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Digital camera first:
I only considered point and shoot, which eliminated all the digital SLRs. Also, on my previous post, Hilary and Chris J commented that image quality really doesn't improve much from 8 megapixels (MP) to 10. Every website I consulted agreed with that comment, so I shopped for any camera with 8 MP or more. Finally, I use cnet.com for reviews on any electronics I buy, so their ratings are included below.
The cameras (and their features) that made the final cut follow:
Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 
- 8MP
- 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
- Amazon rating: 4.6
- Cnet rating: 7.6
- Made the "Best 8 to 9 MP Digital Camera" list, "Best Compact digital camera" list, and "Best Budget digital camera" list on Cnet.com
- Best price: $119 at ontimedigital.com (+9.99 shipping)
Kodak EasyShare M893 IS 
- 8 MP
- 3X optical zoom
- Amazon rating: 3.0
- Cnet rating: 7.0
- Best price: $99.99 (+5.49 shipping) from Amazon marketplace
- 8MP
- 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
- Amazon rating: 4.5
- Cnet rating: 7.8
- #5 of "Best Digital Camera" list, #1 of "Best Budget Digital Camera" list on Cnet.com
- Best price: $106 on butterflyphoto.com
- 8.1MP
- 5x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot
- Amazon rating: 4.2
- Cnet rating: 7
- Best price: $114 at Costco (+tax), comes with case
Canon PowerShot A590IS
Ultimately, I had a hard time choosing, so I made a spreadsheet to help me make the choice. I scored each feature (MP, price, rating, etc), then added them up to get my result. The Canon PowerShot A590IS won out. It arrived yesterday, and I love it! It takes great pictures and has tons of features that are very user-friendly.
Next...the mp3 player.
The features we wanted in an mp3 player included enough storage for all of our music and the ability to play videos. The choice came down to 3:
- Apple ipod classic 120gb, $219.95 at amazon.com
- Apple ipod touch 8gb, $223.76 at amazon.com
- Microsoft Zune 120gb, #234.95 at amazon.com
The ipod classic from amazon edged out the Zune, mostly because we know the ipod; and the ipod touch didn't have enough built in memory. Just before ordering I checked Circuit City's liquidation sale, where the price for an ipod was $5 more than amazon, but the Zune was on sale for $174.95 (+ tax). Intriguing....I consulted with Chris J. (through his wife, Liz), who raved about the Zune, the only drawback being the annoyance having to convert the music library from itunes to the Zune software. So I pulled the trigger, and we now have a Microsoft Zune 120gb. It turns out the conversion to Zune's software was a snap. The software did it for me, except for songs purchased through itunes--still working on those.
Like I said, it feels like Christmas.
- Decide what's important to you. It can be overwhelming trying to wade through the oceans of possibilities and information. Deciding on a few key features to begin with will help narrow down the field.
- Take notes. After you've collected all the information (price, specs, etc), you can more readily compare the choices.
Oh my gosh, the fact that you graded these on a spreadsheet makes my heart go pitter patter. You are my hero. :)
ReplyDeleteOne way to move the music purchased through iTunes is to burn it to CD and then import it using the Zune software. Alternatively, you can download freeware that will convert the music, but I am generally nervous of unknown software.
ReplyDeleteAbout your camera, I know this isn't helpful now, but I just saw a deal for the model you bought: http://www.spoofee.com/forums/showthread.php?p=564877
Zune: I tried burning a cd, then ripping it into Zune, but it still refuses, since they are protected. Am I doing something wrong? I am generally leary of freeware, too. I have about 31 songs, plus a $10 itunes gift card that I haven't used yet.
ReplyDeleteCamera: Where were you 2 weeks ago??!! That would have saved me $30. I guess even the Bargain Huntress can learn a few tips....How did you find that deal? One of my practices is: quit looking for the best deal AFTER I have made a decision and purchased the item. It only tortures me to know I could have spent less. But in this case, it might help someone else out there, and I might be able to find better deals in the future. Please enlighten us, Chris!