Adding a P&S to my bag

[DisneydaveCT]

After much thought, I am planning on adding a point-&-shoot to my arsenal.

I have my DSLR with multiple lenses, which I enjoy using but I am getting tired of carrying it into the parks. I have taken plenty of scenic shots around WDW and other places that I have visited for both business and pleasure, and I will continue to do so in the future.

But now I am seeking a P&S for those times that I just want a camera for simple shots of people enjoying their surroundings. I want a fairly thin camera so it will fit in my fanny pack. Price range...around $150. Again, not looking for anything too fancy just something to take decent shots when I don't want to bring my normal DSLR kit.

I have some thoughts of what I like after doing my research, but would be interested in hearing the recommendations of my fellow Disboards members.

 

[hakepb]

In general, I don't think any $150 camera would be worth pulling out vs an iPhone. (unless you really need the slight extra zoom, or you are getting a hot deal on a $300+ camera. I went wih a cheap camera for a few months but after getting the iPhone I never had any desire to pull out the cheap PnS with its grainy photos and slow performance unless I really needed that 4x zoom)

But if your going for slim, then I would also go for waterproof so you don't have to worry about the occasional shower or water ride, plus that camera would be able to at least do underwater shots that your DSLr cannot do for added versatility.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

Thanks for the feedback.

I am not a fan of a camera phone. I have not been impressed with the IQ that I have seen with smartphones. Most of the photos that I have seen tend to be soft, compared to similar shots taken with a P&S at the same time.

The waterproof feature might be nice, but I don't see the need. I have never had any problems taking my DSLR on water rides, and have never felt a need to take a photo while swimming in a pool.

I am just looking for a basic P&S to capture shots of family and friends enjoying themselves. Anything more complicated, and I will likey want to use my DSLR.

 

[hakepb]

This might be a good place to start:
Not many photography sites review the lower end cameras
http://www.steves-digicams.com/know...era-holiday-gift-guide---sub-150-cameras.html

And by now some of the sub $250 cameras may of dropped by now.

 

[DisneydaveCT]

This morning I have read some reviews of some pretty good cameras in the $175-225 range.

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, I recently "downsized" my camera and have to say I absolutely love my small,big zoom camera! I know it is a little higher than your price range, but worth taking a look at. It is the canon sx 260, the 240 is cheaper with no gps, but I got my 260 cheaper than the 240 on a great sale. It has 20 times zoom, an auto setting that is actually great( I am one that usually chooses P,A or S, which I can still choose in this camera.) A lot of the smaller cameras I looked at didn't have the manual settings which I wanted. The pics quality is great and I am very happy with most of my low light pics! Definately a fun little camera. Happy shopping!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I think if you want a quality P&S that will last more than a few years, you should prepare to spend around $200-300. I've had good luck with Nikon Coolpixes in the past. My favorite is the aw100 that I gave my sister (it's waterproof and shockproof - which are features you might not need) - takes beautiful pictures. I also got my boyfriend the Nikon Coolpix s60 a few years ago (they've since come out with newer versions) which is touchscreen and takes good pictures.... I take it with me on vacation when I don't want to carry my dslr.

It took these photos:

 

[feezle]

We are in the same boat. We have a low end Canon EOS and I'm tired of carrying it around the parks. It is difficult to handle such a camera while chasing a 2 year old and a 3 year old. We will most likely still take the DSLR but not take it with us into the parks every day...and when we go to the waterparks, we will definitely leave it at home.

I have an old Casio EX-V8 that I have had forever. I've taken good pics with it, and it will probably be my beater that I throw in my pocket.

Thinking about getting something waterproof/shockproof. My 3 year old loves taking pictures and I would feel much better giving her that instead of the DSLR.

 

[SplashMo]

I really like the Canon S95. It is in the $295.00 range. I like it a bit more than the S100. Really nice camera.

Sugestions for lower price cameras:

www.kenrockwell.com
www.dpreview.com

 

[Jskbr]

Have you thought about the I think its Sony and olympus that have the point and shoots with the bigger lenses. Maybe nikon too