Digital Camera Recommendations needed!

[tidoublegger]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a digital camera? We leave next week and we are now thinking our film camera would be silly. We would like to have the option to delete unwanted pics as well as have the freedom to take pictures of whatever we want! Our price range would be under $300 including accessories and a decent memory card. Thanks for your help!

 

[Cruise]

I just got one this past spring that I love. It's a Panasonic Lumix. The model number on the camera is DMC-FX07.

We had an older, clunky model that just wasn't going to do for a trip to Australia that I took, so this was an early birthday present. It's small and slim, but has a good size screen. I'm no technical whiz, but it was easy to figure out how to use for reviewing pics, deleting unwanted ones, etc. It comes with the cables to transfer images to the computer. One other thing that I really liked was that it comes with a rechargeable battery (as well as the recharger, which is also small and easily portable). I charged it before my trip and it lasted for over 2 weeks on the first charge - and I was taking a lot of pictures. The older camera used AA batteries that seemed to run out so easily.

We bought it at Best Buy for under $250, if I remember correctly. As I said, that was this past spring, so the price may have come down as well.

Good luck!

 

[mog]

We also have a Panasonic Lumix that we love. It is one with a bigger zoom - I think 12x, so it is not one of those really small/slim ones, but still a good size.
We also have a Nikon Coolpix that is very good that is a little smaller.

 

[Tigger98]

We have a Canon Power Shot A530. It can take video (with audio) as well as pictures.

 

[nokidz]

Whatever you look at, you want a higher optical zoom compared to digital zoom.

Why not ask this question in the Photography section of the DIS boards. These guys know what they are talking about.

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

 

[Regina]

Moving this to the Photography Board. I'm sure you'll get some great advice here.

 

[tidoublegger]

Thanks!!!!

 

[YEKCIM]

Can you give a little more info on what kinds of capabilities you want? Longer zoom, Image Stabilization, Low Light performance, compact or slr-like, memory card type, etc?

For starters, in that price range, I'd personally prefer a "superzoom" type camera, such as the Canon S3-IS ($280-290 online), or the Fuji S6000fd (a little over your budget at $330 online), or the Sony DSC-H7 (still a little over budget at $313 online). Here is a comparison of the specs of these three cameras. You may have something totally different in mind, however.

If none of these look like what you are looking for, please post back with more specifics and I'm sure someone will have some good suggestions for you!

~YEKCIM

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a digital camera? We leave next week

Next week?

I guess I'm thinking two things: 1) you probably need something fairly simple to use if you want some decent shots on your trip (assuming this is your first digital camera) and 2) because of #1, you may not end up with the camera that will suit you best long term. Generally people research a purchase like this for quite a while looking at their personal preferences, photography style, ability, etc. But then again, many people have their first digital camera for a while and then move on to a different model once they figure out what they like and don't like, too.

With that said, I think I'd probably steer you to a tried and true, simple point and shoot brand - which model you like will be up to you. And be aware that many point and shoots don't do well in low light, especially hand held on auto. Check out the Kodaks (not real popular here but there are millions of happy users), Canons and Fujis (which apparently do better in low light on models with larger sensors than most point and shoots). I kept it to those three but here you will find happy users of just about every brand.

Once you find something you think you like, you can ask about particulars here if you want. Also do a search to find old threads. And on Amazon.com you can read reviews from actual users (at the bottom of page) and there are also many digital camera review websites.

Good luck with your search. Let us know how you make out.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I hope all you pros don't laugh but I LOVE my Kodak. Yes, just a plain old simple Kodak. I have compared my printed digital pics with other more expensive cameras and my pictures are more clear than the others. The other camera owners agree!!

 

[captaincrash]

I would simply buy a Canon point and shoot from Costco. they have a 90 day "no questions asked" return policy. Try out the camera quick - see if you like it and simply buy it. Get sufficient memory - something like 1 or 2 Gig will give you hundreds of pictures at the best quality. If you actually fill up the card then I think you can down load to a photo dick at SHUTTERS (the photo station on the ship).

Hope this helps - the COstco return policy can't be beat!