Please help someone with ZERO camera knowledge!!!

[maslex]

Okay, I admit it. I am VERY incapable when it comes to anything electronic. With that said, I'm looking to get a new camera.

I just bought one through Amazon back in June/July. I bought the Canon Powershot D10 (basically for the underwater feature) I do like the pictures it takes both underwater and above water. BUT it hasn't been working right lately and I'm not sure what's wrong with it, so I'm debating whether to keep it and try to get it fixed OR return it and find a different camera.

There are times when I turn the camera on that the screen goes black and an error message pops up that says something about "lens error" or something like that. My husband tried to figure out what was wrong with it (he's not a camera wiz though, lol) But he did realize that if you bang the camera's bottom against the palm of your hand, it'll go back to normal. I just don't want to have to do this every time I go to an event or vacation and try to take pictures.

I'm really looking for a point & shoot camera. The other features that I would LOVE to have on it is something MORE than a 3x zoom. It doesn't have to be an underwater camera though, actually thinking I might just keep the Canon one to use underwater (depending if it's fixable) and get another camera for everything else. I have friends that have Kodak Easy Share and say they suck (something about the battery never lasts) and I have others that have the Nikon Coolpix.

The other feature that I like (which is probably something only high end, expensive cameras do and NOT a point & shoot) LOL is, I'm not sure what it's called but I like when a camera can take several pictures in a row without waiting for the camera screen to say "processing" and then be able to take the next one. I'm not sure I'm explaining it right but I'm tired of taking a picture and telling my subject to "wait a minute" before the camera is able to take another one. Do you know what I mean? LOL ***I told you, I have ZERO knowledge.

What are your best tips on picking a point/shoot camera? And should I just return the Canon and use that money towards the new camera? And lastly, since I'm not sure of all the camera "terminology", what options am I looking for when looking for a camera? Thanks!!!

 

[cpbjgc]

You might want to check out the Choosing a Point and Shoot thread - it may give you some ideas on the models others are looking at and their features.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

I bought the Canon Powershot D10 (basically for the underwater feature) I do like the pictures it takes both underwater and above water. BUT it hasn't been working right lately and I'm not sure what's wrong with it, so I'm debating whether to keep it and try to get it fixed OR return it and find a different camera.

There are times when I turn the camera on that the screen goes black and an error message pops up that says something about "lens error" or something like that. My husband tried to figure out what was wrong with it (he's not a camera wiz though, lol) But he did realize that if you bang the camera's bottom against the palm of your hand, it'll go back to normal. I just don't want to have to do this every time I go to an event or vacation and try to take pictures.

What are your best tips on picking a point/shoot camera? And should I just return the Canon and use that money towards the new camera?

May I address only one part of your post? From what you have described about your Canon, it is not working properly. If you can return it, I would. Also, if you have a camera shop nearby, maybe you could find a technician to ask what the problem is?

One thing I do know is that jiggling the camera to make it work means that an electronic connection is not working properly. Your camera needs to be fixed.

 

[Quicklabs]

If you just bought the camera this year, it should still be under some kind of warranty perhaps? Since it meets so many of your needs, I'd look into getting it repaired, especially if it's covered.

 

[Kphoto]

It's no fun having a camera you can't count on. Send it back to be fixed or replaced. They can also upgrade you and give you credit towards a different model.

Spend some time at a camera store where you can pick up and try different models. Find a salesperson who knows the different cameras. Explain the things that are important to you.

I just got a Nikon S8000 point & shoot to carry around every day. The important things to me...10x zoom lens, 14.2 megapixel & a macro setting.

Good luck!
Karen

 

[wdwwishes]

I have this camera to have with me when I don't have my DSLR and have enjoyed it. The durability is great and being able to take it to water parks or the pool without worry is terrific. Haven't experienced any problems with it. I'd try to return it and if that doesn't work and you're happy with the camera, you can go on Canon's website and find info. on sending in an item for repair. I did this earlier this year with a lens and it worked like a charm. The entire process took 10 days between me shipping it, the repair being done and the return. Canon communicated with me about the process via email and it worked out just fine. Good luck!