Best digital camera for $100?

[Fisher of Men]

I think it's been discussed before, but I can't seem to find a post with the "search" feature.

Long story short:

I purchased a Kodak 8 mp "special purchase" from WM before Christmas for around $88. There was a problem with the battery terminals. When it DID work, it took great pix. I took it back (they didn't have anymore of them) and was encouraged to trade for a Sony camera (she said it was better than Kodak). Needless to say, the Sony took horrible pix (no image stabilization feature left them blurry).

I refunded this camera and we spent the money on other things (like food :). I now have some extra cash to spend on another camera. I'd like to replace it, but I'm lost as to what to buy.

I looked at an Olympus camera at Radio Shack yesterday (7 mp I think for $99). It had image stabilization, but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb). I've read numerous reviews on alot of cameras and all are mixed. I trust you guys more than any review elsewhere. What should I get? :-/

-Fisher

[Guest muddy]

PM LBH, Russ is showing me just such a camera when i go up there, he said it takes video also!

[Dean]

I bought myself this camera right before Christmas, and so far i'm loving it! I suggest if you're going to get one, you buy it from Ritz Camera, because their service is excellent. Heres the link....

http://www.nextag.com/Samsung-Digimax-S630-6-537128407/prices-html

It has all the basics and then some, this is a great bargain camera that comes with everything the average person would want.

[Fisher of Men]

Thanks, Muddy.  I will!!

[CFFF 1.5]

I would suggest getting a Canon Powershot model camera. I have an old 3.1 mp canon powershot and it still takes great pictures and pretty decent video also. They are always the best rated cameras in consumer reports. They might cost a little bit more but they are worth it. They also use an SD card are pretty cheap. I got 1gb sd cards around christmas time at Big Lots for $8 each. I bought 4.

[burleytog]

It's a little more ($40) than your budget, but what's $40?  

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5623016

[Tpayneful]

Fuji Finepix cameras are a fantastic value and I am on my third one.  Throughout the year they will put one at the $99 pricepoint.  Last spring I bought my wife the 6.3MP for Mother's Day for $99.  The 8MP shoud be going for $99 any day now.  Keep an eye on the best buy flier for the right price.

[burleytog]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz.  Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

[Fisher of Men]

It's a little more ($40) than your budget, but what's $40?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5623016

Burley is the winner!!  After reading CFFFF's post, I got to researching the Canon cameras.  I really wanted the A570 with image stabilization, but came home and went to Wally world.  A former student of mine who works there showed me that exact same camera (the A560) for $127.00 (12.00 cheaper than the website).  We played with it for awhile and realized that the pictures were very good (even when my daughter fidgeted quite a bit).  After getting it home, I'm pretty confident that I made a good purchase.  Thanks guys!!

[burleytog]

Great, what do I win?  

FWIW, go back to Wal Mart and buy some Energizer Rechargable 2200mAh double A batteries.  I've been using the same two batts in my Canon A720 for the last month (around 400 photos).

[Fisher of Men]

Great, what do I win?

FWIW, go back to Wal Mart and buy some Energizer Rechargable 2200mAh double A batteries. I've been using the same two batts in my Canon A720 for the last month (around 400 photos).

You win the "Thanks for the advice" smiley!!  And, for the battery advice, you win another!!  Although, buying anything from Energizer has ALWAYS been difficult for me because of that stupid !@*#% pink bunny.

                       

[farmpond1]

I would suggest getting a Canon Powershot model camera. I have an old 3.1 mp canon powershot and it still takes great pictures and pretty decent video also. They are always the best rated cameras in consumer reports. They might cost a little bit more but they are worth it. They also use an SD card are pretty cheap. I got 1gb sd cards around christmas time at Big Lots for $8 each. I bought 4.

I'm not sure I'd recommend a Canon.  I have/had a powershot A70 and it freaked out on me (apparently a widespread problem with the powershots).  Canon said they will fix it and I've mailed it in for said repairs but nevertheless, I can't give Canon a full vote of confidence anymore.

[TruflShufl]

I work at Radioshack and I'm willing to bet the model you saw was the FE-210, it's a pretty good little camera. Yeah the xD cards are usually a little more expensive but Olympus makes some good stuff.

[TruflShufl]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz.  Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

Yeah and while you're at Wal-Mart, talk to those "well-edumacated" sales associates  :-X

[Fisher of Men]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz. Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

Yeah and while you're at Wal-Mart, talk to those "well-edumacated" sales associates :-X

Dude, I'm well aware of that, and I very rarely rely on ANY advice that a Wal-mart associate gives me, although there are exceptions.  I DO however trust the advice of my fellow BR buddies, that's why I posted this here.  I appreciate the advice on the other camera's, but the deal is done.  I'll have to accept the consequences/benefits of purchasing the Canon.

[TruflShufl]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz.  Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

Yeah and while you're at Wal-Mart, talk to those "well-edumacated" sales associates  :-X

Dude, I'm well aware of that, and I very rarely rely on ANY advice that a Wal-mart associate gives me, although there are exceptions.  I DO however trust the advice of my fellow BR buddies, that's why I posted this here.  I appreciate the advice on the other camera's, but the deal is done.  I'll have to accept the consequences/benefits of purchasing the Canon.

Sorry, I didn't even see you bought the Canon  :-[

I think you'll be happy with the 560, that's a good all-around camera. Let us know how it pans out!  8-)

[burleytog]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz. Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

Yeah and while you're at Wal-Mart, talk to those "well-edumacated" sales associates :-X

Yep, because you know those Radio Shiz salesmen are highly trained electronic commandos.  :

[TruflShufl]

but used an "XD" card that seemed a little pricy ($29 for 512 mb).

-Fisher

Never buy memory at Radio Shiz.  Never mind that they're overpriced on every single thing they sell.

xD memory cards can be had at Wal Mart for the same price you'll pay for SD cards.

Yeah and while you're at Wal-Mart, talk to those "well-edumacated" sales associates  :-X

Yep, because you know those Radio Shiz salesmen are highly trained electronic commandos.  :

If I could only count the number of times customers have come to me needing help with their product they bought from Wal-Mart because no one there knows how to work it.