Need a new camera

[Britgirlus]

So today I jumped on ds6's bike (I really should know better, but was trying to demonstrate speed LOL), and my camera fell out of my pocket and self destructed. I had actually been thinking about getting a new one before our May 2010 trip, but not quite this soon ! I hate being without a camera, so am on a mission - and need help. I don't need anything fancy - I'm not a photographer, I point and shoot and hope for the best. Most pics are of kids (my own and those in my daycare), and my son also uses my camera at times. Having said that, I want a decent one, not something cheap and nasty Any recommendations ?

 

[Bell30012]

I know you said Point & Shoot but I have to tell you about the Sony a350. I discovered this camera when I was looking for a good P&S but decided to visit a professional camera shop. I shot with this thing for a week and was hooked.

You said most of your pictures of children. The best thing about a DSLR camera is the recovery time. I can shoot 6-10 photos in the same time that most P&S cameras get 2. I hate missing that perfect expression or triumph because my SD card was saving.

My choice of the Sony a350 was because it has a live view display and an automatic mode until I learn how to best use all the bells & whistles. The camera is made by Minolta so lens are easy to find/purchase although the lens that comes with it will do great for quite a while for me.

 

[tcp_dpm]

Canon powershot sx200IS

my wife loves hers. Long zoom that is image stabilized. Fits in her pocket. Fast zoom and save times. Fast boot up so less missed shots.

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

I know people hate Kodak here, but I have just been on a 2 month camera hunt and returned 4 "good" cameras. I'm picky about my pics, I'm taking pics of my kids, I want details in them, I want to see what they look like!!! All the new cameras printed pics came out with a fuzz or blur that took away detail. I tried the Kodak 1015is, the Panasonic Lumix (small camera with a 10x zoom), Fuji finepix 1500 and I forget the other one. I finally went on ebay and bought a refurbished Kodak z710. This is what I already have but it's having focusing issues and I love this camera. I can't believe the details I get from it. We'd take the identical pic with it and each new camera, print the pics and the difference was amazing. The pic on the lcd is always grainy or fuzzy, but when they are printed they're perfect... the newer cameras were just the opposite. I notice all the new cameras anymore say something like "automatically enhances photos" and my photographer friend says that's what my problem is, I don't want them enhanced (taking out flaws and what not).

Anyway, just my opinion, it's a great camera although not small, and on ebay refurbished it was just over $100.

Good luck in your hunt!!!