Need 2 recommendations...

[Tinker'n'Fun]

DD just had our camera stolen (second one:scared1:) at a bday party last night. Since replacing it was not in the budget, can someone reccomend an inexpensive P&S that DS can take on his school trip in may and a low end SLR to replace the stolen one?

Thanks...

[wenrob]

Goodness, how big was the birthday party? I'd call the cops and have them question all the guests. I'd have my DD question every person and inform them the authorities will be called, someone is bound to "find" it.

What did you have? How much do want to spend? What capabilities do you want?

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We contacted the police and they took a list of everyone at the party. She knew a majority of the people but not all... Didn't know but the police will question all of them and go to the local schools, so DD feel like crud and that everyone will hate her. I say too bad!! (I am mean though)

The P&S should be under $150.00 in case DS loses it...

The SLR well I guess I will need to go into $500.00 territory but it will have to be budgeted. We leave end of August so I would like to have it by the beginning of August to get used to it... We had a Canon SX100. It was our transitional... So I guess it's time to transistion and DD will need to glue it to her body when she uses it. (She takes digital photography in school so she needs a camera at school). Thanks to anyone who can help.

[wenrob]

We contacted the police and they took a list of everyone at the party. She knew a majority of the people but not all... Didn't know but the police will question all of them and go to the local schools, so DD feel like crud and that everyone will hate her. I say too bad!! (I am mean though)
You are nicer then me, my DD would not be walking out of the house with any kind of electronics had she lost two camera's, lol!

I think if you make a list of what you most want out of each camera people will better be able to help you. If you could up the price for the PnS by $50 a lot of people really like the Canon SX110 IS. I have considered buying it to toss in my bag for when I'm not hauling my D90 around. Here is a thread by Gdad with some pics he took using one. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2106342&highlight=pointing+shooting

As far as a starter DSLR, the Nikon D40 is an awesome learning camera and you can get one w/two lenses for right around $500. The most important thing is to get out and hold them, play with them and find the camera that is most comfortable and intuitive to you.

[blackjackdelta]

For a P and S I would look at a Sony W120, under $100, daughter has one and loves it. DSLR I wound say a Nikon D40, it is under 500 and takes superb photo's. Great for getting started.

Jack

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We are going to research the Nikon D40. I am making DD do all the work so she realizes the investment it is... Thanks for the info so far...

[blackjackdelta]

I would check www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com) if you have not. Many people there love it, but it is getting harder and harder to find.
Best of luck.

Jack

[Angrypenguin]

Go with your DD to a camera store and see what feels good in the hands. The D40 is difficult to find now (as well as the D60) due to Nikon discontinuing them. I believe the new Nikon D5000 is what's replacing it. Canon XS cameras are great as well, and they'll probably be going for cheap as the new T1i and 2000D are coming to replace the low-end DSLR for Canon as well.

Good luck, have fun! :thumbsup2

[YesDear]

Not sure that you would want to file a small claim, but you do have theft coverage under your homeowners. You may have a deductible higher than the value of the camera, but that is one option to get something from the loss.

[jann1033]

i got my granddaughter an insignia camera from best buy. it's only around $80 and so far so good( 6 months or so). it takes surprisingly good photos, has a number of preset settings( she's 4) as well as things like a histogram (which shocked me) face detection etc ....and cheap enough if it gets lost or stolen it won't break the bank( and it comes in blue which was a major selling point for her;)). daughter used it along with her canon p&s on vacation and the photos are comparable.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8942433&type=product&id=1215217299399