Proud to be a cheap shot

Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

I have been looking for the cheapest way to capture the highlights of my summer without burning a hole in my pocket. Of course, the only way to do this is by getting myself a digital camera. The problem: that ain't cheap!

Here goes my shortlist of relatively inexpensive cameras that will give you bang for your buck.

The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068, or 754-5048. Email comments to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.

• Vivitar Vivicam 8010

This camera is an 8.1-megapixel wonder that comes stocked with everything you need to capture your special moments. For less than 10 grand, this baby gets the job done. The only downside to buying a budget digital camera like this is not getting the special features you might be used to on other high-profile brands on the market.

Final thoughts: If you are near bailout or bankruptcy territory but really need a digital camera, this is as good as it gets.

• BenQ C750

Most folks might have seen this bad boy before. This camera comes with 7.0 megapixels and a sturdy frame for all the folks out there that have butter fingers.

This cam has all the features you'll need to take a decent photo, no matter if it's day or night. Most might say 7 megapixels isn't enough firepower to work with, but I have seen this camera taking better pictures than some 8.0- and 10.0- megapixel packers on the market.

The BenQ weighs in a little above $10,000 on the price scale, but not too high that you won't consider the purchase.

Final thoughts: I own a BenQ camera and I bought two more last year as gifts for family and friends. One year later, there have been no complaints.

• Samsung U10

Some may argue that this device shouldn't be here because of its price and also because it is a camera-camcorder hybrid. The Samsung U10 is one of the few portable camcorders that can video-record at a full HD (1080p resolution).

The next high point for this device is its capability to double as a 10.0-megapixel camera that is top drawer.

The reason for its input in this budget listing is the fact that you can get the best of both worlds at only a fraction of the cost. This hybrid comes in way below the $20,000 mark, which is far less than you would pay separately for a camcorder and a digital camera.

Final thoughts: Ask yourself these two questions: Have I ever been somewhere and something so mind-boggling happens that I had to video it? If a picture can say a thousand words, what would a video say?

The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068, or 754-5048. Email comments to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.

This camera is an 8.1-megapixel wonder that comes stocked with everything you need to capture your special moments. For less than 10 grand, this baby gets the job done. The only downside to buying a budget digital camera like this is not getting the special features you might be used to on other high-profile brands on the market.

Final thoughts: If you are near bailout or bankruptcy territory but really need a digital camera, this is as good as it gets.

BenQ C750

Samsung U10 digital camera