I need a Camera

[twokids0204]

I know you guys are the experts.

I had a cheap point and shoot - Canon A550. It busted (the lens doesn't open, instead it makes a grinding noise).

I am looking to get a new one, I know the basics about cameras but not alot.

What I am looking for: Sharp Crisp pictures, at least 10x zoom, and I want to have pictures taken from a distance to not be blurry and dark, also the ability to take multiple pics without waiting 5 seconds for the camera to reset.

Budget: < $300

I also am considering the Canon SX30 (simply because I may be able to get it free with Airmiles).

So what I am asking is:

1) Recommend me a camera within the criteria stated above
2) What do you think of the Canon SX30 (pro's / con's)

[twokids0204]

Anyone?

[Anewman]

Canon has a loyalty program that has a decent reputation for giving good deals on factory refurbished cameras, you can get a point and shoot or upgrade to DSLR. When the replacement camera arrives they give you a shipping cable to send back the broken camera.

Just call 1-800-385-2155. Ask about the loyalty program, and they should be able to help.

To get an idea of pricing use the following link, I believe they give you 20 percent off pricing on the website. Actual order is done over phone only.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductListingViewAll_10051_10051_-1_12163_lowPrice_list

[photo_chick]

Sharp images... most point and shoots these days can deliver them if you really learn how to work with their auto focus systems and learn a little about making an exposure (so that you understand how to avoid motion blur). Pictures form a distance will always be tricky because the longer you zoom out the more you're subject to camera shake. But IS will help a little with that part. Long focal lengths also need more light to get the exposure, and that's where learning just a little about the basics of photography can help you out a lot.

If you can get the Canon SX30 for free, I'd go for it. It's a super zoom point and shoot.

[twokids0204]

Sharp images... most point and shoots these days can deliver them if you really learn how to work with their auto focus systems and learn a little about making an exposure (so that you understand how to avoid motion blur). Pictures form a distance will always be tricky because the longer you zoom out the more you're subject to camera shake. But IS will help a little with that part. Long focal lengths also need more light to get the exposure, and that's where learning just a little about the basics of photography can help you out a lot.

If you can get the Canon SX30 for free, I'd go for it. It's a super zoom point and shoot.

Thanks... I did order the SX30 - now I have to wait for shipping... Uggg...

Any pointers you can give me 'bout the basics? I'd really appreciate it.

I really am a novice. :worship:

[disneyboy2003]

Thanks... I did order the SX30 - now I have to wait for shipping... Uggg...

Any pointers you can give me 'bout the basics? I'd really appreciate it.

I really am a novice. :worship:

Congratulations on your new camera! Have fun and take lots of pictures. That's really the only way to learn how to take better photos.

The basics of photography are the 3 elements of the exposure triangle: (1) shutter speed, (2) aperture, and (3) ISO. Learn about each of these 3 elements and learn how these 3 can interact with each other. Once you've learned this, you can take ANY photo (ex. daytime photos, low-light photos, portraits, landscapes, nighttime photos, concerts/shows, astrophotography, etc.).

No matter what camera you have, every single photo ultimately is created by these 3 elements.

A good starting book that is often recommended on this message board is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson (link (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Camera/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300634019&sr=8-1) to Amazon). This book does a great job going over these 3 elements of the exposure triangle.

Hope that helps. :)