Camera features?

[Dimplenose]

I've just come back from a lovely break in Paris and although I like most of the photos I've taken I'm getting a bit irritated by my camera.
So I'll probably try and wangle a new camera for Christmas or birthday (in January).
But what should I look for in a new point and shoot digital camera (thinking of spending about £200)?

These are the current irritations
1. indoor pictures are very orange
2. it eats batteries - a new set every day (more when it's cold)
3. I can't see the screen to see what I'm photgraphing when it is sunny

 

[tony64]

Hi Libby
I don't know if this would be more technical than you are looking for but I would reccomend getting a bridge camera, one that has all the advantages of a SLR camera but doesn't have interchangable lenses.

Something like the Canon S range

The main advantages of this type is the batteries are rechargeables that last alot longer.
Plus you don't get the shutter lag you normally experiance with a point and shoot.

Hope this helps

 

[Dimplenose]

I've not heard of these before. Are they fairly bulky or would one fit into a handbag or bumbag?

 

[darthtatty]

def get rechargeable batteries, the more MHz(?) the longer lasting.
im hoping to get a new camera for my birthday too

 

[tony64]

I've not heard of these before. Are they fairly bulky or would one fit into a handbag or bumbag?

They not slim line but no where near as bulk as a normal camera with a telephoto lens on.

 

[Mrs Hobbes]

Thanks for posting this Libby, we are never happy with our digital camera either mainly because it can not take photos in dim light, meaning we can never get any pictures at the parks in the evening. All our photos of the lovely castle and the Osborn Lights from Christmas were blurred and rubbish

I would also love to know what sort of camera is best. Is there any chance that you could provide a link to one of the cameras you suggest Tony so that I can read some more information about it.

 

[darthtatty]

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produ...Digital+cameras>FC$Brands=Samsung.Samsung.htm

ive been recommended this by a few people who recently got it.
its less than half price £89.99 now!
got lots of features: face detection,shake reduction,zooms etc

apparently its easy to use but dont bother with the batteries they supply with it, get the battery pack or rechargeable ones.
for £10 extra you can get it in pink too

 

[tennisfan]

Thanks for posting this Libby, we are never happy with our digital camera either mainly because it can not take photos in dim light, meaning we can never get any pictures at the parks in the evening. All our photos of the lovely castle and the Osborn Lights from Christmas were blurred and rubbish

I would also love to know what sort of camera is best. Is there any chance that you could provide a link to one of the cameras you suggest Tony so that I can read some more information about it.

When taking photos at night you really need to use a tripod to get clearer pictures due the the shutter having to stay open longer to get the shot.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

I have a sony cyber shot camera cost me £169 but its slim line and does the job.

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for your replies, I'm not thinking of getting one for 6 months so I don't really want specific camera recommendations - it's just I don't understand the jargon or what to look for. What does face recognition do?

While looking at new cameras I've also found out I have some white balance settings on my existing camera that I have never used and should have reset it for artificial lighting - probably why I've got orange indoor photos! (I don't even know what white balance is!)

 

[tony64]

Thanks for your replies, I'm not thinking of getting one for 6 months so I don't really want specific camera recommendations - it's just I don't understand the jargon or what to look for. What does face recognition do?

While looking at new cameras I've also found out I have some white balance settings on my existing camera that I have never used and should have reset it for artificial lighting - probably why I've got orange indoor photos! (I don't even know what white balance is!)

Hi Libby
I have a link to a very good camera info site at home and I will post it tonight for you.

It has easy to understand tech info and also has reviews on lots of different cameras.

 

[wicket2005]

What I would look for in buying a new camera (last one bought Panasonic TZ3which I can recommend).

Megapixels - usually 6 is the base now

Size of screen - how easy is it to see in bright daylight. Currently I think only Canon still puts view finders on some of their cameras.

Type of memory card - far the cheapest is SD and is becoming the one the majority of point and shoot cameras take.

Telephoto lens - you would use this more than you realise. Bridge cameras (like my Canon IS S3) has a powerful 12 x zoom which is so handy. However, it does make the camera bulky and there is no way it will fit in your pocket. My other camera the Panasonic TZ3 has a 10 x telephoto lens but this is a whole neater camera which can fit in your pocket.

Video capabilities - many cameras nowadays can double as video cameras. I used my Canon camera last year to act as a video camera as well as stills. It produces excellent pictures and can zoom in whilst recording. It is also extremely easy to import into programs to produce dvds and combine them with the photos. The TZ3 doesn't zoom in whilst recording but does offer a bigger picture.

Battery life - Usually the cameras that can take the rechargeable AA batteries have the longest battery life. I think my Canon can take about 550 photos, lasts for ages any way. The Panasonic has a flatten battery (lithium) that lasts for about 250 I believe.

Image quality - should have had this at the top really. The best way to judge this is to read loads of reviews which will compare different cameras to get an idea on the best.

Cannot think of anything else at the moment. Basically once I on the search I just research loads of cameras till I get a clear idea of the market leaders with the particular features I want.

When you in the market for your new camera, buy a camera magazine with ratings for the current models, research on the internet with the camera review sites plus places like Amazon, these will all give you an idea on what is the best camera available in your price range. Both the cameras I bought won loads of awards and I have not been disappointed in them. The TZ3 price is dropping like anything at the moment because the newer models are out which is another thing to think about. Usually Spring is when all the companies start releasing new models (not always) so older models prices can fall as the new stock comes in.

 

[tony64]

Hi Libby
Have a look on here, it's very useful.

http://www.dpreview.com

 

[~Piglet~]

Here is another good site for information, with lots of camera reviews & pictures too. http://www.cameras.co.uk/

I bought a Canon A570 IS just before Christmas and i'm very pleased with it. It has a great feature called stitch assist which allows you to take a series of photo's and then using the software provided it will knit them together, good for panoramic shots

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for the link, Tony. It will keep me busy for hours.

 

[Dimplenose]

And thanks, Piglet. (We must have posted at the same time.)

 

[disneyholic family]

i just bought a new canon and i'm very happy with it...
it's the powershot A590

 

[tony64]

Hi Libby I found this on the photography board and thought it might be what you are looking for.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1372

 

[Dimplenose]

Thanks for that, Tony. It looks very nice but out of my budget this time. I'm in no hurry and am enjoying researching. I'm going to have to let DH let me choose my camera this time though! The camera I have at the moment he bought as a surprise birthday present so all my research that year was a waste of time (he means well, bless him!).

 

[tony64]

Thanks for that, Tony. It looks very nice but out of my budget this time. I'm in no hurry and am enjoying researching. I'm going to have to let DH let me choose my camera this time though! The camera I have at the moment he bought as a surprise birthday present so all my research that year was a waste of time (he means well, bless him!).

I thought that by the time you're ready it will have come down in price as all new models do.