For quite some time now, ive been "pestering" people in the gallery about some input on their equipment...and by that I mean cameras....just so you wont get any silly ideas... When clearly i should have asked in here instead for some advice. Im currently using this lame fully automatically Olympus Muy 400 camera that I only bought cause it had a scubahouse as an "add-on". I thought that would be cool when I went scubadiving.....yep, used it once in 2 years...good call Andreas #:o( But now, I would like something a little more "professional" if you will, but since im not an expert i was thinking i would settle for a cheaper camera instead of for instance the Coolpix 8800. So I was thinking that perhaps the Konika Minolta A200 could be the way to go...am i stupid? Please help me out will ya. Im going nuts not knowing what to get. If this is the wrong place to ask such questions, just let me know and ill delete this thread. Thanks alot for your warm welcome by the way #:o) Andreas.............

Definitely not in the wrong place. I have only used a Nikon8700, and now a D70. You will have to wait for someone with Konika background to post. You get what you pay for though. 8800 will give you great macros and very clear landscapes. It has a good feel to it. You just are limited if you want to be able to change lenses.

Thank you Doug! I should probably say that im not that hung up on either Nikon or Konica, so if anyone else have something else up their sleeves please feel free to express those suggestions as well.

some great links that have been suggested before in the forum for a comprehensive listing and reviews: www.dpreview.com www.steves-digicams.com www.imaging-resource.com www.cnet.com

Yep...good luck in Your choice...salute

Thank you thank you...articles and "test-centers" are good and all, but I would like to hear from some "real" people what they suggest.....so that I can then blame THEM if im not satisfied, LOL. But thank you Cindy for those links, i will certainly check em out. #:o)

Zack.... I use a Fuji Finepix S7000. 6.3 mpix- good enough for a 15x20 print.... if you ever do one that size. I do 11x14 at my largest & have a couple 13x17 (ready for printing) that look quite crisp too. But mostly I do 8x10 which prove to be quite excellent. I like it cause it doesnt use a "proprietary" battery- uses AA (I use the NiMH rechargeables). It also has 2 slots for storage- one XD & another CF so you can switch between the 2). It seems to be still available (the S20 is NOT replacing it as of now it's a different camera). But I've been pleased with it & when I got mine last June- it was less than $600 from a retailer. You can ck it out on www.fujifilm.com

DM's sounds similar to my Olympus 5050, been quite happy with it... but if you can afford a DSLR go for it! :]

Mmmmh! Well, I'm using a Sony Cybershot DSC F717 and, so far I'm quite happy with it! The lens especially is really good and sharp! Can't help much here though since I just start photography and I'm far from knowning all there is to know about cams! Good luck on ur search!

Message edited on: 03/15/2005 13:41

Forgiven. Just don't let it happen again ;-) (",)

LMAO @ ReBorneUK!!!! Thank you all for your help! I will take all your advices under consideration #:o)

LOL@Mike! And u're most welcome Andreas! :)

Andreas, this is a GREAT place to ask this question. I like to know what REAL people think too instead of just reading reviews. I used to use Sony Cybershot DSC F717 like Pascale. gave that cam to my husband after he bought me a new one for my birthday. it's a great cam; kemal and i both love it. you gotta be careful though 'cause it was recalled for problems with focus. we were definitely having problems with that. So if you go that route, make sure that problem has been fixed before you buy it. Now, i'm using Sony DSC-F828 (since Jan) and so far I'm lovin' it! i find both Sonys very easy to use! price...we got our F828 on sale for around $800 i think. did you take a good pic when you were scuba diving? i'd love to see!!! good luck with your decision!

Thank you Sheila...and the rest of you as well....sigh...now I have even more to choose from. Wonder if i should just get a disposable one....

at this time i use a Nikon 8800 and i am happy with the lens and VR system. my daughter Sarah ( snottling1 at RERO ) used a Sony DSC 828. the Sony is much more faster than the Nikon and for Studio photography better to use. in the future i want to buy a DSLR Nikon, but i am waiting for 16 Megapixel minimum for a good price. gerhard

Sure we have all been there at one time or other the A200 is a great choice I had a sister camera the 7HI which was superb but my advice would be save up a bit more and get any of the new Digital SLR 's you will save money in the long run and have a camera you can add lenses that you will enjoy for years and only have to worry about all the better upgrades!!

One other point lots of people will be getting rid of outdated mode;s such as the Canon 10D or 300D for about the money you will spend on the A200

Zacko l love your stupidty.. doesnt make me feel so much like a technical bimbo.. hugs.. :) good luck.. :)...