help me choose a new camera!!

[2girlsmomma]

We are headed to disney next month and are in need of a new camera. My DH and I are split between the Canon ELPH 300 and the Canon powershot s100. I won't really fiddle with settings much(he might a little). On our last two cameras I really am tired of 1. missing shots(I have a 3 and 6 y.o.) 2. bad focus because of low light. Is the s100 worth the extra money? What have been your experiences with these?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Spoiler Alert: I don't own either of these cameras!

I did go to dpreview.com and did a side by side comparison of the two. There are some differences in the two that could be significant depending on your requirements. I would recommend that you do this side by side comparison for yourself. The one thing that stood out for me because you mentioned lowlight conditions is the S100 has a slightly faster lens which everything else being equal could translate to being slightly better in lowlight. The S100 does have more bells, whistles and options that justify the extra expense. Whether that expense vs options are a value to you, only you can be the judge. While both are 14 mp cameras, it appears they do not share the same sensor (Canon's terminology is different for the two sensors). If its possible, I would recommend you go to your local brick and mortar store and handle the two determine the characteristics of each to ascertain which works better for you. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[wbeem]

We are headed to disney next month and are in need of a new camera. My DH and I are split between the Canon ELPH 300 and the Canon powershot s100. I won't really fiddle with settings much(he might a little). On our last two cameras I really am tired of 1. missing shots(I have a 3 and 6 y.o.) 2. bad focus because of low light. Is the s100 worth the extra money? What have been your experiences with these?

Point & shoot cameras typically have shutter lag, meaning that the shot doesn't click when you press the button. Focusing in low light is a common problem, too.

If these are the issues you want to overcome, you need to move beyond the point & shoot category and get into a DSLR.

 

[2girlsmomma]

I would love to get an DSLR but I'm not ready to spend quite that much and my DH says he has no intention of hauling one around(esp at Disney). I would like to minimize the lag as much as I can. I'm just not sure that the difference between the two is enough to notice and especially if I don't know about all the technical stuff. I guess I like to know what you DSLR folks use when you aren't hauling the big camera.

 

[linzbear]

I had no intention of hauling around a huge DSLR either which is why I bought a micro 4/3 camera a few years ago

It looks like you can get the PEN for fairly cheap:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-E-PL1...BRJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332363205&sr=8-1

Keep in mind that you will need an external flash. It is not complicated, you just put the flash on and turn it on, and the camera knows to use it. (I find the external flash pointed at the ceiling will get far better pictures than any on camera flash, and you really only have to carry it if it's dark out) Something like this should be fine: http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-1...r_1_13?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1332363659&sr=1-13
I would not get the Olympus brand flash because you can't point the light at the ceiling and that is really a very easy way to make pictures much nicer.

It's also a good entry into DSLR if you want to start to learn how to use manual settings and get really great pictures!

 

[Krispy Jordan]

I think the Canon ELPH 300 HS is better. The movie recording feature works well providing good quality HD movies.

 

[Pugrpooh]

I had no intention of hauling around a huge DSLR either which is why I bought a micro 4/3 camera a few years ago

It looks like you can get the PEN for fairly cheap:
http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-E-PL1...BRJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332363205&sr=8-1

Keep in mind that you will need an external flash. It is not complicated, you just put the flash on and turn it on, and the camera knows to use it. (I find the external flash pointed at the ceiling will get far better pictures than any on camera flash, and you really only have to carry it if it's dark out) Something like this should be fine: http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-PL-1...r_1_13?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1332363659&sr=1-13
I would not get the Olympus brand flash because you can't point the light at the ceiling and that is really a very easy way to make pictures much nicer.

It's also a good entry into DSLR if you want to start to learn how to use manual settings and get really great pictures!

The E-PL1 is a good value now. I have the E-PL2 and the onboard flash on both cameras are hinged so that you can bounce the flash. Of course they're not as strong as my external flash, but it can come in handy.

Olympus makes the Fl-300R which is a smaller external flash which can be bounced.