Please help, I can't make up my mind

[buggymama]

Hello, I am new here. I am shopping around for a new digital camera. I would like to stay under $200. My old one (rca cds1005) isn't working anymore. I don't plan on doing a lot of printing of pictures, just computer pics. I sell on e bay and have some small items that need a close-up picture. I was looking for a 2-3 mp camera with optical zoom. My husband wants one with video and sound. I was looking at the HP 733 photosmart, but I haven't found any reviews on it. I wasn't able to really check it out in person, because walmart doesn't change the batteries in their cameras, and I don't live near another camera retailer.
Can anyone tell me a bit about this camera, or suggest another camera? What do you think about the Fuji A205 - Fuji A210? (although it doesn't have sound)

Thank you much!

[wxwax]

Hi buggy :wave

Total Canon bias here... you can get a refurbished Canon A70 for less than $200 from a respected online dealer, Adorama. Here's the link. (http://www.adorama.com/refby.tpl?refby=brate&sku=ICAA70R&st=NA) Or you could go $50 over your budget for a brand new one from the most trusted online photography retailer, B&H. Here's that link. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278238&is=REG)

I had my hands on the A70 today and it's a terrific camera for the money. Total manual control if you want it, excellent picture quality, able to make movies up to 3 minutes (!) It will also do a better job of focusing in low light situations, something that owners have said is a problem for the HP 733.

Alternatively, you could stay within your budget and get the A70's little brother, the A60. It has 2 megapixels, but virtually the same features. It's $175 from B&H. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278237&is=REG) It too takes 3 minute movies. Here's a link to a review at Steve's Digicams, a rather good site. (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_reviews/a60.html)

Both the Canon A60 and A70 meet your specifications, and are very highly regarded, for both performance and quality.

My other bias is against buying a camera from any company that isn't a traditional camera company. Sony is the exception. The brands that immediately come to mind are Canon, Nikon, Sony, Minolta. There's a lot of competition in the entry level category, so you should be able to get something good.


Good luck!