What digital camera do you guys recommend?

DSLR, or P&S?

Well... both can do light painting.

A P&S will never - never - never, ever, ever, ever... stand up to a DSLRs quality. Well, at this very stage, at least.

Here's something I've said many times:

P&S stands for Point and Shoot. A DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens-Reflex. There's a big difference.

Notably that the SLR's larger sensor allows for better image quality. There are more advanced functions on a SLR, and of course, interchangeable lenses.

Do you have an expendable budget?

If you can't afford to pay more than $600, then you shouldn't consider a DSLR. And then some, for accessories, etc.

Would you carry around your DSLR and all its accessories?

If you're not willing to lug around a heavy, large DSLR and its lenses, don't get one.

Don't rely solely on a DSLR to create good pictures for you. A compact camera can be used to create as-good pictures. Some even offer more megapixels and more easy-to-manage modes than a DSLR. While it's true that the lenses and the mechanics of a DSLR do help the image quality, you shouldn't buy a DSLR just - just - for the image quality. A compact camera could do a better job - it's not the camera, it's the photographer.

If you're willing to stick with it and be dedicated, then a DSLR is a good buy. Because you'll get a much larger focal length multiplier - heck, if you buy a full frame camera, you'll get a 1.0x crop factor - the image is 'bigger', as in able to 'fit more on' technically. Olympus runs on 4:3's system which I definitely will not recommend, as the crop factor is 2.0x - that's not what's bad about it, though. The fact is that 4:3 lenses can get more expensive and it takes pictures in the 4 to 3 ratio, instead of 3:2 of other DSLRs. Note that normal P&S cameras have a 4:3 ratio; it's just that when you print in a 6x4 or equiv. enlargement, a tiny, tiny little slice will be cropped out to fit on the 6x4 paper.

About which camera... If you have decided to get a DSLR, I won't post it here (it's too large), but check out my answer to a similar question here:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Anl5C...

Of course, a DSLR is more expensive, but it gives you more control over exposure, shutter speed and such.

If you want a P&S, look for one that allows you *full* manual control. Ask your local camera guy or assistant for which, in the store, can adjust exposure and shutter speed.

And of course, you need a long exposure, at least 3 seconds.

You can do light painting with any camera. The only requirement is a slow shutter speed. Some bottom-tier point and shoot cameras don't allow a minimum shutter longer than 1 second, which just isn't enough time. Mid-range models tend to have longer minimum shutter speeds ranging from 8 seconds to 30 seconds. 8 seconds is fine if you're quick, and 30 seconds is plenty.

If you're really serious about it, consider an entry level DSLR. They all offer full manual control, and in "bulb" mode, the shutter will stay open as long as you want -- even for hours.

Hope this helps!

canon sd1100

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.

The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.

Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.

I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.

Good Luck

my suggestion

go to this link for help

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guid...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Hol...

About two years ago, I got a casio as a gift and I absolutly loved it. It had great picture quality. My friend dropped it and it smashed the lens. I am now stuck with a samsung and its ok, Make sure you get the accidental protection plan when you buy it, then if it drops they cover the repairs,

Any of the first two should do just fine. because if you look closely, it says that the Kodak EasyShare C713 is not available in stores (online only). good luck.