Digital cameras

[lizwizz]

We're thinking of buying our daughter a digital camera, but don't want to spend too much (�50-�60). Has anyone any idea which would be a good one to go for and what features are important and which ones are gimmicks? Thanks.

[vehelpfulguy]

The battery is important. Dont buy one that has AA or AAA or she will be forever replacing them or recharging them. Buy one with a Lithium Ion battery.

[vehelpfulguy]

The main other features are:

Megapixels. The more the better, but for ordinairy snapshots 3 megapixels is probably enough.

Optical zoom. Dont buy one that just has Digital Zoom.

Size of memory card: The bigger the memory card the more pictures it can hold.

[vehelpfulguy]

I suppose I should say you will probably not get a camera that uses Lithium Ion batteries, and has Optical Zoom, for �50 or �60.

To be honest that sort of money is not very much in the digital camera world.

I have had a look at the Argos web site and there are only 6 cameras between �30 and �60.

You could either buy a very cheap camera (the Vivitar V3730 is �40, and Argos offer a half price 128Mb memory card at �20) which would at least start her off.

Or got up the price range a bit and get a quality make like the Nikon Coolpix 4600 at �90. It is 4 megapixel and has Optical zoom.

Remember that buying the camera is not the end of the spending.

You may need to buy extra re-chargable batteries and maybe a charger (always good to have a spare set of charged batteries).

You will also probably need an extra memory card or two. The memory card that comes with some camera can only hold a dozen or so pictures so you need a 64Mb or 128Mb card (or both) to hold extra pictures, particularly if you are going on holiday.

I have 6 memory cards I take away with me on holiday.

[vehelpfulguy]

Also, might be worth putting this append on "Internet and Technology" where many people who use digital cameras hang out.

[rugeleyboy]

you deserve 3 stars there vehelpfulguy, you once again lived up to your name!!

[lia*]

i own the nikon 5600. it has all the important features, small and easy to carry around. it's easy to operate and takes great pictures. i recommend this camera. hope this helps.

[lizwizz]

Thanks for that vhg. Godd of you to go to so much trouble. Thanks to the others too, all useful info.