Point and shoot camera - LotusTalk

V-RAPTOR · 10-19-2009, 03:34 PM

My mother is looking for a new point and shoot camera and asked me for advice. I am not "in the know" on this at all. She needs a decent one that takes good pictures and most of all is easy to use. She is looking in the lower price range of probably around $200. The camera will be used mostly for the family type pictures. She does not need a lot of extras but some kind of "anti shake" would be nice.

Do any of the experts have any recommendations?

Cali · 10-19-2009, 03:42 PM

Any of the Canon elph series. Newegg.com has good deals on them usually....

Nawambo · 10-19-2009, 04:00 PM

Got my wife the mini Olympus, 8MP and it's been great overall. Check out CNET.

Vulcan Grey · 10-19-2009, 05:08 PM

I second the Canon Digital elph. I have an older SD1100, without anti shake, but the new ones do have it.

the1sen · 10-19-2009, 06:51 PM

Easy to use - Easy to squeeze. Elphs are great. Make sure it says "IS" at the end of the nomenclature. That stands for Image Stabilizer.

ML1media · 10-19-2009, 07:26 PM

Canon gets the nod. Have owned-used (extensively) Canons, Panasonics, and Olympus' P+S (and Nikon DLR) and the Canon's always gave the best results. (I've heard good things about the Nikon P-S's). Consider a few things----
Inside or outside shooting....some of the slightly larger Canons (such as the AS1x00 line) have a larger flash with better range
How old is Mom? (the tiniest of PS are hard to hold and hard to manipulate the controls).
Do not get one with too many options -- the best ones always offer a K-I-S-S mode.
Look for 3x or 4x Optical zoom....maybe 5X. After that, they are either compromises in lens or significant addition in size.
Try and get one with an optical viewfinder. the 2-3" digital screen is nice....INDOORS. Outside/in bright/sunlight, it's @#$% near impossible. (I made the mistake TWICE of skipping the viewfinder.)
Check the ergonomics --- a lot of people like to hold a camera with just one hand to take a quick pic---do the buttons on the back or top get in teh way of that?
How fast does it start up ---may not be an issue---was imprtnt for me that it turn on and be pic-ready in under 1 second. How fast can it take the next pic (recycle time)?
Do you want her to have Movie Mode? Can it 'zoom' while in movie mode(not common).
Batteries---LI-ion rechrgable or std (AA or AAA). Figure on buying a spare or two if Li-ion.
MEmory card---most are SD (exc of course Sony). Chec the form SD or Min SD or Micro SD (with an adapter?). Those darned mini and micr are tough to handle. Also make sure the capacity cap --can the Cam accept SDHC (High cap)---look for 16g or better.

john m.

Lancia · 10-19-2009, 07:54 PM

I got a canon and one of the better fujis. f series
The fuji was simpler and kicks the canons ass.
No comparison at night.
Not even close.
The fuji is vastly superior.
Turns out it is a little known cult favorite for people that have tried it.
Bigger, clunkier, but the battery lasts three times as long.
Canon is okay though.
Fuji has superior color.

apexdc · 10-19-2009, 08:58 PM

Canon 880IS, shut the flash off totally and run the HIGH ISO mode. It give the most spectacular family photos, Rich color, no red eyes. The IS is for Image Stabilization (anti shake).

It has been out a while and some guides still list it as best in class, even over some later Canons

V-RAPTOR · 10-20-2009, 03:54 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

To answer some questions Mom is 54, she does not need a movie mode but I guess it is something I could teach her to use. Adjusting the ISO is too advanced for her.

Something with a good zoom, Image Stabilization, easy to use, and possible a good flash are most important.

christsay · 10-20-2009, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexdc

Canon 880IS, shut the flash off totally and run the HIGH ISO mode. It give the most spectacular family photos, Rich color, no red eyes. The IS is for Image Stabilization (anti shake).

It has been out a while and some guides still list it as best in class, even over some later Canons

I got my girlfriend one of these and she loves it. I shoot Nikon for my SLR but if I were to buy a compact for myself I'd go Canon. Great user interface.

The Canon compact lineup is really packed, I just gravitated towards the one with the widest lens. You can always crop but there is no substitute for wide.

LotusStig22 · 10-20-2009, 05:31 AM

Canon PowerShot with IS is good I hear.
I've seen models for around 200, and theyve gotten decent reviews.
I'm more of an SLR guy (Nikon D60), which reminds me...I really gotta take some more shots, haven't done it recently.

V-RAPTOR · 10-20-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

Canon PowerShot with IS is good I hear.
I've seen models for around 200, and theyve gotten decent reviews.
I'm more of an SLR guy (Nikon D60), which reminds me...I really gotta take some more shots, haven't done it recently.

I have a D60 myself as well. I really need to take some lessons to really start to be able to use this camera.

TimMullen · 10-20-2009, 09:25 AM

I have a Nikon CoolPix - it takes great pictures, the battery last forever, lots of automatic features that you never have to even think about. Easy to use zoom, and it's small/thin - it easily slips into a pocket for easy carry. Intuitive controls. My wife isn't too into fancy gadgets (not that she can't program a VCR or anything, she just never wanted to bother - she lets me do that stuff), and she loves using the CoolPix

I highly recommend it.

RENDERMAN · 10-20-2009, 10:49 AM

Canon A1000 or Nikon L19!! Cheap and your mom doesn't need anything more for daily pictures...

LotusStig22 · 10-20-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-RAPTOR

I have a D60 myself as well. I really need to take some lessons to really start to be able to use this camera.

Great cam isn't it?
Look up depth of field, and start out on either auto or "P" (Programmed Auto).
I started out on those, and still use them for easy pics.

Then get some online tutorials and experiment with different speeds and apertures.

I love the motion effects. I took a picture of a fan and it came out as just the four blades singularly as if without motion, it's great. The image stabilization is good as well.

10-19-2009, 03:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
V-RAPTOR STARLIGHT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NOVA (Winchester) Posts: 663	Point and shoot camera My mother is looking for a new point and shoot camera and asked me for advice. I am not "in the know" on this at all. She needs a decent one that takes good pictures and most of all is easy to use. She is looking in the lower price range of probably around $200. The camera will be used mostly for the family type pictures. She does not need a lot of extras but some kind of "anti shake" would be nice. Do any of the experts have any recommendations? __________________ 2005 Starlight Black Biscuit Interior // Hard Top // Von Hep Exhaust // Von Hep Rear Delete // Full Heat Shield Removed // Fujita CAI // Rota Torque Wheels W/ Toyo R1R's // ForceFed Carbon Fiber Splitter // Carbon Fiber Engine lid cover // LidBone // JL Audio VR525-CXi Front and Rear // Micro Mirror // Painted interior bits // Bling Buttons // Darth Holder

10-19-2009, 03:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	Any of the Canon elph series. Newegg.com has good deals on them usually.... __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

10-19-2009, 04:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
Nawambo Lotus Owner to be Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Leesburg, Va Posts: 662	Got my wife the mini Olympus, 8MP and it's been great overall. Check out CNET. __________________ Today STI, Tomorrow Exige S Please check out my first book: www.ArabAmericanHandbook.com I've successfully used it to teach law enforcement, academia, and the private sector!

10-19-2009, 05:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Vulcan Grey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Colorado USA Posts: 295	I second the Canon Digital elph. I have an older SD1100, without anti shake, but the new ones do have it. __________________ Travis Vulcan Grey Esprit SE http://vulcangrey.lotuscolorado.com/gallery

10-19-2009, 06:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	Easy to use - Easy to squeeze. Elphs are great. Make sure it says "IS" at the end of the nomenclature. That stands for Image Stabilizer. __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com Last edited by the1sen : 10-19-2009 at 06:59 PM.

10-19-2009, 07:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
ML1media Trvlr thru time+space Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Elmhurst, IL Posts: 149	Canon gets the nod. Have owned-used (extensively) Canons, Panasonics, and Olympus' P+S (and Nikon DLR) and the Canon's always gave the best results. (I've heard good things about the Nikon P-S's). Consider a few things---- Inside or outside shooting....some of the slightly larger Canons (such as the AS1x00 line) have a larger flash with better range How old is Mom? (the tiniest of PS are hard to hold and hard to manipulate the controls). Do not get one with too many options -- the best ones always offer a K-I-S-S mode. Look for 3x or 4x Optical zoom....maybe 5X. After that, they are either compromises in lens or significant addition in size. Try and get one with an optical viewfinder. the 2-3" digital screen is nice....INDOORS. Outside/in bright/sunlight, it's @#$% near impossible. (I made the mistake TWICE of skipping the viewfinder.) Check the ergonomics --- a lot of people like to hold a camera with just one hand to take a quick pic---do the buttons on the back or top get in teh way of that? How fast does it start up ---may not be an issue---was imprtnt for me that it turn on and be pic-ready in under 1 second. How fast can it take the next pic (recycle time)? Do you want her to have Movie Mode? Can it 'zoom' while in movie mode(not common). Batteries---LI-ion rechrgable or std (AA or AAA). Figure on buying a spare or two if Li-ion. MEmory card---most are SD (exc of course Sony). Chec the form SD or Min SD or Micro SD (with an adapter?). Those darned mini and micr are tough to handle. Also make sure the capacity cap --can the Cam accept SDHC (High cap)---look for 16g or better. john m. __________________ The garage is semi-FULL. 2007 CO Elise Boxster S --SOLD, Toyota Tundra, Honda Ascot and a 39 year old topless german

10-19-2009, 07:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lancia Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,543	I got a canon and one of the better fujis. f series The fuji was simpler and kicks the canons ass. No comparison at night. Not even close. The fuji is vastly superior. Turns out it is a little known cult favorite for people that have tried it. Bigger, clunkier, but the battery lasts three times as long. Canon is okay though. Fuji has superior color.

10-19-2009, 08:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
apexdc From close to Roswell.... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Palm Springs, CA Posts: 428	Canon 880IS, shut the flash off totally and run the HIGH ISO mode. It give the most spectacular family photos, Rich color, no red eyes. The IS is for Image Stabilization (anti shake). It has been out a while and some guides still list it as best in class, even over some later Canons __________________ 2006 Elise, Graphite Grey/Red leather, Sport Elise Suspension, Hardtop 1992 900SS Ducati Race Spec Built by Ferracci 2006 KTM 950 SuperMoto, a work in progress Wife drives a 2007 Cooper S, our BIG car! Old stuff gone: Ferrari 275GTB/4, '69 1275 Cooper S. '72 500 Fiat, old Jags, etc. Never bought a boring car.

10-20-2009, 03:54 AM	#9 (permalink)
V-RAPTOR STARLIGHT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NOVA (Winchester) Posts: 663	Thanks for all the replies. To answer some questions Mom is 54, she does not need a movie mode but I guess it is something I could teach her to use. Adjusting the ISO is too advanced for her. Something with a good zoom, Image Stabilization, easy to use, and possible a good flash are most important. __________________ 2005 Starlight Black Biscuit Interior // Hard Top // Von Hep Exhaust // Von Hep Rear Delete // Full Heat Shield Removed // Fujita CAI // Rota Torque Wheels W/ Toyo R1R's // ForceFed Carbon Fiber Splitter // Carbon Fiber Engine lid cover // LidBone // JL Audio VR525-CXi Front and Rear // Micro Mirror // Painted interior bits // Bling Buttons // Darth Holder

10-20-2009, 05:31 AM	#11 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Canon PowerShot with IS is good I hear. I've seen models for around 200, and theyve gotten decent reviews. I'm more of an SLR guy (Nikon D60), which reminds me...I really gotta take some more shots, haven't done it recently. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

10-20-2009, 09:25 AM	#13 (permalink)
TimMullen Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Chantilly, VA Posts: 11,391 Images: 19	I have a Nikon CoolPix - it takes great pictures, the battery last forever, lots of automatic features that you never have to even think about. Easy to use zoom, and it's small/thin - it easily slips into a pocket for easy carry. Intuitive controls. My wife isn't too into fancy gadgets (not that she can't program a VCR or anything, she just never wanted to bother - she lets me do that stuff), and she loves using the CoolPix I highly recommend it. __________________ Tim Mullen --- There is no such thing as Touring suspension or Touring wheels. I love being married. It's so great to find that one person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner Chantilly, VA http://members.cox.net/elans4/ 05 Lotus Elise - Chrome Orange - No Touring - No LSS - No Hardtop - Lotus Driving Lights - Lotus "Chin Guards" - plain and simple. 94 Miata R Package - Black 72 Lotus Elan Sprint - Colorado Orange/Cirrus White

10-20-2009, 10:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
RENDERMAN Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Miami 305 Posts: 916 Images: 6	Canon A1000 or Nikon L19!! Cheap and your mom doesn't need anything more for daily pictures... __________________ WILL.I.AM 2005 Saffron yellow Custom Elise…. Adobe Photoshop CS4 Certified Instructor Check out my work, Site under construction... http://www.wilsart.com/

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