Digital cameras forum: GE X500-Good camera? PLEASE HELP

If you shop around you can find the X500 for around $130.

Here is a review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/ge-power-pro-x500/4505-6501_7-34515261.html#reviewPage1

The review states that the camera is not fast shooting.

It is not recommend for low light situations.

Pictures are soft (not sharp).

It is about what I would expect for $130.

For what you want, the price will be around $200.
Such as the Fujifilm S3200.

..

There are different types of speed involved. One is shutter lag, the time it takes for a camera to focus, set exposure, and record the image. Two is shot-to-shot, the time it takes between presses of the button. Three is continuous speed, how many shots can be fired when holding down the shutter button.

Most less expensive cameras are not particularly fast at shutter lag, but some are nearly as quick as larger cameras.
Just about none are as fast as big cameras at shot-to-shot; you might be able to take one photo every two seconds.
More and more compacts are including a "burst" mode which can capture 5-10 pictures in one second. The caveat is that after the burst, the camera will not be able to take another shot or burst for possibly 10-20 seconds.

You might check out the Sony DSC-WX10. It is an editor's choice at imaging-resource.com, and it is an eBay Daily Deal today (02/29) for $170 shipping included.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/WX10/WX10A.HTM

Any camera can produce good quality images in outdoor light. Indoors, a camera needs a sensor and lens that can gather more of the existing light. Those two things are really only available on expensive cameras, because larger sensors and lenses cost more to manufacture.

In a small camera, high resolution is at odds with low light performance. The small cameras that work best in low light have "only" 10-12 megapixel sensors.

I would suggest looking at an older camera like the Panasonic DMC-FZ35. It was one of the best rated and reviewed cameras of its type when it was new. It originally cost $400, but can be found used for within your budget.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/FZ35/FZ35A.HTM