Hello bodaboyce!
It is interesting that you should ask this question, I have recently
done extensive shopping and reviewing for digital cameras because my
old camera is in dire need of being replaced. While I would love to
have a brand new Nikon 5700, common sense has (so far) prevented me
from making that plunge!
Before actually visiting Future Shop and Camera Shops to play with a
few models, I read through various reviews in magazines, general media
and on specialized websites on the internet. The website that I came
to trust the most was http://www.steves-digicams.com/ and I found that
the reviews on that website and the detailed overviews of the product
were right on with what I saw in the store.
I am going to follow with three cameras that I think fit your
requirements well, but must admit that I am somewhat biased because I
am a die-hard Nikon fan. I would go with the 3+ megapixel camera
because they have really been dropping in price and the extra quality
is worth it, but of course the choice is up to you.
CAMERA #1 - Nikon 3500
You can read more about it here:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/nikon3500.html
WHY? I think this camera is more rugged than the 3100 but am not sure
if it is rugged enough to survive more than few falls (how many
cameras are?). You should also take a look at the 3100 and consider
it, some of the features are different...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/nikon3100.html
Camera #2 - Canon Powershot S30
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/canon_s30.html
WHY? This is a very popular camera, even though it was released in
2001... it is still selling like crazy. I have two friends with this
model and admit that it is a good camera. A similar but 2X zoom camera
is the S230, http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/s230.html but
in my opinion, the S30 has a better shape and blend of features. You
should also have a look at the S40 if you are interested in this one.
(Note: This camera is not officially 9.2 friendly, but it DOES work
with 9.2 and higher).
Camera #3 - Pentax Optio 330
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2001_reviews/pentax330.html
WHY? Extremelly durable and nicely engineered camera. Although smaller
ones are now available, I think this one is as small as a camera needs
to be.
You should also take a look at some more cameras if you are still
unsure: http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html
I wasn't sure if you had Compact Flash I or II but am guessing that
you probably have I if your camera is fairly old. The Canon model does
use Type II, but the 230 uses Type I.
I hope this was the sort of answer you were expecting. Please let me
know if you require further clarification regarding this answer and I
will do my best to further assist you. All the best,
tisme-ga |
