Dave Boland wrote:
Newsgroup,

I need to get a digital camera to replace the Polorid 600, and would
appreciate any help. Some information about the camera use to help
guide the comments:

* The camera will be used mostly for documentation of things like scope
traces, printed circuit traces, control panel pictures, and some field
test items that may be in bright sun. Light levels run from normal room
lighting to bright sun. Speed from stationary, to oscilloscope display,
to moderately fast moving (1/30s to 1/250s typically).

* Users of the camera vary between no photography experience, to a fair
amount of experience. That said, the camera should be as simple to use
as possible because I don't want people spending time tweaking settings.

* Picture size is typically 5 in. by 7 in. some are larger.

* Budget is limited and I would like to stay at $100 (U.S.) or less.

* Features that seem important a
- Easy to use is number 1, which includes controls and menus.
- Very good quality pictures (focus, exposure, color) important.
- Very reliable.
- Easy to use in the sun. I like viewfinders for this, but...
- Optical zoom of 3 to 1 or better.
- Batteries that can be obtained at 'mart's is a must.
- Easy to down-load to P.C. or printer, and quickly.
- Macro would be nice for close-ups of circuit card failures.
- Manual controls would be nice, at least for some of us.

Some cameras that I'm considering are the ones that will be on sale for
black Friday. They a
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...83 2852010904

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...16 2793659556

Nikon Coolpix L18 Digital Camera - $99.99 at Ritz
Olympus Stylus 760 Digital Camera - $99.99 at Ritz
Kodak EasyShare C913 9MP 2.5" LCD With Free Canon Photo Printer, $79.99
at Staples
Casio EX-Z9 8.1MP Digital Camera - $99.99 at K-Mart (Thur. only)
Kodak EasyShare MX1063 10MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Zoom - $89.00 Target

Thanks for any serious suggestions.
Dave



Thanks for all the responses. Some have been very helpful. I regret
the anger that it caused some, but that is life. To clear up one
thing, I do understand analog scopes very well. My concern was that
the readers of this forum would not. I agree, capturing a trace is
challenging. Currently I do it with my Nikon film camera, but it is a
pain to have to get the film developed because it takes time. A
digital would be good, but I also agree that it is wise to take my
time and investigate the cameras before I buy.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving (U.S.).

Dave,