What Digital Camera To Get?

[Rollershapple]

Hey everybody at MacRumors! Well In 3 weeks im going to vacation to boston, and im driving so ill be going through a lot of beautiful places. On the way back im going through canada and Im going to Niagra Falls. So Im thinking about getting a digital camera to take with me. So I have about a $150-$200 budget just for a simple point and shoot camera. So does anyone have any suggestions on what camera to get? Anyones that you use and are happy with that you would recommend?

Thanks,
Casey

[puckhead193]

canon SD series is great or the nikon coolpix(c). I would suggest at least 5 megapixels but 6 would be better...
search and there's tons of thread on P&S cameras.

[Rollershapple]

canon SD series is great or the nikon coolpix(c). I would suggest at least 5 megapixels but 6 would be better...
search and there's tons of thread on P&S cameras.
Well I've seen some decent 8 Megapixels for $200. and I've seen some 7MP ones for around $150...

[Mac-Addict]

Well I've seen some decent 8 Megapixels for $200. and I've seen some 7MP ones for around $150...

Its not always just about the Megapixels there are other many other features to consider.

[Rollershapple]

Its not always just about the Megapixels there are other many other features to consider.

What features should I look for? Could you go more indepth?

[flyfish29]

I have a Sony and have always loved sony cameras- rechargeable battery packs work great, memory stick prices have dropped drastically, etc. You can get a closeout Sony for less than $150 right now that is a 6mp camera, then add a $40 memory stick and you are set. I prefer sony memory stick cards, but there are off brand memory sticks that are even cheaper. Sony have good lens and very good software to navigate through on the camera. I think the sony is the most intuitive camera to navigate-

You will want to get the most optical zoom that you can afford- at least 3x optical...I wouldn't care about digital zoom as it is not usually good quality to use in most instances. I actually turn off my digital zoom so I get better quality pics of the kids.

I actually saw a DSC W50 which is the ultra compact 6mp sony that I have for around $165 on clearance at Staples or Sears recently.

Sony has the ultra compact line like the DSC W50 and then there is another line that is just compact size which are still small but a little thicker.

[Mac-Addict]

What features should I look for? Could you go more indepth?

Well like Image Stabilizing, Colour, Aspect ratio and so on...
Some examples (http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=375&pq-locale=en_US)

[Rollershapple]

Wow thanks guys! Im thinking of either one of those kodaks, or a canon.

[Father Jack]

You need a decent lens. I'd go Canon :)

FJ

[Rollershapple]

Could someone explain to me why Canon are superior to all the rest? Right now im leaning towards a Kodak, but I dont want make a mistake.

[miloblithe]

I'd read up on some reviews here:

dpreview.com

[maccompaq]

I have a Kodak 2 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom. I do NOT use the digital zoom. The camera takes GREAT pictures. There is so much misconception that a 6 MP camera takes better pictures than a 2 MP camera. That just is not so. The more MP you have, the larger picture you can print. But if you only print 5 X 7 pictures, a 2 MP camera is great. But, prices of 4 and 5 MP have come down a lot. Obviously, an optical zoom of 6x is better than a 3x.

[cube]

Landscape. The only camera I see in that price range with at least 28mm wide is the Fujifilm Finepix E510.

It also has aperture and shutter priority, and manual focus so it looks pretty cool.

What it doesn't have is image stabilization, but I'd rather get the 28mm.

[juanster]

yes , I too am thinking about getting a p & s digicamera, i m thinking on going for a sd canon,....

[seany916]

Canon P&S cameras are really, really good. We run all Canon videocameras (4) and have one little P&S that been good for about 3 years and the pictures are still great.

That said, I use a Nikon dSLR.

[cube]

Fuji sensors are great.

[islandman]

I'd definitely go for a Canon SD series. I have used the SD600 and I love it. I still have my old S400 that I'm going to upgrade soon. I'm going to get the SD1000. :)

[designimbus]

I would stay away from Kodaks personally. They are nowhere near the quality Canon offers. It is true that you might spend a bit more for a Canon but you get a much better camera with a better lens and better build quality. If you are just looking for a point and shoot, I would look at the SD series. But, if you would like some added features and more advanced controls you should look into the A series from canon. Many of them offer the same advanced controls found on SLRs.

[kuebby]

If size isn't a huge issue I'd go with the Canon a95. I had it for a couple years and it takes great pictures. You can also adds lenses to it if you want to get more advanced without getting a new camera.

It can be had for $220 on Amazon and probably cheaper on eBay.

[Rollershapple]

Thanks for all the replys guys! Ok so right now im wondering if the view finder is absolutely nessesary? One of the cameras I am looking at is a Kodak C875, For $175 from buy.com It has all the features you guys have been discribing about canons. Its got 5x optical zoom, image stalization ect...
So im gonna check into the Canon A series. I definitily want shutter speed option, in any camera I chose. I dont know about a wide lense or not. Do I need it? Its(camera) just for general picture taking, and a little lanscape. So anyone have any other cameras with those features, and price range they could suggest? Links? Can someone back me up about the Kodak? Is it decent for what I need?

[cube]

Looking at dpreview's conclusion about that Kodak, it seems it suffers from the same defect why I desisted from buying the V705: too much compression.

5 mpix is enough. Don't go preferring a camera just because it has more than this.

[juanster]

actually just because of this thread i checked bestbuy s website and the sd1000 is going for 249 CAD, i am going to go get one as soon as im done work at 3

[cube]

The A630 is also on sale this week for 20 CAD more, and it's a better camera. It comes with a free 2GB card.

The SD1000 is 279.

[Rollershapple]

The A630 is also on sale this week for 20 CAD more, and it's a better camera. It comes with a free 2GB card.

The SD1000 is 279.

Where is it on sale?

[juanster]

The A630 is also on sale this week for 20 CAD more, and it's a better camera. It comes with a free 2GB card.

The SD1000 is 279.


still 249 you scared me...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8266164&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat99300050007&id=1170290185654

thx for the recommendation i ll take a look at the A630 as well....

[cube]

bestbuy.ca

"On Sale This Week" on the left

[cube]

Your link is bestbuy.com, so it must be 249 USD.

In bestbuy.ca, the SD1000 is 279 CAD.

[juanster]

Your link is bestbuy.com, so it must be 249 USD.

In bestbuy.ca, the SD1000 is 279 CAD.



LOL ohh man can t belive i did that,,, haha you are right.. okay well i m still goign to get it... or the one you recommended i ll take aloot at it.. thx fo rthe help

[cube]

Check the deals at Dell before buying.

[Rollershapple]

Ok everybody, right now im torn between a Canon A630 here (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B000HAOVC6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690580&sr=1-1) And a Kodak EasyShare Z612 here (http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-EasyShare-Z612-Digital-Optical/dp/B000DZHA6O/ref=sr_1_10/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690146&sr=1-10) So what do you guys think?

[xfiftyfour]

Ok everybody, right now im torn between a Canon A630 here (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B000HAOVC6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690580&sr=1-1) And a Kodak EasyShare Z612 here (http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-EasyShare-Z612-Digital-Optical/dp/B000DZHA6O/ref=sr_1_10/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690146&sr=1-10) So what do you guys think?
Honestly, this is your own thread, so maybe read it?

Nearly everyone has advised AGAINST Kodak (I had one as well - horrible quality). Go for the Canon.

[Rollershapple]

Honestly, this is your own thread, so maybe read it?

Nearly everyone has advised AGAINST Kodak (I had one as well - horrible quality). Go for the Canon.

Haha I have been reading it. The only reason I ask is because, the Kodak has 10x optical zoom, and in the user pictures section the quality of the pictures seemed pretty good.

[Westside guy]

I think anyone shopping for a digital point-and-shoot should read this:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/compactcamerahighiso/

It's yet another reason why people need to think about the megapixel myth - it can be an issue even with dSLRs, but it's a bigger deal with compact digitals.

Before I bought my Nikon dSLR, I had a Canon Powershoot point and shoot. I don't think you can go wrong buying that Canon you've indicated.

[dukebound85]

i recently got one after a week of researching and decided that the fujifilm finepix f20 was the best buy for me. got it at like 200 at sams if i remember.

heres a link for a review

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0607/06071301fujifilmf20.asp

and here is one from the site

http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital/lineup/f20/index.html

however, the f30 is a better camera in some senses but costs more. i heard depending on where you are you can get it cheaper than what i got for mine

just my opinion and it works great for me

[BlackDan]

Don't wanna hijack this thread, but I can't make up my mind.

Which one should I get:
- Canon Ixus 70
- Nikon s200
- Nikon s500

Thanks guys. (I'm a bit of a Nikon fanboy, but a friend has the ixus 40 and that's a really great cam, so I definitely wanna consider canon for a p&s as well, although this makes the decision even more difficult)

[juanster]

ixus 70 is the same sd 1000 i think tahst teh one igot today, i went for a family dinner and so far im loving it i ll let yu guys know more when i find more about it...

[Abstract]

Well I've seen some decent 8 Megapixels for $200. and I've seen some 7MP ones for around $150...

And I've seen 6 MP cameras for $400-500.

[Abstract]

Fuji sensors are great.

i recently got one after a week of researching and decided that the fujifilm finepix f20 was the best buy for me. got it at like 200 at sams if i remember.


Yep, I'd go for a Fuji F30 if you can find it. If you need to go cheaper, go for an Fuji F20 (if you can still find it at stores).

The only other reason to get a non-Fuji is if you're desperate for image stabilization (IS), or if you want a wide-angle lens that goes to 28 mm. Of course, instead of IS, you could just shoot at a higher ISO, which would produce better results in some situations (eg: when people are moving in a dark-lit room, and IS isn't going to help). It's not like the Fuji F30 produces horrible results at high ISO. I'd definitely take advantage.

[NickElls]

This will help you. (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a630%2Ckodak_z612&show=all)

What I wouldn't like about the Kodak is it's 10 cm macro focus range. The Canon's is 1 cm.

[JDN]

If you want good zoom and image stabalisation then why not look at the Nikon Coolpix S10?

Review here: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikons10/

Of course it has it's caveats, but it gets good scores from dp.

[juanster]

canon all the way

[mintlivedotcom]

Canon

[Dave00]

You have to decide whether you want the increased portability of the super-compacts, the feature-richness of the somewhat larger P&S's, or the zoom of the significantly-larger "super-zooms." I have the most experience with the super-compacts, which I'll describe here.

I am the proud owner of both the Canon SD700IS (which is somewhat better than the newer 800IS, see reviews) and the Fuji F30. For low-light no-flash photography, as well as candids that require quick-release (think babies) the F30 is better than anything else on the market. It does like to ramp up to higher ISO's, however, so it requires some tweaking there to prevent an overly water-color image. However, for outdoor photography, I've always loved the Canons. The color is just vibrant and makes for great prints. One of the best features, which you really don't see on too many cameras other than the canons, is the ability to stitch together photos to make panoramas, which can then be turned into beautiful large prints or quicktime-VR files (really cool, if you've had a chance to play around). I've gotten some stunning panoramas from mountain-tops - you can get 180 degrees or more, which is not possible with even the best panoramic camera. For Niagara falls, I'd get the Canon SD700IS (or 800IS if the wide angle is worth more to you than barrel distortion).

Dave

[cube]

Ok everybody, right now im torn between a Canon A630 here (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B000HAOVC6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690580&sr=1-1) And a Kodak EasyShare Z612 here (http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-EasyShare-Z612-Digital-Optical/dp/B000DZHA6O/ref=sr_1_10/103-5115690-6051045?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1179690146&sr=1-10) So what do you guys think?

Also check out the newer A570 IS, which is in that price range (but the sensor is smaller).

Besides the stabilization, ISO goes up to 1600 vs 800 for the others.

The Kodak goes to 800 only at 1 megapixel.

[cube]

Landscape. The only camera I see in that price range with at least 28mm wide is the Fujifilm Finepix E510.

It also has aperture and shutter priority, and manual focus so it looks pretty cool.

What it doesn't have is image stabilization, but I'd rather get the 28mm.

It is not SuperCCD :(

[heyisa]

be sure to get something small and compact that will fit in your pocket. If a camera is to big to take anywhere, then i'll never use it. Fast shutter speed is also a good consideration to cut down on blur.

[Rollershapple]

Ok Thanks for the replys everybody! So right now im deffinitly leaning towards a Canon A630, or 570. But I've also heard really good things about Fuji Cameras, So how does the Fuji Finepix S700 compare to the A630 and 570? The S700 has 10x optical zoom, and IS mode. Its a little larger, DSLR type of camera but thats ok because im really interested in getting into photography anyways and that way I can upgrade the lense if I need to. One of the things I like about the Canon is its on camera editing. I really like the color accent feature, and the manual mode. Does the Fuji have similar features to this? The only editing software I'll be useing is iPhoto, and Gimp with either camera I chose.


Thanks Everyone for the help so far! Keep it up!

[Grimace]

The Canons can't be beat. They are worth the extra money.

[Rollershapple]

The Canons can't be beat. They are worth the extra money.

Dosent exactly answer my question though...:p

[Rollershapple]

Ok Thanks for the replys everybody! So right now im deffinitly leaning towards a Canon A630, or 570. But I've also heard really good things about Fuji Cameras, So how does the Fuji Finepix S700 compare to the A630 and 570? The S700 has 10x optical zoom, and IS mode. Its a little larger, DSLR type of camera but thats ok because im really interested in getting into photography anyways and that way I can upgrade the lense if I need to. One of the things I like about the Canon is its on camera editing. I really like the color accent feature, and the manual mode. Does the Fuji have similar features to this? The only editing software I'll be useing is iPhoto, and Gimp with either camera I chose.


Thanks Everyone for the help so far! Keep it up!.

[Rollershapple]

Please guys I need help here deciding between the Canon A630 and Fuji S700. Im strongly leaning towards the Fuji right now. But I dont want to make the wrong decision! Help!

[furious]

It is the person who will make the difference in picture quality between both cameras.

[diamond3]

Well, you can't go wrong with a canon digital camera. I wish I could say something about the fujifilm but if I did know something it would just be from reading online reviews which you can do also. I won't comment on them since I don't have any experience with them. That said, I've had 3 canon digital cameras. They have been THE MOST reliable for great, clear pictures out of any other brand on the market. I've compared them to Nikon, Kodak, HP, and a few others taken at the same place and same time and it seems like the canon always had a better picture.

On the A630, I like the flip screen feature. I use that a lot when either taken a picture of myself with someone, or just anything thats in a difficult location.

Another great camera is the Canon S3 IS. I can't promise anything with this website, but the lowest price on the internet right now. Definatly worth the jump in price.
http://www.wisetronics.com/product-p/cnpss3is.htm&click%3D19395

[cube]

Think about it this way: the 2 Canons are deeply discounted, while the discount on the S700 is not great.

But somebody posted an address and a link to a site with a $50 rebate form for the S700 in the dpreview's Fuji forum (no news whether this is legit).

And there's definitely a $50 rebate on the S6000, which would cost a bit more, but has 28mm and zoom and focus rings (although one of the rings is "by wire").

[dukebound85]

i dont think you can go wrong either way. once you get it i dont think you will be regretting it. let us know which you decide on though

[Plutonius]

Please guys I need help here deciding between the Canon A630 and Fuji S700. Im strongly leaning towards the Fuji right now. But I dont want to make the wrong decision! Help!

Once you decide on the camera you think is best, buy it from a place with a good return policy. You are never 100% sure that it's the camera for you until you get a chance to take some pictures with it under different conditions.

[buffalo]

Hope you don't mind another thread hijack! I didn't think this warranted another thread.

I'm getting closer to my Spain and Italy trip next month and have decided that I'd rather not take haul the D50 around - thus I'm in the market for a small P&S. The two I'm looking at are the Nikon s50 for $300, or the Sony t100 for $400. Opinions on those or another camera in that price / size range?


Thanks!

[EDIT] I am also looking for other options in the $300-400 price range, not just choosing between the s50 or t100.

[Clarence]

Please guys I need help here deciding between the Canon A630 and Fuji S700. Im strongly leaning towards the Fuji right now. But I dont want to make the wrong decision! Help!

I own an Cannon Power Shot a530 and a fuji f650. I HATE the cannon. Horrible battery life, tinylcd (compared to the fuji) useless viewfinder, and ultra sensitive to even the tinyest hand shake or vibration. Use zoom much? forget it. To get a clear picture at 30-40 feet is near impossible.

taken with the cannon last weekend, and these were the "best" of the worst, which I deleted. More examples on my iWeb site.

http://web.mac.com/edshults/iWeb/Site/Commencement_files/IMG_0665.jpg

http://web.mac.com/edshults/iWeb/Site/Commencement_files/IMG_0660.jpg

[flyfish29]

One thing to keep in mind is the user interface on cameras- find someplace where you can try out both and see how you like them. The Sony user interface has always been easy for me to navigate and use. The button position and size of camera is important too- try them out, see how they fit your hands, etc. That can swing a decision.

[cube]

Hope you don't mind another thread hijack! I didn't think this warranted another thread.

I'm getting closer to my Spain and Italy trip next month and have decided that I'd rather not take haul the D50 around - thus I'm in the market for a small P&S. The two I'm looking at are the Nikon s50 for $300, or the Sony t100 for $400. Opinions on those or another camera in that price / size range?


Thanks!

[EDIT] I am also looking for other options in the $300-400 price range, not just choosing between the s50 or t100.

I wouldn't go for a shirt pocketable camera because of PQ. Look for a bit bigger camera that you can put in your loose pants' pocket. This is normally the case for Canon's A series.

[cube]

No mention of SDHC in the S700 spec sheet. It only says "SD", 2GB (besides xD).
The A630 and A570 IS support SDHC

None shoot RAW. The relatively new alternatives in the $200 price range for RAW are the Olympus SP-320 and SP-510 UZ (neither is supported by Aperture, so you'll have to look at what comes with it or other 3rd party software). Both have their advantages, but the cheaper 320 seems the more serious choice (bigger sensor, faster shutter speed, bulb), although the 510 accepts external flash.

[cube]

Not too confident about those Olympus, specially the 510.
Look also at the Fujifilm E900 which goes for about the same price (note that because of xD, writing one RAW frame takes about 7 seconds).

Not sure if they are better than the other cameras under consideration which don't have RAW.

[jamesW135]

I may be a little to late to voice my opinion... The Kodak is good but it eats batteries. I would recommend a PowerShot or a Nikon P&S.

Good Luck

[Rollershapple]

Well last weekend I used my friends Powershot A400 3 megapixel 2.2 optical zoom camera and i loved it, so im pretty postive im going with the canon. Heres 2 pictures from the A400 from last weekend:
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/rollershoer4life/IMG_3771-1.jpg
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/rollershoer4life/IMG_3691.jpg

[NickD]

Definitely no Kodak. Possibly a Canon, but I've always seen and heard good things about the Fujifilm P&S cameras (F31FD, F30, and F20). I would definitely check them out on www.dpreview.com

NickD

[Rollershapple]

Yeah, NickD. I've been lurking around the fuji forums and the canon forums on dpreview, and they both seem like pretty good companys but i think im going to go with the canon just for the easy navigation and OS type thing(or whatever you call it on a camera)