Need help picking a great point & shoot digital camera.

[jenmpa]

We're planning a trip to WDW in 2011 and need a new camera. Does anyone have any recommendations on an easy to use point and shoot?

 

[jthelman]

I can't give you an exact model, but can offer some specific advise....

1) Keep in mind that almost all manufacturers use "SD" or "CF" memory cards EXCEPT SONY. SD and CF are cheap and you can find them anywhere you go. Sony uses Memory Sticks, and they are sometimes a PITA to find. You can't use products like eye fi (www.eye.fi) on Sony stuff.

2) Take a look at CNET.com They have pretty decent reviews.

3) The cop-out: There are 100 different features that make a camera appealing to someone. It depends on what you deem important, e.g. AA batteries vs charging battery, waterproof, idiot proof (me), etc.

John

 

[katesorad]

I have a Cannon Powershot that I adore. It takes 2 AA batteries and they last for a while for sure. It's also a great size (not too small, not too big either) and really easy to work. You can take some really great photos with it.

Good luck!

 

[MissChris]

I second that recommendation for the Canon powershot/ELPH. I've had this one and I've recommended it to a number of family members who were looking for an easy to use, compact, point and shoot. The menus and controls are pretty intuitive and the camera itself has a sturdy metal body and its small enough to slip into a purse or pocket.

The one I had had a rechargeable battery, which I prefer, and the charge lasted a very long time, no problem there.

The only thing I didn't really like about it was I thought the flash was a little overpowered, but I tend to take close portrait type shots and the flash is more powered for further away scenery or group shots. Otherwise it's a great little camera. Not too expensive either.

Good Luck.

 

[PJR]

Another vote for the Canon Powershot. I just got my 4th in about 10 years, because there actually is a limit to how many times the camera can be dropped.

 

[BoosGram]

I recently bought a camera. After reading many reviews, I walked into the store and asked the salesperson to show me the best camera for someone who just wants to point and shoot, but still get great pictures. The result? My Canon PowerShot SX210 IS. I LOVE it. The only downside is that the flash is on the left top corner, but you do get used to it and the pictures are worth it.

 

[SM101]

I'm on my second Canon Powershot and love them. My last one was under $150. It runs for quite a long time on 2 AA's, and I got a good deal on extra cards. The camera itself and the accompanying software are very easy to use and the picture quality is very good.

 

[wolf29]

I've had a Powershot for a couple of years that I've liked a lot. It did, however, have problems with the autofocus on our last trip, so I'll be looking to replace it soon. I'll see what other recommendations pop up here.

 

[Ashansen]

We're a nikon family......Nikon Coolpix. Bought mine, and my sisters and my fathers all from Costco. I've had mine for a few years.....the others have been bought more recently. Great pictures...great video...Easy to use too!

Check out www.dpreview.com for informative reviews!

Ashley

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We love the Canon Powershot. We lost our last one in Gatlinburg at the end of October. We just bought a Canon 980si, Canons take really good pictures & are highly rated by Consumer Reports magazine.

 

[MichelleXL]

I have a Canon PowerShot. I use it more than my DSLR even, because it's so convenient just to carry it in my purse or a pocket.

 

[klacey1]

Love my Sony Cybershot! I can get shaky hands, and the steadier on that camera is a wonder

 

[Limmer]

I sell cameras and I LOVE the Canon Powershot SX210. Great zoom and great picture quality. You can't go wrong with a powershot. Panasonic Lumix is a great camera as well.

Just an FYI, Sony use SD cards now as well as MS. And almost no cameras use CF anymore.

 

[jthelman]

I sell cameras and I LOVE the Canon Powershot SX210. Great zoom and great picture quality. You can't go wrong with a powershot. Panasonic Lumix is a great camera as well.

Just an FYI, Sony use SD cards now as well as MS. And almost no cameras use CF anymore.

I stand corrected. Sony has wised up and now uses normal, standard SD memory cards, as well as their proprietary, obsolete memory sticks.

John

 

[delaneyc52]

We have Canon Powershot and the Canon Rebel. Hubby is way into his photography but my little point and shoot Canon is just great. The best thing about Canon is their customer support. They'll stay on the phone with you for an hour or more if that's what it takes to help you.

 

[VACAMPER]

Love my nikon coolpix.....i had a sony cybershot and had lots of trouble with it. I like the nikon because i can plug it in like a cell phone to charge and dont have to remember batteries.

 

[habg1]

After reading the posts here about a camera, I was driving myself nuts about which camera to get, I decided to get the canon Powershot 210 14mp, 14X zoom.

Ordered it at Walmart.com. Keeping my fingers crossed it's going to be a great camera.

I just wanted something to throw in my purse and to grab quick at the parks. But also to get those far away shots.

Should be here in about a week or so...

 

[goofykb03]

I use a Canon Powershot for work (not a professional photographer, just need to take pics in my profession) and it's pretty decent for what I need it for. I like the swivel screen on it a lot (although some models of the Powershot don't have that)

For my personal camera I have an Olympus Stylus (can't remember which model) which I adore. I bought it for the 12x zoom (mainly because I take so many pictures from further away at events and vacations). It also has 15 megapixels, and has different settings for different lighting, which is great guidance for a non-professional photographer like me. My complaint: short-lived battery, I always carry an extra. It takes xD and SD/microSD cards. I bought it on Amazon for a pretty good price.

 

[dzorn]

I love our panasonic lumix


Denise in MI

 

[Honeymooners1021]

I have a Kodak it is pretty easy to use and the pictures turn out well. We bought my mom a Cannon for Christmas (my sister is a Cannon snob).

In my opinions point & shoots have become very similar I agree that you need to decide what features are important to you and then figure out how much you want to spend.
There is no point in buying a point and shoot with bells & whistles if you don't use them.

I could not deal with changing batteries throughout the day so I will never buy a camera that uses AA.