Advice for buying point and shoot cameras

[Lazarus]

We are thinking about picking up a cheap little point and shoot camera to take on vacation. I have a Sony digicam now but its old, I think its a 7megapixel camera. We had a Canon Powershot? but it got broken some how. My job is having an electronics sale, ironically the day before our trip so I was going to go there and check them out but I aside from megapixels I dont know what to look for in a camera. I know I'd like to stick with the more well known brands but thats it. What else does one look for in a camera? Optical zoom? Is there something thats more important than megapixels?

[wbeck257]

A good, rechargeable battery.
Any digital camera that takes AA's is junk.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

A good, rechargeable battery.
Any digital camera that takes AA's is junk.

Actually, not necessarily true at all. Many manufacturers make good P&S cameras that run on AAs. Some people prefer the versatility. If you're going to be in Jamaica for a week, or Haiti, or some other place where you may not have access to an outlet, the ability to run on AAs is useful.

Megapixels are the least important aspect of the camera, IMHO. All the manufacturers are making 7+ megapixel P&S cameras. The difference is in the lenses, the sensor, and any features that you may or may not want. If you stick with one of the big brands, you can't go wrong. People love the Nikon coolpix series, and the powershots from canon. My personal preference is Panasonic. They use Leica lenses (ACTUAL Leica lenses, not in house manufacturer Leica branded lenses like Sony does with Zeiss). The nicer Panasonics tend to be a bit larger, but are worth the tradeoff in my book. They have up to 13x OPTICAL zoom (Optical zoom is the only thing that matters... nobody uses digital zoom, because it looks like poo). They also use a floating lens image stabilizer (As opposed to digital stabilization like some cameras use), the result is a crisp, sharp picture at long distances, even without a tripod.

[magnetnerd]

Actually, not necessarily true at all. Many manufacturers make good P&S cameras that run on AAs. Some people prefer the versatility. If you're going to be in Jamaica for a week, or Haiti, or some other place where you may not have access to an outlet, the ability to run on AAs is useful.

Megapixels are the least important aspect of the camera, IMHO. All the manufacturers are making 7+ megapixel P&S cameras. The difference is in the lenses, the sensor, and any features that you may or may not want. If you stick with one of the big brands, you can't go wrong. People love the Nikon coolpix series, and the powershots from canon. My personal preference is Panasonic. They use Leica lenses (ACTUAL Leica lenses, not in house manufacturer Leica branded lenses like Sony does with Zeiss). The nicer Panasonics tend to be a bit larger, but are worth the tradeoff in my book. They have up to 13x OPTICAL zoom (Optical zoom is the only thing that matters... nobody uses digital zoom, because it looks like poo). They also use a floating lens image stabilizer (As opposed to digital stabilization like some cameras use), the result is a crisp, sharp picture at long distances, even without a tripod.

I don't really claim to know much about cameras, but I did a lot of reading up just on the quality of the images from each camera before I bought mine. I decided on a Panasonic ZS1 and I LOVE this thing. 12x optical zoom is crazy awesome, and it has a 25mm wide lens, so you don't have to back up a mile and a half if you want to get a group photo. I'd highly recommend it.

[Duck]

I like the Canon and Panasonic brands. 3x or 5x optical zoom is nice, more than that in a low end camera will be distorted (straight lines will be bent at the edge of the picture and you'll have color fringes). In the store, while you are comparing, you can use the camera's built in display and zoom way in to see how the photo looks near the edges. Another nice feature is an optical viewfinder. The screen on the low end cameras may be hard to see outdoors in the sun.

Some of the Canon models had a problem with the image sensor falling off because they used an inappropriate bonding agent. Canon is repairing these free. Yours may qualify. Check the Canon web site.

As for batteries? We were in SE Asia last summer and had no trouble finding outlets for charging, even in rural Cambodia and Borneo.

[SlimDizzleATL]

Actually, not necessarily true at all. Many manufacturers make good P&S cameras that run on AAs. Some people prefer the versatility. If you're going to be in Jamaica for a week, or Haiti, or some other place where you may not have access to an outlet, the ability to run on AAs is useful.

Megapixels are the least important aspect of the camera, IMHO. All the manufacturers are making 7+ megapixel P&S cameras. The difference is in the lenses, the sensor, and any features that you may or may not want. If you stick with one of the big brands, you can't go wrong. People love the Nikon coolpix series, and the powershots from canon. My personal preference is Panasonic. They use Leica lenses (ACTUAL Leica lenses, not in house manufacturer Leica branded lenses like Sony does with Zeiss). The nicer Panasonics tend to be a bit larger, but are worth the tradeoff in my book. They have up to 13x OPTICAL zoom (Optical zoom is the only thing that matters... nobody uses digital zoom, because it looks like poo). They also use a floating lens image stabilizer (As opposed to digital stabilization like some cameras use), the result is a crisp, sharp picture at long distances, even without a tripod.

+1 on this. I take better pics with my 6MP DSLR than you could dream of taking with a 12MP P&S. That said, Nikon CoolPix are always a good choice. Or Casio Exlim also.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

I like the Canon and Panasonic brands. 3x or 5x optical zoom is nice, more than that in a low end camera will be distorted (straight lines will be bent at the edge of the picture and you'll have color fringes). In the store, while you are comparing, you can use the camera's built in display and zoom way in to see how the photo looks near the edges. Another nice feature is an optical viewfinder. The screen on the low end cameras may be hard to see outdoors in the sun.

Some of the Canon models had a problem with the image sensor falling off because they used an inappropriate bonding agent. Canon is repairing these free. Yours may qualify. Check the Canon web site.

As for batteries? We were in SE Asia last summer and had no trouble finding outlets for charging, even in rural Cambodia and Borneo.

Ok.. well I went to Jamaica for mission trips 3 times in 3 years, and didn't touch an outlet while I was there. The last customer I sold a camera to runs a mission in Haiti, she came in looking SPECIFICALLY for a camera that ran on AAs because she had limited/no access to the generator to charge her camera. I'm not saying AAs are better (they're not.. you'll get more shots out of a rechargeable, it's smaller, lighter, and generally more convenient), but to say that any camera that takes AAs is crap is a lie.

Totally forgot to mention optical viewfinder though, they're getting harder and harder to come by. Most of our digital video cameras don't offer them at all anymore, and fewer and fewer cameras have them, outside of prosumer/DSLRs. I'd offer to get you the hookup Laz, but the average P&S camera has less than $20 profit it in, so not a whole lot I can do. (Hell, our $700+ DSLRs have less than $50 in them)

[Lazarus]

Thanks for the advice. So I'll look out for good optical zoom and I'll keep in mind Panasonic and Canon. I hope they dont have crap here and to be honest if I can just get something comparable to my Canon I'd be happy. It was a A560 I believe.

[wallypiper]

I have a Canon SD960 IS. Like it a lot. Uses a proprietary battery but gets tons of use out of a charge. It'll even do HD video.

My wife has a Nikon Coolpix. Got it for her for the simplicity. Same deal on the battery.

As for AAs, you don't give up rechargeability with AAs. You just have to get a charger and rechargeable batteries. That said, I travel all over the world and, unless you plan to be out in the jungle for a few days, you will never have trouble finding an outlet to charge your camera battery.

[MrBlah]

I would look at canon too, the thing I look for is the time it takes to turn on, focus, and snap a picture, most of my camera work is this type of thing, ohh that looks cool, pull out camera and shoot before the shot is gone, canons have had very low, sub 1 second power to shoot times

[jkhonea]

I tend towards Canon for my Point and Shoot. Much faster than my old Nikon, like Hugh said.

By the way, here's a resource I absolutely live by.

www.steves-digicams.com

I have never been pointed wrong from his reviews and he seems completely unbiased as far as I can tell. Recommend researching your cameras here. It will save you time and money.

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

Oh yeah.. the new line of Panasonics are supposed to power on and be ready to shoot in 1.xx seconds, if I remember what the rep told me correctly Good point, Sr.Blah. And Steves-digicams is a good website.. now I can't remember the other one I used to use.

[wallypiper]

I just tried my Canon and it is very fast. Don't have a way to time it but its definitely in that 1 second range, maybe less.

[Trey]

Glad this thread came up... In the market for a new digi cam myself as I'm headed on a real vacation in July. Always liked the Canon power shots. Glad to hear you guys think highly of them too. May grab one soon. My bulky, slow, battery draining Kodak has to go.

[ROCKER]

Love my casio exilim.
It comes with the dock to recharge and connect to the pc. Easy to use and load pics.
Battery last a long time.
I take it on the dualsport with me, so I know it can handle some bouncing around.

[MrBlah]

my next will probably be a samsung TL350 I'm waiting for more reviews before I replace my canon SD1000

the canon is lower MP, and not great in low light, the samsung tl350 is supposed to be lightning fast

the canon SD4000is competes with it, but the video it does is only gonna be 720p, I think they share the same backlit cmos sensor

[Derrick]

Canon Powershot SD750 here and IMO, it's a great camera. Takes video w/audio onboard as well.

[Mortalis5509]

Glad this thread came up... In the market for a new digi cam myself as I'm headed on a real vacation in July. Always liked the Canon power shots. Glad to hear you guys think highly of them too. May grab one soon. My bulky, slow, battery draining Kodak has to go.

Buy a DSLR. I just got a Nikon D5000 and took pics at my graduation (UGA) and this thing can take some pictures. I also got a not so legal copy of photoshop CS5 to edit the photos. If you are going somewhere nice, get a nice camera. The quality of the pictures are something else and really worth considering.

[MrBlah]

dslr's are a completely different level, I love my dslr but it can not replace a point/shoot I carry in my pocket

[TLR67]

Canon Powershot SD750 here and IMO, it's a great camera. Takes video w/audio onboard as well.

Bring it to Tally... We need some Pit shots Derrick... I am always too busy or forget my hunk of shit Camera....

[ramm]

Love my Canon point and shoot


dslr's are a completely different level, I love my dslr but it can not replace a point/shoot I carry in my pocket

:yeathat:

don't even know why DSLR's were brought into this conversation :lol:

[magnetnerd]

Love my Canon point and shoot



:yeathat:

don't even know why DSLR's were brought into this conversation :lol:

x2.

DSLR's are awesome for their purpose, but they're not a good replacement for a point and shoot. Plus, unless you know what you're doing with a DSLR, the pics aren't necessarily even going to be better than with a PS.

[ramm]

Yeah I can shop my p&s to make them look just as good if not better, all about them layers. :lol:

[Lazarus]

I just started looking into DSLRs since my last post. I really do want one but just dont know if its practical at this point in time. Also I dont know about lugging it around Disney. Where would I put it when I get on rides and such?

[TarzanMan]

For the most part, 'cheap' will get you cameras with approximately the same performance in the same class. There are a lot of very decent $100-$200 ultra-compact digital cameras out there. The favorite brands among the ones I have used are Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji and Panasonic.

As for what to look for in a camera... it depends on what you're interested in doing. If you aren't necessarily concerned with getting superior image quality, or performance in non-ideal conditions then you can choose based on size, price, and optical zoom. However, if you want something that is a step above the norm then I would look at the Canon G11 and the Canon S90.

As others have pointed out, megapixels are not a fool-proof method for determining picture quality. The sensors on most digital cameras are so small that they often hit a diffraction limit (a limit on the image quality based on physics/optics) which doesn't make a 10-megapixel image any better than a 6 or 8 megapixel image.

Without getting into all the details, the difference between the nicer digital cameras and the 'cheap' ones are:
-The overall quality of the pictures it takes (color, sharpness, size, dynamic range, noise)
-The range of conditions it is still able to take decent shots in (low light, fast action, bright light, distance to subject)

I would look for a camera based on these specifications (listed most important to least important)
1. Sensor size (bigger is better)
2. Lens aperture (f/2 is excellent, f/2.8 is decent, f/3.5 is very average)
3. Lens focal length range (how much optical zoom it has. bigger can be better, but can sometimes sacrifice sharpness. If you need a super-zoom then you probably shouldn't use a point&shoot)
4. Camera shutter lag (less is better)
5. Camera flash (bigger is better, but most p&S cameras have the same 10 ft range on them)
6. Size/cost/etc

[jkhonea]

For Disney, no way in hell would I do a DSLR. More trouble than its worth. If you're looking for more zoom than a typical small point and shoot, check Fuji. I think they have one that's about 10x zoom. Think it had decent reviews, also. But without a doubt, would most definitely NOT do the DSLR.

Here's a couple ideas for you with better than average optical zoom. Never use digital zoom. Makes pictures grainy and look terrible.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~cabcat0400000%23%230%23%23dh~~cabcat0401000%23% 230%23%233e~~cabcat0401001%23%230%23%232u~~cabcat0 401003%23%230%23%231g~~q4661737433736b7539~~nf332| |313078206f72206d6f7265&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abCameraCamcorderSP&sp=-bestsellingsort+skuid&usc=abcat0400000

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~cabcat0400000%23%230%23%23dh~~cabcat0401000%23% 230%23%233e~~cabcat0401001%23%230%23%232u~~cabcat0 401004%23%230%23%23l~~q4661737433736b7537~~nf332|| 313078206f72206d6f7265&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abCameraCamcorderSP&sp=-bestsellingsort+skuid&usc=abcat0400000

[Derrick]

Bring it to Tally... We need some Pit shots Derrick... I am always too busy or forget my hunk of shit Camera....

Sure thing dude...I've also got a flip video recorder that takes video in HD that I'll bring along too.

[Trey]

Buy a DSLR. I just got a Nikon D5000 and took pics at my graduation (UGA) and this thing can take some pictures. I also got a not so legal copy of photoshop CS5 to edit the photos. If you are going somewhere nice, get a nice camera. The quality of the pictures are something else and really worth considering.

I'd love a DSLR, but not sure its in the budget, unless I can find a steal..

But I'm going to the Dutch Antilles (St. Maartin) so yes, I want to get some good pics!

[Mortalis5509]

I'd love a DSLR, but not sure its in the budget, unless I can find a steal..

But I'm going to the Dutch Antilles (St. Maartin) so yes, I want to get some good pics!

I got my D5000 refurb and a 3 year warranty cheaper than a new D5000. The new ones only come with one year warranty.

[Mortalis5509]

Love my Canon point and shoot



:yeathat:

don't even know why DSLR's were brought into this conversation :lol:

I did damnit. Now what?

[ramm]

Bitch! :rofl:

[TarzanMan]

From http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong11/page20.asp:

"Although the G11 faces competition from more sides than its predecessors did, it's still a unique offering. There are more readily pocketable cameras out there that offer similar image quality and, once you're resigned to wearing it around your neck, there are not much larger cameras that will trump it for image quality (though they are more expensive). There are even cameras that offer greater zoom ranges in smaller, less expensive packages. However, there's nothing to match the G11's all-round capability - its strengths are its balance between size, flexibility and image quality."

http://www.fareastgizmos.com/entry_images/0809/20/canon_G11_b-thumb-450x337.jpg

Canon G11 gallery on flickr - http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon_g10g11_from_snapshots_to_greatshots/pool/

[MrBlah]

g11 is pretty old now, the new cmos sensors are better

[TarzanMan]

The G11 was released in October 2009. Its a bit of a stretch to call it 'old'.

[MrBlah]

The G11 was released in October 2009. Its a bit of a stretch to call it 'old'.

with cameras or computers it's not, the current crop are using the new backlit cmos sensor, especially the point/shoot cameras, they are really making big improvements now, the video from the g11 is not even 720p, it's sd. The current cameras are all doing 1080p!

[TarzanMan]

Yes, but I bet their photos aren't as nice.

The canon S90 only does 640x480 video, but it would probably put your non-DSLR camera to shame in terms of picture quality due to the large sensor (it has the same sensor as the G11).

Conversely, the Canon SD780IS takes very nice HD video (720p), but its still photos are no better than my 4-year old Canon SD630. I assumed that nice photos were the primary concern of the original poster.

My DSLR takes *superb* HD video (especially in low light), but I only use that feature occasionally.

[TroyBoy30]

2009 is ancient when it comes to any electronics not just cameras

[TarzanMan]

My 2009 Canon 7D DSLR begs to differ (October 2009). Show me a newer camera that has better specs.

[TroyBoy30]

specs don't make the best product. Just look at the iphone. same goes for bikes. Might be the best on paper but not the best for you are what you plan to do with it.

I usually just read all the reviews from cnet or somewhere, then check the forums for issues, then make a decision

[atwowheelguy]

It's great to have so many choices, but sometimes it gets overwhelming to some of us who aren't totally up to speed on all the technical details. I was on my way to do some off-road riding in Colorado a couple of years ago when something broke on my Olympus P&S. I had liked the Olympus and was inclined to buy another one. I stopped into a camera store in Memphis without a lot of time to research options. I then discovered that Olympus and most other camera brands no longer offered optical viewfinders on compact cameras. I wear reading glasses for close up focusing, but I don't wear glasses otherwise. I wanted an optical viewfinder because I didn't want to have to get out the glasses to focus on the screen on the back of the camera every time I took a picture. At the time, Canon was one of only a couple of brands that were still offering optical viewfinders. I ended up with a Canon SD850 IS with a spare battery. 4X optical zoom, 8 megapixels, f2.8 lens, and it fit the pouch on the front of my chest protector. I'm quite satisfied with it, and I only spent about 20 minutes in the store making the decision.

http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/PowerShot_2007/PS_SD850IS/sd850is_586x225.jpg

I don't think the DSLR would work as well here:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1416/4606551118_620d5bf999_o.jpg

[MrBlah]

hah that's where I put my canon sd1000 ! eddie asks me If I'm going parachuting every time we ride

[TroyBoy30]

I picked the Canon SD850 as well. It does great video also

[TarzanMan]

specs don't make the best product. Just look at the iphone. same goes for bikes. Might be the best on paper but not the best for you are what you plan to do with it.

Way to dodge the question and change the subject. We aren't talking about smart-phones that do a dozen different things. The discussion is about cameras that do two things (still pictures, video) and among a product offering where you can spend as little as $100 or as much as $3,000,the specs make a huge difference.

If you still disagree, then I would ask you to compare a camera with a 1/2.5 sensor, f/5.0-f/8 lens and max ISO 800 exposure mode
to one with a 1/1.6 sensor, f/2.8 lens and ISO 1600 exposure mode. Both ultracompact, equal megapixels.

[Lazarus]

So couple the recommendations for a Canon SD along with the fact I already had a Powershot I liked I just might be getting another Canon.

[TroyBoy30]

Way to dodge the question and change the subject. We aren't talking about smart-phones that do a dozen different things. The discussion is about cameras that do two things (still pictures, video) and among a product offering where you can spend as little as $100 or as much as $3,000,the specs make a huge difference.

If you still disagree, then I would ask you to compare a camera with a 1/2.5 sensor, f/5.0-f/8 lens and max ISO 800 exposure mode
to one with a 1/1.6 sensor, f/2.8 lens and ISO 1600 exposure mode. Both ultracompact, equal megapixels.

didn;t realize there was a question. I know nothing about dslrs just making a general statement

[MrBlah]

I was gonna get the TL350 but this new canon sd4000is is looking really nice, f2.0 is pretty friggin fast for a point/shoot

this is basically the G11 replacement, better in every way, f2.0 vs 2.8! except max zoom is 105 vs 140mm, that does not bother me as it's quite a bit more compact

http://www.apertureland.com/2010/05/11/canon-powershot-sd4000is-sd4000/

[TarzanMan]

Wow. That does look pretty good. f/2 is fast, period.

[Trey]

Picked up this yesterday:

970

Canon Powershot SX120IS

Not the highest rated by any means for P&S, but for the price and the needs I have, I think it will be fine.
10x Optical Zoom, Large LCD, Image Stibilizer, Decent Aperture ratings...

Its a little bigger than what I wanted, but for the price I couldn't pass it up.. ($199)..

Now go ahead and tell me how bad it is.. :Poke:

[Lazarus]

I dont know. My old Sony Cybershot 5.1 did a great job. I"m glad I didnt waste the money on a new camera. However being at WDW and seeing all of the Canon and Nikon DSLRs I realize that my next camera will be a Nikon DSLR. I think I want the D5000 but this guy from Germany I met has a D40 and really likes it so I'll look at them too.

[Nikk777]

love my panasonic with the leica lens.(even has burst function that allows multiple pics to be taken while you hold down the button, great at the track and for action shots) had two casios break..pieces of crap!!! kodak I had was good. Fry's has great deals!

[TarzanMan]

If I were going consumer low end, then I would avoid the D40. Nikon made a weird decisions to not put an auto-focus motors in the D40, which limits your lens selection (if you want your camera to have auto-focus).

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

If I were going consumer low end, then I would avoid the D40. Nikon made a weird decisions to not put an auto-focus motors in the D40, which limits your lens selection (if you want your camera to have auto-focus).



^^This.

Although it's still not an awful first DSLR.

[Lazarus]

So what is better? The D5000?