Camera suggestions

[cyndi]

<B><A href="http://giantspeckledchihuahua.blogs...howComment=1321304842217#c7735700168841344011" target=_blank target=_blank>So Stumpy broke my camera</A></B>. I've been saving for a <A href="http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25452/D5000.html" target=_blank target=_blank><B>new one</B></A>, but milking the old one along while other priorities took precedence. I'm at a stage where&nbsp;I want to be able to do more with my camera.<BR><BR>For now, though, I'm going to have to buy another (relatively) inexpensive point and shoot. I'm hoping to spend under $150.<BR><BR>Any suggestions? what are you using? What do you like about it? what don't you like about it?<BR><BR>Will I be sorry for buying a used camera on Craigslist or at a pawn shop?<BR><BR>Other suggestions include<BR><A href="http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FH25K-16-1MP-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B004NBZ8DQ" target=_blank target=_blank><B>panasonic dmc-fh25k</B></A>&nbsp;($119.00)<BR><BR>and<BR><BR><A href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...ywords=canon+elph+300+hs&amp;sprefix=canon+el" target=_blank target=_blank><B>canon elph 300 hs</B></A>&nbsp;($149.99)<BR><BR><BR>

 

[sl1966]

I've had my canon elph for 7 years, and it's still going strong. I've abused it in every way possible too.<div><br></div>

 

[cyndi]

<P>Steve, thanks! the broken camera is a sd550 ELPH and has served me well for at least 6 years. Which model do you have?</P>

 

[katelyn]

I've bought (and sold) many things at pawn shops.&nbsp; Make sure you test out your camera and all electronics b4 u buy, and don't pay what they're asking, otherwise I haven't had any problems. I did buy one off ebay and it sucked so I sent it back and opted to never buy electronics unless I can walk into the store and return it<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br>

 

[sl1966]

I've got the SD300, and paid around $250 brand new. Used ones are going for $30-50 these days.<div><br></div>

 

[akrvbob]

Some people disagree, but I buy my electronics at Best Buy and get their extended warranty. Todays advanced electronics break too easily, especially cameras. Read the reviews on Amazon .com and see how many 1 stars are from cameras that break and the manufacturer blames the owner and won't fix it under warranty. It's true of all the big camera makers. <br><br>I just bought a new camera it's more than you want to spend at $200. It's a Sony DSC H70 and here are the features I wanted and got:<br><br>Wide angle lens (25mm equivalent)<br>10x optical zoom<br>Full manual control<br>Good video<br>In camera panorama stitching.<br>Fits in a shirt pocket<br>&nbsp;<br>I really like the panorama stitching.&nbsp; You push and hold the button and sweep the camera, and software inside the camera stitches it together into one very wide picture. Of course you can get software that lets you do that on your computer, but I want to take pictures, not sit in front of a computer screen. Bob<br><br>

 

[She]

Well I really don't know much about cameras but Im&nbsp;curious. How did Stumpy break the camera? Was she playing with it?&nbsp;

 

[She]

OK I see,you posted it on the blog. Awww she just wanted to have fun. just a big kid. Sorry about your camera.

 

[cyndi]

Katelynn, thanks. I'm afraid even if something I bought on ebay or at a pawnshop worked when I walked out, it might not a couple days later.&nbsp; Sounds like we're thinking alike.<br><br>Bob, the Sony DSC H70&nbsp;looks good! You were pretty much look for the same things I want and it has a battery pack! that 's been a deal killer on some of the cameras I looked at.&nbsp; Best Buys got it for about $155.00 right now. That's do-able! And maybe I won't need the fancy nikon!<br><br>She, I blame Stumpy for all kinds of things.&nbsp; The broken camera is my fault, entirely. I should have 1) had better control of my dog and 2) been using the wrist strap. BOTH times!<br>

 

[She]

O I know you don't blame her but Im sure at that moment you did! I do the same with my rattys. LOL

 

[Seraphim]

Canon, Nikon and Zeiss lenses are considered superior lenses, and it's the lens that determines image quality. Sony uses Zeiss lenses. It'll say on the lens. Other than that, most of the gimmicks are what drive the price up. If you're shooting for the Internet only, megapixels aren't that important - only if you're shooting pro or fine art. 5 megapixels - even 3.1 - are fine for most snapshooters. Learn to use manual mode and you'll be much better off than relying on modes and the camera's meter.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

<b>@ Cyndi.&nbsp; I am of the firm belief that the more pixels a camera has, the fatter it makes&nbsp;one appear. Just saying.</b><br><b><FONT color=#ff00ff>Dragonfly</FONT></b><br>

 

[cyndi]

I feel nekkid without a camera! Maybe headed into Vegas this week so will have to decide what I am going to do about that.&nbsp; <br><br>Thanks, Seraphim, I was hoping for your input!<br><br>Diane, DOG knows I don't need that!<br><br>blkjak, Thanks! I loved my canon of about 4 years, the last two I've wanted more from a camera. However the budget being what it is (or isn't) it's good to know that I can get another canon at that price.<br>

 

[Guest]

The best digital camera I ever owned was an <b>HP</b> (Hewlett Packard) 10 megapixel. Best, <b>clearest</b> pics <i>ever</i> and in any condition or lighting. Never had any weird focus problems, never any fcked-up colors or contrast, never had any trouble with the pics distorting ot blurring when enlarging or shrinking. Unfortunately, I dropped it one too many times and killed it.<br>I tried a Samsung 12 mp - it sukd. Colors were always dark and off tint, and focus points not where they were supposed to be. Sold it.<br>I tried a Panasonic 12 mp - it sukd. Colors weird, focus never clear. Sold it.<br>Tried a Sony 12 mp - it sukd. Everything about this one was crap. Sold it.<br>Now I have a Canon and it's - meh - at best. I'm not really happy with it, but it's better than the others I tried.<br>Canon Power Shot SD1300IS 12 mp.<br><br>

 

[cyndi]

Thanks 4x4!<br>I never heard of an HP camera. I have to say, I'll never (hopefully) buy another HP product. I was beyond angry when they moved their whole customer service/tech support to India. Grrrrr! <br><br>It looks like that model of Canon doesn't have a manual capabilities. I'm really wanting that option.<br>

 

[Guest]

<b>HP customer service in in the USA.</b> English speaking, competent technicians. Not some arrogant, condescending dot-head, reading out of a 3 ring "technical service" binder and repeating every thing you say.<br>HP no longer makes digital cameras, and they're pulling out of the laptop/PCs.<br>Such a shame as I have zero interest in any other brand.<br>I like the Pawn shop idea, but I also like to have warranties on every electronic thing I own.<br>SquareTrade.com is who I use for all my warranty stuff. Cheap and (in my experience) good, fast service.<br><br>

 

[Seraphim]

Cyndi<BR><BR>What features do you HAVE to have on a camera?&nbsp; What uses are you putting the images to?<BR><BR>I mentioned lens quality, but also to be considered is lens length.&nbsp; Do you need&nbsp;a telephoto capability? Wide angle?&nbsp; Two types of zoom are optical and digital. Digital zoom is essentially worthless if you want a qulaity image. The more optical zoom a camera has ( for example 4x - 14x) the more expensive the camera.<BR><BR>Canon has a 14.1 megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom for $139. The cheapest I saw (quick scan of Best Buy) for a 14x optical zoom was $200.<BR>Don't pay for a lot of features. Get one with a manual mode and practice. Digital's great for learning because you don't have to process film. You see the results instantly. Handheld meters aren't necessary. Once you get the exposure you can click away until the lighting changes. A few trials and you'll have the proper exposure.<br><BR>The compacts will have better zoom than the ultra compacts. Smaller size limits what the lens can accomplish.<BR><BR>Learn what you need, and find the camera that meets the needs. Errors in a photograph are generally the photographer's fault, not the cameras; assuming you get a camera from a quality manufacter.<BR><BR>Personally, I avoid HP, Kodak, Samsung, and other manufacturers who are not specifcally dedicated to photography. I loved Kodak film, their digital cameras &amp;*^%$. Sony is an exception for me. My first digital camera I considered capable of professional work was a Sony. <BR><BR>Any questions I might help with, holler.&nbsp; It's difficult to explain someitimes, but the process, with digital, is quite simple.<br><BR>&nbsp;<br>

 

[Seraphim]

<P>The 100 is least expensive.&nbsp; The 300 has a little better zoom for $40. Not a big difference in the zooms, imo. Evrything else between the two is essentially the same. The 150 has a superior zoom range, but uses AA batteries and has a limited depth of field (won't focus everything perfectly - just what your main subject. Background might be fuzzy). Not a rechargeable battery pack like the first two have.<BR><BR>It's all a compromise. <BR><BR>Shoot - link doesn't show comparisons.</P><br>Canon ELPH 100&nbsp;HS $139 - 4x optical zoom<br>Canon ELPH 300&nbsp;HS $178 - 5x optical zoom<br>Canon SX150 IS&nbsp; $198 - 12x optical zoom<br><br><br>

 

[Seraphim]

Comparable to ELPH 300 but for $116. <br><br><A href="http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-Coolpix...1.cfm?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=shopping" target=_blank>http://www.cameta.com/Nikon-Coolpix...1.cfm?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=shopping</A><br>

 

[Seraphim]

Bob's selection, Sony DSC H70, has an excellent optical zoom range at about $155. 14x.&nbsp; Limited aperature, though (the focus / depth of field). Not really a problem&nbsp;unless wanting to shoot professional&nbsp;photography. <br><br>Some things to compare in a torrent of information lol.<br>