[0HMi_M0CHi]

just needed some help on how to choose a digital camera. im pretty much clueless in this area so any help is really appreciated :]

im trying to be an architect design major so i really need a digital camera. i'd be taking pictures of buildings, parks, etc both during the day & night, indoors & (mostly) outdoors.

are there specific features i should be looking for in a digital camera?

the most i'd like to spend on this is about $250-300
(starving college student here @_@)

thanks in advance! :]

[watcher]

with that budget, you wont get a camera that can comfortably do all that.
save up or compromise with the canon sd850 IS
it may not be wide enough but the IS will help

[negitoro]

I'd go with the SD870IS over the SD850IS. Wider angle lens will help.

IS is an absolute must have since as an architectural designer, you'll want references of available ambient light rather than using the flash.

Watcher is right though. Ideally, you'd get a cheap dSLR with a wide angle lens. Although, yeah you'd get better pictures, I'd think the biggest issue for your use would be barrel distortion which would ruin the architectural lines you're studying.

[erure]

Watcher is right though. Ideally, you'd get a cheap dSLR with a wide angle lens. Although, yeah you'd get better pictures, I'd think the biggest issue for your use would be barrel distortion which would ruin the architectural lines you're studying.

She COULD get a tilt shift lens...

[watcher]

She COULD get a tilt shift lens...

haha... a TS lens costs over $1000, add onto that the fact that in order to take those occasional indoor shots, you need a full frame camera to get an angle wide enough [using the 24mm]. that's already almost a 3K package right there.

negitiro, 870 IS is a great option. at the time though, i thought the 870 IS was still 300+, so i didnt mention it. i just looked it up on BH / buydig and they sell just under 300! not bad at all... maybe i'll get the 870 IS instead.... [assuming i finally sell off my 30 ;]