New Camera Suggestions

[Terk-1]

I currently have a Sony Cybershot H1 (yes, it's up there in age) and want to invest in a new camera. Not looking to spend $1,000 for a camera and would like it to weigh less than a Volkswagon Beatle. There are so many different kinds, not sure which to choose.

Especially when I go to WDW, I take a TON of pictures (they are my best souvie!) and love getting the detailed one's or shots of things not normally caught, such as the windows along Main Street or Hollywood Studios, or the nooks & crannies around World Showcase. Of course I get the standard one's, but enjoy taking pictures of Spectro or Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, Illuminations at EPCOT, Fantasmic at the Studios, etc.

Any recommendations?

 

[zackiedawg]

Your camera is pretty good...the superzooms have been mostly mild evolutions since the H1, and it can still hold it's own as can other superzooms of that vintage.

You need to ask yourself: Is there anything you feel you can't do, or can't do well, with your current camera? Are there any particular traits or abilities about your current camera you would hate to lose? Are you looking to get a camera that has abilities outside your normal and previous shooting style to encourage you to experiment or grow, or are you looking for a camera that will allow you to keep shooting your style and subject but maybe a little better? Do you weigh portability or compactness over versatility or flexibility, or weigh both equally?

Lots of things will help guide yo to what to look for, or if you even need a new camera. There are more compact travel zooms that can fit in a large pocket or small purse, there are ultracompact pocket cams with limited zoom, there are chunky superzooms with bigger lenses and long reach, there are enthusiast P&S cameras with slightly larger sensors and manual controls, there are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras with very large sensors that can swap lenses as needed, there are small DSLRs with big sensors, lots of features, manual controls, low light ability, fast focus and shooting, and tons of lenses...all of these can be had well under your budget and weigh much less than a Beetle (the car, not the insect!).

 

[Golf4food]

If you want to go the dSLR route, Pentax has a number of light weight, high performing entry level dSLR options (or higher end options that would probably exceed your budget). That's one thing I love about the Pentax dSLRs - light weight, smaller size (I have smaller hands so they fit me better). I'm always amazed at how much heavier the Canon bodies are when I pick up one of those (mother in law has a 30D) compared to my K-7.

 

[WDWMusing]

I too am looking to purchase a new camera for our upcoming December trip. Ive been around the net reading reviews and pestering friends for their opinions. Im intersted in hearing from DISers that have used any of these cameras and their opinions on performance. Ive narrowed it down to 3 - Nikon Coolpix S9100, Sony CyberShot DSCHX9V and the Canon PowerShot SX230HS. As of this past weekend they range in price 329.00 - 349.00. I have some time until our trip - Im hoping that the prices will come down a little or at the very least maybe a sale.....

 

[2002Disneybride]

Ive narrowed it down to 3 - Nikon Coolpix S9100, Sony CyberShot DSCHX9V and the Canon PowerShot SX230HS. As of this past weekend they range in price 329.00 - 349.00. I have some time until our trip - Im hoping that the prices will come down a little or at the very least maybe a sale.....

So funny! These are the exact three I have been researching also...I am interested in hearing more also!

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, I recently just bought a new camera after my Sony h50 started to act up. The camera I got I chose because it was one I was able ti choose free with my air miles but read a lot of reviews going in (I had other choices also). I got the panasonic FZ40. All I can say is I love it, it is very simple to use, lighter than my Sony although a tiny bit bigger. I believe it takes better pics than my Sony and has so many settings I have a lot to learn. Happy shopping