Expert: John Oliverio - 2/12/2004

Question
I'm interested in buying a 5MP digital camera, 3X probably fine.  Used to be a (low-end) amatuer photographer, shoot mostly travel postcard type shots, blow up to 20 X 30 poster size, usually outdoor water scenery.  I like wide angle shots, occasional telephoto but don't really need 35mm 200+.  Some architectural photos (wide angle).  Had Minolta 35mm SLR with 20-35, 50 and 100-400 lenses.  Since my son was born, do a lot less, use videocam or take still shots of him in various activities or our creations (snow forts, decorated cakes, etc.).  Would like to buy a 5MP digital camera Minolta, Nikon, HP, Olympus, Canon with 128 or 256 memory card.  Prefer sub $400 so I can upgrade in a few years but really use what I have.  Will settle for 3X optical zoom.  Started looking into features, but sometimes its easier to ask an expert for tips about great deals rather than try to do all the homework and comparison shopping.  Uncompressed TIFF, panorama mode, short lag time between button press and shot are probably features most important to me, but I'm relatively uneducated.  I suppose you might point me to an article or book to get educated but I'm so overloaded with work that I can't read more than 50 pages.  Thx for any hints, sites, or specific cameras, reviewers or retailers.

Answer
Bob,

At the moment, most 5mp/3X zoom cameras are on clearance for around $400 without the larger memory cards.  At least from dealers I would trust.  Canon and Minolta have the best deals on the class you are looking for.  The Canon S50 and the Minolta G500.  You may have a hard time finding the Canon because it's a "must move" because Canon plans to announce 20 new PS cameras this year.  

For the record, you can find both cameras for less, or with an upgraded card.  But I like to warn people about shopping like that.  I suggest you try and buy locally from an established dealer as most digital customers need back-up after their purchase.  Buy it on the net at $10 above cost and they have no reason to ever help you.

John