Need new digital camera before our trip.

[aprilfoolwed]

We've always vacationed with my parents, and my dad has a great SLR camera and was the designated photographer. This year, we are going by ourselves, and we really need a better camera to take with us.

Neither DH nor I are great photographers, so we're really looking for a simple point & shoot camera. My biggest gripe with our 2-year-old Nikon Coolpix is how much lag there is between shots. I feel like we'd be booted from Disney if we held up the line for pics with Mickey!

So, looking in the $200-range - possibly up to $300 if needed for a good camera - but less would be even better. Want something that will take a good shot, has a decent optical zoom (10x or better) and recovers quickly between photos.

The guy at the camera shop suggested the Casio Ex fh100 or the Fuji F300EXR. They seemed like decent choices, but I want to go and play with it a little more.

Any other suggestions?

 

[tr-ray]

I would consider myself an intermediate photographer - I have an idea of what I'm doing, but I am still learning with a DSLR.

We just bought a Panasonic DMC-ZS7 for about $200 and so far I am very impressed. It has alot of functionality for when you want to get technical, but also takes great 'Auto' shots.

 

[DSLRuser]

90% of photography is the photographer... only 10% is the equipment

That being said, with your current system that has the lag... you have to pre focus (usually by holding the button down half way). This will greatly reduce the lag time. Or shoot in sport mode, or turn on continuous auto focus.

The problem you describes will happen with a new camera as well. I suggest you RTFM on your old camera, or if you get a new one. And truly learn what all the buttons, dials, and modes do before you go.

Get the manual out and takes pictures as you read it. pick one concept a night until you learn what you need.

 

[Cin]

I have a Fujifilm Finepix S high definition and we bought it last Sept. just before we went to WDW, like 2 days priour so we had no clue how to use it and figured it out as we went. Not a good idea, as I was reading the manual on the airplane and playing with it on the plane taking video and pics to learn how to do it. It does so much and is a great camera. It has 18 x zoom and took great HD pics. I still love my little Nikon Coolpix though as it was very lightweight, easy to use, faster to load pic on computer, and so user friendly that I was going to recomend you get a coolpix until I saw that is what you are replacing. I loved mine and still prefer it over this new fancier one. (I gave it to graduating teen as keeper for a senior class trip to WDW) and had to buy new one that is how I got the Fuji. I'd buy this Fuji again. It takes incredible close up shots and you can be inches away and they come out with such incredible detail. It has 18x zoom which was nice too. I don't remember the exact cost I think it was around $230 at Best Buy. It does so much more than I can remember, video but I can't remember how long. Waaay more than the Nikon took. Of course, we bought a bigger memory card too as stock is never adequate.

 

[Eponine1]

I'm waiting for my Nikon S6100 to arrive tomorrow from B&H photo tomorrow!!

You might want to check it out. And yes, I got the purple one !!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/754888-REG/Nikon_26272_Coolpix_S6100_Digital_Camera.html

 

[2Tiggies]

Something else that will cause lag between shots is the speed of your memory card. If you get a faster card (it will cost you a bit more, but in my opinion it is essential) you will be surprised at the difference. I don't go below a Class 4 now.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I'm waiting for my Nikon S6100 to arrive tomorrow from B&H photo tomorrow!!

You might want to check it out. And yes, I got the purple one !!!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/754888-REG/Nikon_26272_Coolpix_S6100_Digital_Camera.html

My DH and I have two DSLR cameras between us and I still take my Nikon Coolpix S4000 with me on all our trips as well for the times I don't want to lug around the DSLR.

However, saying that, for the OP I would suggest a P&S that also offer some manual controls for those situations when you might want to make your own adjustments - something like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40.

 

[Downey Family]

Just got a Nikon Coolpix S8100 for the wife for Christmas and it is great. Not only does it take quick pictures, but if you hold down the button it will take multiples (5 shots in one second) so you can take a series and then delete all but the best one where the kids are actually smiling.

I highly recommend this camera and it is right in line with your price point.