Newby in the Digital Camera Game

[rusty]

Million dollar question!

I have narrow downed the comparison to the following:

Nikon Coolpix 4800
NIkon Coolpix 5200
Canon A95

Anythoughts out there on which way I should lean?

Advise appreciated.

[PhilR.]

I would go for the Canon, as it has A/S/M modes that are easily accessible via a mode dial. If on the other hand you do not care to determine the exposure yourself, then just get the cheapest one and go crazy. They are all good cameras....

PhilR.

[Digideb]

I guess you've already determined what you plan to use the camera for. I think that might be one of the most important factors in choosing a camera. Aside from professional reviews, I found "User Comments" to be even more helpful in some ways.
You also may want to consider how "cyber-capable" you are combined with how much camera experience you have. If you have no patience with computers or reading instructions, then keep it simple.
I consider myself a "newbie",also. I've only had 2 digicams & less than a year of experience. I've been doing alot of reading, trying to learn. I'm surprised at how many people I've met that have nice, fancy cameras that have been sitting in the box for a year or so because they got frustrated with the technology. ;)

[speaklightly]

Digideb-

You raise an excellent point. Sometimes folks will purchase more digital camera than they can deal with easily. As a result, the "learning curve" on their new digital camera is steeper than they expected. The "learning curve" overcomes the creativity urge, and the digital camera remains forelornly in the box and few digital photos are taken.

Another digital camera that some might want to consider might be the Nikon Coolpix 5400 which has a rather substantial $200 rebate on it for sales through 03/31/2005.

I took the Nikon 5400 "plunge" and have been very pleased with the experience. If you would like to see some samples, go to www.digicamlady.smugmug.com/gallery/400941

Speaklightly

[Digideb]

Wow, great pix, Speaklightly! I've never owned a Nikon, but from what I've seen & read, I'd listen to this lady's advice, "rusty". ;)
I do have some reservations about depending on rebates, though. Maybe things are different with digicams or other companies/retailers. I bought my new Compaq computer in June at Best Buy. I saved all paperwork & followed the rebate instructions "to the letter". Finally, after a long wait, I get a notice claiming my rebate was rejected! I called immediately & was told I had submitted an "invalid serial number". I went over all numbers & info. with the woman on the phone & she said my info. was correct but her records indicate the #s I'd given had been previously submitted for rebate. After about 15 mins. of trying to explain that her records were wrong, I realized we'd reached a deadend. :(
I said, I realized there was nothing she could do & I guess I won't be getting my rebate (unfairly) but before I hang up, I would like to speak with the supervisor to voice my dissatisfaction. :mad: I told the supervisor what occurred & how I felt this was just a tactic to avoid paying out rebates. I repeated the same info. & #s to him & within 5 mins. my rebate was "mysteriously" now approved. I feel they were counting on most people giving up & not fighting for their rebate like I did.
Truth is, the time & frustration was hardly worth it, but it became a matter of principle. I will always be skeptical of rebates (I already was,anyway!) & I wonder if other people have had similar experiences. :confused:

[Rex914]

Of the 3 cameras mentioned, I'd go with the A95 without hesitation. Do not consider the 5200. Nikon just announced a few cameras that supercede that one at a lower price now. (Same goes for the 4800).

As a rule of thumb, Nikon's higher end prosumer cameras (-400, -700, -800) are the good stuff. Their point and shoots are so-so at best.

[gary_hendricks]

Million dollar question!

I have narrow downed the comparison to the following:

Nikon Coolpix 4800
NIkon Coolpix 5200
Canon A95

Anythoughts out there on which way I should lean?

Advise appreciated.

Go for the Canon A95. Why?
1) The AA batteries
2) Canon software is better
3) I find the manual mode options the best

[rusty]

Thanks you for responding. Makes the process a lot simpler being able to ask those that have been there before or are in the know.

Thanks again

Rusty