We are planning on purchasing  a digital camera.  The November
Consumer Reports says that in a few months that something better and
cheaper will be available.  Does anyone know what that means?  We
don't know whether to purchase one now or wait for whatever is coming
in  few months. Thank you.

jean1234,

Every time a new camera model comes out, the previous models are
reduced in price, so yes, the prices will be lower in a few months.
Generally, during the holidays are a good time to find a good deal on
electronics. May I also suggest checking online? I found my beloved
Epson Photo PC 850Z online for almost $200 less than the local stores.

I believe for the near future, one of the  “somethings” you are
looking for will be digital cameras with higher megapixels. The higher
the megapixels, the sharper the resolution.  Megapixels are not the
only factor in a sharp photograph however. A good lens, and an optical
zoom are contributing factors to good resolution. I’d recommend  a 
digital camera with no less than 2.3 megapixels, and  if you can
afford it, a 3, 4 and 5 megapixel camera  would be marvelous!!

Other “somethings” are digital cameras that can “burn” images right to
a DVD, smaller memory cards that hold even more than before, USB 2.0
or FireWire protocol to speed those images to your computer and the
ability to accept extra lenses and filters. A good ability to take
night shots is also being touted in some newer cameras. The newer
cameras are also lighter in weight. (Personally I like a chunkier
camera I can get a good grip on)

Some cameras are coming with a stylus, allowing you to navigate the
menus with the stylus, or even write on your digital photos!
http://www.dcresource.com/news_archives/oct02.html

This camera has a built in e-mail applet, allowing you to specify
which picture you want e-mailed, while still in the camera. It even
stores e-mail addresses within the camera’s memory.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/kodak/ls443-review/index.html

This fancy little camera, with a high price, comes with a  wireless
sremote control.
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=409


I recommend that you read the article “Moore’s Law “on this site. Keep
in mind however, that digital photography has come a long way since he
wrote this article. While his idea that no matter what you purchase
today, tomorrow a better one will come out, is true, I disagree with
his comments on the quality of digital photography.
http://shortcourses.com/choosing/time/15.htm

From the same site, a plethora of digital photography information:
http://shortcourses.com/

I am not endorsing Sony cameras, but this site has a lot of cameras
for comparison.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=5pw03iz65eI05RE2epw-1WP1EJUI4qCmjpI=?CatalogCategoryID=UHAKC0%2eNYUgAAADxF%2eVRHlfJ

Shortly after you make most purchases, it seems a newer and improved
model comes out. It certainly applies when purchasing a car, computer,
or digital camera. With that in mind, there is no time like the
present!
So, jean1234, if you ask me, and you did (!!) I would look around for
a good price on a camera with the features that are important to you,
and start snapping!!

I hope this has answered your question! If any part of my answer is
unclear, please ask for an Answer Clarification before rating!

Regards,
crabcakes

The problem with technology like computers and digital cameras is that
the longer you wait, the cheaper they get. I have lusted after digital
cameras for years, but they were always too expensive for me.

I decided that I needed at least 2 megapixels. I checked them all out
earlier this year, and decided that the Canon A40 was the best. And
then I waited until it dropped to a price I could afford. It dropped
to that price last week, almost half what it costed at the start of
the year. Bought it. Very happy with it.

But it will be cheaper again next year, and in 5 years time it will
probably come free in a Weetbix packet!