Help with rec's on a new p&s

[mla973]

I am in the market for a new point and shoot for our trip next month. My most important features are (1) that it takes HD video, (2) it has image stabilization and (3) it has a nice flash. I'm hoping to stay under $250.

I currently have a Samsung Dual View (the kind of with the LCD screen on front too). I love the size most of all. I dislike that it takes 4x7 photos so I have to edit each one that I post/print (although I usually do anyway). (Maybe there is a setting I could change, but I've honestly never looked.) I don't think the flash is that great, and most people take blurry photos when they use it (so the ones I'm in don't turn out!).

I thought I would love the "self-portrait" feature, but I don't use it as much as I thought I would.

I have been a huge fan of the Kodak cameras in the past (although I know they are not well-loved on the boards here).

Any suggestions you can give me are appreciated!

 

[WDWFigment]

While it won't be under $250, I would highly recommend the Canon S95. If you're looking for other value-for-money cameras, check out my reviews: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-point-and-shoot-camera-reviews/

 

[mla973]

Thanks for the rec. How do you feel about the Sony (#2 on your blog) for Disney? I don't use manual settings (would love to learn, but I don't want to pay for features I don't know how to use). It looks like a nice one based on what you included in your blog.

Also, on my Samsung, there is quite a "reload" time between shots. Is this something that is corrected by a different type or brand of memory card, or just a better camera?

 

[Porktitioner]

I'll second the Canon s95.

 

[mla973]

What's the closest to the S95, but lesser in price? I just checked Amazon and I don't want to pay $379... I typically buy a new camera every year or so, and that is a bit more than I had hoped to pay.

 

[ThurlFan]

I typically buy a new camera every year or so, and that is a bit more than I had hoped to pay.

If you can swing it, you might consider paying the extra for the S95 (or such) and then *not* buying new next year, unless you're particularly rough on your equipment. The cameras in the S95 price range are likely to outperform both this year's ~$200 cameras AND next year's.

 

[Frantasmic]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/technology/personaltech/04pogue.html?pagewanted=all

http://cameras.about.com/od/topcamerasatpricepoints/tp/Top_cameras_under_300.htm

http://www.bestinclass.com/digital-cameras/best/price+300

 

[kshark]

I'll chime in and praise the S95 also, I love mine! While I agree it is still slightly out of your budget, you could consider a refurbished one directly from Canon's website with warranty for $320. If budget is still an issue, they have refurbished S90's for $280, which has very similar performance. The S95 would still be my choice though...

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_12163

I'm posting a new Disney shot from my S95 all week on my Flickr site if you want to see examples.

 

[polkadotminnie]

Thanks for the rec. How do you feel about the Sony (#2 on your blog) for Disney?

I have this Sony and love it! I carry it in my purse when I don't want to carry my DSLR. It takes great photos in low light and really good panorama shots. It has plenty of features but also has an intelligent auto setting. The only negative is the door that holds the battery is a plastic piece. I am very careful with it since it appears fragile. I have not broken it but I am cautious when opening it.

 

[webshark3]

If you can swing it, you might consider paying the extra for the S95 (or such) and then *not* buying new next year, unless you're particularly rough on your equipment. The cameras in the S95 price range are likely to outperform both this year's ~$200 cameras AND next year's.

This is the first year I'm leaving my DSLR at home. And the 720P video looks really good thanks to it's larger sensor (for a compact). I'm still bringing my Canon Vixia HD Camcorder, but I think a majority of this next trip will be all s95.

The s95 goes a long way for only $369 (street now). Should last you more than a few years as a compact.

EDIT: Actually, if you don't need a lot of manual control or RAW, take a look at the travel-ready PowerShot SX230IS. A lot of debate on the photography forums along the lines of "JPGs from the SX210 look as good as the s95, why do I need a s95?" I know he real answer , but that fact that it's debated is impressive. And you get a long zoom/ 1080p video for around $296.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q311travelzoomgrouptest/page17.asp

 

[mla973]

Thanks for all of the info. I see the Canon S95 on Amazon for $330. Is this still a choice camera, or is there a newer model? I've decided to throw my budget out and just go for one that is going to deliver, since I'm spending too much time editing in PS (red eye, etc.).