Need a Point and Shoot Camera

[100%Disney]

I have to replace my favorite old camera, the Canon A95 Powershot. I know it is old and nothing fancy, but I always took great pictures with it.

I bought a small Sony Cybershot DSC-W610 14.1 mega pixel camera last year, it is horrible. All my pictures are blurry looking and the colors look off, and it is too small. I need something just a little larger.

I also have a Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 and I hate it as well. I push the button to take a picture and sometimes, it won't take the picture. I'm sure it is something I'm not doing right, but I just want to point and shoot, not zoom in and out until my stupid camera decides everything is perfect.

I really want a Canon. I want something similar to the A95, with image stabilization. Please help me find a resolution to my problem. I would prefer to spend $250 or less if possible, but I could go up to $300.

 

[hakepb]

I'm guessing that part of your Sony cameras performance issues are the default multi-metering and multi-focus settings. In the default settings, the camera is trying to evaluate the entire picture and make the best overall decision -- which results in the "hunting" you see. My older Sony was much faster when I set center or spot metering, and center or spot focus. With the center settings the camera just decides on the middle of the picture.
The current, top end Sony have much faster processing, soothe setting don't matter as much.

For Canon, the A series used to be their top line cameras wih full PASM modes, but now their top point and shoots are the S series and the G series, with the S cameras having a smaller body, and the g series are a bit chunkier and have a bit more zoom. You should be able to find a s95 in your price, and a g12 might be getting close.

A big part of why DSLr's are so much faster than point and shoots is phase-detect autofocus, instead of contrast-detect used by all point and shoots. If the bult of a DSLr bothers you (you might be able to get a refurbed T2i through the Canon loyalty program near your price)... Consider the Nikon J1. It a blazing ly fast, compact mirrorless camera..the smallest camera you can get with phase detect AF, and is now really close to your price range now that they announced the newer models.

 

[100%Disney]

I looked at the Nikon 1 J1 at Target. Is that the newer model? I really liked it, but it was $449.

Cameras are frustrating if you really don't know what to buy.

 

[hakepb]

The J2 is the newer model. Google found it near $355 at Digitalrev.com but I never heard of them before. I would start to be worried it would be a body-only (no lens) or worse at that price.

I noticed on fatwallet that Dell will be selling the J1 online for $399 on Black Friday.

 

[100%Disney]

The J2 is the newer model. Google found it near $355 at Digitalrev.com but I never heard of them before. I would start to be worried it would be a body-only (no lens) or worse at that price.

I noticed on fatwallet that Dell will be selling the J1 online for $399 on Black Friday.

Thanks, I'll look at Dell on Black Friday.

 

[havoc315]

The J2 is the newer model. Google found it near $355 at Digitalrev.com but I never heard of them before. I would start to be worried it would be a body-only (no lens) or worse at that price.

I noticed on fatwallet that Dell will be selling the J1 online for $399 on Black Friday.

Amazon currently has the V1 for $399 -- in theory the V1 is actually the slightly more advanced model.
They also have affiliated sellers, with refurbished J1s for under $350.
And they have reputable sellers, with used J1s for about $300.

For someone looking for a camera that is super FAST, and very easy to use, I do recommend the J1/V1.
The fast simple autofocus, is the big selling point.

 

[hakepb]

I knew there was a similiar hot deal in the V1 a month back, but didn't expect that deal to return. The V1 used to be a $799 camera.

Here's a review showing the differences:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikonv1j1

 

[100%Disney]

Amazon currently has the V1 for $399 -- in theory the V1 is actually the slightly more advanced model.
They also have affiliated sellers, with refurbished J1s for under $350.
And they have reputable sellers, with used J1s for about $300.

For someone looking for a camera that is super FAST, and very easy to use, I do recommend the J1/V1.
The fast simple autofocus, is the big selling point.

I looked at the V1 on Amazon, it says that it doesn't have a flash, is that true? I need a camera with a flash.

 

[photo_chick]

I looked at the V1 on Amazon, it says that it doesn't have a flash, is that true? I need a camera with a flash.

The V1 is a mirrorless system. As with many systems like this you have to buy some things separately. In this case the flash is one of them. I believe they start at around $150 for this camera.

 

[hakepb]

I looked at the V1 on Amazon, it says that it doesn't have a flash, is that true? I need a camera with a flash.

The flash is an important consideration. Nikon Speedlights are highly regarded in the world of photography, so it would seem the available Speedlight for the V1 (not the same mount as the DSLr ones) would be far superior to the J1's built in flash. But the Speedlight adds additional cost and size, so I understand why it may not be better for every user.

The V1 does get you an EFV(better than looking at a screen in bright sun) and a higher resolution LCD, and an available mechanical shutter, and a bigger battery.

 

[100%Disney]

The flash is an important consideration. Nikon Speedlights are highly regarded in the world of photography, so it would seem the available Speedlight for the V1 (not the same mount as the DSLr ones) would be far superior to the J1's built in flash. But the Speedlight adds additional cost and size, so I understand why it may not be better for every user.

The V1 does get you an EFV(better than looking at a screen in bright sun) and a higher resolution LCD, and an available mechanical shutter, and a bigger battery.

I wish it didn't matter about the flash, but it does and I really wanted something not much bigger than the Canon A95 I'm replacing. I really want it to fit into a fannypack.

Do you think the Canon SX260is or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-2520 would be good? I just want crisp pictures without the shakiness I sometimes get. It would bw great to be able to get good nighttime pictures, but I know those suffer with some cameras.

 

[havoc315]

I wish it didn't matter about the flash, but it does and I really wanted something not much bigger than the Canon A95 I'm replacing. I really want it to fit into a fannypack.

Do you think the Canon SX260is or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-2520 would be good? I just want crisp pictures without the shakiness I sometimes get. It would bw great to be able to get good nighttime pictures, but I know those suffer with some cameras.

The J1/V1 is not a true compact. Quite a bit bigger than those other cameras.

The Sx260 and the S100 are probably the best compact p&s cameras in your price range. The S100 will give you better image quality and better low light. The sx260 will give you lower quality, but more zoom ability. Focus speed is ok. Not great, but probably better than your current camera.

 

[billwendy]

I was wondering about the Canon SX260 as well. My Kodak is dying!! I want clear crisp pictures with some good zoom. I volunteer at a camp for kids with special needs in the summer, and need to be able to have a camera in my pocket, pull it out, turn it on and shoot!!! there are always adorable pictures to take, but sometimes my camera is too sloww!!!!!

Price limit is about $250.

 

[SplashMo]

The Canon S95/S100/S110 are a big step up from most cameras. They do sometimes have lens failures and an extended warranty might be a good idea on these units.

The Panasonic LX5 is currently on a huge sale. Wonderful camera and not as pocketable however. Replaced by the LX7. However it does not matter as the LX5 is very good.

At the very top of the P&S cameras is the SONY RX100. It is up there in price however.

 

[havoc315]

I was wondering about the Canon SX260 as well. My Kodak is dying!! I want clear crisp pictures with some good zoom. I volunteer at a camp for kids with special needs in the summer, and need to be able to have a camera in my pocket, pull it out, turn it on and shoot!!! there are always adorable pictures to take, but sometimes my camera is too sloww!!!!!

Price limit is about $250.

The sx260 is a reasonably good super zoom. But you get what you pay for. A $250 camera generally can't be èxpected to give results as good as a $500 or $1000 camera. In good lighting, of subjects standing still, the sx260 will give crisp shots. In lower lighting, or a lot of movement, it will hunt for focus and have more difficulty.

 

[hakepb]

I wish it didn't matter about the flash, but it does and I really wanted something not much bigger than the Canon A95 I'm replacing. I really want it to fit into a fannypack.

Do you think the Canon SX260is or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-2520 would be good? I just want crisp pictures without the shakiness I sometimes get. It would bw great to be able to get good nighttime pictures, but I know those suffer with some cameras.

The SX260 is a highly rated travel zoom. There are some Sx260 users here that got really nice pixtures at Disney. It does have really good (for a point and shoot, but larger sensors crush it) high ISO performance, so that helps low light. The main complaints I've noticed in reviews are: the lens has a higher than average f/, which makes it a bit darker, and the autofocus is slower than average in dim lighting, so it may hunt a bit.

the s95/s100 has a slightly larger sensor snd a brighter lens.
Make sure you handle one before buying, I thought the sx230 was a bit too small to hold steady.

 

[100%Disney]

The SX260 is a highly rated travel zoom. There are some Sx260 users here that got really nice pixtures at Disney. It does have really good (for a point and shoot, but larger sensors crush it) high ISO performance, so that helps low light. The main complaints I've noticed in reviews are: the lens has a higher than average f/, which makes it a bit darker, and the autofocus is slower than average in dim lighting, so it may hunt a bit.

the s95/s100 has a slightly larger sensor snd a brighter lens.
Make sure you handle one before buying, I thought the sx230 was a bit too small to hold steady.

It does feel small. I'm used to that Canon A95. It had a grip area like on the SX40HS. I would love to get a similar body type, but if there's a better camera with a smaller body, I can learn to deal with it. I just seem to shake more using a small camera with no real grip and I seem to have my finger in the way all the time.

Would the SX40HS be similar to the s95 and s100 in performance or should I just bite the bullet and get one of those? Also is there a certain type of memory card that is better for performance? Sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I'm sick of wasting money on cameras I can't seem to use properly. I even considered trying to get the A95 fixed, the viewfinder doesn't work anymore.

 

[havoc315]

It does feel small. I'm used to that Canon A95. It had a grip area like on the SX40HS. I would love to get a similar body type, but if there's a better camera with a smaller body, I can learn to deal with it. I just seem to shake more using a small camera with no real grip and I seem to have my finger in the way all the time.

Would the SX40HS be similar to the s95 and s100 in performance or should I just bite the bullet and get one of those? Also is there a certain type of memory card that is better for performance? Sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I'm sick of wasting money on cameras I can't seem to use properly. I even considered trying to get the A95 fixed, the viewfinder doesn't work anymore.

Performance is a tough term. When looking at any budget camera, there are tradeoffs. The biggest trade off is the lens -- A fast & bright lens, OR a super zoom lens. It is VERY VERY expensive to make a lens that is fast & bright, AND has a big zoom. (For dSLRs, those lenses can run thousands of dollars).
Thus, in the compact market, the better cameras either give you a decent lens, or they give you a decent zoom.
The S95/100 don't give you a lens with a huge reach, but they give you a lens that is faster and brighter than the SX40HS. Meanwhile, the DX40HS gives you a lower quality lens, with more of a reach.

Among some other differences, the DX40HS is rated at having slightly more shutter lag. The S100 has slightly better sensitivity. And the S100 is much smaller, more pocketable.

So really, if zoom isn't a huge issue for you, then the S100 is the overall better performer. But if you a big zoom is a big part of "performance" for you, then the DX40HS or SX260 may be better cameras.

That said, neither of these cameras will be as fast and responsive as a dSLR, or the J1/V1 or the Sony RX100.
Stationary objects in bright day light -- these cameras will perform very well. But as the shooting situation becomes more difficult, these cameras won't compete with higher end cameras.

As to memory card, the main issue is a fast memory card that writes the data fast. SDHC cards are affordable and record at a decent speed of 30mb/s.

Slower cards can cause cameras to lag more, as the buffer clears slower between shots.

I will note if you are looking for something more in an "in between" size, you really should look at mirrorless. Especially if willing to buy used/refurbished, you can get something in your price range that far exceeds the cameras being discussed here.
For example, I've seen the Sony Nex3 for $300 and less.
You can even step up to dSLR for just a little more. For example, Woot.com has the Canon T3 for $400 today.

So if a bigger camera isn't an issue, then you really get a ton of superior options.

 

[100%Disney]

I don't usually shoot things at a great distance. This camera will be used for Disney and other trips. I usually do pictures of people more than scenery. I would also use the camera for my DD12's swim meets (not action shots, I'm sure) and at my DS's graduation.

I will go check the s100 and the s95. My only worry is the lens freeze issue everyone seems to be talking about. I would be devastated to miss shots because my camera quit. I will also go check out the J1. It was nice when I looked at it at Target, but it seemed so busy as far as features, but maybe that would be a good thing. I need to learn how to REALLY use a camera. I just don't want to get any camera that has that issue of not taking the picture I experiece with my Sony and I know that the camera is doing what it is designed to do, it is my lack of experience causing problems.

 

[hakepb]

It night help your search a little, you can buy 3rd party grips to improve handling of some cameras. Richard Franeic grips seem to have good reviews and he has s95 and j1 grips:
http://www.kleptography.com/rf/

Just to confuse you more . Have you looked at the Olympus ZX-1 ? It gas a brighter lens than the s95 and is a bit thicker, but also needs a grip. It was selling for $399 earlier this year but is now $199 on Amazon, but I do think the J1 is a better overall non-Canon option for you.