digital camera suggestions

[benlee]

I want to buy my girlfriend a digital camera for her birthday. I want to get a relatively good one that has video recording capabilities too.

Under $400.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[lwood1]

Nikon

/end thread

[djellison]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 .

Have it, love it, couldn't do without it, and most of the time it out performs my Canon 400D.

Doug

[MicBook]

Nikon

the P5100 is a really nice camera

[epochblue]

I read a few reviews on DPReview.com and ultimately went with a Canon Digital Elph 850IS (~$225 from Amazon) - it was "highly recommended (just)" from DPReview, which was good enough for me.

If you're looking for a good camera, I highly recommend reading the in-depth reviews on DPReview.com, those guys seem to really know their stuff.

[stoich]

Awesome choice! The cannon powershot elph line is I believe have some of the best cameras for the money.

[NC MacGuy]

You may want to check out the digital photography forums where this has been discussed repeatedly. I'm a believer in the Canon Elph line for P&S's. Just bought a SD 790 is that I love. It's got the new body and 3" lcd - and takes great pictures. I also have a G9 and at your $400 price point, you're very close to affording which is really nice w. manual controls, RAW and lense/filter additions should you choose at a later date.

dpreview.com is the place to go for very good info and in-depth camera test results.

[aivzdog]

Nikon has wonderful cameras.
I use a nikon d40 which is suitable for me.

[da2005pizimp]

i have a canon and love it, i have had 3 of them and wouldn't get anything else. i know people that have kodaks and they are horrible.

[yazbelle]

I have a Nikon D300, but the Nikon D40 is great! You can easily find a used one for really cheap. People are constantly upgrading. Not because the camera isn't good enough, but because (for me) a Nikon made me get more serious about photography and I wanted more advanced options.

[Sideonecincy]

Nikon has wonderful cameras.
I use a nikon d40 which is suitable for me.
Do d40's have video capabilities? I don't think Canon Rebel series or 40d camera have video capabilities. If they do, I never noticed it on my 30d.

Depending on what sort of photographer she is will help determine what sort of camera to go with. A DSLR might be too bulky and too complicated for an average user to use.

[Abstract]

I highly doubt that the OP is looking to buy a DSLR. He has already mentioned his desire for video capability, and since only one DSLR has this feature, costs far more than $400, and hasn't even been released yet, he's probably interested in something else right now. ;)

I say look at getting an 8 MP or 10 MP Canon, or possibly a Panasonic that can shoot really wide angles (don't know the specific models). The sensors on the Panasonics aren't the absolute greatest, but I doubt it's a problem unless she's going to print these photos at massive sizes.

[benlee]

Thanks all.

I checked out dpreview and ended up buying a Canon SD790 IS

It is supposed to be delivered on Friday from Amazon.

[da2005pizimp]

She will like the Canon they make some of the best cameras out there, great buy

[*Sandy*]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 .

Have it, love it, couldn't do without it, and most of the time it out performs my Canon 400D.

Doug

I just bought 2 one for my son amazing camera.
Sold my canon!


Here is one of my first pics with it

[mrgreen4242]

I asked this question in the digital photography section, personally ended up deciding on a D40 (Nikon SLR). However, a few members pointed out some great point and shoot cams with nice video modes. There was a Lieca model, in particular, that was also sold by Panasonic under a different model name (same camera, slightly different case, way less $$$) that really caught my eye. I can't remember the model though... but as suggested go to the photography section and look around there. You'll get a lot of ideas!