I really need to avoid reading posts whilst I'm scrolling the window at the same time. By doing so I managed to get the kludged sentence 'Today I was working on a fursuit commission... that can plug into the computers USB port'! Now that would have been something different to say the least! =:P
How much is "not too expensive", and how good is "high quality"? You can get a solid compact camera for about $100 without trying too hard, but if you need a DSLR then it'll be several times more expensive. I don't have much experience with DSLRs, so what follows applies to compact cameras:
Fujifilm is usually a good bet for a straightforward camera that will give pleasant results without too much effort; Panasonic ha a great reputation, and generally deservedly so, but you do pay a premium for it. You might also look at Canon and Samsung. I haven't been too impressed with many Nikon or Kodak compacts in recent years.
I really need to get a new camera that can plug into the computers USB port.Don't connect it directly: it drains the camera's batteries, can be slow and may require software installation - and a lot of camera software is badly designed. Instead, and assuming your computer doesn't already have one, get a card
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My first camera, a cheapie Casio, was a battery hog. I made sure my second, a FujiFilm, would take a power supply. My HP also had a power supply. My newest FujiFilm, curiously, doesn't. At least it hasn't been hard on batteries.
Since I prefer AA-powered cameras, this is a hugely important factor for me. I wouldn't dream now of using disposable batteries (even lithium) in my cameras; the savings by using high-capacity NiMHs are enormous after a while. They do seem a bit better than they were a few years ago, though.
I am quite happy so far with the Kodak EasyShare Z915 that I bought in the spring. It has lots of auto point-and-shoot modes, but also allows for manual control and also aperture and shutter speed priority. It's 10 megapixels, 10x optical zoom, and can be had for less than $100.
I previously used a Canon PowerShot A570 IS. I was really happy with it, but when I broke it, I found that Canon has since discontinued all manual controls in the PowerShot A line. I wanted that option but also wanted to spend <$150, so I had to jump the Canon ship.
I found that Canon has since discontinued all manual controls in the PowerShot A line.
I was very disappointed when I found that out. I currently use an A710 IS, one of the last of the manual A-series cameras, and really like it, but if I break it then I'm really not sure where to go. The SX series is nice, but much too expensive for me, at least new. I'd seriously consider another A710, actually, even considering its age.
My stepdad was huge on Pentax stuff but the Vivitar film camera we had was quite nice too, but I think your talking digital, well
For digital I would go with 5or more megapix minimum and look at the iris of the camera. Bigger iris means more light capture and likely better pictures. Small iris cameras do work but not too good indoors. I saw snaps from Kodak and they are nice, Avoid Polaroid like the plague as well as brands like Targus, apex, and no namers. They eat battery very quickly and give less than stellar results.
Cannon Powershot is what I use and its quite good. I can set the strength of the flash thus still take decent pictures that are not washed out and stale feeling pics indoors too.
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Fujifilm is usually a good bet for a straightforward camera that will give pleasant results without too much effort; Panasonic ha a great reputation, and generally deservedly so, but you do pay a premium for it. You might also look at Canon and Samsung. I haven't been too impressed with many Nikon or Kodak compacts in recent years.
Example Fujifilm: FinePix AX200 - $87.00 on Amazon
Example Panasonic: Lumix DMC-FH20 - $151.98 on Amazon
I really need to get a new camera that can plug into the computers USB port.Don't connect it directly: it drains the camera's batteries, can be slow and may require software installation - and a lot of camera software is badly designed. Instead, and assuming your computer doesn't already have one, get a card ( ... )
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I previously used a Canon PowerShot A570 IS. I was really happy with it, but when I broke it, I found that Canon has since discontinued all manual controls in the PowerShot A line. I wanted that option but also wanted to spend <$150, so I had to jump the Canon ship.
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I was very disappointed when I found that out. I currently use an A710 IS, one of the last of the manual A-series cameras, and really like it, but if I break it then I'm really not sure where to go. The SX series is nice, but much too expensive for me, at least new. I'd seriously consider another A710, actually, even considering its age.
Reply
For digital I would go with 5or more megapix minimum and look at the iris of the camera. Bigger iris means more light capture and likely better pictures. Small iris cameras do work but not too good indoors. I saw snaps from Kodak and they are nice, Avoid Polaroid like the plague as well as brands like Targus, apex, and no namers. They eat battery very quickly and give less than stellar results.
Cannon Powershot is what I use and its quite good. I can set the strength of the flash thus still take decent pictures that are not washed out and stale feeling pics indoors too.
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