Looking for a great camera for our upcoming trip, your suggestions?

[jdb0822]

I have a canon powershot, it takes decent pictures, has some neat options, but I am not impressed with the zoom. Many times the pics are not as clear as I would like. Also, nightime fireworks, light parades, etc are many times not nice and crisp.

I am looking for a great camera for my upcoming trip. Something with a good zoom, can taking pics of moving objects (kids move quick!), and something that will take nice pics during night time events like wishes and fantasmic.

Any suggestions?

[YEKCIM]

What is your budget and your willingness to learn how to use a new camera?

~Y

[jdb0822]

I have nearly 2 months before the trip to learn. I'd like something fairly easy to use. Nothing worse than being in the parks, seeing a great photo op, and miss it fumbling with a camera.

I'm willing to go up to around $500, especially if it is something that meets what I am looking for and that I can use for years to come.

[YEKCIM]

I have nearly 2 months before the trip to learn. I'd like something fairly easy to use. Nothing worse than being in the parks, seeing a great photo op, and miss it fumbling with a camera.

I'm willing to go up to around $500, especially if it is something that meets what I am looking for and that I can use for years to come.

A dSLR is the best camera for your stated needs, but based on budget and time constraints, it sounds like that may not be an option for you. That being the case, you may want to look at one of the "superzoom" cameras, like the Canon S2-IS, S5-IS, or the Fuji S6000fd, or one of the Sony H series cameras. None of the superzooms are going to rival a dSLR in terms of rapid fire shooting or low light capability, however, so it would definitely be a compromise. Of the ones listed above, the S6000fd has the largest sensor, and would give somewhat better low light results. It does not have Image Stabilization, however, so if you are planning on shooting primarily in good light, Sony or Canon may be better options.

You may want to read some reviews on dpreview or steve's digicams.

~YEKCIM

[jdb0822]

you'll be able to tell I am a real point & shoot person by this question...

what is a dSLR?

[jdb0822]

hmm, this a Sony-H series?

http://www.officedepot.com/ddSKU.do?level=SK&id=655770&Nr=200000&N=255851 4294965711&Ne=166&An=browse

[YEKCIM]

dSLR = digital Single Lens Reflex, which is a camera with interchangeable lenses, like the 35mm camera of film days. The dSLR has a larger sensor, meaning better resolution and less high-ISO noise (grain). dSLR's also typically have much better shot-to-shot performance than a PnS, but that gap has narrowed some in recent years. Note also that dSLR's typically "process" images to a lesser degree than a PnS, making some post-processing (digital editing) more or less a requirement.

Yes, the H7 is one of the "H" series cameras I was referring to. I'm not too familiar with the newer "H's", but my 83 YO dad has an H1, and he gets some pretty decent shots with it. He especially likes the long zoom and the stabilization, which the Canon's also have but the Fuji does not.

~Y

[jdb0822]

well, after looking at some SLR threads on here, perhaps getting a good P&S is my best option. I am not good with photo editing, etc.

[YEKCIM]

well, after looking at some SLR threads on here, perhaps getting a good P&S is my best option. I am not good with photo editing, etc.

Even with a PnS, I would still recommend that you get at least a basic editing program, if for nothing else, a little cropping, straightening, and contrast adjustment. You'd be amazed at what a difference just a tiny bit of tweaking can make. Picasa (http://picasa.google.com/) is a very easy to learn and use program that will do all those things and a few more, and is a FREE download. If you ever want to go beyond that, there are other, more complete editing programs.

~Ed

[dburg30]

Even with a PnS, I would still recommend that you get at least a basic editing program, if for nothing else, a little cropping, straightening, and contrast adjustment. You'd be amazed at what a difference just a tiny bit of tweaking can make. Picasa (http://picasa.google.com/) is a very easy to learn and use program that will do all those things and a few more, and is a FREE download. If you ever want to go beyond that, there are other, more complete editing programs.

~Ed

I agree, even if you just click the auto adjustment on these programs and see what it looks like. You can make a good picture from a not so good initial looking one, and make a good picture look amazing with just a little tweaking.

[DMickey28]

Just wanted to add.

I bought a Canon Digital Rebel XT Kit (with the lens) 8MP on Amazon for $577. Not too far out of your price range.

I am looking for the same thing as you are basically but I don't think I want the bulk of the DSLR. My BIGGEST complaint with my powershot is the shutter speed. I have tons of pics of DS looking away. With a baby, I don't want to miss his first crawl, steps etc. and instead have shots of him falling!

[ukcatfan]

Something with a good zoom

Just wanted to add.

I bought a Canon Digital Rebel XT Kit (with the lens) 8MP on Amazon for $577. Not too far out of your price range.


With the desire for an extended zoom range, the $500 limit takes pretty much every DSLR out of the picture. The Pentax models are the cheapest at around $400 with the kit, but that is likely even less focal length range than the OP already has.

Kevin

[MadHatterMadHatter]

everyone on this board is very helpful