Need help finding a good compact point and shoot camera

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I will be getting some overtime hours and was thinking about purchasing a nice compact point and shoot camera with zoom capabilities. I already have an SLR camera that I love to use, but at times I would just like to grab a camera to take a quick picture instead of going through the process of putting on the lense and setting up my other camera. My mom has a great one that is a few years old and she has tried to buy me 2 that just don't compare to hers. With my mom's camera, her pictures come out so clear and the colors are so vibrant and perfectly focused which is what I can get with my SLR but never with any of my other cameras. Does anyone have any suggestion on a great camera that I can buy?

 

[MICKEY88]

what's your price range...zoom range..etc...

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I don't have a zoom range, but my price range is no higher than $250 and I know that I don't want a digital camera. I would like the camera to have the option to take out red eye. I am open to all ideas. I just want a decent camera!!!!

 

[MICKEY88]

Originally posted by Pooh_Friend#1
I don't have a zoom range, but my price range is no higher than $250 and I know that I don't want a digital camera. I would like the camera to have the option to take out red eye. I am open to all ideas. I just want a decent camera!!!!

if I were buying a point and shoot I'd buy this...Konica Minolta - Zoom 160c Quartz Date Compact Zoom Camera

 

[MICKEY88]

forgot to mention..I'm very particular about my photo equipment...

I have over $5000 worth of Minolta equipment, and am very happy with the photos from each camera...

I haver a freedom zoom 90 that I carry in my briefcase, and it works great...it's the earlier model before they had a zoom that went to 160

 

[mickeyfan1]

There are so many good ones out there isn that price range. I am a huge fan of Fuji cameras, I have had mine for at least 20 years, I love the clarity of the pictures, it has a zoom, but most of all I like that when you put the film in, it is all wound onto the take up reel, and as you take your pictures, the exposed film is wound back into the original container. If the camera back ever opens, the only pictures which are ruined are the ones that haven't been taken. I don't know if they still use that technology, but that was the feature which sold me on it.

 

[MICKEY88]

Minolta zoom-160........Film Chamber Lock - The Zoom 160c Date's secure film-chamber lock prevents the camera back from being accidentally opened and ruining the pictures that have already been taken.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Film or digital?

 

[disneygals]

Mickey88, I totally agree! I bought this camera and love it! It was rated highly in Consumer reports. I bought it online at wolfcamera and they had a special offer for a leather rolling backpack, free processing, free shipping and no tax.

I dropped it twice in WDW, fell out of my backpack, and it's still works great.

Vivienne

 

[CheshireVal]

The best point and shoot I ever had was a Pentax (don't know the model). It didn't have many features but it took amazing pictures..... until I dropped it a few too many times.

I've got a Canon Sure Shot now and have never been quite as happy with the results.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Thanks everyone. Keep the suggestions and comments coming!!! I am hoping to go shopping for it this weekend.

Dan- I would like film, I am not interested in digital cameras, yet!!!

 

[MICKEY88]

I worked for Ritz cameras back in 93-94..and I sold a lot of the Minolta 90's...the best zoom available back then.....Minolta had the lowest returns for repair... in our store at that time...that in addition to almost 30 years of shooting with Minolta is why I recommend Minolta..however it's like buying a car..some of us like Chrysler some like Chevy..etc.....

I would take all the suggestions from here and find a good camera store..go play with all the camera and see which one feels best in your hands,,

If you have a Ritz camera near by I would recommend going there.....they aren't always the cheapest, but their
ESP-extended service policy is unbeatable..
you have to pay for it, based on the price of the camera..but it covers damages and repairs not covered by the manufacturers warranty,,,you could literally run over the camera with your car..take the parts and the warranty in to the store..and walk out with a new camera...

 

[kimber79]

I have a Pentax (zoom90 I believe), and would highly recommend it! This camera is also waterproof! I recieved it for Christmas many years ago, but LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!! I am a picture taking mad woman..........and I always get compliments on my photos from camera! They are always crisp, clear and colorful! I just put a Pentax SLR camera on layaway........can't wait to get it!!

 

[Manda1219]

I have the Canon Elph Z3 (it was sold out around Christmas time) and it is wonderful. It has a zoom lense and its APS film. Really compact, and cool looking. I forget how much it is, but we got a good deal on amazon.com

 

[wdwmom2]

I own a Pentax IQZoom 140. It takes amazing pics. I will be taking it to WDW in 3 weeks. I am sure to come home with some great pictures!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

If you had the choice which would you prefer...a Minolta Freedom Zoom 160 or a Pentax IQZoom 170 SL? Thanks for your help and opinions.

 

[MICKEY88]

Originally posted by jiminyC_fan
If you had the choice which would you prefer...a Minolta Freedom Zoom 160 or a Pentax IQZoom 170 SL? Thanks for your help and opinions.

depends on which feels better n your hands and has the features you like....for me I'd go with the Minolta, first because I'm loyal to the brand..second because I just priced the 2 and the pentax is 35 more..I wouldn't pay that much more for 10 mm more zoom...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Pooh_Friend#1
.....Dan- I would like film, I am not interested in digital cameras, yet!!!

I am out of the loop on film. Did you do your shopping??

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks for asking this question, I too have to buy a new camera soon!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I did my shopping and I am still not too clear on the one that I want to buy. I am debating between the minolta and the pentax. I would have liked to have gotten a Nikon, but I don't like the sliding door that covers the lense and the pop up flash.

The pentax and the minolta both have their pros and cons. I was leaning towards the pentax because of the 10mm more of zoom and it has an automatic shutoff after 3 minutes of non-use, but then after reading more on the minolta, it sounds like the minolta has a better focus system. Does anyone know for sure?