beginner needs some help.

[iman]

hi im new to ths site and i wanted to know if you could help me im looking into getting one of these cameras,but not sure which one to get.there both 200 dollars,and there both sony,one has 3.2 megapixals and has a 3x optical zoom and the other is 4.1 megapixals but dosnt have any optical zoom just digital,which would be better?or if you can tell me an cameras in the 3-5 megapaixal range for about 2-300 dollars

[Rhys]

hi im new to ths site and i wanted to know if you could help me im looking into getting one of these cameras,but not sure which one to get.there both 200 dollars,and there both sony,one has 3.2 megapixals and has a 3x optical zoom and the other is 4.1 megapixals but dosnt have any optical zoom just digital,which would be better?or if you can tell me an cameras in the 3-5 megapaixal range for about 2-300 dollars

I think you'll find the optical zoom more useful. You'll have to compose carefully before taking the photo but I think you'll find it's more versatile.

I'd suggest the Canon S1 IS as a good camera to look at for zoom length. I believe that's about $300.

Otherwise, for cheapness, I'd suggest the Nikon 3100/3200 - 3mp or maybe one of the other Nikons.

I use only Nikon and Canon so I can't comment on other brands.