Which camera should I buy?

[christ0]

consumerreports.org tells me that two of the better cameras, in the 2MP category, are the Kodak DX3600 and the Nikon Coolpix 775. For the extra<BR>
money ($75 to $100) for the Nikon am I just paying for the name? Can people tell me which they think is the better choise? (As if I had to ask.)<BR>
<BR>
And the only other thing I need to get started is a larger memory chip, is that correct?

[DrJalapeno]

With the Nikon, you get more zoom, autofocus, a faster lens, a clearer LCD screen, superior flash capabilities, Exposure compensation and matrix metering. Check out the differences here:<BR>
<A HREF=http://www.imaging-resource.com/CAMDB/compare_results.php?sections%5B%5D=250&sections%5B%5D=252&submit=Compare" TARGET='_blank'>http://www.imaging-resource.com/CAMDB/compare_results.php?sectio ns%5B%5D=250&sections%5B%5D=252&submit=Compare</A><BR>
<BR>
You'll want a larger CF card than what's shipped with the camera. <A HREF=http://www.newegg.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.newegg.com</A> has some great prices.<BR>
For comprehensive camera reviews, try these 3 sites:<BR>
<A HREF=http://www.dpreview.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.dpreview.com</A><BR>
<A HREF=http://www.imaging-resource.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.imaging-resource.com</A><BR>
<A HREF=http://www.steves-digicams.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.steves-digicams.com</A>

[christ0]

How can a point and shoot camera not have autofocus? Or I am confused about what autofocus means?

[ohio]

Forget consumer reports and go to the web sites previously mentioned, they are very good.

[davebcamera]

I second the motion on Consumer Reports. They know little or nothing about photography and cameras. Some time ago, they touted a certain P/S camera on which we had a 100% return rate. It was a disaster for the customers.<BR>
<BR>
quote:Originally posted by ohio:<BR>
<b>Forget consumer reports and go to the web sites previously mentioned, they are very good.</b>

[mwb]

Forget consumer reports and go to <A HREF=http://www.dpreview.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.dpreview.com</A>

[christ0]

Ok, ok, dpreview.com is a great site. <BR>
<BR>
But - there are just too many choices. I need someone to select a group of cameras and rate them for me - which is what consumerreports.org does. <BR>
<BR>
And another question - I went to <A HREF=http://www.newegg.com" TARGET='_blank'>www.newegg.com</A> to look for CF and didn't know what I needed or how to look for it. I searched for "compact flash" and got way too many hits, most of which confused me anyways. I want a 128 or 256 CF for Nikon - any help would be wildly appreciated.<BR>
<BR>
Thanks.

[christ0]

So at the moment I am considering the Nikon Coolpic 775 or Coolpic 2500. Both of which I can find for less than $300.

[danag42]

Sandisk and Kingston make CF cards, go to their Web sites (search on Google, I'm too lazy to do it for you) and see what they have. Both decent brands.

[DrJalapeno]

Good luck, ChristO!<BR>
You have the research tools at your disposal...only you can make the decision of what camera to buy.<BR>
P.S. One large difference between the 775 and the 2500 is that the 775 has an optical viewfinder, while the 2500 only has an LCD screen to compose your pictures with.

[Erik Stiegler]

While Consumer Reports does rate products, keep in mind their name "Consumer". Their recommendations for an average user should be good enough. With CR, you're getting a camera review with basically the same methodology of a review for a refrigerator, vacuum cleaner or car.<BR>
<BR>
For the more serious enthusiast CR's ratings fall short. They tend not to take into account factors more serious users find important. DPReview reviews nothing but digital cameras & related gear.<BR>
<BR>
One example: Several years ago in a roundup of 35mm autofocus cameras, the Yashica 230AF topped their ratings. While it was a competent camera, few serious photographers would have (or, in retrospect, did) choose it over similar models from Canon, Minolta or Nikon. If you just want a good, competent camera and basic accessories, it was fine. The Yashica system was, however, clearly a dead end for photo enthusiasts.<BR>
<BR>
So, while you may want to consider CR's reviews, definitely compare them to the dedicated reviews referenced here.

[ohio]

You are going to need a 64 MB card and rechargable NiMH batteries. I bought a 2 MP camera for a club to shoot newsletter, 4 X 6's and web site photos and chose a Canon Powershot A40 for $275.