Help me pick a new camera (and photo locations) for my trip

[Jennasis]

Hey gang! Looking for suggestions for a new point and shoot digital camera for my upcoming (and future) trips. Using my phone isn't an option as it is both slow and doesn't take great pics. In a perfect world, i'd upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy S4, but since that's not in the cards at the moment, a standalone camera is the way to go.

Here's what I'm hoping for:

Takes good pictures, both still and action.
Small enough to stuff in a pocket (we have a DSLR already)
Prefer at least a little optical zoom capability.
Not super expensive...$50-$150.
Is FAST. I want it to click the picture as soon as I press the button and not waste time focusing, loading etc. My phone is like that. Takes too long to open camera app, then it doesn't always snap the picture quickly.
Waterproof isn't necessary but if it is, that'sa bonus!

And to keep this all TPA&S germane, what are your favorite locations around WDW to shoot pictures? Are there spots you have to shoot every time? When I was a kid I used to take pictures of the rides while on it, but now as an adult I prefer to shoot my family and friends doing stuff or in interesting places. I have GREAT photos of my fam on BTMRR...I was in the front car and shot them over my shoulder while they were screaming. priceless!

 

[Robo]

There is a DISboards Photograhy Forum found HERE.

 

[disney queen]

i have a Nikon Coolpix not sure if it fits in the costs limits. check it out!!

 

[Jennasis]

i have a Nikon Coolpix not sure if it fits in the costs limits. check it out!!

Nah, it's right in there! Thanks!

 

[rimomma66]

I bought a Canon Powershot SX280 just for this
Purpose. Love it so far! 20x optical plus wifi for sharing and uploading.

 

[fla4fun]

Way, way back my sister and I actually took a Disney photography tour they offered at MK. The suggestion that has stuck with me the longest is to look at everything from a different angle. Everyone takes that castle shot straight on down Main Street - but try getting close and shooting up instead. Photograph a small detail up close instead of a postcard shot from far away. I like to find some of the less traveled parts of the park and look for things that the average tourist wouldn't.

As far as a new camera goes, the biggest issue with a cheap P&S is going to be the lag time, both turning it on and taking shots. If you are used to the immediate response of an SLR, you'll have trouble coming close to that with a cheap camera. I would suggest you look at something a little above your budget, but catch it on a sale so you're still spending what you intended. You'll probably want to go and see them in person and try them out in the store to see if it really meets your needs. I don't think you'll have an issue finding the size camera you want, or the zoom, and quality isn't as much of an issue as it used to be. But finding the speed you want may be a challenge.

 

[Linda67]

Way, way back my sister and I actually took a Disney photography tour they offered at MK. The suggestion that has stuck with me the longest is to look at everything from a different angle. Everyone takes that castle shot straight on down Main Street - but try getting close and shooting up instead. Photograph a small detail up close instead of a postcard shot from far away. I like to find some of the less traveled parts of the park and look for things that the average tourist wouldn't. As far as a new camera goes, the biggest issue with a cheap P&S is going to be the lag time, both turning it on and taking shots. If you are used to the immediate response of an SLR, you'll have trouble coming close to that with a cheap camera. I would suggest you look at something a little above your budget, but catch it on a sale so you're still spending what you intended. You'll probably want to go and see them in person and try them out in the store to see if it really meets your needs. I don't think you'll have an issue finding the size camera you want, or the zoom, and quality isn't as much of an issue as it used to be. But finding the speed you want may be a challenge.

I wish they still offered this tour. What a great idea and something I'm sure they would get a lot of sign ups for

 

[garjanjones]

Love our Nikon one. It will only fit in my pocket with small zoom. It may fit in a male pocket with a larger zoom. Depending on the setting it takes super fast pics.