Good 5+ megapixel STILL Camera?

There are thousands of cameras in different sizes, shapes and costs that will fit your need.

One thing that would be help narrow the search is to know how much you want to spend.

For an easy point and shoot camera I use a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220. It's 12.1 MPs. Very easy to use and takes great shots for a point and shoot. I use this generally as a back up for my DSLR when I just need to grab a quick snapshot. I recommended it because it has quick start up (again for a point and shoot), low picture to picture delay and simple simple simple controls. The only downside to Sony's cameras is you have to use the sony pro duo memory. My DSLR's use SD and Compact flash...so that's one MORE type of memory I had to buy. Minor.

I will be the first to say this may not be the "best" point and shoot, but there are thousands of options for you. Best thing you can do is go to a retailer near you and handle some of the display cameras. 99.9% of them will be well over 5 mega pixles and they range (point and shoots) from $50.00 - $700.

I generally would stick to Sony, Nikon or Canon based on brand reliability and customer service.

I think you should invest a DSLR camera. It is an investment but it can be well worth it. DSLR cameras have the larger sensor so you get a higher quality images. You can change lenses which can be valuable, by allowing to adjust to different needs.

There are a number of good brands so don't be sold on the idea one brand is better than another. I would keep your costs down. I would get a DSLR with a short zoom (like a 18-55mm) to start. No reason to spend more than $425 to $550. Either a 10MP or 12MP (MP means mega pixel) will do just fine.

Below, I listed some links, the first link listed below is to a web page that lists the 3 DSLR cameras I am recommending. This list will let you compare features and specs, also it has links to reviews of the cameras, the reviews include sample images from the cameras. Also I included some links to some dealers so that you can try and get the best price. Some dealers have some nice extras, free shipping is very common, and sometimes they are offering a free memory card and/or camera bag. Sometimes you have to click in the “add to cart” button to see the actual price.

Here are some models that I think are well worth researching:

Nikon D3000 10MP DSLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens - $449

EOS Rebel XS (1000D) 10MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens - $449

Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) - $550

Pick a price range, some features you know you want, and even consider which camera feels good in your hand as a factor. Plenty of great cameras, get one you like and start learning the principles of photography and you will be on your way to making some great images.

If you want to stay under $500 then go Nikon or Canon but, I think the Pentax could be of special interest, since it can do HD video and has excellent quality at higher ISO settings which can be useful in low light places and helping get the picture. These features, especially the HD video, on a Nikon or Canon will cost you $100 to $200 more.

If you have any questions and if you think I can be of help then please do contact me.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark

marksablow.com

I think you should go with a high quality point-and-shoot for your purposes. But mega pixels aren't everything (it seems the people who are asking this requirement don't know much about photography). If you had a 3 mega pixel Nikon D1, for example, you could take better pictures than many other cameras with more mega pixels.

I would recommend that you look at the Canon PowerShot G-series which are high end point-and-shoots. The G10 and G11 are great and you can buy a lens adapter to use extra lenses, including a longer zoom lens. It's $50 off at Best Buy right now: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+PowerShot+10.0...