New Digital Camera Help!

[Soccer Princess]

Right now I have a Nikon Coolpix that is 2 1/2 years old. It only has 3x zoom and 3 MP. Yes, you read it right, 3 MP! I am deprived lol.

I'm looking for something that will take a lot of pictures right in a row. My current camera has a HUGE lag time, that I HATE.

My "Wish list":
At LEAST 6 MP
Little/no lag time
takes SD cards
Good zoom
Has crisp/clear photos
Image stabilization (I think that's what it is called?)
Takes good fireworks pictures and pictures in the dark (my current camera does not)
$350 or less

So any recommendations?? I'm ready to buy one, I just have no idea what to get! The most I really could spend right now is $350, so keep that in mind too. THANKS!

 

[allie5]

No contest - one of the Canon Powershot models. for that money you can get the 800 model ($347 on Amazon) which is 7mp and has image stabilisation (IS) takes SD cards, no shutter lag and a decent 3x optical zoom. I have this camera (bought after careful research!) and the results have been wonderful. I have been especially pleased with the fireworks pictures Ive gotten from it. Can post a few if you want though I have posted them before on other threads.

There are only two things I DONT like about this camera - no sports mode (which I used to use a lot on previous cameras for when you need a fast shutter speed) and you have to be careful of grainy pictures when not using the flash. You can fix this by changing the ISO setting but its something to be aware of.

I usually have a list of about 5 things I DONT like about cameras so this is actually pretty good going!

Love this model - its compact, stylish and very well made. You wont be disappointed!

For more zoom (and obviously a much bulkier option) then consider the Powershot Pro S3 IS.

 

[Jeanne B]

Since you mentioned good zoom I would have to recommend the S3 over some of the other Canon Powershots (and it has a sports mode). I attached a link in case you want to read the full review of it. It's on Amazon right now for $300 which is a great price for this camera (I paid $425 for it less than a year ago).

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

 

[ukcatfan]

Do not get too caught up in MPs. That is more of a marketing tool than a feature. IMO once you get above around 5-6MPs you get extremely diminishing returns. The problem is that the sensors are really just too small to squeeze that much data out of them without creating too much image noise. I was very happy with my 3MP S1 IS and I am currently very happy with my 6MP DSLR(that is the lowest MPs avail. for a DSLR).

I believe that allie5 is talking about the SD series. These are the compact line. I personally do not like them compared to Canon's "A" series b/c you give up manual controls, have less zoom, and must use expensive proprietary batteries. If you check the "A" series and you are set on wanting IS, look at the A710 IS. There is also the A570 IS, but it is still new and close to retail price, so it costs as much as the A710 which has more features. If IS is not a requirement, then look at the A630 and A640(may be too many MPs).

Like mentioned, the S3 IS is a great camera. It is a little larger, but the zoom is a really nice feature. I never really used the zoom all that much on my S1 IS, but it was nice to know it was there when I needed it.

It would not be a bad idea to go out and handle some in person.

Kevin

 

[Groucho]

The A6xx-series Canons also have a larger sensor, so will produce sharper photos.

All point-n-shoot cameras do poorly in the dark. This is just the nature of a small camera, so you have to keep your low-light expectations realistic. That being said, there is difference between models, mostly due to some having a larger sensor. The Fujis generally have some of the best image quality but unfortunately they don't have "true" image stabilization, but if you'd not getting a long-zoom camera, that may not be such an issue. Frankly, knowing what I know now, I'd pick a bigger sensor over IS any day.

If you're looking at reviews, the sensor sizes are usually listed in the 1/x" format - 1/2.5" is the usual "small" sensor and 1/1.8" is the "not quite as small" sensor. The Fujis often have a 1/1.7" sensor.

 

[nbodyhome]

I love my S2. It has 5mp - which is plenty. A relative gave it to me for Christmas (after I researched it), and she was like "is 5mp going to be enough power"? I don't need 6 or 7, my photos could be blown up big now if I wanted (I don't!)

I took good handheld fireworks photos my first time out.