Camera Time

[Elisheva]

I'm leaving the country in 3 wks and need to purchase a camera. I would appreciate some clear thoughts as to a particular camera model to buy. My main need is to take photos while riding in addition to using the camera while abroad. My budget is $300. Just want a simplistic camera that takes great photos on the trail (have no plans to become a professional photographer).

I've been to CostCo and Best Buy and have looked at various models of:

Nikon
Panasonic (Lumix)
Canon

Your thoughts? And, thank you.

[Burner]

If you search on here there have been some great point and shoot camera threads, where all the resident photogs have weighed in.

I prefer the Canon's... been using a SD950IS lately and have been happy with it.

if I could tolerate a little more bulk, I'd be carrying the Canon G9 in a heartbeat.

[volcomsteban]

check out the sony H series. maybe H-5, H-7, H-9, H10. If you can afford it I'd go with the H-50 i think its around 380

[DISCO]

Check out a company called DXG they make a HD camera for $220 that will leave you plenty for a SD card. The optics are acceptable and more importantly it's not super hi res. Any photo more than 3-5 mega pixels will have to be diluted for the web anyway.


I have been using their older model for quite some time and could not be happier for many reasons.

1. Uses Double A batteries, I use Duracell rechargeables and always have re-loads

2. Can be used with a tri-pod and AC adaptor for making "Home Movies" that run a little long.

3. I have big hands and no trouble holding this thing, unlike many of the daintier cameras out there.

4. All use a CCD image sensor which is superior to the CMOS units in other makes.



Really worth checking out, you will be hard pressed to find better in this price range. Here is the link I think the slim model for $150 bucks should be just about right.




Mine is about three years old so the new ones will look even better but here are some compress samples.

[freekengo]

I've had my best luck (image quality wise) with CANON. Currently using the G9. Even the lower end units takes great photos! Have fun!

[surlygal]

Originally Posted by Burner

If you search on here there have been some great point and shoot camera threads, where all the resident photogs have weighed in.

I prefer the Canon's... been using a SD950IS lately and have been happy with it.

Canons SD950IS over here too! It's been perfect for point & shoot while riding, bbqing, etc. Lightweight, rounded corners..
You can even use it for some video (not super quality)

[Jordansrealm]

Something in the Canon Powershot series will always treat you right. Go to a place like Circuit City or Best Buy or Samys Camera and try a few. Choose the features you want to have. I would suggest Samys over the others as many of the guys behind the counter are photographers.

[TheNightRunner]

This is also the camera my mom uses, the sony cybershot, it takes great photos with 7 mp's and its pink and small so you can pretty much take it wherever heres the link

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...e133644-rLink7

[AKmoney]

Get one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

I got one a few months ago & took it to Europe. Clear images, good battery life, big LCD screen and it even takes pretty reasonable quality .AVI movies. It's very small and light.

One other nice feature about the SD870 IS is that the lens goes wider on the wide end than most other point & shoot digicams. Most cameras only go to a ~35mm equivalent focal length but this one goes down to ~28mm. It can make a big difference, especially if you're taking indoor pics.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Originally Posted by AKmoney

Get one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...S_Digital.html

I got one a few months ago & took it to Europe. Clear images, good battery life, big LCD screen and it even takes pretty reasonable quality .AVI movies. It's very small and light.

Whats up Andy?

[HUGH]

Anything that starts with "Canon SD" would be a good choice in my opinion.
Right now I use the Canon SD 870IS. I chose this camera because of the image stabilization, the 3 inch LCD (for yor viewing pleasure), and it has a wider than normal shooting range(28mm to 105mm) which is great for group shots(STR style).. Oh and its roughly 250. You can get the camera,a case, and a spare battery for 300 bucks!

HUGH


Just for the record I'm a Nikon shooter when it comes to DSLRs but for point and shoot cameras Canon has the better cameras....

[AKmoney]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

Whats up Andy?

Yo dood!! You find any trails out there in Compton yet?

[Elisheva]

You guys are great for sharing your knowledge. I'm thinking Canon SD is the way to go; I'll look more closely at the SD870 model. I appreciate the SD950, but I think that's more than I need. Thanks again, I'm swamped with preparations for my trip. One less thing on my "To-do List."

Fired Yo Momma and AKmoney: you guys can jack my thread now, I'm done....

[BigRedHit]

I suggest to everyone Canon. I currently have the SD650. Takes perfect shots and videos in the best quality for the price. Currently the SD750 is $200 out there. Good luck

[Sprockethead]

Check Amazon Beth, they usually have some awesome prices on Canon SD's. I also recommend the SD's, great picture quality and easy to carry around.

I've been satisfied with my Panasonic Lumix, but I still think the Canon's take better pictures. My Lumix has a Leica lens but the pictures are noisy.

Go with Canon, you can't go wrong.

[Elisheva]

Originally Posted by Sprockethead

I've been satisfied with my Panasonic Lumix, but I still think the Canon's take better pictures. My Lumix has a Leica lens but the pictures are noisy.

Yeah, my neighbor has a Lumix and he strongly suggested I buy one because of the lens.

[HUGH]

http://www.dpreview.com/

[Shu]

Originally Posted by HUGH

http://www.dpreview.com/

This is a GREAT site for side by side comparisons

[Elisheva]

I'm there now, and it's enlightening me on more options

[Shu]

Figure out what options are of the most interest to you then forget the rest....5-7 mega pixles....zoom range...macro zoom range...if it shoots video 640x320 30fps is plenty....COST...that's all you really need to know for a point and shoot