Digital Camera...need advice

What should I look for in a camera (megapixels, etc.)?

A nice size display in back is a plus but small ones work well also. 3 megpixel or above is nice - 1-2 probably would do the job but are getting rare.

Does a digital camera come with everything you need, or do you also have to purchase some sort of memory card or something?

About all you need is the camera, many come with rechargeable built in batteries. Cable and software normally come as well.

Do they come with everything you need to download your pictures onto your computer?

Normally there is software, and if you run Vista it has software that works with many. XP may also download - don't remember. I think most all you need to do is plug the camera in and it shows up as another drive and you just copy and paste. Others have fancy software but not needed.

Do you need any special software to organize your photos on your computer?

Many come with some sort of an organizer but there are free ones online if you are short on cash or runs in my mind Vista has some organization capabilities.

Now, some personal opinions. I like Nikon coolpix series, have couple of older ones and are good units.

I would look for one that has changeable rechargeable batteries if you want to do a lot of shooting.

I would also suggest looking at the ones that do video as well as snapshots.

I would also be sure there is an optical zoom for your ebay shooting and if there is digital that works but I like the optical a little better (many have both . Also for ebay shooting "Macro" lense ability would be very good - gives great closeups.

I have a Sanyo VPC-CG6BL that I just love. The changeable rechargeable batteries are dirt cheap on Ebay so I have three Does Video/photos and all of what I have suggested. It ran 199 at Wal Mart and there are others similar on the market for similar prices.

Go to Wal Mart, Circuit City, Best buy and Target and just play and snoop till you find something that fits your needs.

One other need is a memory card slot. Most have them, but you should look for one that takes sdhc cards which are high capacity cards. You can run 4-8 gigs and they store a ton of shots/video. If you don't plan on doing a lot of stuff then a smaller card would do fine.

All in all there are some pretty good cheapys that do a great job, just kind of depends on your budget and wants.

Target here often has clearance stuff hanging around the end caps that are worth a snoop, most are new, just closeouts.

Enjoy your looking!

RSR posted while I was typing

One more thing some can record voice if that would be an advantage to you and some do mp3 if you would like that option.

Aiptek.com has some fairly good cameras, with fewer frills that might work and they often have closeouts at a ridiculous price if you can find one to suit your needs.

Also on the sd card thing, if you have a reader you can plug it in there.

Guess that is more than one more thing so shut my mouth and good night all.

 

I just gave my slr and lenses to a missionary. Never used it so figured someone should get some use of it.

I really like my Sanyo but still use others. Have an older Aiptek that does fair job on macro and video though it has no zoom which limits it.

I have gone totally digital. Scanned in all my 35 mm slides a week or so ago - you may have seen the scanner on Geeks.com my favorite email advertiser.

I had scanned them in with a flatbed with adapter a number of years ago but the quality was really poor.

 

I've sold a lot on ebay, and from experience, the clearer the pictures the better the sells. Having said that, this spring I purchased a new digital camera, nothing expensive, I am cheap you know paid just under $100. , and I would swear by at least 6 or 7 megapixels for good clear pictures for the internet, big difference compared to my 5 megapixel camera. One thing you want is a 3x optical zoom for smaller items, I love mine.

 

Good advice so far...

One thing I looked for this past yr was one that had video and sound as well...

I wish I could have found one that was bluetooth compatable, but I couldn't.

 

I have video and sound, I just need to get into using them more. For instance, they had a b-day party Saturday for my granddaughter's 3rd in the park and they were all running around having lots of fun. Would have been nice to video a few scenes that were really cute. But I forgot I could.

 

Here's a video I caught with my digital camera at our 4th of July Parade last week...
It is my son's training video on how to get candy at a parade!!!
I think it is funny...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvb1JL9EIlk

 

Thats cute, and it works!

 

An easy one....

I've spent many years in the photography field. Your question makes for an easy response. For just taking pictures for Ebay I'd suggest a very basic digital camera (2MP+) from a reputable mfgr with a close up feature and you are set. Google Picasa is a great free program for editing and organizing photos.

You can spend a fortune on digital cameras and software that will bring you to your knees with features and specs. However, if Ebay is all you need it for 99% of what's on market will do fine.

For other applications it gets more complicated. I'd suggest you spend $50 or less on Ebay for a older model Sony, Canon, FujiPix, or something of the sort and you're good to go.

Once you get hooked on photography, check back here. THEN we can start to spend some $$$$$$$.