I'm looking for a top-notch digital camera for general purpose use. That means everything from my wife taking pictures of the kid's b-day parties to me taking outdoor scenery pictures on hikes. The ideal camera would be easy to use in an "automatic" mode (parties, etc.) plus have the features to get more "professional" as my skills increase (I just love playing with new toys; unfortunately with regular cameras, playing doesn't lead to instant feedback as you have to develop the film, but with a digital camera, knowing myself, I expect to spend lots of time tweaking settings just to see what happens...who knows, I may really get into photography with this).

Cost? <$1000. I've read about the Olympus C2000 and the Nikon 950, but I'm concerned they may not be easy enough for a novice to just "point and shoot". ???? Plus, I've got this feeling that for $500-ish I could get a camera that would do great "automatic" pictures, plus would probably stretch my photography skills/tweaking for a while. But there don't appear to be any clear winners in that category.

I *Greatly* appreciate any comments anyone has.

Thanks,

Dave

-- Dave Steckler (davidst@nobeltec.com), June 04, 1999

Answers

I have an Epson 750z digital camera and am very happy with it. I think it would fit your needs well. I spent about 2 minutes showing my wife the controls and she hasn't had a single problem. Outdoor photos are great especially since the LCD viewfinder has the ability to use sunlight for the backlighting. Saves on batteries and is brighter than battery powered backlighting making it more useable than most LCD viewers.The price is in your range too. I got ours from IC-Direct:

http://www.ic-direct.com/content/details.phtml?ProductID=E703715&yid=9 51ea37452e3447b9474f00a0c3cd268

It is currently running about $600. We also purchased our Epson Photo 750 printer there as well.

-- Bob G. (rgreg88721@hotmail.com), June 04, 1999.

I am new to digital cameras.. and just a novice at photography for that matter.. I got a Oly 2000z and it is teaching me to take some really neat pics.. it serves very well as a point and shoot.Auto functions are a lot smarter than I am.. It is great for parties and shooting things up close.. I have taken some low light shots and flash stuff that really impressed me. It is teaching me about using manual controls, and I am learning. If you want to experiment and play and learn, this camera will teach you.. and as you mentioned the results are immediate and you can see the difference in the shots you take and not have to wait to have the film developed and forget what you did. I have tried some landscape and wide open country shots.. The prairies of Wyoming.. We're talking miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles. It is not capable of that kind of thing or at least I haven't got it figured out yet. Over all I am really pleased with the camera, I borrowed a friends point and shoot and was unhappy with it's limitations.. Go for one that has the manual control capabilities or you will be looking for another camera before long. Both my wife and I have been able to take some pretty good pics with the Oly..The Image resource review is more helpful than the manual that comes with the camera.. So whatever camera you choose.. print their review as a good cheat sheet.. Good luck!!

-- Chip Harding (buflerchip@sisna.com), June 04, 1999.