I still remember when all we had was the analog camera.  We had to get AA batteries and make sure they were still fully charged.  Not to mention the rolls of film that we had to buy.  Then of course there was the developing and printing, after the roll of film had been used.  All this took time and effort.  With the digital camera, however, we could see the pictures right after they were taken.  We can store them on our notebooks and even print them out in the comforts of our dorm rooms.  There is no doubt about, the digital camera has made our picture-taking lives easier and cheaper.

As a college student, having a digital camera is definitely a must.  It is one of the most important times in our lives where memories are being created every single moment.  You just never know when a “picture moment” will come up.  The only solution is to have your camera with you most everywhere you go.  With this in mind, I can only say that you need to have a sturdy and reliable digital camera with you.  Of course, aside from functionality, we would want to have some frills to make taking pictures easier and more fun.  More than, though, I would have to say that the price should be within a reasonable range.  We aren’t made of money after all – yet!

Digital Cameras – Best Value for Money

There are countless digital cameras in the market today.  I tried to narrow down my picks to those which are less than $400.  The limit is still a big high, I know but I was thinking since you would want your camera to serve you for the duration of your college years, you might want to invest in it a little bit.

Kodak EasyShare V610 Dual Lens Digital Camera

With 10x optical zoom, you just have to point and then shoot.  It can also record VGA-quality movies.  What I like about this is that is has Bluetooth, meaning you can send your pictures to your PC or phone or other devices up to 30 feet away.  It has a 2.8-inch LCD screen.  Prepare at least $300 for this one.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7K Digital Camera

The screen is slightly smaller at 2.5 inches but it has a total of 16.5x zoom!  You can also use the PowerLCD function when taking pictures on a bright day – this will help you see the display better.  I like the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting – that is, until your memory runs out.  Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $350.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S600 Digital Camera

Six megapixels using the Sony standard Carl Zeiss lenses, this budget friendly digital camera gives you your money’s worth.  It only has the standard 3x optical zoom but offers power in a small package.  The screen is somewhat small compared to the others at 2 inches.  Then again, for $200, this is definitely within many people’s budget range!

Where to Get Digital Cameras in the Los Angeles Area

UCLA Store Trade-In Program

Register on their web site and you can be on your way to trading in your old camera for a new one.  Of course, cameras are not the only thing you can trade in under this program. 

Samy’s Camera

This shop is well known in Southern California, especially in the Los Angeles area.  They have a wide range of products and services available.  They even have rental services if that is what you need.  Ask anyone familiar with the area and you will probably hear about Samy’s.  Get in touch with them at:

431 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: 323-938-2420
Fax: 323-937-2919
E-Mail:: lacamera@samys.com

Calumet Photo

Calumet Photo is another big name in cameras and photo equipment.  With locations in the United States and Europe, Calumet definitely has the right camera for you. Whether you are buying used or new or looking for a rental camera, you can find it at Calumet.  Call their Los Angeles branch at 323-466-1238.  By the way, they also offer events and seminars to help you keep up to date with the latest in the photography world.