Anybody Know Anything About Digital Cameras?

[Chesterton]

I don't own a smartphone and I probably haven't taken a picture of anything in over 10 years. I need a simple camera (I think point and shoot is what they call it?) just to take photos of stuff to put online like at Craigslist to try and sell. Like to spend as little as possible. How much should I expect to spend for something that will take a decent pic, and are there certain minimum specs (like pixels or whatever) I should look for?

 

[AvgJoe]

Just for taking pictures to post online, a 2.1 MP (mega pixel) camera will be more than adequate and shouldn't cost more than $40. I did a search and most of them I saw were going for $15 to $30.

 

[pat34lee]

If it's just for posting on Craigslist and the like, you can use a cell phone camera or even check out used or outdated digital cameras at eBay or Amazon. You don't need very high quality for those. 2-3 MP (megapixels) should be more than enough.

 

[LaSorcia]

Amazon.com: digital camera - Digital Cameras / Camera & Photo: Electronics

 

[USincognito]

Agree that 2.1mpxl is sufficient for decent photos. As long as it's got a USB connector, nearly every one can be accessed like a thumb drive without extra drivers or software. You might also want to get a SIM memory card. If you don't take a million photos and if you copy them to your computer regularly, you can get away with a 64 or 128mb which are a couple of bucks these days.
Understanding Memory Cards - What Digital Camera

 

[elytron]

Replacement camera batteries can be expensive. So I would recommend a camera that uses common AA type battery. You can then use alkaline, re-charge able, or lithium batteries. Eneloop brand AA can hold a charge for longer, and are the best on the market at this time. Panasonic makes them.

I own an older Sony 5 Mega Pixel camera that uses a proprietary battery. I bought three spare battery, for long vacation trips. Back in 2004. Sadly all my batteries now self-discharge, just from sitting there. Don't know where to find replacements. Was my first digital camera.

At this time I use a Canon Power Shot, point and shoot. Has a 12 MP sensor, but also uses proprietary battery type. They hold a charge now, but will also eventually degrade. I made the same mistake twice.

Recommend one that uses the SD card format. I bought a 16GB SDHC card for my Canon. My camera can now hold like 5021 pictures. Or more than an hour of HD video. Choose a fast card if you ever want to record HD Video on your camera.

Most laptops these days, have an SD memory card slot for transfer of photos. Mine has one. I prefer the slot instead of a USB cable.

Just my experience and opinion on the topic. Have an awesome new year everyone!

 

[nhaas11]

what are you doing with the pictures? just looking at them with your computer? printing them out for the kids? I wouldn't get a 2 MP camera, that is the entry level camera. Spend a few extra dollars and get a 8 MP camera with a fast SD Card, I think the fast SD cards have a 10 with a circle around it.