Which Camera should I buy?

[Miss Moonlight]

This was originally in my blog, but i'd thought i'd also ask the knowledgable people here, since I need help :].

I need a professional digital camera for one of my classes, but I don't know which one to buy.

I looked online last night for various ones, but I don't really know of the specifics, or which one will be best for what I need it for. It will mainly be used for taking pictures of still lifes (for one of my art/design classes), and for outdoor photos.

I also need an affordable one too, since my budget is around $200~$230 (+ shipping if I buy it online). It should be around 6-8mp also.

I was looking at these:

Nikon Coolpix S210 (8.0mp)
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS (8.0mp)

The first one is cheaper, they both have the same megapixels, etc., but I couldn't decide.

All I have now is my crappy 2.0mp cellphone camera and it has no flash, so obviously that isn't going to cut it, lol.

Any suggestions from people who have good cameras?

thanks!

[gaara192]

im the uk we can get a 13MP camera for like £90 which is like $150 i think

[YukiOnna]

Hmm, if you are looking for a professional digital camera, neither of the ones you posted fits that catagory. Those are both basic point and shoot digital cameras.

However, if it is between those two, go with the Canon PowerShot. Among all point and shoots I have owned and reviewed, Canon comes up with the best stats and pictures.

If you are looking for a professional camera though, you need to go with a SLR type. Ebay has nice prices on the Canon EOS Digital Rebel 6.3 mp that includes a lense. That is a far superior camera to the Canon PowerShot.

The Nikon D type series are even better than the Canon Rebel, but will set you back more than you said you had to spend.

Hope this helped.

[Rodimus]

I would recommend either the Nikon D60 (which I have) or the Nikon D90 (which a friend has)

[wizz-o-matic]

in the compact camera range Canon kinda sucks imo. The built quality of their products could be way better ... well, that was my main reason for not buying Canon one when I was buying a cheap compact camera.

Also, MP isn't everything. You must consider other stuff too, like the lens quality and other.
Those you mentioned are far from pro imo, but if you're budget limited, at least check if the camera has the so called M (manual), Tv (shutter priority) and Av (aperture priority) modes. They are a must for (at least some) creativity. Full auto is something you don't want if you are trying to learn photography.

As I can suggest a SLR for you, I say to avoid it if you need a digital camera only for your classes. SLR is for people that wants to make photography a hobby.

[Miss Moonlight]

Hmm .. i'll look into SLR, I was just looking for cheap cameras cause i'm kinda broke .. I guess i'll have to research and compare again (along with trying to save more money.)

Thanks everyone!

[OminousCloud]

I hope I'm not late, but I'd start off by asking your teacher first and then making your decision. Also, if you just need it for your classes then it might be cheaper (stress on the might) to rent one instead of buying one.

[chithanh119]

I think you should buy Canon camera. This firm's camera is very good and quite cheap

[Miss Moonlight]

I hope I'm not late, but I'd start off by asking your teacher first and then making your decision. Also, if you just need it for your classes then it might be cheaper (stress on the might) to rent one instead of buying one.

My instructor didn't specify, heh. But I could ask. Renting it might also be an option too.

Thanks twilight (and everyone else) :]