Help! First Digital Camera

[Mario31416]

I am looking to buy my first digital camera and am having difficulties choosing one. I am planning to spend between 300 and 400 dollars and I was wondering if anyone has some good recommendations. I was looking at something in the 5 megapixel range but also small enough so that I could fit it in a pocket, or at least a small case. Also, I am new to photography but planning to do some learning, so I want a camera that has both some manual as well as automatic features. I'm considering the Canon A95, but it on the large side for what I'm looking for. One specific use of this camera is that I would like to take it backpacking. So, I would like a camera that I could use for about a week without having to recharge that is capable of capturing the bright colors of a Sierra sunset. Thank you for your help. Mario

[D70FAN]

I am looking to buy my first digital camera and am having difficulties choosing one. I am planning to spend between 300 and 400 dollars and I was wondering if anyone has some good recommendations. I was looking at something in the 5 megapixel range but also small enough so that I could fit it in a pocket, or at least a small case. Also, I am new to photography but planning to do some learning, so I want a camera that has both some manual as well as automatic features. I'm considering the Canon A95, but it on the large side for what I'm looking for. One specific use of this camera is that I would like to take it backpacking. So, I would like a camera that I could use for about a week without having to recharge that is capable of capturing the bright colors of a Sierra sunset. Thank you for your help. Mario

You might consider the Canon SD300 I have only used one briefly, and it seemed competent. Many of the folks up on the Canon board seem to like this camera as well. It's 4 MegaPixels, but unless you plan to print above 11 x 14 or crop to 50% it should meet all of your needs including size and price.

[PhilR.]

So, I would like a camera that I could use for about a week without having to recharge that is capable of capturing the bright colors of a Sierra sunset.

Batteries run out according to usage more than time (unless you just let them sit unused), so no battery will last a week if you use up the charge quickly. This is however one of the few times where AA's have an advantage over proprietary batteries. If you are going to be away from an electical outlet for more than a few days, you can carry spare alkaline or lithium AA's to tide you over until you get back to civilization.

Some smaller 5mp's that use AA's: Sony W1, Pentax S50, Minolta F300. Casio and Fuji also make versions as well. I think there are also one or two 5mp Sony "P" series that use AA's as well. I don't know which of these have manual controls, but you can find that out for yourself in the reviews at this and other digicam sites.

PhilR.