get some good nihm rechargable batteries, a charger and don't forget your plug adapter!

[joe]

thanks for the websites eagle...very helpful! ;D

[MuvverRussia]

As said before, USD200 would be pushing it. You'd be best looking for a 2nd hand model for that price.

As for prices of electronics goods, think of the price in USD and then replace the $ with £. It's almost always accurate, with a couple of exceptions (e.g. Sony PS2s and a few others). Also there's 17.5% sales tax.

I've heard that electronics goods are cheap in Switzerland though, so that might be worth a look. Then again, any discount will be relative to UK prices, so they still may be more expensive than in the US.