Good, cheap digital cameras available now?

[rmadd101]

About 4 years ago, my parents got me my first digital camera for Christmas. Problem was, while they'd gotten my sisters some sweet Canons the year or two before, I ended up with a crappy Nikon. They had A5xx's or A7xx's or something in there... something that enabled you to control the aperture and shutter speed, as well as full-blown manual control. I've played around with them a little bit, and even though I've never taken a photography class in my life, I was able to get vastly superior shots of a lunar eclipse a couple of years ago using my parents' A590IS than with my Nikon Coolpix 4600.

So I'm finally looking to upgrade now, and I'm having a somewhat difficult time locating a camera with similar features. I really like the features of the A720 IS, but the problem is, while this camera, from what I can remember, was around $200 or less new a couple of years ago, presumably because of demand and the fact that it's discontinued, I've located it on Amazon, sold by a third party, for the low, low price of $560! Some sellers on eBay are far more reasonable, asking a mere $400, along with a 4GB SDHC card, carrying case, and cleaning kit.

My question, then, is this: does anyone out there still make a camera with similar features--namely, the aperture and shutter speed priority, and full manual control, too? I'm indifferent as to whether it's a 8 or 10 or 12 MP camera, but I would prefer something with a 4x or better optical zoom. I'm more concerned about price than anything. I'd love to stay at $200 or less. Cameras in Canon's SX series are a bit out of my price range. I've found a place on eBay selling the A2000 bundled for around $200, but while it doesn't have all the features I'm looking for, it's the closest I've been able to come.

Thanks to anyone helping a newbie out!

[inkista]

Sadly, I think the answer is "no." Canon removed the Tv/Av/M (manual) modes from its entry-level A-series about a year/18 mos. ago. The last remaining possibility was the A590IS, but while you could find them going for $150 a year ago, I think they're already in the rising-price scenario you describe. It is to spit.

The only Tv/Av/M-capable P&S cameras Canon makes now are in the S-series, and one or two of the top-tier SD series have a manual mode in them. I think the lowest price Manual-mode capable camera in the Canon lineup is the $250 SX120IS, and that may also be chunkier than you want to deal with, as it's a low-end bridge camera with a 10x zoom lens.

[m.c.adams]

I have had couple Kodaks that have full manual control that take great photos. The older p850 (5 mp) and p880 (8 mp) also can shoot in RAW. I have a z8612 now that is a great little P&S, but it doesn't have a viewfinder or shoot in RAW. My old p850 took some great photos and now belongs to my 14 yo daughter. Hope it helps.
Mark

[spazoid1965]

Gee sounds like someone isn't very gateful for gift that was givin' to them.

[Mary Kay]

Gee I have a powershot A720IS ......I like it but I would like a larger zoom. I think that I could get a lense for it. Is that correct?:

[inkista]

No, you can't get a new lens for it, you can get a teleconverter for it, which is like putting a lens in front of your lens. Image quality takes a hit, but you can extend your zoom that way. You'll probably need to also get an adapter tube (LA-DC58G or cheaper eBay equivalent) to screw on the teleconverter. The nice bonus is you can probably also use it to put filters on your A720IS.

Oh, cool! Looks like some of the Z-series Kodaks do the PSAM modes! Sweet!

[jdepould]

The new S90 has some manual controls, and the G-line all have manual controls, but they aren't cheap. You may be able to find a closeout on a G10 for cheaper, but I wouldn't count on it.

[milosh]

I also had a Kodak Z650 zoom (full manual controls, 6 MP, 10x optical zoom, but w/o image stabilisation) and it served me well.

There are cheap cameras like this from Fuji. I bought a Fuji Finepix S5800 maybe a year ago for a friend of mine and it works great. It has manual modes, a viewfinder and a 10x optical zoom, but without image stabilisation. I think this model is disscontinued now but there are newer Fuji models, and they are still very cheap compared to others.
You can check out these two:
FinePix S1500 : Specifications | Fujifilm Global
FinePix S2000HD | Fujifilm Global

[Biomech]

Something like this would suit you well and has excellent jpg image quality. Down side is that it doesn't shoot RAW, but from what you've asked I'm guessing that isn't an isssue:

$120 (tbh, I was like omfg wtf how cheap is this at that price). The newer H90 is better, and only $50 more if you can stretch to it. I haven't seen a single compact beat a Sony in terms of image quality.

Amazon.com: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 16.1 MP Digital Still Camera with 10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom G Lens and 3.0-inch LCD (Black): Electronics

[ceremus]

Thread is from 2009, I kinda doubt the OP cares anymore.