Digital camera tips

[britfish]

I have an older digital camera made by Canon and would like to get a new one before the summer. I looked on Cannons website comparing models but then I realized I have no idea what I am looking for. Some are AA batteries, some are recharageable lithium,etc...
I want a camera that is easy to use and takes great pictures. It doesn't have to be a Canon but I figured I'd start there since I had owned one. My budget is $200-$300, I just want one that takes sharp pictures easily.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

I bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 about a month ago. I noticed alot of people on the disboards recomended older models of the Lumix line & posted some really beautiful pictures with them. SO far I am very happy with it!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602302-REG/Panasonic_DMC_ZS3A_Lumix_DMC_ZS3_Digital_Camera.html



I think this camera was originally about $365.00. Lately they have been having some really great sales on it. It is actually cheaper now than it was when I bought it. I got $30.00 instant savings & they are offering $50.00 instant savings now. I believe the new model wil be released soon, and that is probably why it is so discounted. And if you are not picky on color, it is actually $10.00 cheaper in Blue than the other colors.

 

[sherry7]

Typically, the cameras that use AA batteries are going to be larger than one that uses a rechargeable lithium. Usually (but not always) the larger cameras have a better optical zoom range. Ignore digital zoom when shopping for a camera, optical zoom is the one that counts. If you do buy a camera that uses AA's, you'll want to invest in rechargeable AA batteries for it, because digital camera eat regular alkaline batteries like crazy.

I like Canon's and I've owned a couple of them. But, my favorite camera by far (other than my large DSLR) is my Panasonic Lumix. It's fairly small but not tiny, has a huge LCD screen, and has a 12x optical zoom (which is practically unheard of in a smaller camera). It's great for getting those far away shots. It uses a rechargeable lithium battery, and I've went thru a day of taking over 500 pictures and it didn't die on me. It also has excellent HD video capability. You can simply use the "auto" setting, or you can click a couple of buttons and have various setting like nighttime, fireworks, sunset, sports, beach, etc. The camera has a Lumix lens, which is highly regarded as one of the best out there for picture quality. My version of the camera is almost 2 years old, but here's a newer version of it on Amazon. It's selling for $238 at the moment for the silver color. I think the red and blue are a few bucks more. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QFZMD8/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=photo

edit: LOL, me and the poster above me just recommended almost the same camera. The only difference is that the LCD screen on the one I mentioned is slightly larger. Either would be a great choice.

 

[britfish]

thank you both for your suggestions. And thanks for the explanation of some camera basics, I feel so lost looking at the features at least now I understand a little more about the zoom, and I probably will look for the lithium battery. Thanks again, I am off to follow the links and check out the lumix!

 

[nilseks]

Another Panasonic Lumix fan here! I bought it because of the great reviews on Amazon, and I have not regretted it, even though my first one was defective. I absolutely LOVE the pictures. It is not cheap, but the price on the ZS3 is coming down a lot.