Digital Cameras

[Aevian Dreaklear]

A buddy from college is getting married in this next week. I'll get to see lots of friends I haven't seen in quite some time, I figure maybe it's a good time to finally get a digital camera. I know very little about the brands and technology so I thought I'd reach out here for some advice. When I get a chance to meet up with friends I haven't seen in some time, we usually meet up at a bar so features for indoor pictures/no light would be a plus. The slimmer the camera the better, I just want something I can stick in my pocket. I don't really care about recording videos or anything like that. I'm just looking for a very basic slim camera that will be easy to upload onto my computer and post on facebook where it doesn't look like crap. I'm looking to spend under $200 for the camera and needed accessories. Anyone have any suggestions or any particular models to avoid?

[Aabidano]

Make sure it can be used as a regular USB drive and doesn't need drivers\software or a funky cable to use
Has at least 4x optical zoom
Can use disposable batteries
When you look at image quality, watch out for the * after the image resolution number. A lot of companies are using a cheap imaging chip, digitally enhancing the image and using that number for the camera's megapixel count. It's like having digital zoom on all the time. Look for the resolution of the chip itself to make sure you're comparing apples to apples.

Beyond that, play with one at the store and make sure it fits your hand and the controls make sense. There's a lot more can be said, but for a basic point and shoot that's the highlights (for me).

[lmnt9]

I like my Canon SD750. I think it fits what you are looking for.

[miir]

Canon's are great.
The SD line is slim and light and will fit into virtually any pocket.

Make sure it can be used as a regular USB drive and doesn't need drivers\software or a funky cable to use

Or you can just use pop out the SD card and use it in a card reader on any computer (Mac or PC)

Has at least 4x optical zoom

Optical zoom will increase the bulk of the camera.
Most cameras come with a minimum 3-4x optical zoom.
If you're not going to be doing anything more than taking pics of people at weddings/events/holidays, you'll be fine with 3-4x optical zoom.

Can use disposable batteries

This may also increase the size of the camera.
I have been using Canons for years and have never had one of their batteries die on me unexpectedly. Even taking like 75+ flash pictures won't kill the battery.

When you look at image quality, watch out for the * after the image resolution number. A lot of companies are using a cheap imaging chip, digitally enhancing the image and using that number for the camera's megapixel count.

I think most people that are looking for a basic point and shoot aren't really too concerned with the image resolution. Most of the digital cameras these days are overkill on the megapixels anyway.

[Aslanna]

Whichever one you choose make sure to read the reviews. I usually go with: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/ . That's a good site for the forums as well although they are a bit noisy so it's hard to keep up.

[Winnow]

buy eneloop rechargeable batteries if you go that route. They are the best!

Work great for game controllers (360) as well.

[Aevian Dreaklear]

I ended up buying a Olympus FE-340. Bachelor party is Thursday, with the wedding over the weekend. We'll see how this works out. This 5 hour battery charge is pretty hardcore though, not a fan of that. I'm supposed to be able to take well over 200 shots before having to charge the battery, but I'm afraid that number is inflated. Would anyone suggest that I buy an additional camera, or do you think I'll be ok?

[Winnow]

I ended up buying a Olympus FE-340. Bachelor party is Thursday, with the wedding over the weekend. We'll see how this works out. This 5 hour battery charge is pretty hardcore though, not a fan of that. I'm supposed to be able to take well over 200 shots before having to charge the battery, but I'm afraid that number is inflated. Would anyone suggest that I buy an additional camera, or do you think I'll be ok?

Buy an extra battery and you'll have all of tomorrow to charge it.