OK, Did I get your attention?
GREAT!

I need help. I'm planning on buying a nice digital camera
as a gift for christmas. I don't want anything professional,
(or super pricey) but something that's good quality.
(This is for my guy- aka co-pilot)

We're both obsessed with taking car pictures. That's mostly
what he will use it for. He's just taken more interest in quality
photography lately, and has nothing to take pictures with anymore.
So I'm always the one taking them all (with my professional digital)
and I feel bad for him.

But anyway, I need some good digital camera recommendations
from you guys. It's been a while since I've been in the
photographer's circle, so I'm sure there's a lot more out there
than I realize.

ANY help would be appreciated!!!! THANKS!!!

 

Are you looking for a dSLR? Or just a recent point and shoot camera?


If you are looking into getting into the digital SLR world, and are on somewhat of a budget, I would defintely recommend the RebelXT. I got mine a year and absolutely love it.

 

Sounds to me like an SLR is what to get...if he's not there yet, he will be soon. But it all depends on your budget. Let us know how much you want to spend.
But even at $150, you can get a canon A-series, which takes great photos for its range, and still has a full manual mode.

 

I'd get a dSLR whether he thinks he wants it or not
The first camera that came to mind was a Rebel, but
I couldnt find anything for $300 or less, which is my
budget. If I was made of money, I'd buy him another car

 

If thats your budget, forget a DSLR.

Look here http://nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2

Any of the lowend coolpix cameras will do fine and fit your budget

 

Nikon has a very nice selection of digital point and shoot cameras in your price range with a high mega pixel count....definately check them out

 

Oh, how I wish money grew on trees...well, at least
MY tree

My camera was $1,000, but it was a college grad gift 2 years ago

Thanks for the help!

 

I've heard good things about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz5/

 

I wouldn't say "forget" an SLR if you only have $300.
You might have to forget a new one.
But SLRs never die, and digitals are always upgraded so there's a large market on ebay or craigslist for used ones that are still great capable cameras. I just sold my D60 on CL.
$300 should easily get you a Rebel, maybe a Rebel XT used.
(If you have a canon or nikon for yourself, if you an get one of the same brand for him, you can share lenses too)

And $300 on a used SLR is much better spent than $300 on a new compact.

 

Since your budget is $300, I am going to reccommend the Kodak P850. $289 at Sams Club. NOT a DSLR, because you wont find one for $300 - but it does have a nice lens, 35mm equivalent of 38-432mm - that gives you a 12X range. Resolution up to 5.1 mp. ISO up to 800. A huge screen on the back! I bought my wife one of these when she wanted a semi-serious camera - the first non-Nikon camera I've bought in years. I was very impressed with this little camera, and the images have been great so far.

Good luck with whatever you end up buying!

 

Well, I just bought a couple of CoolPix S9s for my two adult kids. Only cost me $410 through Amazon.

Then again, you might consider holding out for Nikon's new D40 as an entry-level DSLR.


-J/C

Oops, forgot to post the ubiquitous DP Review article about the D40.

 

Nobody loves Nikon gear more than I do - but since she said her budget is $300, both the S9 and the D40 are out of the running. The D40 has a list price of $599 - which makes it double her price range...

 

I found a real nice HP 517 point & shoot on EBAY for under
$150 just 6 months ago..it's a great camera and is designed
to fit comfortably for one hand shooting..(if you so desire)..!!!

 

I suggest you check out the panasonic line of cameras with image stablized lenses, I think those are great deals, if you could find an older used model with the 10X zoom lens, those are really versitile.

You could get a dSLR for $300 maybe, but the lenses cost a lot of money too

 

I think you misread my post. I bought two (2) S9s for $410. (kind of puts each camera at $205) Shipping was free and no tax.