<p>So, I decided to start taking pictures of my drunk friends. For this I need to get a digital camera. I decided to go for Canon S2. The only question is where I can get it. I was seriosly thinking about buying one from ebay. Should I get a refurbished or a brand new one? Also is it worth buying a complete set at once -- camera, memory card, case and tripod, or is it cheaper to get them all separately? Is it realiable to buy items through ebay?</p>
<p>Digital cameras are not meant to be used with a tripod. Digital cameras are just for portable picture-taking capabilities. Tripods are used by professionals using SLR cameras.</p>
<p>Anyway, I would just get a memory card. They're really cheap nowadays.</p>
<p>there are digital SLRs...</p>
<p>The Canon S2 is a powerful camera that has all merits needed for use with a tripod.</p>
<p>Taking pictures of your friends and then putting them up on facebook = priceless. I'm the paparazzi for my floor...I figure the more pictures I take of them, the more pictures of me are overlooked.</p>
<p>I would stay away from ebay for items like that- your chances of finding something that's actually any cheaper are pretty slim, and then you don't have a store for support for however long you get it.</p>
<p>What about refurbished items? Are they worth buying, or should I stay away from them?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Digital cameras are not meant to be used with a tripod. Digital cameras are just for portable picture-taking capabilities. Tripods are used by professionals using SLR cameras.
[/quote]
not necessarily. obviously, the value of a tripod increases as the camera and photographer improve, but it can still be very useful to use one: timed shots (for some of the most UNprofessional purposes like family portraits), steady shots with long exporsure times (yes, some cheap digicams have manual controls, it's not limited to "professional SLR" cameras). i would venture to say that the majority of digital cameras, regardless of price, have tripod fittings. even my cheap 1.3 megapixel camera from 4+ years ago has one.</p>
<p>as for your purchase...i've never had experience with refurbished items, but i suppose refurbished items can't be that bad, as long as it has a good warranty/guarantee, which in the case of eBay might not be that great, or at least convenient... and as for package deals...i suppose the answer to that question is as simple as comparing the package price to the combined price of all the components individually...though be sure that the package products (especially the memory card) are at least of respectable quality. and rechargeable NiMH batteries are almost a necessity, put them high on your list of accessories to get.</p>
<p>I'd stay away from a refurbished one on ebay, simply because it will be a pain to exchange if something is wrong (I'm assuming the exchange policy will be a pain).</p>