Expert: John Oliverio - 6/1/2006

Question
I am not knowledgable about digital cameras, but would like to buy a reasonably priced camera simple point and click.  I have a windows xp and a Dell photo/scanner/copier with a picbridge port, and would like to be able to print the odd photo once I master the art.  Perhaps my 10 year old grandaughter will teach me.  What good camera would you suggest?  I am looking to spend $150 - $200 approximately.  My other question is, how can I put my old 35mm slides on the CD.  Is it possible for me to do it, or can it only be a custom order job?

Answer
Jayne,
Hi and thanks for the question.
For cameras you may want to consider the Canon "A" series and the Nikon "L" series.  Both have cameras in your price range and are pictbridge ready.

For putting slides on CD you need a slide scanner.  The cheapest dedicated one is around $300 from Konica Minolta.  They may be hard to find as Minolta has gone out of the photo business.  Or you may want to check with Dell and see if there is a slide adapter for your scanner.  The quality isn't as good that way but would be cheaper.  And of course you can have it done comercially.  This method can be kind of spendy....  usually about a dollar a slide.

John