What camera?

[martinrmn]

Can anyone help? We fly Nov 29th and currently have a video camera, tape. We also have a digital camera which is only 2 megapixels. Now, the thing is I know nothing, no thats wrong, less than nothing about cameras. I see that Amazon has a special offer on 7 megapixels cameras as do Currys or Comet. Argos also have an offer on DV camcorders. Which do I buy if any? Sorry to be aso undecided but we are also wondering if we would get the use out of these cameras. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Master Mason]

What are you trying to capture that your current camera will not allow you do get?

MP isn't the end all be all of things, just having more MP doesn't mean you get a better picture (yes yours is probably a bit old)

 

[martinrmn]

Thanks for the reply. We are going to see the shuttle launch in December and having seen other photos of this I know my camera would not do the launch justice. As to camcorders I am thinking of upgrading but again don't know enough about them to make a decision. Again any help would be appreciated.

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks for the reply. We are going to see the shuttle launch in December and having seen other photos of this I know my camera would not do the launch justice. As to camcorders I am thinking of upgrading but again don't know enough about them to make a decision. Again any help would be appreciated.

The big question is your budget. The choices will be extremely different at $150, $300, $450, etc. Also, what situations will you be using it at most. For example fast moving subjects, stationary subjects, low lighting subjects, sporting events, family snapshots, etc. Also, how much would you like it to zoom. Typical is 3x, but the long zooms go from ~6x-15x. They usually cost more as well.

Without knowing anything, take a look at the Canon "S" IS series. They are very popular and a board favorite. The "S5 IS" is the current model, but there should be deals on the S3 and possibly a used/refurb S2. FYI, the S1 is probably too old to find anywhere and there was no S4.

Kevin

 

[Master Mason]

Also without knowing the particulars, check out the fuji SD6000 and the fuji 30 something.... They have slightly larger sensors, and therefore have slightly better low light performance...

 

[alan]

One more consideration - think twice about going somewhere with a camera you're not familiar with. Will you be taking photos, or will you be trying to work out that this dratted button does...?

regards,
/alan

 

[martinrmn]

Many thanks for the replies. I will disect this information.