Digital Camera/Binoculars/Advice
 

Almost ready to leave with granddaughter for Yellowstone. Any advice on digital cameras and binoculars from those who have received the best quality for the $? Thanks

As far as binoculars, check out REI.com's website. They have a pretty good selection and a side-by-side comparison chart.

I really wouldn't recommend buying a digital camera at short notice. There are many variables involved, and the perfect camera for one person might be a terrible choice for someone else. You'll also want to consider your storage, post-processing (software), printing and computer needs.

www.dpreview.com is a great place to do research on cameras, both in the "Reviews" and the "Forums". www.steves-digicams.com is another good site; reviews aren't as thorough but are perhaps more easily digestible.

Similar comment on binoculars. I have a pair of 10-30x50mm but I have a very steady hand. You might be happier with an 8x (magnification) pair that are lighter and easier to hold steady.

drsawyers points are right on the money. If you have to get a digital camera on quick notice, make sure it's at least a 2MP. And 3MP is preferable.

When I started with digital, I got a good camera (Nikon Coolpix 800.) However, on my first trip as a digital newbie, I made a major mistake. I took almost all my pictures at a low-medium resolution. I figured I'd get more pictures on my memory card(s.) I did. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I've got a lot of pictures--of inferior quality. And only a couple taken at the full 1600x1200 resolution. Read and heed.

Binoculars: I've got some compact 8x30s. And almost never use them--they're too small. Larger would be better--I have them--but they're too bulky to carry on vacation.

Thanks for the great advice everyone. We are taking your advice and waiting until we return to properly explore our options for cameras.