bleg: digital camera recommendations

[gusl]

I'm looking to spend about $250-$300.

Desiderata:
* downloading to a computer is fast, painless, and done by USB
* should hold about 1 GB
* can do video
* zoom range >= 4x or 6x
* fits in a pocket
* won't get ripped off in case I need a new charger (or other essential accessory)

Comments

[peamasii.livejournal.com]

this sony dsc-w150 with the wide screen is the best i've ever played with, and i've tried the canon ixus as well:

http://www.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=DSC-W150&site=odw_en_GB&imageType=Main&category=DSC+W+Series

i wouldn't choose anything but a sony or canon though, so i may be biased.

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/holiday-gift-guide-best-pocket-digital-cameras_roundup.html

[rdore.livejournal.com]

should hold about 1 GB

I'm not particularly up on digital cameras. But I think most cameras run with media like various forms of SD or compact flash in them. Which should let you choose the capacity price point you prefer approximately independent of other considerations.

[zarex.livejournal.com]

Amazon has a special on the SD850, which is an excellent camera and normally much more expensive. All modern cameras use external SD, so you can pick whatever storage you want. Also, see kenrockwell.com for tips.

Image stabilization is essential, in my opinion.

$240 now

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

is it possible to turn off image stabilization, if you're trying to be artistic?

[zarex.livejournal.com]

I would imagine, since there's an icon for it, but I don't know how on mine.

[bhudson.livejournal.com]

And for $10 online, or $20 at the store, you get a USB adaptor for said media.

1-GB media cards are in the checkout lane of Best Buy these days, sort of like candy at a grocery store.

[gustavolacerda.livejournal.com]

Thanks. What about recharging? is easy and cheap to get extra chargers?

[zarex.livejournal.com]

I would imagine, but I haven't looked into it.