Can you recommend a camera for me?

[EJ'sMom]

HI
I leave for my cruise in 2 weeks and decided I would like a new camera.
I currently have a Canon Power Shot A470. I love to take pictures but know little about cameras and the camera lingo! Trying my best though!
I am thinking around $250.
I would like to have a better zoom, faster shutter speed, video, timer.
Any recommendations?
Thank You!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I would recommend you look at:

www.dpreview.com

Along the upper left they have a Camera Database section that lists all cameras by date of introduction with all the statistics and you can check pricing. Your camera was introduced in Jan 08 and is considered a budget camera. You can also do side by side comparisons. I have found this to be an extremely useful website. They also have discussion forums for each brand including P & S and DSLR sections. I hope this helps. I personally don't have a lot of experience with P & S's, so I don't feel comfortable recommending one. Besides our two DSLR's, we have three P & S's, Kodak, Canon and Pentax. Each member of our family likes their camera!!

 

[Zoesmama03]

I'd recommend the Pentex Optio which is waterproof comes in pretty high MP. Not sure of the zoom ratings right off hand but its my opinion you should always zoom with your feet on those little things as the slightest zoom on ones I've shot with caused some lowering in quality.
I think one like this would be great. It has high ISO up to 6400 which will help you get higher shutterspeeds. Of course those will have grain but some programs can help with that.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673635-REG/Pentax_17916_Optio_E90_Digital_Camera.html

or this one has 5x zoom. Some have digtial zoom that makes it go even further but I've heard that one is the major one that causes problems with quality. This one also has HD video. Also goes to ISO 6400. But seems it might fit your better zoom and shutterspeed desires.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673641-REG/Pentax_16522_Optio_H90_Digital_Camera.html


Canon makes a really nice waterproof one. I just say that because you could bring it with to the pool or beach stops and not have a bother with it getting wet or where its going to stay while you enjoy water activities.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605229-REG/Canon_3508B001_PowerShot_D10_Digital_Camera.html

If you want to get really serious with shutter speed I'd recommend a used D40 and I've heard the 18-200 zoom isnt a bad lens for walk around purposes, but then lens cost plays in there too. Can probably pick one up cheap but it would be a bit more than your $250. I did see some on ebay in low 300 for body and the 18-200 could be picked up used but together will add up to quite a bit.

Oh and I'm also a big fan of the Nikon Coolpix. I had one in past and loved it. It was semi manual and my only complaint with it until I wanted more control was that it did not have a viewfinder forcing you to shoot based on LCD which is not accurate.