Camera

[ennierda]

I would like to buy two digital cameras. I am reading some online reviews, but I was wondering if any of you had any recommendations for specific models/brands, or at least pointers on how to go about buying a camera. Here's what I need/want:

1. A camera for the school (I HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO BUY ONE! WOOOT!). I am authorized to spend up to $200. We need at least 8mp so that photos can be blown up for the yearbook. It needs to be able to take pictures in the gym (semi-low light) and for sports. I realize fully that for $200 we are not going to be able to get more than a point-and-shoot, but anyone who can tell me what kind of specs I should be looking at for the the low-light and sports settings will have my undying gratitude.

I'm buying this one ASAP. We need it NOW.

2. A camera for me. I may not buy this right away, as I want to save up some cash and get something nice. I would probably use the camera mainly at work. I'd like to be able to blow shots up to at least 8x10 after being cropped. I'd like image stabilization. I'd also really, really like low-light capability (like, capturing skyline shots low.) What kind of specs would I need? Any ballpark figures on price?

Also keep in mind that I'm a beginner photographer. I don't need much more on the camera than what I mentioned - I'm not much for reading the manual.

Comments

[wafflebunny.livejournal.com]

Once you have some idea what you're looking for (in general, I recommend an SLR for the yearbook stuff, and beyond that, I'm lost) you can go to http://www.pricewatch.com/cameras/8.0megapixel.htm for good prices.

[arashinomoui.livejournal.com]

Emailing a friend who is a professional art designer/photographer. And oh have I ever heard her geek about cameras.

She's at the same event this weekend that *I* am, however, so probably won't see my email till Sunday night at the earliest. I'll let her know in case she brought her computer to the event.

[arashinomoui.livejournal.com]

My photographer friend says that you can't really go wrong with a Canon, but she doesn't really know low-end all that well. She also suggest reading manuals. :)

[ennierda.livejournal.com]

I rather like Canons. Thanks!

[megasus4.livejournal.com]

I saw on a TV show somewhere that anything over 5mm is pretty much unneeded, even for big enlargements. The human eye doesn't need detail that tiny.

Of course, that was just one tv show a couple years ago. You may want to do more research into it.