New camera advice - long but desperate for help!

[HannahNoahMommy]

Okay, here's my camera history:


I have a Nikon DSLR D50: I LOVE the camera, but I don't know how to use it properly (I know - I'm a horrible person). I use it in automatic - and it takes amazing pictures for my needs. I have the main camera and a lens that zooms to 200. I eventually would really like to learn how to use the camera!

I HAD a Canon Powershot SD1200 si: I enjoyed the camera very much for when I didn't want to take the big camera with me. In February, I was loading everything up in Florida late at night before we were to board the Dream, and my camera wouldn't work! All of a sudden it wouldn't turn on (yes, the battery was fully charged and nothing was in there to block it). I did a quick search and found other people with the problem. No resolving it, so I went in the morning on a quick stop to Target...

I now have an Olympus Stylus Tough 3000: I was obviously looking for a point and shoot, I wasn't able to research it much given the time constraints, and thought the underwater feature would be a nice bonus. I HATE IT!!! I'm having a hard time getting the picture not blurry; It has an incredibly short battery life (half a day at a Disney park); even when the picture is not blurry, it's not nearly as crisp and good as the Canon Powershot (I know better to compare to the DSLR).

So.... my birthday is coming up. I'm going to Disney/Seaworld/Busch Gardens next week. I usually have both kids with me and a stroller, so I don't have to CARRY the Nikon (leave it in the stroller when I'm not using it & when someone is with the stroller). This trip, will be just me and my 10 year old DD - no stroller. I'm sure there are some days I'll want my Nikon & I'll just deal. Lots of days, I won't want the weight & bulk of it. I'm looking to replace the point and shoot, but I don't even know where to start! What do you suggest?

 

[HannahNoahMommy]

Adding: I'm looking to stay in the $200-$250 range, unless someone has a really compelling reason to go up to $300. I'm now thinking Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS or 300 HS. Should I stay away from Canon because of the problem with my Powershot SD1200? Any input on those? Is there something else I should consider? Nikon? Another brand?

Thanks! I'd appreciate any input I can get. I know most of you are way beyond the point & shoots, but I value your opinion.

 

[photo_chick]

Make a list of the features you want and go to the store and play. If it were me I'd look to Canon, Fuji or Panasonic for a point and shoot.

 

[My2Girls66]

I wouldn't be afraid of another Canon. I have a D50 and a D80 and use a Canon A560 p&s when I don't feel like carrying much extra weight. I have had very good luck with it. We also have a few Nikon p&s's that we like. An old Coolpix 4600 and an S3000 and an S60. We have also had both Canon and Nikon p&s's that have bit the dust.

 

[Marlton Mom]

You can buy the camera anywhere.... but what I usually do is check out the B and H site where you can find great descriptions comparing features, prices and what not along with customer reviews of the camera. You can set the page so it displays the cameras by price making it easier for you to stick with a price range

I'm sure there are other sites that have this info but I'm a big fan of B and H so I never need them.

After you narrow down your preferences, head to a store and get your mitts on the camera so you can see for yourself. Be sure to have an idea about the internet pricing so you can compare that to the store pricing.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Marlton Mom

PS. I just love the fact that on Google you can type B and then hit space and then the B and H site pops up in the list!

 

[Frantasmic]

I'm having a hard time getting the picture not blurry; It has an incredibly short battery life

Without really knowing it, you are shooting under a Catch-22 scenario. You want a point and shoot that doesn't take blurry pictures, but the cause of those blurry pictures is shooting in Auto. Your camera is taking the best possible picture given the conditions you are providing it.

Your price point for a point and shoot will allow you to purchase a camera that has more scene selections (i.e., automatic for various types of photography) but there isn't a camera that takes an automatic picture as you always see it. It calculates time, light, etc. Any camera will do this (even dslrs in auto).

The point is that you can get a point and shoot that has more scene selections and should get better pictures. But, you run the risk of spending $250 on a camera and not being any more tolerable of the blurry pictures it may take in automatic.

With that price point, you may get some manual controls. You won't experience the best your camera has to offer unless you learn some relatively simple aspects of photography. Sony, Panasonic, Fuji have some of the better point and shoot cameras in this price range. But, it should be pointed out that you may not be any more satisfied with your pictures.

Your camera isn't taking blurry pictures: you are.