I posted this briefly in the Digital SLR thread but i feel that it's going to get lost in there. To preface, i haven't owned a digital camera in almost 7 years. So i don't really know where the technology is these days. I'm going on a trip to Ireland at the end of the month and would like to get a nice point and shoot digital camera for the trip. I'll set my budget to $300 or less.Basically my check list is this-Quality-Quick and responsive shooting-High resolution with decent optical zoom-Rechargeable battery -Good screen sizeany help would be more than appreciated.
8/4/2010 12:07:36 PM
i highly recommend any of the Canon Power Shot Digital ELPH point and shoot camera's. When i was in the search for a P&S I did tons of research and these had the best reviews. Depending on the features you want you can pick one up any where from $180 - $350, maybe even cheaper if you do some searching on the internet.http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras
8/4/2010 12:49:51 PM
obligatory: http://www.dpreview.com/i have the fujifilm F200EXR and it is, hands down, one of the best point-and-shoots i have ever used...i don't know that the EXR technology is all that they claim, but the sensor size (1/1.6") alone makes for better pictures than any of the others i've seen (i've actually compared it to the G10, with a 1/1.7" sensor, in person, and i think its pictures are every bit as good as, if not better than, the G11's, for much less money and a smaller size)based on experience, i would VERY highly recommend checking out the newest EXR, the F300EXR...it's a pocket-size with a 1/2" sensor (which is freakin' massive for a P&S) and 15x optical zoom: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1007/10072109fujifilmf300exr.aspstreet price on the F300EXR is $330, though it hasn't technically been released, yet[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 1:14 PM. Reason : pic]
8/4/2010 1:05:51 PM
obligatory message_section.aspx?section=3i have a consumer reports acct and can get you their recommendation if you're interested.
8/4/2010 1:08:18 PM
^^what is this "sensor" in which you speak? i'm unfamiliar. Is it common on most cameras?
8/4/2010 1:30:40 PM
This is mine:http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp?section=stylustoughI didn't pay nearly as much for it as they claim it costs on the website. I love it to bits. Almost more than my fiance
8/4/2010 1:49:46 PM
^^ the sensor is what captures your picture DSLRs have large sensors (23.6mm x 15.8mm on the nikon D90) while P&S cameras generally have small sensors (6.16mm x 4.62mm on most of canon's powershot line)this is why the number of megapixels is generally a pointless measurement of a camera's image quality...if a 6mp camera has the same sensor size as a 12mp camera, the captured information isn't REALLY much different (theoretically, you could blow up the 6mp to 12mp size and it would look the same)...the only real thing that a larger mp count tells you is that the camera is newer and likely has improved in-camera processing of the captured information...that means more than the mp countso larger sensors capture more information...12mp on a 1/2" sensor has more usable information than 12mp on a 1/2.3" sensor...does that make sense?now, all that said, in-camera processing DOES make a difference...you could get a no-name 12mp camera and compare it with a 12mp canon and even if both have the same sensor size, the picture generated by the canon will likely look much better because their processors are better[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 2:10 PM. Reason : .]
8/4/2010 2:03:28 PM
If you don't mind a larger camera (ie won't fit easily in a pocket) the Canon SX20 IS could be a good bet for you. It's a bit outside of your budget (369 at Amazon) but a great feature set--20x optical/wide angle, image stabilized, 10 megapixel, a good assortment of manual controls if you want to take a little more control over your photos, and canon quality. If you don't want to spend that much, you might be able to find a lightly used example of it or one of its predecessor models (SX10 IS, S5 IS) that would work nicely for you. My primary camera is an older model of this series, the S3 IS, and I've been nothing but happy with it.For something more pocketable, you can't go wrong with the powershot SD series from canon--something like the SD980 might do the trick for you. These are generally well-built, full-featured, and take great photos. I've also heard really good things about the Panasonic TZ series, which manage to put a large optical zoom lens into a compact body, and apparently do it far better than their Canon equivalent (the SX110/120).One feature that you might miss but I've found to be tremendously useful is having wide-angle zoom (24 or 28mm at the wide end). It may not sound like much, and occasionally you can get some distortion in the corners, but it really changes the range of the camera and can make a big difference in what you can get in frame at a given position. Something to look for.
8/4/2010 2:09:17 PM
my advice is to look at a few things:1.) sensor size: larger is better...if it comes down to fewer megapixels on a larger sensor, definitely go for the larger sensor...fuji has more cameras with larger sensors and the F300EXR is the largest available, by far2.) image stabilization: canon used to have the best, hands down, but it's been a few years and i'd say panasonic and canon are neck-and-neck3.) optics: quality glass doesn't really seem to make much difference in the "normal" range, but at the low end (macro) and high end (telephoto) of the zoom range, optics matter...i have always preferred leica optics found in panasonics, but i have very little experience with any of the other brands recently to measure them...i'd say that the optics in most of the big brands are fine (but if you were choosing between a fuji and a panny that were exactly the same in all other ways, i'd go with the panny)4.) optical zoom: digital zoom is useless, so you might as well pretend it doesn't exist...a higher "x" rating, the better (obviously), but it's based on the lowest number...for example, if the camera has 28mm on the low, 5x would make it 140mm on the high...a camera with 35mm on the low and 140mm on the high would only be 4x...i would definitely look at a 28mm or better wide-angle lens
8/4/2010 2:13:23 PM
8/4/2010 2:33:04 PM
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm
8/4/2010 3:16:16 PM
^ i love ken rockwell and i usually take his word as scripture when it comes to DSLR, but i don't get his recommendations regarding P&S cameras...the best thing he has to say for the "best of the best" is:
8/4/2010 3:44:50 PM
In talking about brands i see Fuji, Canon and Panasonic as well as a Sony having been mentioned. Are there any "top brands" like for instance Kodak or Nikon that I should avoid?
8/4/2010 3:52:26 PM
^^Yeah but the S90 has a programmable control ring on the front of the camera as well [Edited on August 4, 2010 at 3:54 PM. Reason : <>]
8/4/2010 3:53:34 PM
^ OH there it is...zomg, can you program it to control focus? i've yet to find a compact P&S that does manual focus with a physical ring (for obvious reasons)...since this one is programmable, i would assume that it doesn't, but if it does... ^^ of those brands listed, i'd say kodak is the bottom in terms of quality and features, but it's been a few years...sonys are nice, but overpriced, IMO (though i love that my fiancée's has an actual viewfinder)[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 4:00 PM. Reason : .]
8/4/2010 3:59:19 PM
EhSteve, do you have any experience with that S90? Would you consider it almost too complicated for basic point and shoot? It looks very nice and full of options, but i'm not too keen on photography, exposure, lighting and stuff like that so i'm curious if it's more than I really need.another option i think i would enjoy is the ability to shoot video. nothing of extended length, but it would be nice to have in case something pops up where video is needed.[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 4:07 PM. Reason : add]
8/4/2010 4:03:24 PM
Yes, it will do manual focus as well as ISO, Exposure Compensation, White Balance, and a step-zoom.It's pretty hot stuff.Only thing that might be a question is the zoom is only 3.8x - so what, move closer or walk farther away.$350 all day on Amazon.I used the S90 for a few days a while ago - I like how compact it is and it takes amazing pictures. Auto mode works fine if you want it to just work. If you see yourself wanting to learn all of the manual features one day I say go for it. Overall I prefer my SX120 for the long zoom but the S90 has so many advantages (pocketable, more control, faster lens) that for the price it's hard to complain.[Edited on August 4, 2010 at 4:07 PM. Reason : more]
8/4/2010 4:04:35 PM
http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-digital-cameras/Some good stuff in there. S90 doesn't do HD video right?
8/4/2010 4:27:03 PM
No HD video on the S90. 640x480 is the highest it will go.
8/4/2010 4:28:04 PM
This thread has a lot of potential to turn into a good thread!
8/4/2010 4:32:11 PM
Wow--hadn't noticed that S90 but I'm *very* intrigued! I have an S70 as my "pocket" camera (though it's quite a bit bigger than most of the SD powershots) and I thought the S line had been killed off after the S80 in 2005. And a (quasi) manual focus ring...oh dear. I'm going to want that one.
8/4/2010 4:41:15 PM
How is the battery life on most of these. We'll be driving around Ireland and mainly crashing at hostels over night so i'd like to be able to rely on the battery for a full day.
8/4/2010 4:42:38 PM
It depends on how much you shoot and how often you use the flash. Most of the Canon's these days use li-ion batteries that an average shooter would have trouble exhausting in a single day unless they were going crazy with the flash. The nice thing is that the charger that comes in the package is dual-voltage so you can just get the plug adapter for whatever country you're in and you don't have to worry about frying anything when you plug in.
8/4/2010 5:07:32 PM
what are some user thoughts on this for example?http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+S8000+14.2-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/9758674.p?id=1218168158858&skuId=9758674quagmire02, the sensor is 1/2.3" with focal length of 35mm equivalent 30-300mm
8/4/2010 5:14:20 PM
Battery life on my SD750 is great. During heavy usage I can go a week with out re-charging. Also, one other thing I meant to mention about the Canon...it has a super fast start up time. this is important to me because there are lots of times when you only have a split sec to turn on the camera and snap a pic. all other cameras i have used take longer to start up.
8/4/2010 5:15:17 PM
^that's one thing i really want is quick start up time, and also quick point-focus-shoot time. I've used too many friends' cameras that take entirely too long to focus process and take the picture. I realize the latter a lot of times has to do with settings and lighting too.
8/4/2010 5:19:42 PM
The Canon PowerShot ELPH is the fastest for both start-up and focus/shoot I've come across and I've owned Nikon and Kodak point and shoots but that was a while ago. Since I bought my first ELPH I haven't switched to anything else..
8/5/2010 9:17:22 AM
quagmire02, any idea when the F300 EXR is officially released? i can't seem to find any solid date anywhere
8/5/2010 9:25:26 AM
8/5/2010 9:39:40 AM
Firstly, you have to go to the stre where digital cameras are sold, or find a reputable online medium that sells digital cameras. Then once you figure a price range you would like you find cameras that agree with that price. From there you have options, you can start by checking out the appearance, making sure that the style and configuration of controls is a fit for you. Afterwards you can check out the specifications for the camera based on how you anticipate using it. Once you have selected the camera of your choice you will need to arrange payment so that it can become free to use as your own personal property.
8/5/2010 11:54:54 AM
^i feel like i've tried that before^^Reading some cnet reviews regarding the S90, it sounds like it's a great camera for photo enthusiasts but it's a pretty slow camera in terms of quick point and shoot, so it may not be the one for me. I'm interested in the F300 EXR, but this youtube comment make me question it somewhat
8/5/2010 8:48:54 PM
^ as for the S90, my suggestion would be to read some of the opinions presented by dpreview S90 owners, as well as the in-depth review by their editors...my opinion is that cnet is comprised of a bunch of tech-aware folks without any of them being particularly tech-savvy in any particular subject...i'd take their reviews with a grain of salt (though they may be spot on, i just don't find them particularly insightful overall)in-depth: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons90/owners: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=canon_s90as for the F300EXR, you should get the same or better performance (in terms of low light) as the F80EXR, since they use the same sensor...obviously, the only valid way of comparing any two cameras fairly is to take pictures of a consistent subject with the same settings on both cameras and comparing those images...since you can't do that (especially since the F300EXR isn't out, yet), you can check out this thread on dpreview...it looks to have some decent infohttp://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1012&message=35969692you're looking at some pretty high-end P&S cameras...there are nicer ones that are more expensive, but the vast majority of the P&S offerings are far below the cameras you're considering...if you think you could get by with a "decent" camera and would rather save some cash, i think something like the panny DMC-FH3 ($140 with free shipping at B&H, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/672376-REG/) would work out well (relatively fast at f/2.8 on the low end, 720p video recording, good image stabilization, ISO80 where many P&S cameras only do ISO100)the canons mentioned on rockwell's page would probably serve you just as well, but i think you'll pay a $60-70 premium for the same performance as the panny mentioned above (again, my personal opinion)...canons are great and you can't go wrong with most of them, but i'm a panasonic guy due to what i consider better glass (which only really matters at macro and tele ranges) and equally good image stabilization...you simply get more bang for your buckit's hard to pick the "perfect" camera because i've yet to find one that offers everything i want (even reasonably!) for a good price (around $300)...that's why i have both a decent P&S and a DSLR [Edited on August 6, 2010 at 8:30 AM. Reason : .]
8/6/2010 8:24:45 AM
S95, SX130, SD4500 announced for late August/early September:http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e024801de586All with HD video.
8/20/2010 3:51:40 PM
this thread is relevant to my interests.
8/20/2010 5:14:21 PM
Can anyone comment on the Canon powershot SX210 IS???
8/25/2010 7:18:04 PM
8/25/2010 7:25:52 PM
some good stuff:http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/best-cameras-under-300/
8/25/2010 7:43:14 PM
here are the specs of the Canon SX210IShttp://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx210_is#Specificationsit still only has a 1/2.3 sensor but everything else seems great. thoughts?only thing i haven't noticed any info about is panoramic options.
8/26/2010 9:32:28 AM
^ jeebus, 14x optical on a pocket cam i think it's a solid camera and you'll be happy with it...it's much better than "decent," though not quite "spectacular" (my personal opinion only...i don't know that there's actually a "spectacular" pocket cam by my definition )i feel like i should probably clarifying my position on sensor size...when it comes down to it, the basic rule of thumb is: bigger is betterbut it's as much (if not more) the image processor in combination with the sensor that determines the quality of the image you get...for example, this camera has the latest image processor (DIGIC 4), which was introduced almost exactly 2 years ago..if you check out the SX line here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_PowerShot_SXyou'll see that the 1/2.3" CCD sensor coupled with the DIGIC 4 processor ranges from 9MP (SX110 IS) to 14MP (SX210 IS)...for all intents and purposes, they're the same camera in terms of image quality, despite the fact that the newer version has nearly 60% more MPthis really isn't specific to your question about the SX210 IS, but this came up recently and so i thought i'd clarify since someone asked about why more MP != better
8/26/2010 10:04:51 AM
It fits your criteria and you will probably really enjoy the long telephoto for traveling.don't stress about it too much - just enjoy the trip.
8/26/2010 11:08:56 AM
$31,300VW Group design chief Walter de'Silva reskins the Leica M9
10/7/2010 9:32:33 PM
That's pretty hot.
10/7/2010 10:31:05 PM
hey look, a yuppie camera for people who drive yuppie cars.
10/9/2010 12:49:52 AM
young urban professionals don't buy $30,000 cameras.if you buy a $30,000 camera, you are rich beyond most anybody. this is for serious collectors and serious photographers. even the normal one is $7,000.yeah, not for 'yuppies'.
10/9/2010 6:22:58 AM
10/9/2010 8:41:57 AM
I'd like a point and shoot--doesn't necessarily have to be super-small (I have my iPhone if I want a pocket-sized digital camera). I don't want anything enormous, but good photo quality is the priority.I'd like a significant amount of zoom available, good ISo capability for low light levels, the ability to rapidly shoot multiple frames for action shots, good image stabilization, and preferably HD video, although I suppose that isn't a must.Also, I want it to be something that has a waterproof case available (like, a serious case, the kind I can take SCUBA diving down to 100' or something)Photography isn't really my hobby or anything...I don't need a top shelf camera. $300 would be sweet, but I neither feel compelled to spend that much if something decent is available for less, nor am I constrained to not spend more if I need to in order to get what I want. Any suggestions?
10/19/2010 5:52:31 PM
^ IIRC, canon has the largest selection of hard (waterproof/shockproof) made-for-camera cases available...but you'll drop ~$250 on the case alone, but they'll let you go down to ~40mif waterproof is a requirement and you don't think you'll use it that far down, i'd suggest the olympus stylus tough 8010, which will give you 5x optical zoom (my personal minimum), 720p HD video, decent wide angle at 28mm, and ~10m underwater protection for less than $300you can get a better camera for that same $300, though...just not one that's waterproof...i don't think you'll find too many other cameras in the $300 range that will go deeper than the 8010[Edited on October 20, 2010 at 8:18 AM. Reason : reading comprehension FTL]
10/20/2010 8:16:25 AM
yeah, the problem with waterproof cameras is that all the ones i've seen are only good for pretty shallow depths...10, 20, 30'. Maybe a little more, but nowhere near the 130' depth I can go to as a recreational SCUBA diver. I mean, if it was good to 100', that would be OK, but being limited to 20-30' really restricts what you're going to be using it for underwater.Like you said, you can get a lot more camera for the money if you don't need it to be waterproof, so I'd rather just get the camera suited for how I'll use it 99% of the time, and then get a good case for it so I can take it diving once in a blue moon.So, any particular model Canons (or others, if they make cases for them) that you recommend for my purposes?
10/20/2010 11:14:20 AM
10/20/2010 3:58:08 PM
Looking at the Best Buy website, I'm kinda narrowing it down to these (without yet checking to see what waterproof cases are out there, which could be a deciding factor):http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+12.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/9758692.p?skuId=9758692&id=1218168160003http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasonic+-+12.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/9767132.p?skuId=9767132&id=1218170033004http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Olympus+-+Factory-Refurbished+14.0-Megapixel+Digital+Camera/1233313.p?skuId=1233313&id=1218239489468Here's the link to the comparison between the 3...don't know if this will work: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=searchDriven&useProductString=true&productString=1218168160003*1218170033004*1218239489468&unProductString=1218237709263*1218171772665*1218012834817*1218082646903&catId=http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+S8100+12.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/1222844.p?skuId=1222844&id=1218237710867http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kodak+-+EasyShare+14.0-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/9789852.p?skuId=9789852&id=1218175318615http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Olympus+-+14.0-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Titanium/9790493.p?skuId=9790493&id=1218175867075Those are a few of the ones that caught my eye at a slightly higher price point. Let me know what you think. I'm cool with spending $200, and I'm cool with spending $500, as long as I get what I want and it's a good value...I don't want to waste money and buy more than I'll use, though.
10/20/2010 7:07:19 PM