I Need a New Digital Camera

[JamesSavik]

My old Fiji is dead and I need a new camera.

 

There are a ton of photography enthusiasts here so...

 

I need your advice!

 

First- I want to spend ~$250 US.

 

Second- I want it to be relatively simple to operate.

 

Third- I want jpg images

 

Fourth- I need my camera to be able to do flash indoor photos.

 

Fifth- My camera is primarily for work purposes so that I can document my work.

[Cia]

I have used a variety of Canon's and some Kodak cameras. If I had to choose, I like Canon's better. They are not as expensive as Nikons but I feel they do just as good a job taking pictures. Unfortunately I'm not really up on the point and shoot versions of their lines, I've Canon film and slr Rebels. However, I saw this one in store, the SX130 IS I liked the way it felt and the features provided. It gives you many options on shooting settings, providing both pre-set shooting modes as well as manual. There are a variety of flash features, jpg file quality and it even does movies. With 12.1 mp it will take fine quality photos, though it only has a 4x zoom, the biggest downside in my mind. The Canon website price is $249, though often that is the higher end of what you can find a camera for if you shop around your area. The link goes to the Canon website spec page.

 

Hope that helps a little. I'm not an expert by any means but if you have any questions about cameras feel free to pm me, I'll help if I can.

Edited September 9, 2010 by Cia

[MikeL]

Here's another inexpert recommendation. I agree with Cia on Canon being the best for the money. I've used several brands of film and digital cameras over the past 48 years, and Canon has always been the best in my opinion. I use and recommend the Canon PowerShot SX120IS. It has 10 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom. That's about as good a combination as you can get in your price range. It is available through Amazon for $195.

 

It takes great pictures. Fellow GA member Lacey uses the same camera and he takes excellent pictures.

 

I suggest using rechargeable AA batteries.

[Arpeggio]

Anything Canon will make you happy. I have a Canon powershot and I love it. <3

[Hoskins]

I've got a canon powershot IS1100SD that's been absolutely great, does exactly what it says on the tin.

 

Here's the current version of it: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sd1200_is

[Canuk]

a little late to this post, but I thought I'd chuck my 10 cents worth in....

 

I did a huge amount of research into cameras for my partners birthday. After reading all sorts of technical data online and speaking to many "professionals" both in the trade and out of it a saleman in a department store gave me the best advice:

what was your last camera?

were you happy with it?

if so buy the latest version of that camera/brand you can afford; result is happiness.

 

Sure enough my partner is thrilled with his ....whatever I bought!!!