best $200 camera now

if you wanted to spend around $200 for a camera specifically for
family portraits, etc, what would you buy and where would you buy it?
would you consider a refurbished from overstock.com or elsewhere?
i know there is much to say about every camera, pro and con and
research can throw a person in dozens of different directions.
but simply put, what is the best camera - in terms of reliability,
durability, simplicity, and picture quality in this price range?
thanks,
jeff

jeff wrote:

if you wanted to spend around $200 for a camera specifically for
family portraits, etc, what would you buy and where would you buy it?
would you consider a refurbished from overstock.com or elsewhere?
i know there is much to say about every camera, pro and con and
research can throw a person in dozens of different directions.

Jeff, my recommendation would be to look at a Olympus C-4000. I got mine
several weeks ago and am very happy with it. It's won many awards and I can
see why. It's an older camera that's been discontinued.

If you look at ebay.com, find the Olympus ebay store. They have auctions
for a ton of stuff. I got a refurbished C-4000 for a bit over $200. I've
seen some go for under $200 (though not many). If you're buying a
refurbished camera, you can't beat getting it direct from the manufacturer.

Mine came in mint condition with a 90 warranty (you can buy an extended)
with $5 shipping anywhere in the US or Canada.

You can read about the camera he

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/c4000.html

Buying on OLYMPUSAMERICA
They have unusual bidding patterns check this one out, 7 individual
bidders with no history to speak of!!! On various items I have found
large amounts of "0" feedback bidders, what does this mean?

EXAMPLES:

http://offer.ebay.com/ws3/eBayISAPI....tem=3822734484
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3821348598 (HALF
THE BIDS)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3821329174

Kodak DX6440 refurb.

"jeff" wrote in message
...
if you wanted to spend around $200 for a camera specifically for
family portraits, etc, what would you buy and where would you buy it?
would you consider a refurbished from overstock.com or elsewhere?
i know there is much to say about every camera, pro and con and
research can throw a person in dozens of different directions.
but simply put, what is the best camera - in terms of reliability,
durability, simplicity, and picture quality in this price range?
thanks,
jeff

Refurb usually means old technology. In this digital age I would much
prefer a new olympus or fugi that would fit into your budjet (new
warranty!)I wouldn't be too pixel conscious and more concerned about a
model with non-priority battery and charger included. I've tried KOKAK
and HP the images were crappy in comparison to FUGI Olympus or SONY.

KURVA GROSPLUT wrote:

Refurb usually means old technology. In this digital age I would much
prefer a new olympus or fugi that would fit into your budget (new
warranty!)I wouldn't be too pixel conscious and more concerned about a
model with non-priority battery and charger included. I've tried KOKAK
and HP the images were crappy in comparison to FUGI Olympus or SONY.

No it doesn't! You can buy refurbished products that have only been on the
market a day. Much of the time the product is simply a store return with
nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Many manufacturers sell off stock as
refurbished to clear out inventory.

Just curious, but what specifically is old technology in the C-4000? Just
because they through some bells and whistles into a new model to maintain a
price point doesn't mean the camera being replaced uses old technology. In
fact the C-4000 is thought by many folks in various forums to be a better
camera than the new ones. This, due to the fact that it has a faster lens
and a proven track record.

The fact that it was voted the best digicam under $500 at the DIMA (Digital
Imaging Marketing Association) shootout last year was good enough for me.

That camera was state of the Art Announced 25-Jun-02. Actually there
is one on ebay now being run-up by a "0" feedback bidder.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=3824014 175

Catch you later!

thanks for the suggestions - before this query becomes a convoluted
debate with more options thrown into the mix as a "better" choice, I
think I'll opt for a C-4000 and be happy with it.

Now that you have made your choice here are a few points of interest
on the OLYMPUS C-4000. I hope that you are aware that this camera uses
SmartMedia (16MB) a removable memory type with waning support and
smaller capacities than competitors such as CompactFlash. The lense
cap definitely could've been made to stay on better. Approx slow 9 sec
start up time. 1 sec lag between shutter release & actual picture
taken -- that means most motion shots are missed. The included Camedia
Master 4.0 software does not allow emailing your pictures. To do so,
you need to purchase an upgrade to the Camedia Pro 4.0 software
through Olympus' internet site @ $19.99 + tax-- cheesy! The batteries
shipped with the cam (they are one time use only)! So right off the
bat you have to spend a couple more dollars for a charger and
rechargeable batteries. The zoom lens is extremely fragile, very
lightweight plastic. It tends to freeze in an open position and is
easily pushed off track if left open. This requires mailing the camera
away for repairs. Olympus will not cover any zoom lens damage under
warranty. I know of at least 3 users who had to have the fragile lens
repaired. Best not to buy except from a local dealer who may replace
the camera due to malfunction. Extremely fragile, poor repair service;
I would not recommend this camera unless Olympus fortifies the lens.
Your warranty for problems that are covered on a refurb will be 90
days. Damage from shipping may be your problem. (I'm not sure about
that) Have a nice day..KURVA

PS - The Olympus tradition for bad design exemplified today in the
OLYMPUS C-8080 which in addition to poor location of control buttons
is highlited in the LCD screen flex mounting hinges which are very
flimsy and subject to breakage, bad design is not covered by warranty.
Caveat emptor. Excellence of design can be found in ALL Sony products.
.......KURVA