Camera?

[Bellanota]

With a Disney trip upcoming and my DD starting kindergarden I have figured its time to break down and buy a camera instead of just using my phone. Problem is I dont know where to start. I know I want something that can also take short videos, but is under $400. all the numbers and stats just confuse me.... please help.... Whats the best camera for money.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

I'm a fan of the Kodak EasyShare cameras. I'm on my second one and I am not a photographer by any means but I'm happy with how my photos have turned out.

You may get more response if you post the same question on the Photography board. Just scroll down to the "just for fun" section...

 

[Airship Ariadne]

At under $400 I assume you aren't looking for a DSLR. DW uses a Samsung Galaxy Camera (I think they run right around $400) and has been happy with the photos and videos she gets (higher resolution than a smart phone's pics) and simple enough controls. She can also post them directly to Facebook/Twitter, or email them from the camera over wifi.

 

[Bellanota]

hmm didnt know there was a photography board... i will wander over there and ask also. thanks for the inputs I am going to look at both those cameras

 

[nat1234]

I'm a Canon fan. I upgraded mine for my last trip last September. I have a Canon digital elph with 20x's optical zoom. I don't get all the numbers either so to put that into perspective, with that zoom I could stand on the train station facing the castle and zoom in and the picture looked like I was standing in front of the castle. I thought that was cool and the picture look nice and clear. And it was less than $400. Whatever you decide, you'll be pleased. Have a great trip.

 

[Shoshana]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...VgDIPlWX6eRIsphoCkprw_wcB&is=REG&Q=&A=details

The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS40 is a terrific camera. It has a 40X zoom, a Leica lens, and an external view finder for bright days. I bought mine from B&H - it's the best deal online, and it comes with a free 32mg memory card. The Lumix is usually the most highly rated, or second most highly rated (depending on the site) of the superzoom cameras.

 

[Bellanota]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...VgDIPlWX6eRIsphoCkprw_wcB&is=REG&Q=&A=details

The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS40 is a terrific camera. It has a 40X zoom, a Leica lens, and an external view finder for bright days. I bought mine from B&H - it's the best deal online, and it comes with a free 32mg memory card. The Lumix is usually the most highly rated, or second most highly rated (depending on the site) of the superzoom cameras.

Thank you ! Thank you! I posted on the other board and was more confused then I started with. Just looked at the camera you posted and its perfect. In my budget and does everything I want it to do.

 

[Shoshana]

Thank you ! Thank you! I posted on the other board and was more confused then I started with. Just looked at the camera you posted and its perfect. In my budget and does everything I want it to do.

Oh, I'm so glad! I think you'll be very happy and I'm glad you benefited from my recent *hours* of research. I had the Lumix DMC ZS1 12X zoom for eons and it finally died. Instead of just buying the most recent version, I spent nearly all of last Saturday reading -- and then bought the most recent version from B&H!

 

[Gilrond]

I use an Olympus Stylus Tough ( was under $400 when I got it, didn't check exact current price). The video isn't what you would want on a large screen but looks fine on computer. The best things are the durability and the fact that it is the size of a deck of cards.

 

[jwlnroe]

I had a panasonic Lumix and I loved it! Good Choice - Hope it works good for you. I just upgraded to a digital slr . . miss my smaller camera so I don't have to carry my bigger one around . . maybe someday i'll get another one just cause its easier to travel with.

 

[CounselorX]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...VgDIPlWX6eRIsphoCkprw_wcB&is=REG&Q=&A=details

The Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS40 is a terrific camera. It has a 40X zoom, a Leica lens, and an external view finder for bright days. I bought mine from B&H - it's the best deal online, and it comes with a free 32mg memory card. The Lumix is usually the most highly rated, or second most highly rated (depending on the site) of the superzoom cameras.

I have to say, the 32 milligram memory card is a great bonus

 

[Shoshana]

I have to say, the 32 milligram memory card is a great bonus

Oh, yes! Nano technology meets the digital camera

 

[JoWiJo]

Oh, I'm so glad! I think you'll be very happy and I'm glad you benefited from my recent *hours* of research. I had the Lumix DMC ZS1 12X zoom for eons and it finally died. Instead of just buying the most recent version, I spent nearly all of last Saturday reading -- and then bought the most recent version from B&H!

Just chiming in to say that I still have my DMC FZ28 that I bought in 2008. The on/off switch is broken, but luckily it's locked in the "on" position, so I can still use it.

The only down side to owning my Lumix is that it left me wanting even more power zoom. At the time, its 18x zoom was the tops in the P&S market. These newer superzooms make me so envious at times. I'm sure the same thing would happen if I owned a 40x zoom. I'd have loads of fun with it for a while then wish I could zoom 80x, lol.

But yeah, I'd definitely consider another Lumix when the time comes.