[Alex]

I am finally looking for a good digital camera for under $500, and will go a little over if needed. I have almost zero knowledge in whats needed or good to have in one, but want to learn so I can take some good photos. It also needs to be fairly easy to just take pictures as my girlfriend will be using it a lot too. I have been seeing a lot of talk about SLR cameras too, how much better are these? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[juptVatoSoito]

I'm just an amateur photographer who has owned many digicams. I do have a friend who is a professional photographer, so I asked her what she'd suggest. She says no contest, it's the new Canon G9. This is a point and shoot that is right about your price range. The reviews are very very good.

She says that when she needs to run out and do a quick shoot that she'll grab the G9 and just can't believe how good it is.

It's not an ultra compact, but that's about the worst thing you can say about it...

Hope this helps and good luck!!

[nancywind]

I'm just an amateur photographer who has owned many digicams. I do have a friend who is a professional photographer, so I asked her what she'd suggest. She says no contest, it's the new Canon G9. This is a point and shoot that is right about your price range. The reviews are very very good.

She says that when she needs to run out and do a quick shoot that she'll grab the G9 and just can't believe how good it is.

It's not an ultra compact, but that's about the worst thing you can say about it...

Hope this helps and good luck!!

Thanks for the info, I do not mind it being a little more bulky, just want a good picture.

[TughEmotteTug]

G9 is an excellent camera. Also consider some ultra zooms too like the olympus UZ series too. Both are good cameras.

[xanaxonlinexanax]

Agreed on the g9, I have one. Great camera. Best digital camera below a dslr that you can get at the moment.

[enencephoth]

Agreed on the g9, I have one. Great camera. Best digital camera below a dslr that you can get at the moment.

I heard very good things about Panasonic's FZ-18 and the newer model FZ-28. check'em.

[Justlovemy]

True, but they are a lower level camera, and still great for a newbie.

[ZIDouglas]

True, but they are a lower level camera, and still great for a newbie.

I don't think it's in a lower level compared to a G9...

[allaboutauto.us]

The DMC-FZ18/28 are super zoom cameras aimed more at the point and shoot crowd, while the G9 is a prosumer camera with DLSR like features aimed more for the pro/enthusiast. I stand by my assertion that is is a lower level camera aimed at a different crowd. Again, as a newbie, he would do fine with either. My vote goes for the g9 though.