Trying to find the "right" camera

[emeraldmom]

I was referred here by another board. I have a Canon S3IS that I've had for probably 5 or 6 years. I love it, it's a great camera. It's also a somewhat large camera. I am considering getting myself a smaller camera, something that I could carry in a small bag or even a pocket. I LOVE my 10x zoom, and don't want anything less than that. I was considering a waterproof camera at first, but now I don't think that is for me.

I'm looking for recommendations. I'd like to stay under $200. From looking around it seems like having a CMOS sensor gives you better low light pics, is that correct? I was thinking that would be great for rides, like POTC. I follow the no flash rule, but would love to be able to get those low light pics.

I found one that I am considering. It's a Fujifilm Finepix F660EXR. It has 16MP EXR (don't know what that means) CMOS sensor, 15x optical zoom, 1080P HD movie and a bunch of other cool stuff. I can get it at Sam's Club right now for $199.88. That seems like a good price, but I'd love to know if anybody has had this camera, and if it's a good choice. I'm also open to other recommendations.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Thanks for wandering in here.

I don't shoot with the specific camera that you've asked about but figured it was about time someone responded.

If you haven't already done so, I would recommend that you take a look at websites such as dpreview.

DPreview provide reviews on cameras and a quick search on google brought up their review on that specific camera link here.

I would also recommend that you take a look at their Camera Feature Search section so that you could see what other cameras fit within the compact category. You will be able to find this feature on the dpreview website; but the direct link is here.
Just select the cameras that you might be interested to compare. The search will allow you to compare the specs of your selected cameras side by side.


And the CMOS sensor is the type of sensor used to capture your image. It allows light to be converted into electric signals.

If you were after low light pictures, you would need to consider features such as aperture and ISO; rather than the sensor type.

Good luck with your search and I hope you enjoy your new camera, whichever model you decide on.

 

[photo_chick]

Actually CCD are said by some to have less noise than CMOS because of the way the electrical charge is carried in the sensor, but these days the technology has come so far that you'll find CMOS in most of the "pro-level" cameras. CCD sensors do tend to have issues with bleeding reds more than CMOS. CMOS are supposed to use less of your battery life... it goes back and forth. I think you can nitpick between the two types of sensors, but for most photographers it isn't going to make that big of a difference these days. It used to, but not so much anymore. I would look at the overall performance of the camera and not get hung up on the specific sensor technology.

To get the really low light photos, like on POTC, Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, etc... that does push the boundaries on a point and shoot. I'm not saying you can't get them with a point and shoot, just that it will be very difficult. The lenses are generally just not quite fast enough to get the shot from a moving ride vehicle.

my advice for camera shopping is to start by making a list of the specific features you want. Look at the cameras in your budget that have those features. Go to the store and play to see which of those feels good to you.

 

[JeRmS]

My best advice and something that I just went through myself ...

Go to the store and "try them on"

I sat here for 4 days, online, researching all the "specs" of each camera and when I actually got to the store ... I chose something completely different than what I had thought I was going to get.

I went in to get the Canon SX260 HS ($299), and while it was a far superior camera to what I ended up leaving with, I just didn't like the way it fit in my hand.

I ended up buying the Nikon Coolpix L810 ($199) and so far I love it, I was playing with it last night in my house with what I would consider low light and it takes very nice shots.

Remember it's, not only the camera that determines the picture quality, but the operator as well.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

From looking around it seems like having a CMOS sensor gives you better low light pics, is that correct? I was thinking that would be great for rides, like POTC. I follow the no flash rule, but would love to be able to get those low light pics.

While cameras are getting better and better, many compact cameras still struggle in low light situations. You would need to look for a camera with some manual controls to be able to adjust for those conditions. Usually, those are the higher end P & S'. Take it from one who had an insane passion to obtain usable images from the dark rides! I had two DSLR's but neither possessed the high usable ISO I needed to achieve this quest. Enter a third DSLR with a fast f1.4 lens. With this combination (retail about $1,500), I achieved my goal. Fortunately, the new camera had more than a Disney purpose, otherwise the DW would have had my head!! Saying this, it doesn't mean that you can't obtain something usable with a compact camera. The cheapest thing in photography is knowledge. Whatever camera you choose, make sure you read the manual, go online for any unanswered questions and the local library is always good source for photography books.