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[Adam]

This guide is provided to you courtesy of eBay seller CameraJim.  He is know as *the* source for all things camera related in the eBay community.  Check out his full list of guides at http://camerajim.com

For eBay use, you don't need a high-resolution digital camera. Almost any digital camera will produce a 640x480 pixel image at its lowest resolution setting, which is a big enough photo to fill a standard VGA computer monitor, or about 2/3 of a 17" monitor. A 640x480 image is only equal to 1/3 of a megapixel. At 1 megapixel, you have a huge image with enough room to crop out unwanted image areas.

If you also want to make prints of family photos or for other purposes, you'll want more resolution. As a rule of thumb, a 2 megapixel camera can make acceptable 5x7 prints; you need 3 megapixels for good 8x10 prints.

For an "eBay camera," you want...

• Good macro (close focus) capability. Limit your search to cameras that focus to within 4 inches or less.
• Ease of use. For some, this means an easy method of transferring the photos from your camera to your computer, such as the docks sold with some cameras. For me, ease of use means the camera controls are logical, and it's easy to access manual override functions.
• Comfortable handling. Get a chance to handle a camera before buying it. All the best reviews in the world won't help if the camera feels awkward in YOUR hands.

Among recently discontinued models, the 2mp Fuji A205 is still available at some outlets and remains a great buy as an eBay camera at less than $100. Another in the same category is the Nikon Coolpix 2200 which costs a little more but focuses even closer.

The 3mp and 4mp cameras have been the entry-level models and among these I like the Fuji A330, the Canon A510 and A520. The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is also an excellent choice among 3mp cameras, but it was recently discontinued by Nikon, and they no longer offer a 3mp camera.

Of the models I've mentioned, the 4mp Canon A520 would be my first choice because it has both fully auto and manual exposure options. It also has a real manual white balance control, which is handy if you want to get the most accurate color. The 3mp A510 has identical features and is slightly cheaper.

The most recent models in the Canon A-series lineup are the A530, A540, A610, A620 and A700. Any one of these would do a good job on eBay photos. The choice depends on how much you value a larger image size, a bigger LCD screen or a longer zoom lens. None of these are necessary for eBay work, but they can be handy features for your other photography.

In the end, you can't go wrong if you stick to the major camera manufacturers (e.g., Nikon, Canon, Kodak, Minolta, Pentax, Fuji) and choose a camera which focuses close enough.

[bpmarx]

Great tips!  Has anyone purchased any of the new wifi capable digital cameras?  I'm thinking this would make our photo image work even more automated.  I think some of the wifi cameras even do ftp.  Imagine Laris having simple custom resize capability and ftp image selection.  You could go from camera to inventory without having to touch the file.

Brent