camera advice please :)

[boop oop a doop]

im after any useful advice i can get about getting a new camera, i have a nikon coolpix s3100 at the moment and to be honest its rubbish it takes forever to take a photo not good if you want to take one quickly the flash doesnt always go off when its dark and its supposed to not take blurry photos when something is moving but it doesnt, i dont really no anything about camera's all i no is i want a good one thats not stupidly expensive and not big and bulky so that it can be easily carried around when i go round the theme parks any suggestions?

 

[havoc315]

In terms of blurred movement, you need to make sure you set a fast shutter speed or choose an"action" mode.

The best point and shoots in the more affordable range, are probably the Canon S95 and S100. They are probably the best point and shoots for under $350.

 

[hakepb]

I also had the unfortunate experience of owning a s3100, and it was very bad as far as point and shoots go.
I upgraded to a Sony HX30. It's thicker, but better in every way than that s3100 (not a hard feat) It's a travel zoom, and I wanted a lot of zoom for little league and great video.

But you talk about low light photography which is one of the most demanding types of photography. The Canon s95 and s100 mentioned would be even better than my HX in those demanding situations.
Actually you can go "big time" and step up to a mirrorless, changeable lens camera without blowing the budget or portability. Also look into an Olympus PEN E-PL1


You do need to define big and expensive to you. Here you have people talking about getting $2000 full frame DSLr's and $1000+ lenses.
The Sony RX100 would be even better than the Canon s100 but while $600 is cheap compared to a top DSLr, it may be a bit too expensive to users like us.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have read the reviews on your camera. It is a relatively new entry level Nikon P & S, but it should be able to take good images within the range of its capabilities. It sounds like you are really frustrated with it. Because there are so many P & S cameras (Nikon, alone, has introduced 25 new models since yours was introduced last year), it is very difficult to recommend one cold. I would recommend you make a list of your requirements and then make a comparison of cameras on websites like dpreview.com. They have a very good camera comparison tool. Then go to a store and play with them. The more inexpensive P & S cameras are not going to have the lowlight capabilities and options of the higher end P & S' and DSLR's. As far as quickly shooting, that can be as easy as pre-focusing the camera by half-way depressing the shutter button. It can be a focusing issue when you are not able shoot quickly. I would definitely re-read you manual to learn more about the controls of your camera. Even the basic entry level compact cameras of today are far more advanced than the older film cameras. Knowledge (photographer) is the difference between a good and bad image. I'm reading between the lines here so forgive me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you haven't invested a lot of time in determing how to take a good image. While there is always an equipment component to any image, the photographer will have a great impact on that image. I understand that you are not looking for professional results, but understanding what the components of a good image are can only help alleviate your frustration level.

 

[havoc315]

The reality is, in the sub $100-$150 price range, P&S cameras really are no better than good cell phone cameras. The only advantage of a "cheap" P&S, compared to the iPhone 5, for example, is to get some optical zoom, while the iPhone will actually produce better overall images.

 

[Cafeen]

The reality is, in the sub $100-$150 price range, P&S cameras really are no better than good cell phone cameras. The only advantage of a "cheap" P&S, compared to the iPhone 5, for example, is to get some optical zoom, while the iPhone will actually produce better overall images.

But the iPhone also has the potential to ring while setting up your shot...

...and you'd have to buy Apple

---
I'd go with the suggestion above and take some time to learn your current camera a bit before investing (time and money) into finding a new one. You may find out that it works just fine and the extra knowledge allows you to take better pictures.

If not, then you at least have a step up on what you're looking for in a new one .

 

[SplashMo]

For P&S cameras

SONY RX100 is very nice and portable as well.
Fuji X10 is almost as nice not as portable
Panasonic Luminix LX7 is very nice but a step down from the two above. Somewhat pocketable.
The Canon S95/S100/S100 are very small and nice. Almost the quality of the LX7

Below that Canon has a full range of cameras to evealuate. However the above should easily keep you out of the flustration zone.

 

[boop oop a doop]

In terms of blurred movement, you need to make sure you set a fast shutter speed or choose an"action" mode.

The best point and shoots in the more affordable range, are probably the Canon S95 and S100. They are probably the best point and shoots for under $350.

i had it in action mode when i was taking pictures of my little brother because hes not good at keeping still and it still doesnt do anything ill look into those camera's you have suggested

 

[boop oop a doop]

I also had the unfortunate experience of owning a s3100, and it was very bad as far as point and shoots go.
I upgraded to a Sony HX30. It's thicker, but better in every way than that s3100 (not a hard feat) It's a travel zoom, and I wanted a lot of zoom for little league and great video.

But you talk about low light photography which is one of the most demanding types of photography. The Canon s95 and s100 mentioned would be even better than my HX in those demanding situations.
Actually you can go "big time" and step up to a mirrorless, changeable lens camera without blowing the budget or portability. Also look into an Olympus PEN E-PL1


You do need to define big and expensive to you. Here you have people talking about getting $2000 full frame DSLr's and $1000+ lenses.
The Sony RX100 would be even better than the Canon s100 but while $600 is cheap compared to a top DSLr, it may be a bit too expensive to users like us.

by no light i just mean if im in a room and its quite dark in there ive got it set up for the flash to go off if its too dark and sometimes it doesnt unless its really really dark which has ruined several picture moments for me
ill look into those camera suggestions
and no more then £300 maybe depending on if the camera is good im a bit wary because this is the third camera ive brought now and its been rubbish and ive been out of pocket and by big i just mean bulky i want to be able to carry it in my camera without being weighed down basically

 

[boop oop a doop]

I have read the reviews on your camera. It is a relatively new entry level Nikon P & S, but it should be able to take good images within the range of its capabilities. It sounds like you are really frustrated with it. Because there are so many P & S cameras (Nikon, alone, has introduced 25 new models since yours was introduced last year), it is very difficult to recommend one cold. I would recommend you make a list of your requirements and then make a comparison of cameras on websites like dpreview.com. They have a very good camera comparison tool. Then go to a store and play with them. The more inexpensive P & S cameras are not going to have the lowlight capabilities and options of the higher end P & S' and DSLR's. As far as quickly shooting, that can be as easy as pre-focusing the camera by half-way depressing the shutter button. It can be a focusing issue when you are not able shoot quickly. I would definitely re-read you manual to learn more about the controls of your camera. Even the basic entry level compact cameras of today are far more advanced than the older film cameras. Knowledge (photographer) is the difference between a good and bad image. I'm reading between the lines here so forgive me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you haven't invested a lot of time in determing how to take a good image. While there is always an equipment component to any image, the photographer will have a great impact on that image. I understand that you are not looking for professional results, but understanding what the components of a good image are can only help alleviate your frustration level.

i am quite fustrated with it if im honest i wanted this camera for ages and when i finally got it was such a disapointment, when i got the camera i read the manual theres hardly any information in there to be honest just basic how to use it and uploading photos and shooting videos so its not any use really before i take the photo i always push the shutter button down a little to focus because it has subject tracking. and its ok you were only asking but ive read peoples reviews online about this camera and surly it cant just be me if several people are having the same problems

 

[boop oop a doop]

But the iPhone also has the potential to ring while setting up your shot...

...and you'd have to buy Apple

---
I'd go with the suggestion above and take some time to learn your current camera a bit before investing (time and money) into finding a new one. You may find out that it works just fine and the extra knowledge allows you to take better pictures.

If not, then you at least have a step up on what you're looking for in a new one .

no way do i want a iphone ill stick with my blackberry lol ill try it but id rather have a proper camera im really interested in photography and id like to have a decent camera evan if it does cost

 

[boop oop a doop]

For P&S cameras

SONY RX100 is very nice and portable as well.
Fuji X10 is almost as nice not as portable
Panasonic Luminix LX7 is very nice but a step down from the two above. Somewhat pocketable.
The Canon S95/S100/S100 are very small and nice. Almost the quality of the LX7

Below that Canon has a full range of cameras to evealuate. However the above should easily keep you out of the flustration zone.

i dont usually get fustrated but ive had the camera for a year come christmas and its always been like that ill look into all those suggestions

 

[boop oop a doop]

thank you everyone for all the advice its been really helpful

 

[Agent7]

I saw a vote for a Panasonic Lumix a few post up and thought I would second that. I took a Lumix DMC with me when I studied abroad and I carried it around every day. I eventually broke it (I'm pretty sure I got grit in the lens, it wasn't worth fixing) and after looking at other cameras I bought another Lumix and am just as happy with it. However it has a touch screen and if you touch the screen and hold it will take a picture - which can be awesome or annoying.

cnet has great camera reviews too. Good luck choosing!

 

[SplashMo]

If you do decide on the SONY RX100 the following grip is a nice addition:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/pimping_the_rx100.shtml

 

[boop oop a doop]

hmm well ive had a look at all the camera's suggested and i have narrowed it down to the lumix and the sony they both look like really good camera's and after doing some online research i havant really found any bad comments about either so i guess its just a case of eeny meeny miney mo to choose one lol

 

[hakepb]

hmm well ive had a look at all the camera's suggested and i have narrowed it down to the lumix and the sony they both look like really good camera's and after doing some online research i havant really found any bad comments about either so i guess its just a case of eeny meeny miney mo to choose one lol

Then technically, the best answer is to hold/operate both and go with the one that feels best in your hands

 

[photo_chick]

i am quite fustrated with it if im honest i wanted this camera for ages and when i finally got it was such a disapointment, when i got the camera i read the manual theres hardly any information in there to be honest just basic how to use it and uploading photos and shooting videos so its not any use really before i take the photo i always push the shutter button down a little to focus because it has subject tracking. and its ok you were only asking but ive read peoples reviews online about this camera and surly it cant just be me if several people are having the same problems

Actually there are a few common problems that people tend to have when they don't know a lot about the technical aspects of photography. You'll see them trend in consumer reviews for some cameras. It doesn't necessarily mean that a camera "takes bad pictures", but it can be a sign that a particular camera isn't very user friendly.

 

[hakepb]

Actually there are a few common problems that people tend to have when they don't know a lot about the technical aspects of photography. You'll see them trend in consumer reviews for some cameras. It doesn't necessarily mean that a camera "takes bad pictures", but it can be a sign that a particular camera isn't very user friendly.

Based on my experience, the s3100 seemed to be more of an exercise in making a cheap camera with a bunch of "specs" vs building a camera capable of taking nice pictures within a price point. For example, it has a 14mp CCD sensor...and while tht is too many for any point and shoot, it's pointless with a CCD. At least noise remains in control with the BSI CMOS sensors in the higher end point and shoots... But with a CCD, all pictures are noisy, plus with lower processing power/bandwidth (as you expect with a low price point camera) its extr slow processing more information from those extra pixels.

If they were looking to make a camera that took good pictures, it woul of been a 10mp CCD...And then there are a bunch of scenes instead of options give you any photographic control.

 

[photo_chick]

Did you know in the past Nikon used CCD sensors in it's DSLR's? If all pictures are noisy then how did they manage to make a professional quality camera with a CCD sensor?

You're making a generalization that may apply in some cases (like with the camera the OP was talking about), it doesn't necessarily hold true for every camera. And either way, it's pretty irrelevant in regards to my comment anyway. I was making a generalization myself, not speaking to this camera in particular, because in my experience learning a little bit about photography can help improve images with absolutely any camera. Even if it's just so you understand what auto mode to use when. And many of the chief complaints I see in consumer reviews for cameras, especially things like blurry images that were mentioned, are often a result of user error.