first I confess I still haven't bought mine yet. I've used an older 2mp hp,
no zoom. the focus lag/ half depress thing is weird. otherwise OK for day
shots. USB worked fine on win me, win98se.

also I know people happy with Sony
Sony w floppy, using the stick adapter.
and a Sony that writes to mini CD-r.


I like Keller at www.dcresource.com. he has a more 'hands on' writing style.
He has sample shots of what I care/worry about. Fringing, distortion (for
me, I want good quality at wide angles).

Preset Google:
http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...ality+fringing

I don't understand photography, but lower F is 'faster' (=better)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...=Google+Search


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...inter&as_qdr=y

also check recent Usenet comments about "trouble" "problem" broke" [camera
model or brand]

those special search words :-)

rechargeable Li-ion against NiMH. They are in battle for consumers' favor.

I think both Steve's and Keller have info or links to chargers and NiMH, if
you buy an AA using camera. PPS, except tiny ones.

Some cameras have nonrechargeable/unrechargeable lithium (why?).

CompactFlash has long time best media. Smartmedia cards are still common,
but dead future. You won't buy media often, but I see some Usenet complaints
about cards killed by readers or unknown reasons.

Some of these sites must have a 'primer'.
--------

If you have a working SLR, use that for nit picking good shots. And buy a
reliable digital p&s for photo quality. You can buy older, originally
expensive, PPS models if you want features and optics, but older digicams
tend to be slow, etc.

reading recent pcmag
http://www.pcmag.com/print_article/0...a=45971,00.asp

cursor down past the namby pamby sales fluff to the charts (gifs)

survey brand
reasons for tech
reasons for repair.

My overall impression:
canon
Olympus

then closely followed by Sony or Nikon or Fuji

Minolta

then Kodak. Hp

then crappier. :_)


Consumer Reports seemed about similar.
==========
I've seen reviews suggesting that Fuji and Minolta have made some models
with 'quirky' advantages and disadvantages. They sound like products that
are savored by certain niche fetishists. :-)
====
Closeout, clearance and remainders add to the confusion.

=============

go to stores and tryout, try the feel of lots of models.






"Coleman E. Howard" wrote in message
...

"Name withheld by request" wrote in message
...
Here's two great one stop places for comparisions, reviews, user
opinions etc
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
Personally, I'm using a Fuji Finepix S5000, which replaced my Finepix
3800. I loved both, the reason I upgraded is the 5000 has a few more
options to play with, along with a fantastic 10X optical 2.2X digital
zoom. Fast, dosen't eat rechargable batteries, great pictures for
printing, and if I feel the need for optimum picture quality, it
shoots in RAW mode.


Same here, I dropped my trusty Kodak 290(my first digital camera), and
just
got lucky and picked the Finepix S5000. Riding sportbikes is my hobby,
but
after having this Finepix S5000 for about a week, I find myself wanted to
take picture rather than ride my sporbike! That's bad. Don't have
money
enough for another hobby.

Get the Finepix 3800,S5000 or the S7000, IMO, you can't go wrong, either
being a novice like me, or a expert.

ceh
Finepix S5000