Need a good, cheap camera

[babyrich]

Hello out there. I need advice. My DH and I have what we call our "good" camera", it a Nikon something or other. DSLR or something like that. We bring it with us to WDW and my DH is usually in charge of taking pictures because I like to take what he calls "stupid" pictures. (I took a picture of a woman's shoes once cause I liked them)

Now I would like a cheap camera so I can carry it to WDW on our next trip so I can take my foodie pics without having to hear from my DH. Any ideas for a good "point and shoot" camera $100 or under? TIA

 

[photo_chick]

When you get under $100 you're getting to cameras that really take some work to consistently get good shots with in a variety of lighting conditions. Most of them will be fine for well lit outdoor shots, but beyond that you'll probably have to push them. IMO that price range is right up there with low end cell phone cameras today. If you can go up to $150 or $200 you can get a whole lot more.

 

[babyrich]

When you get under $100 you're getting to cameras that really take some work to consistently get good shots with in a variety of lighting conditions. Most of them will be fine for well lit outdoor shots, but beyond that you'll probably have to push them. IMO that price range is right up there with low end cell phone cameras today. If you can go up to $150 or $200 you can get a whole lot more.

Thank you, I was afraid of that. Let me check the budget. It may not be in the cards since it is so close to vacation.

Lets say I can go to $150, any particular one or two you recommend? Maybe I can catch a sale.

I just saw a Nikon® COOLPIX® S3100 14MP Digital Camera for $120. Is this any good? I see so many commercials for these cameras.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Thank you, I was afraid of that. Let me check the budget. It may not be in the cards since it is so close to vacation.

Lets say I can go to $150, any particular one or two you recommend? Maybe I can catch a sale.

I just saw a Nikon® COOLPIX® S3100 14MP Digital Camera for $120. Is this any good? I see so many commercials for these cameras.

If you're just looking to take pictures of food and other stuff like that, it should be fine. All of these cheap little P&S cameras have a flash and will take a decent (but, not likely to be great) picture with their on-board flash or whenever there's good lighting. You're just not likely to get any of the bells-and-whistles with a cheap camera; fewer scene modes, probably no advanced smile/face detection....

You'll just have to be prepared for issues like long flash recharge times, slow focusing, shutter lag, etc ... none of which are a problem with plates of food.

 

[babyrich]

If you're just looking to take pictures of food and other stuff like that, it should be fine. All of these cheap little P&S cameras have a flash and will take a decent (but, not likely to be great) picture with their on-board flash or whenever there's good lighting. You're just not likely to get any of the bells-and-whistles with a cheap camera; fewer scene modes, probably no advanced smile/face detection....

You'll just have to be prepared for issues like long flash recharge times, slow focusing, shutter lag, etc ... none of which are a problem with plates of food.

Thank you. I guess you are right, plates of food dont move and dont complain if the flash takes long!!!!

I am looking to use it for just plates of food or the topiaries. No character pics where you need them quick. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[My2Girls66]

One of my DD's has the S3100, the other has the S60(refurbed it was under $100) both are decent cameras. My DD with the S3100 uses it as a small option when she doesn't want to carry her D50. I bought it for her to take to France last year for a study abroad, its very small, fits right in a pocket.
Neither are very good in really lowlight but both are fine for fairly well lit indoor scenes with flash and outdoors.

 

[babyrich]

So instead of buying a camera I asked my sister if I could borrow her camera for my vacation. She said yes. I go to pick it up and she has a brand new Nikon S3100 for me!!!!!!

I told her I didnt need a camera that bad that she had to spend the $$$$; but she said I can think of it as an early birthday gift. What great sister!!!!!

 

[My2Girls66]

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Go Sis!!