I would really like to get a decent (read: nice, but not overly expensive) digital camera. 4 megapixels is a minimum, 6 MPs max. At least 3X optical zoom, 4X or more would be better. Must have a USB or Firewire connector and accept some form of standard storage card (none of those silly-assed CD storage.) I would love the ability to have it store RAW image format and .jpg, but it's optional. Of course it must work with OSX, and I would prefer it if I wasn't forced to use any software from the camera maker - I like just downloading with ImageCapture and using Photoshop!<br><br>I'm NOT a pro photographer, and I have no reason to need the "Uber-Camera" - but I currently have a Canon EOS Rebel G SLR camera that I love. It takes fantastic photos... but I hate waiting for film to get developed and I hate paying for shots that I don't want anyway.<br><br>I am looking at cameras in the $300 - $700 range - though the Digital version of my SLR camera (Canon EOS Rebel 6 megapixel) is available for $899 (without a lens - I'm assuming I can use the lens from my SLR camera with it) and I'm serisously considering it.<br><br>Anyone have any advice/suggestions?<br><br>I also wouldn't mind seeing some full size samples, if you have them.<br><br> What?<br>Visit Me!

I got a Canon Powershot G3 last summer (just days before the Powershot G5 was released ), and I love it. 4MP (the G5 is 5MP), full auto and full manual modes, 12X zoom when the digital zoom kicks in). Incredible image quality and color fidelity. Built like a tank, yet compact & lightweight. It has all the features you're specifically looking for, and then some.<br><br>

I gotta second Steve's post about Canon...I have a lower-end Powershot model, but the thing is built like a rock. It feels like it was carved out of a block of steel, and takes fantastic pictures. Great layout of the controls, works with iPhoto/Image Capture, etc. very well. <br><br>

Can you post (or email) a full size photo (high-res mode from the camera) to me so I can see what kind of quality we're talking about? The PowerShot was one of the ones I was considering.<br><br> What?<br>Visit Me!

I have a nikon D100 that I love. I am a big fan of digital SLR's, but they are expensive. The Cannon rebel is your best bet in the less expensive SLR line. Nikon is coming out with the D70, but who knows when it will hit the street. Sony makes a very good point and shoot, and they use excellent glass in their lenses. If you want to do your own research go to http://www.dpreview.com/. They have outstanding, indepth reviews of just about every digital camera on the market. Since camera technology is advancing as fast as computers are, I would advise you to buy as much camera as you can afford. Good luck,<br><br>

Thanks for the linkage... I'll check that site out tonight. I'm trying to avoid the $600 and up cameras, simply because I'm only using this for "family photo" type of work, not pro-photography stuff. But when I think of what the future might hold, the higher-end stuff might be the way to go.<br><br> What?<br>Visit Me!

I compared the Canon PowerShot G5 and the S50 and have found them to be quite similar in "quality of photo" according to the comparison charts at the dpreview.com site mentioned above. The G5 does offer more "pro" features such as the included hot shoe for external flash, remote control, and other "non-essential for my use" stuff - but for around $100-$200 more (depending on where you buy). So I think I'll rule out the G5 for now and compare the S50 to other brand models - though I really like Canon cameras.<br><br>I'm considering using Buy.com for purchase (If I actually end up getting one) because of all the price listings, Buy.com is the only one I've ever heard of compared to the other "lowest price" resellers listed.<br><br>Of course, my dilemma is this: Buy a neat camera now, or save money and get a really neat G5 after MacWorld!<br><br> What?<br>Visit Me!<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by MacGizmo on 12/08/03 12:07 PM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>

If that is the case, I would recommend the Nikon Coolpix 4300. Or if you want a little more manual control, the 4500. These are both 4MP cameras.<br><br>Unless you are printing posters with it, once you go beyond 3 MP, the image quality should be looked at more than the number of megapixels. megapixels are like MHz in the computing world - they aren't the final measurement, though most people only judge based on that.<br><br>BTW, here's an un-altered pic from my Coolpix 4500. That flower was about an inch wide in real life.<br>http://homepage.mac.com/kevinhayes/.Pictures/flowerbig.jpg<br><br>Here's a couple more (the lamppost image was shrunk down):<br>http://homepage.mac.com/kevinhayes/.Pictures/watertower.jpg<br>http://homepage.mac.com/kevinhayes/.Pictures/lamppost.jpg<br><br>

Going for the digital version of your camera is a very good idea. It has a good price for an SLR. Having an SLR over the all in one cameras is a big advantage. Beeing able to share lens with your film camera is an even bigger advantage. Every camera is a bit different and if you buy the same camera you'll save a lot of time not having to learn the nuances of a new case. You'll get what you expect from your new digital right away.<br><br>I never quite understood those semi professional all in one designs. If you want family photography go for a compact, if you feel you need creative freedom than go SLR.<br><br>You'll probably want to buy a macro and tele lens later on and it's a great to be able to use the lens for both cameras. Although, you'll most likely use your digital camera 90% of the time, but for those moments when you want to shoot on diapositives or just want cheap paper copies of a birthday party, you might still decide to use your film camera.<br><br>"I think that gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman."

I have the Olympus Camedia<br><br>Its a good camera for "snap-shots" and what have you. I have even used it for a few art/design projects. if you are interested let me know and I can send you a few images.<br><br>