I'm taking pictures for the internet only. From what I've read, it appears I do not need a high megapixel camera to do this. Since a 3" X 5" picture only uses 288 X 480 pixels (on a PC monitor), I need a camera that takes small file pictures yet has great picture taking ability. One source I read says you should only reduce the image 25% from the original for best results. So it looks like I only need a digital camera with small file sizes. If I am wrong in this assumsion, let me know.

So what digital camera has great optics, white balance, extremely good color, and a large memory storage yet saves in a small file size?

-- John Hawk (jnhawk@boone.net), March 15, 2000

Answers

John,

Depending on how much money you want to spend, I would suggest the Olympus D360 @ 299.00 or Oly D450 @ 450.00. If you want to spend a little more you coul go with the Nikon 800. Both OLY's will print 5 x 7 pics nicely. For internet purpsoes all will be great. If you spend more money you get more features. In the case of the Nikon for ~550.00 you get 2.1 megapixels and Excellent performance.

Ron

-- Ron Baker (Lronb1@cs.com), March 17, 2000.

Sounds as if the Kodak 280 fits your need, and now the price is quite good on Accompany.com (especially with a 20% discount). Across the board, the 280 is an excellent net camera--outstanding color rendition and sharpness, smooth performance, easy to use. Once into digital work, you might not be content with just "internet use." Why not allow room for further exploration in case your interest widens? In that case, the Olympus 2020 would be hard to beat. Outstanding camera, especially for the current price on Accompany.com (under $500 with the 20% discount, which is still available through Accompany.com/NYT or through About.com and other "group buy" links. Whatever, enjoy the adventure.

-- Dean Banks (dbanks@iocc.com), March 24, 2000.