Could I have your suggestions please?

[KarenB]

I know threads like this pop up often but I value the recommendations and suggestions made on this board. I need to buy a new camera. I have been casually keeping my eyes open when I am shopping, looking through magazines, or noticing someone snapping a photo. I have had a Kodak Z740, a small CoolPix, and most recently a Sony CyberShot. I pretty much wear them out as I always have a camera with me. I thought the best thing to do is tell what I want and don't want and see if anyone here can help me so here goes!

I DO want:
-The next step up from the above cameras I have been using
-Something easy to use but with some options that allow me to play
-a camera that will take a decent picture set simply on "automatic"
-good battery life
-small enough to toss in a medium bag (such as a beach tote or backpack)
-if in WDW, I could carry it on rides without a case or bag
-in the $250-$350 price range, give or take a few $$
-a "well rounded" camera meaning it will be okay for landscapes, some action, people
-something I could use IF (a big if) would take an amateur photo class
-a camera I can find at a local store such as a Best Buy (we live in the boonies!)

I DON'T want:
-large and bulky
-it doesn't need to fit in my pocket, but would be ok if it did
-interchangeable lenses
-the need to change settings for each photo
-a fragile camera
-a camera I have to buy online

Thanks SO much! This board always inspires me to get out there and enjoy the world around me through a camera lens!!

Karen

 

[boBQuincy]

DPReview recently posted reviews of some cameras that might fit most of your criteria. Canon's G12 was left out of this review because it got it's own review but it really does belong in this group of enthusiast cameras.

http://dpreview.com/news/1101/11012010updatehighendgrouptest.asp

One option to save a few $$$ might be to get the previous versions of the S95 and G12, some bells and whistles may be missing but image quality is identical.

 

[KarenB]

DPReview recently posted reviews of some cameras that might fit most of your criteria. Canon's G12 was left out of this review because it got it's own review but it really does belong in this group of enthusiast cameras.

http://dpreview.com/news/1101/11012010updatehighendgrouptest.asp

One option to save a few $$$ might be to get the previous versions of the S95 and G12, some bells and whistles may be missing but image quality is identical.

Thanks! This will give me a good starting point and something to look at while waiting out this freezing weather.

 

[polkadotminnie]

I have a Sony HX5V. It fits all your requirements. It takes beautiful pictures. It has a couple of things that I like that you did not mention. It takes great pictures in low light on twilight mode without flash. Many small cameras struggle with this. It also has sweep panorama. I really enjoyed having that option which I never thought I would use. We drove over the Continental Divide this winter and I got a cool panorama shot that was breathtaking. Good luck with whatever you decide.