overwhelmed by choices...

[shelly3girls]

I hope you can handle another camera question. I tried looking through old threads but it seems through my research that April is the month for many new cameras to be released. So here is my question...
My Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 just died. The flash stopped working and now it will not focus at all. Assuming it is not worth fixing I am in search of a new camera. I am not looking for ultra-compact since I was very happy with the quality of the outdoor photos I could get from the cyber-shot. I was not particularly happy with the indoor shots though. I primarily use the camera to take action shots of the kids playing soccer and vacation photos. I also will use the video for short videos of the kids.

I prefer to stay with Canon or Sony since I already have several battery chargers for them. I have looked at the Sony DSC-H20 but cannot find any reviews. I am concerned that the Sony DSC-H50 is a little too big. I looked at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 but wonder if the picture quality is as good as the Sony.

The two biggest things I am looking for is great action shots outdoors and quality indoor shots in low light. I prefer to stay away from AA batteries. I am not experienced in photography so I will only use the automatic features of any camera. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
TIA!

 

[ukcatfan]

The two biggest things I am looking for is great action shots outdoors and quality indoor shots in low light.

I am not experienced in photography so I will only use the automatic features of any camera.

I am not trying to be mean, but you will never get good indoor pics without learning a little about photography. That is sort of like trying to do your taxes by hand without knowing how to add or subtract. About the only advice I have is to try to find one that allows an external flash. That would improve your indoor shots the most without learning anything. If your subjects are not moving, a tripod would also help.

 

[shelly3girls]

I am not trying to be mean, but you will never get good indoor pics without learning a little about photography. That is sort of like trying to do your taxes by hand without knowing how to add or subtract. About the only advice I have is to try to find one that allows an external flash. That would improve your indoor shots the most without learning anything. If your subjects are not moving, a tripod would also help.

No offense taken at all. Where would you suggest to go to learn the basics? I also own a DSLR that I don't really know how to use. I use it for special occasions but do not like carrying it with me.

 

[Frantasmic]

Your DSLR will give you excellent results indoors, generally. However, you will need to learn about white balance and RAW conversion. Which brand is your DSLR?

Regarding replacing your other camera. Any of Canon's ultra-zooms or Sony's for that matter will provide excellent shots of outdoor action in good light. Another thing you should do is learn how to shoot in shutter mode priority to capture the action shots.

The book "Understanding Exposure" is very popular. Also, there are manuals online call short courses which provide excellent learning tips based on your specific camera.

 

[jrc-elpaso]

I have a Sony DSC-H7 that I absolutely love. And one thing that has really improved my photos is an on-line class I took before my DH and I went to Alaska last summer. The class is "Secrets of Better Photography" from ED2Go. The classes are given through colleges or universities. If you go to the ED2Go website you can do a search to see if there's a college near you that has the class.

 

[tazdev3225]

I have the Sony H-5 and H-50. They all seem to be about the same size in the H series so I wouldn't use that as a factor. I love the H-50. It can be used in several programs but even in plain auto I have gotten some very nice shots. It does have some limitations indoor as do most point and shoots. I agree with a basic class. I have been using 35mm cameras for years but the digitals just confuse me sometimes so I am planning on taking a class to get a little more understanding.

 

[shelly3girls]

Thank you for all of the advice. I am definitely going to look into taking a beginner class. I went to look at the Sony H-50 and it really was not as big as I thought it would be. I was seriously considering it until I saw the info on the new Sony DSC-HX1. I know it would be complete overkill but it looks like an amazing camera!

 

[tazdev3225]

Thank you for all of the advice. I am definitely going to look into taking a beginner class. I went to look at the Sony H-50 and it really was not as big as I thought it would be. I was seriously considering it until I saw the info on the new Sony DSC-HX1. I know it would be complete overkill but it looks like an amazing camera!

I agree about the new HX1. If I buy one more camera my DH may kill me though. I bought the H-50 last year because I had to have it the day it was available. Then I bought the A-300 because I wanted it. I have to be happy with these for awhile. If you get the new Sony you have to report on how it works.