Need a new digital camera before our trip!

[aprilfoolwed]

We have a 2-year-old Nikon Coolpics and I HATE it. It's way too slow and we miss everything when we try to use it. So we need a better digital.

Of course, we don't want to spend a ton of money. I would prefer under $200, but would consider a little more if it is really a good camera. But don't want to go over $300.

I want something that has a decent optical zoom, and that recovers quickly between shots. This will basically be used on vacations and taking family pics of the 3 kids.

Suggestions?

 

[Kathi OD]

We have a 2-year-old Nikon Coolpics and I HATE it. It's way too slow and we miss everything when we try to use it. So we need a better digital.

Of course, we don't want to spend a ton of money. I would prefer under $200, but would consider a little more if it is really a good camera. But don't want to go over $300.

I want something that has a decent optical zoom, and that recovers quickly between shots. This will basically be used on vacations and taking family pics of the 3 kids.

Suggestions?

I just bought a Nikon Coolpix at Target and used it for our vacation in WDW this past week. It was much better than my old camera, had 12MP and a 10X optical. Even better, it had a lithium battery.

I think I paid in the high 200s. I know it wasn't over 3.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

How long do you have to wait between shots when using a flash? That is my biggest gripe about ours (which isn't as good as yours - ours is a 3x zoom and not as many megapixels).

 

[seashoreCM]

(copied from another post)

See if there is a menu adjustment for how long the last picture taken stays on the viewfinder. Make this time shorter and see if the camera responds faster.

Also for not so close subjects, set the infinity lock focus and see if the camera responds faster.

 

[jillianml]

Try samsung SL205,it even has a front screen!Luv this camera u can get a nice used one on ebay around 100 bucks!

 

[SnowWhite33]

After nearly a month of researching I finally found a great camera. It is a Panasonic Lumix. There are several models, I got last years model ZS5 (the ZS7 has GPS and a little bigger LCD, but for the price I picked the ZS5 since it's otherwise the same). It is a very well reviewed camera and if you check on Amazon you can see some sample pics. It has Intelligent Auto settings and manual settings if you like those, best of both worlds. There were some complaints of low lighting pics, I've taken many pics without flash indoors and I'm impressed. The camera has incredible zoom capabilities.

I picked it up from Amazon and this was the best price I could find.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...6MQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1303271259&sr=8-2

 

[eduk8r26]

I have the Panasonic FZ35. It has 18x optical zoom and records in HD. Takes great pictures in low light and sports too.

 

[Kies99]

Try posting on the photo board here on the DIS. They should be able to help you out.

 

[kim929]

I just bought the Cannon powershot sx130 is.. I love love love this camera. I took amazing pictures it. I have action shots of my son on the teacups which came out great. It lets you rapid shoot. Low light shooting. You can adjust settings in manuel mode I have never been able to get good pictures of the castle at night.... this camera took pictures I could never get.

I don't know how to add a picture or I would....

 

[SplashMo]

canon sd1300

Very nice...

 

[DianeV]

Recently purchased the Panasonic Lumix Zs7 at Costco for $199 and it included a little camera bag and a memory card..like it alot so far

 

[Kathi OD]

How long do you have to wait between shots when using a flash? That is my biggest gripe about ours (which isn't as good as yours - ours is a 3x zoom and not as many megapixels).

Sorry for not responding sooner...

Just checked it out in a totally dark room. It's about 4 seconds between shots with the flash.

Forgot to add, it claims HD video. Haven't tried that out yet.

 

[momof1princess]

i've got a canon powershot, it's just over a year old, and i'm not impressed. the pictures are blurry and it takes forever to take the picture-i miss everything. my daughter got an olympus x-42 for her birthday, it only cost about $60 on sale at officemax, and it takes much better pics than mine. the only complaint i have about the olympus is that it uses the micro SD cards.

 

[Keira1387]

We have a Sony cybershot w330 and love it. We upgraded because my old camera was so slow and the moment was normally gone before I could get the picture. You can get the camera for about $120. Also it is a 14 mega pixel and has excellent picture quality, and can record video.

 

[honeydiane1953]

After nearly a month of researching I finally found a great camera. It is a Panasonic Lumix. There are several models, I got last years model ZS5 (the ZS7 has GPS and a little bigger LCD, but for the price I picked the ZS5 since it's otherwise the same). It is a very well reviewed camera and if you check on Amazon you can see some sample pics. It has Intelligent Auto settings and manual settings if you like those, best of both worlds. There were some complaints of low lighting pics, I've taken many pics without flash indoors and I'm impressed. The camera has incredible zoom capabilities.

I picked it up from Amazon and this was the best price I could find.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...6MQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1303271259&sr=8-2

What did u pay for it?

 

[Melani]

After nearly a month of researching I finally found a great camera. It is a Panasonic Lumix. There are several models, I got last years model ZS5 (the ZS7 has GPS and a little bigger LCD, but for the price I picked the ZS5 since it's otherwise the same). It is a very well reviewed camera and if you check on Amazon you can see some sample pics. It has Intelligent Auto settings and manual settings if you like those, best of both worlds. There were some complaints of low lighting pics, I've taken many pics without flash indoors and I'm impressed. The camera has incredible zoom capabilities.

I picked it up from Amazon and this was the best price I could find.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC...6MQ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1303271259&sr=8-2

We have the ZS1 .
Got it at Sam's for around $200 about 18 months age.

We have been pleased w/ it.
Got it because it had high speed burst shooting. Only you can't really zoom in while in burst mode & the image stabilization doesn't work in burst mode.
But we are very happy w/all other features.