Camera as gift - what to get?

[sphmaz]

When we go to Disney my SIL is going to take our dogs for us for the 5 days we are gone. She is a SAINT in my eyes for doing this! She will have 4 dogs in her home. Anyway, she is saving us a ton of $$ and we would like to repay her in some way. Her Kodak digi cam broke and she's been trying to save for a new one but unforseen things come up and she still has not been able to get one. So - DH and I thought we would buy one for her as a "Thank You" gift for watching the dogs. I am looking at the Nikon Coolpix L4 and Canon Powershot A430. We are trying to stay under $200 including buying a bigger card for her. Are these decent cameras? I've been reading reviews, they seem good. Which would you buy or do you have any other suggestions? She just needs a simple point and shoot, no frills as I know she will always have it in auto mode. And I know she will not buy Kodak for herself because that's what she had and I now it was a nightmare for her trying to get it repaired and whatnot. I'm not sure the whole story behind it though.

TIA!

 

[JR6ooo4]

Hi TIA,
here are some reviews from reputable, uh... reviewers

for the Nikon Coolpix L4
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/l4.html
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022101nikonl2.asp


and for the Canon Powershot A430
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a430.html
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022107canona420.asp

then check www.resellerratings.com if you are buying online and looking for lowest price. If you want good prices but the best service try:
adorama
or
B&H photo

hope that helps
Mikeeee

My mom takes our two dogs any time we can not bring them where we are going . She loves dogs and considers it a gift. Not as much as we do. And it is so much easier to enjoy a vacation knowing they are not in a metal cage at some kennel.

Mikeeee again!

 

[amid chaos]

If she has been saving for a new camera, then she might have some idea what she wants. I would get a $200 gift certificate to a reputable online or brick and mortar store so she could choose her won.
Have a wonderful time in Disney.

 

[Master Mason]

Hi TIA,
!

Psst Mikeee,

I think that is Thanks in Advance

 

[JR6ooo4]

Psst Mikeee,

I think that is Thanks in Advance

My humor does not translate to type, consistently. heheheee
I guess I should cave in and start using smilies....? Meh!

 

[JR6ooo4]

If she has been saving for a new camera, then she might have some idea what she wants. I would get a $200 gift certificate to a reputable online or brick and mortar store so she could choose her won.
Have a wonderful time in Disney.

Not a bad Idea. Or a visa gift card that can be used anywhere.

Bit if you want to give the cam then maybe spend your limit on the cam to get the best possible. Then let them buy memory. It is realy cheap now. Local is also good because of they want to add some funding they can usualy upgrade within a few days or weeks at the store. Or downgrade and get memory.... who knows.

Mikeeee