1st time Digital Camera Shopper Needs Advice

[ShaSha]

Hi and Happy New Year!

I am trying to purchase my first digital camera and the more i look into it the more confused I get. The thinks I know I want in a camera is for it to have AA (rechargeable) batteries. At least 5.0 MP or better. I would like a good zoom quality, but it doesn't look like Digital Cameras have good zooms right now (not in my price range anyway). I would like to keep the camera in the $250.00 price range.

I first was looking into the Nikon Coolpix cameras (5600 & L1), but the reviews I am reading says that they do not take clear pictures. I'm not looking for something to frustrate me. I want an easy camera to use that takes nice and clear pictures.

I then started looking at the Kodak Easyshare. These revies say that the camera is slow when taking pictures. Being that I am a mom of a 3 year old I need a camera that will take quick pictures as she does not sit still for long.

I need something easy to use with not many complications, but something that takes nice quality pictures is important. Am I looking for a camera that is not out there? If anyone can assist me in this purchase I would certainly appreciate it. I thank you in advance and hope to hear from you soon.

Sharon:confused:

[coldrain]

Hello mom of a 3 year old, happy new year.

Your post belongs in "Which Camera Should I Buy?" ;)

There are a number of cameras that have good picture quality, that are not very slow in operation, and fit your budget.

The Canon powershot A610 is a very good 4x zoom range 5mp camera under 250$, with AA size batteries, you do have to buy 4 AA NiMH recharchables + charger for it too, about 25$.

The Sony W5 is around 200$ now, it also uses AA batteries, has a 3x zoom range lens, 5mp sensor and also is not sluggish.

The Fuji Finepix E550, when you stick with its 6mp setting and use JPEG (not its RAW option) file format, it also is a fast and very good camera, with AA batteries, 4x zoom range lens, 6mp sensor. It also can be found at around 200$.

[ShaSha]

Thank you ColdRain. I will look into the first 2 cameras you mentioned. The Fuji sounded to confusing. I'll be sure to place a post on that other site your were talking about. Thanks again.
Sharon

[Jeff Keller]

Since you created another thread in the right forum I'm closing this one. Replies should go here (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15822).