A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

I know it's been posted before about what cameras some of you use....and at that time I read it with interest but didn't go beyond that....Well today, my Grandson graduated from Valley Christian High School here in San Jose. Grandma took her old Sony (5 yr. old camera that cost almost $500 when I bought it) camera in order to take pictures of this wonderful occasion. Except everytime I tried to take a picture the da*#@ thing would turn off...by the time I clicked it back on, the opportunity was gone. I am so angry I could use some nasty words....So, being as said Grandson is leaving in August to go to Arizona to college, I need to buy a new camera now!!! Liz, could you please give me info on your Canon SX100 (I think that's what you said you were using)...I found some on the internet but one was $450 & the other site advertised it for $560. I am not rolling in $$$$ but I really would like a decent camera that I don't have to replace in 4 years.........Any suggestions? My son went to Costco (yesterday) and bought a Canon for $150 & he says it's great.....Input please....

Lots of good cameras out there- from Canon, Kodak and others. I love my Kodak and would buy it again - actually have their updated one now (Kodak Z981 - and now I go see they have one after this!). The thing I will say to make sure you get (which will add to price) is the view finder. You will want it sometimes - in my case, I use it way more often than the screen - the sunlight can make taking pictures without a view finder a challenge.

I have a Canon Powershot A570 that is about three years old and I really like it. I probably only use 3 of the 20 setups for various types of photo situations, but that's all I need. I think I paid about $200. You can buy a really good camera for $200 these days--even better than the one I bought three years ago.

I had problems with my old digital camera with rechargeable batteries wearing out. Even with fully charging the battery overnight and carrying a spare charged battery, by the end of the day, I had two dead batteries and missed photo opportunities. For this reason, I chose a camera that uses two AA batteries, and carry a couple extra batteries in my pocket or purse all the time. The advantage of AA batteries is that you can buy them literally anywhere in the world. The disadvantage is that they do make the camera a bit bigger.

I agree about the viewfinder. Looking at the viewing screen at the back of the camera is pretty useless in bright sunny situations, so I use the viewfinder a lot.

we picked up a cheap camera and one day will have someone here long enough to show me how to post pictures any way the one thing I wanted was the view finder you have to look for them and listen to the kids say why do you want that? You want it cause three of us have said you do
have fun finding a new camera
sheila

Excel wrote:I Liz, could you please give me info on your Canon SX100 (I think that's what you said you were using)...I found some on the internet but one was $450 & the other site advertised it for $560. |

I bought mine in '09 before the AK trip. It was in the $200-300 range. Plenty adequate. Canon Powershot SX100 with 10x Opitical Zoom (that was the important part) and 8.0 megapixels. http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/other_powershot/powershot_sx100_is Look for the new model...might be a little different:

The Canon Powershot SX 130 with 12x zoom and 12 megapixels is listed on the Canon Website for $229.99
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx130_is

The one my local camera expert recommended for me is the Nikon P500. He knew I wanted great still shots and the ability to do HD video. You may not need all of that but it was $399. He had a store full of cameras and this one was sold out but it is the one he suggested I get and I had to order it.

Joan

My daughter bought a Canon Powershot several years ago and it still takes great photos. I just got a DroidX smartphone and the camera on it is better than any camera I've ever owned, and so convenient too!

..

Just in case some of you might not have known, with the high megapixel images on most cameras these days, a heckuva lot of "zooming" can be done with your software. Image below - same shot, but right side zoomed in, with, to my eyes, very little loss of detail.



My new(er) Sony Cybershot takes original pictures at 55 INCHES x 31 INCHES, with a size averaging about 4Mb @ a resolution of 72! YIKES! It's the tiniest little camera with very sophisticated options, including HD video (which mainly go unused by me).

The only thing I miss (and I REALLY miss it), is the viewfinder - a trade-off for the smaller size.

..

Definitely get the viewfinder. Not just for the light on the screen, but the viewfinder allows you to compose the shot. Linda

I've been looking at an Olympus VR-320 that has great reviews. It is a 14 mpx, and 12.5 zoom, which I like. It is around $200 but I think K-Mart has it for $110 on sale.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_secti ... e=overview

OutandAbout wrote:Definitely get the viewfinder. Not just for the light on the screen, but the viewfinder allows you to compose the shot. Linda

That was one of my requirements and also a larger screen on the back for my aging eyesight. Mine tilts which is a nice feature.

For what it's worth, if you want something small to carry in your pocket, I have had several different Canon Power Shot Elfs. They are great, take HARD use. And that is why I replaced more often than most. But on the other hand, I think all the small digitals are great, you probably can't go wrong with whatever you decide!

You haven't mentioned whether you want to stick it in your purse or you're okay slinging one over your shoulder. I've got both kinds, and when I know that I'll be somewhere that has exceptional scenery I opt for the larger, digital SLR to take. You can't come close to the quality of picture a digital SLR takes with a smaller point-and-shoot. They're just not in the same league.

If you're sticking with a pocket-size camera my vote's also for a Canon. I've had 2-3 over the years and they're the best. Took one down the Colorado River and was very pleased with my pictures -- for a point-and-shoot. Taking my SLR wasn't an option for me.

Laura

Thanks so much for all the replies...gave me a lot to think about. My Sony has a viewfinder so I'll want to buy one that has one also...didn't know they made cameras that didn't have one. Looked at Costco but they only have one (online) & I don't want to spend that much....Think I'll go down to Best Buy & check their stuff & of course their prices...will post if I find one. Meantime, really appreciate the comments...I'm not a 'photographer' just want decent pics & ease of use....Seems to me from all the comments that I'll be able to find all that at a reasonable cost....Thanks again...

Hi Excel I have a Lumix (by Panasonic DMC-ZS1) 12x optical zoom, 25mm wide angle that I got at Costco (about $300) a couple of years ago. It doesn't have the view finder which I would like to have. Anyway, have taken great pix with it but am always looking at new ones.

Are you in San Jose? I have a niece that graduated from Valley Christian HS in 1991 (I think). I'm near Pismo Beach, CA. Do you full time?

Linda