Camera recommendations?

[DesertBell]

Right now I am using an old (about four years) Olympus D-580. We've decided to buy a new camera before our trip in December, and I have no idea where to start. I was looking at the Nikon Coolpix or the newer Olympus, but really I could close my eyes and pick up the closest box on the shelf, for all I know about cameras.

Could someone guide me? thanks!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Hi Neighbor!

Check out the Photography Board, they have a FAQ for choosing new cameras.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

I too recently upgraded from an older Olympus. I had already invested in the expensive XD cards so decided to stay with Olympus and purchased the SP-560UZ. It is not a small pocket size camera but it has an 18X zoom which is awesome. I took over 1000 pictures over my last trip to WDW and DCL and was very happy with it. Good luck!

 

[DesertBell]

Thank you! reading over there right now

One of the reasons we're looking at a new camera is that we want to give each of the kids a camera for the next trip, and it makes more sense to give this to our oldest (She's 5) than to spend $80 on a "kid" camera. So, I am going to have to buy new memory cards anyway.

 

[Cinderlala]

I don't know how helpful this will be, since I don't even really know very much about my own camera, but my husband just bought me a Sony Cybershot [7.2 MP?].

I do really like it though. It is small, but really functional. The pictures are quite good---especially since it has some type of anti-shake technology.

I also like that it is pink!

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would first check the photo board. Depends on what you want to use it for. A superb small cam is the Canon SD1000, prices have come down and you will not believe how easy it is to use and the quality of pictures are amazing. Would help more if knew more.

Jack

 

[seattlebusymom]

I am a 3 time owner of the Coolpix BUT I just upgraded last month for our Disneyland trip. We bought the Cannon Elph power shot with IS which is an image stabilizer. I can not say enough about it. It is a GREAT camera, easy to use and the BEST pictures! A big step in quality from my old coolpix! Good luck!

 

[ironpig70]

also i don't know much on cameras and you may have this so it's redundant but wifey got a digital one with the screen on the back opposed to the film type. anyhow it's amazing how many pictures we earase and redo while on vacation. much better to have a good pic and know it versus guessing if you got the shot.

 

[Janomi]

I would agree with everyone on the board. Check out the photography board, and most of all, make it down to your local shop and try out the cameras themselves. Nothing beats trying them out for size before you buy.

Personally, I like the point and shoot Canon Digital Elph cameras. They're light, compact and easily portable. I've had an S230 (RIP), and now own an SD800 IS. I love the Image stabalization techonology.

A point and shoot will never outdo an SLR, but they're also not as bulky or as expensive. Consider what you need and have fun!

 

[Rapunsel]

Sony Cybershot!!!!!

We love it. it even plays 'videos' of the pictures that you have taken keeps the kids entertained in line.

great pictures and fits in any pocket.

 

[Blackunicorn]

We bought a Canon, I can't remember the model number right now but it has a flip-out screen that also rotates. It's the first time in history that I didn't have to beg someone else to take a picture so there would be pictures of me from the vacation!

Anyway, Canons use the SD card, which is MUCH less expensive than the xDs. (I used to own an Olympus, as well.) I enjoy the features more (it has several options for night-time shooting, for example) and it's very simple to use. Yay! Plus the video option is so nice that I frequently use it instead of my video camera. (Which actually gets me in a lot of trouble, because it uses a lot of disk space.)

 

[stacymomof2]

For Christmas, we got both of our DD's a little Nikon Coolpix (not sure which model) along with a 2gb card.

They are having a blast with them. They do videos as well, so they make some pretty interesting videos!

The cool thing is they take standard AA batteries so we don't have to worry about re-charging (for them, this is a bonus).

We also got a service protection plan for both of them, if they drop them or whatever, they replace them. That was a big bonus for us!

My camera is a Canon Rebel XT....I wish I knew how to use it better, but I can fumble around to get some good shots. My only limitation now is the lenses. There are at least 2 more I want, but they are $$. We have a couple of great camera shots close that do sell used lenses...but right now, money is for DL!!

 

[mAlien13]

I don't see a lot of love here on the boards for Fuji, but I have to tell you I love mine, all three that I have had. We have the S9100, great for the SLR-like features, without the weight. I also have the FinePix F30, which is super affordable, and takes amazing pictures for a point and shoot! One feature I love is that with Fuji, you can (in auto mode) set it to take two pics back to back, one with its unique natural light enhancer and one with the flash...you get two versions of one shot, which can make a huge and delightful difference. The battery life on the F30 cannot be beat. I charged it one time during our 16 day Orlando trip, and I took a ton of pics. It just does not run out of juice. It takes relatively noiseless pics (as long as you ignore the digital zoom), and is known for low-light function, as are all Fuji's. It also has a surprisingly large amount of manual settings for a pns. I love it for Disney, because it is teeny tiny, has an instant power on to shoot response, a nice big screen, and it really does take great photos. I prefer it by far to my Canon PowerShot.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Fuji makes great camera's but they do not sell like the more popular brands. Dpreview and steves-digicam rate and report most digital camera along with forums from users, so I would check before I would buy.

Jack

 

[PhilUK]

I bought a Casio Exilim Z1080 after doing a fair bit of research. I'm really pleased with the results.

Phil

 

[sunshinemummy]

We just got back and bought a canon S5 IS, without going to a SLR, this has been the best camera! Takes great pics and video too (I recorded the fireworks, Fantasmic, parade, rides, etc...)

 

[nunzia]

I have a Sony Cybershot. It's pretty good, but I will say it seems to have a bit of delay to take the picture and if you are trying to shoot a quick moving kid you may miss out.