Help a Newbie...

[familyfirsttimer]

Hi,
I am brand new to this board and I am in the market for a new digital camera. I am just a mom who takes pics of kids, parties, familes, etc so I do not want to spend a fortune but I do want to get a good camera that will do the stuff I need.

Sorry this is so general, but can you guys give me some recommendations? I see lots of posts for the Canon S2 IS and it seems to be pretty popular but is there something that is a little less expensive that would do the job I need? Ideally, I would like a zoom but does't need to be crazy amount of zoom.

Also, do any of them have a red-eye setting? I know you can edit the photos for red-eye but my kids have red-eye in almost every pic and it becomes a pain.

TIA for all your help. I have gotten so much out of being on the budget board and sharing info there, I am looking forward to my experience here.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

1st guess: your kids have blue eyes? then no amount of red eye reduction will eliminate that. That's a physical trait.

2nd guess: With the introduction of S3 IS, I'm sure the S2 IS will drop rather dramatically to the point that it may actually goes within your budget.

 

[manning]

You may want to take a look at the new Panasonic DMC-TZ1K.

It sells for around $350.00 (cheaper than the canon S2), Has 10x optical zoom (35mm-350mm)Lumix® 5 Megapixel, MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer & High Sensitivity Mode.

It is the world's smallest 10x optical zoom digital compact measuring 4.41" x 2.29" x 1.58". It will fit into your pocket.

Here is a link to the camera on Panasonic's site

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wc...rogram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

This site shows pictures of the front back and top of the camera

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06021405panasonictz1.asp#images

 

[Kelly Grannell]

If price is an issue, Canon S2 IS will drop very soon to sub $350 due to the introduction of S3. Not that the Panasonic is bad or anything.

 

[mhutchinson]

I would recommend the Panasonic or the Canon as both would be good, the Panasonic is slightly less and will still provide all that the Canon will at a faster focus. As far as red eye reduction, most all cameras these days have that built in to them as a function. And what they don't correct there is so much software on the market that will fix that problem, even the included with the camera. A very nice free-ware is Picassa by Google.

For recommendations that seem to change on about a 6-8 week basis you can try this site:

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/index.shtml


Mike

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....I am just a mom........I have gotten so much out of being on the budget board and sharing info there, I am looking forward to my experience here.

Just a mom? One of the best jobs around, and certainly one of the most important.

And make sure to stop by the Community board to, lots of folks there to chat a bit with, lots of good info.

Good wishes on the camera.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I don't know whether a 'mom' is the best job, but I do know it's the hardest and with the crappiest pay.

 

[npealer]

I just bought a new camera recently and used www.beachcamera.com

I was very happy with their service and price selection. I too wanted the S2IS but Dh was not going for the price either. SO I ended up with the kodak p850. I really wanted the 12x zoom.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

ok guys, I went into Target and looked at the Canon S2 IS...it seems way too complicated for me. Between having to flip the screen open and the flash and then all the settings, it overwhelmed me (and I am not usually intimidated by technology)
Anyone have any simpler suggestions, you know the ppoint-and-shoot kind of camera but still has some cool features?

Thanks again for all of your suggestions so far.

BTW, The guy in Target said around mid-March the new camers come in so they will start clearancing the one there now and you can get more for your money. Just thought I'd share...

 

[npealer]

I had the Kodak z740 for awhile and it is a good midpriced camera and easy to use. Goodluck