what to buy for my 1st digital camera

[ljcooper]

I want to buy my 1st digital camera and I am a bit overwhelmed with all of the digital camera terminology as well as the number of choices out there.
Basically, my main concern is to be able to take great quality pictures. Bear in mind that I am not a camera expert, so I need a camera that works well when it's on the automatic setting.
I also need a camera that has an excellent battery life and/or an option to use AA batteries since I am notoriosly bad about recharging batteries on my cell phone and palm pilot.
I would also like a camera that turns on quickly and one that can take quick successive shots. Most of my picture-taking is of my family and children and very often if you blink, you miss a great photo-op.
Another important quality is to have a camera that can take a bit of a beating. I have 4 young children and nothing delicate lasts very long in my house.
I don't know much about megapixels, but I definitely plan on cutting and cropping pictures so I need enough MP to do that. PLEASE ADVISE! Thanks!

[rhymes116]

Hey,

Im pretty much a newb when it comes to digicams. They're becoming more and more affordable everyday. I think one important piece of info we need to know is HOW MUCH? Simply what is your budget?

[ljcooper]

I don't really want to spend more than $400-$450, and preferrably less. After all, it will be my first digital camera

[George Riehm]

I don't really want to spend more than $400-$450, and preferrably less. After all, it will be my first digital camera

The Canon A75 is a great first digital camera for learning and general all around shots under $200. It's a point-n-shoot but has full manual, and scene mode, capability as well. Photo quality is excellent, and it uses low cost Compact Flash cards and AA rechargable batteries.

Bon Foto.

[Thon]

I'd agree with George.

The A-series are some of the better cameras at low prices.

I'd recommend the A80 rather than the A75 for the extra megapixel and swivel LCS. It shouldn't be too much more.

Another thing that many recommenders tend to miss out is the "operating costs". Many will only list out the cost of the camera and you should be prepared to take many other things into account as well for your budget, especially for a newbie. Think of it like buying a car, you'll need to pay for fuel, tyres, repairs,...

The other basic stuff you'll need to factor in would be the cost of memory cards, batteries, carry case, tripods and other accessories.

In general, the bigger the MP count, the bigger the memory you need, and that equates to more money.

Some cameras that uses AAs are cheaper because they do not include a charger and rechargables. You'll need to factor the cost in and include at least another set of rechargables as spare. Cameras that use Li-ion batteries normally includes everything. You'll most probably need an extra battery and they may cost anything from $30 - $70.

A good carry case is important to protect your investment, so get the best you can afford. Period.

Tripods are the best tool any self-respecting photographer would have in their list and even a small, cheap one works wonders in many situations. I'd recommend to get a small lightweight one for portability as a starter (I got a $15 one and it follows me around on my trips, not fancy but it works) and if you need a bigger more advance one, then spend a bit more.

The other accessories normally can wait and you can customize according to your needs.

Hope my rambling here helps.