Digital Still Camera under $200

[beanbagking]

Hi,

I'm currently in Iraq and am trying to find a good digital still camera so I can send pictures and video home. I was hoping someone here who knew more than me could help me find a good camera under $200. Here's a few things I'm looking for.

*It'd be nice if the lense had some kind of cover that slid over it (think the old 2.0mp cybershots or something) to keep dust/sand out. Preferably no retracting lense (donno the name for that, where the lense moves in and out?)
*640x480 video, limited only by the memory card size
*Fast off to picture speed (i.e. the time it takes it to turn on and take a picture) so I don't miss out on things
*At least 4.0mp

Those are the 4 main things I want. One camera I was looking at was the Sony DSCS40. I don't know much about this one, but from the reviews I've read it looks perfect except for the lense cover. Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions

[ken1953]

Hello BBK, First question is, do you have access to the PX (if that's what they still call it)? If so, you can probably get what you are looking for through them at a much reduced price. Other than that, I can only recommend you check out the "Reviews Section" here ... http://www.photographyreview.com/reviewscrx.aspx

You can customize the search for what you need and read the reviews on the particular camera. I've read a couple of the reviews on the Sony, but don't have any first hand knowledge of this camera, but I know they do put out a nice product and would probably do you good.

Good luck and look forward to seeing some shots when you find what you need!!!
Ken