As some of you might have noticed, I haven't posted any pics of Emily in Your Ride. Why is this? Well, I don't exactly have a digital camera, so...
http://cgi.ebay.com/8-1MP-CASIO-EXIL...QQcmdZViewItem

Any opinions on this? There'* only an hour left, so I probably won't get this one, but who'* had experiences with this camera? Am I looking at the right ones? (sony, casio, nikon, etc.) This is really my first exposure (no pun intended, haha) to the digital imaging world.

For that price I would be looking at Canons, but that is just my personal opinion.

Don't get it, unless I did not see it in the description, it does not have manual focus. MUST HAVE MANUAL FOCUS if your going to spend that much money on a camera.

It kinda depends on what you wwant to use it for. I would pass on that one myself because it'* on 3x Optical Zoom (Digital zoom is borderline worthless in my opinion). But, I like to take my camera to concerts and such.

Persoanlly, I would consider something a little cheaper as my first camera. You might end up disliking digital photography and decide you want a film camera instead.

But, as a general rule, you want as many MegaPixels as you can afford, with the features you are after (Optical Zoom, flash, type of memory, etc)

Also, I would search for cameras at a site that allows you to compare prices, and then once you've picked out your camera, then figure out who has it for the best price. I don't consider eBay to be the best "shoppping" site, because you have to hope that the listing has the features, and that they are actually accurate. If you insist on sticking with eBay, at least have Google up in another window so you can search for the features at the manufacturer'* site

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/casioz850/

take a glance through that 15 page review, and then a browse around the rest of the site.

MOS, I agree and disagree.

I absolutely love my Fuji, but I will admit - the digital zoom might as well not even be on there. I have never seen such blurry pictures in my life!

As many MP as you can afford? Say what? Unless you regularly print posters, anything over 4 MP is pretty much worthless.

MOS, you don't recommend buying on ebay, or researching on ebay?

He suggests getting a second opinon from a source not linked to the sale of the item.

jees. I spent $430 on my Nikon 7900 last year. Its 7.1 MP, but its got a hell of a lot of features.

That one LOOKS ok, but never used one, couldn't say for sure there.

eh, i would say go for it, but hah, i learned my lesson with mine, there are still alot of things it cant do for almost $500. So good luck and hurry, its ending in 20 mins!

Good point. Mine is a 5 MP with 10x optical. It takes some awesome pictures. It also has 4x digital, but I think I've had one picture turn out usable with the digital zoom.

Persoanlly, niether. I'm not a fan of eBay when I can get something from a known retailer. I have used them (clear corners, FSMs), but prefer not to. But, like Bill says later, I definitely recommend a "second opinion" (at least), both on features listed, and price, before buying anywhere.