Need help choosing a camera for my daughter

[disneymomoftwins]

My daughter wants a new camera for Christmas. I have zero knowledge about cameras, I just point and click. She is 12 years old and is on the Yearbook Staff at school. She wants a camera with clear pictures when you zoom and fairly simple to use. Her camera is the one we always use for our Disney vacations and general use. I would like to keep the cost below 300.00. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!!!

 

[VVFF]

My daughter wants a new camera for Christmas. I have zero knowledge about cameras, I just point and click. She is 12 years old and is on the Yearbook Staff at school. She wants a camera with clear pictures when you zoom and fairly simple to use. Her camera is the one we always use for our Disney vacations and general use. I would like to keep the cost below 300.00. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!!!

Lots of things need to be answered to narrow this down as there are a plethora of Point and shoot cameras out there. Some examples of info that would be helpful:

1. How important is size?(certain cameras are a good deal larger than others)
2. What is she/you usually taking pictures of
3. How much zoom do you find you need?
4. Does she only use full auto mode?
5. Any brand loyalties?

 

[disneymomoftwins]

Lots of things need to be answered to narrow this down as there are a plethora of Point and shoot cameras out there. Some examples of info that would be helpful:

1. How important is size?(certain cameras are a good deal larger than others)
2. What is she/you usually taking pictures of
3. How much zoom do you find you need?
4. Does she only use full auto mode?
5. Any brand loyalties?

1. It does not need to be a large camera. She will carry it in her purse. But does not have to be super slim.
2. She usually takes pictures of moving objects.
3. Not sure about the zoom.
4. She does not just use auto mode.
5. No brand loyalties.

Thanks!!

 

[VVFF]

1. It does not need to be a large camera. She will carry it in her purse. But does not have to be super slim.
2. She usually takes pictures of moving objects.
3. Not sure about the zoom.
4. She does not just use auto mode.
5. No brand loyalties.

Thanks!!

If she is serious into photography and wants something with a bit more capability in low light situations without using the flash(indoors) then I'd recommend the Canon S90. It is overbudget as it can be found for about $400.

If restricted to $300 then the zoom question becomes probably the most important. There are gobs of good standard zoom P&S's below that price range, there are a few large zoom P&S's around that range. If you can, ask her if she needs a large zoom for what she usually shoots.