Suggestions for a new Camera

JSMcustoms

JSMcustoms

Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
1,792
My old camera (a Kodax EasyShare C182) finally kicked the bucket. Now I'm just in need of something to replace it. I've looked at few point and shoot camera, but am pretty much lost on what to get. Can anyone recommend a good one?

A few things I'd like:

- at least 14 megapixels
- decent zoom
- HD video recording (quality video, not junk)
- budget of about $200
 
More information is needed on your wants. Do you a compact with a good zoom that slides in a shirt pocket or one would you prefer a larger superzoom you might be able to cram into a cargo pocket.

Don't get too hung up on megapixle count, most any new camera comes with 14+ MPs, you might find a good deal on a NIB older model with only 10 MP but even 10 MP will give you more than adequate resolution for web work or an 8x10 color glossy.

Other things to consider are;

Batteries many cameras include rechargeable Li batteries than can take about 200 shots so if you are traveling you will need at least one spare. Some models use AAs which can be nice if you are off the grid because replacements can be had just about po dunk store, but they AAs don't last for as many shots.

Full manual controls, will let you get artistic.

WiFi or not to WiFi

Macro capabilities, A good macro lets you get within a few mm of a small subject like a bug or a flower..

Viewfinder, led displays become worthless in bright sun making tracking action shots next to impossible and inexpensive cameras with viewfinders are getting very rare.

There are many other things to consider, I suggest you read some digital camera review sites and refine your search parameters.


http://digital-cameras.toptenreviews.com/compact/

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/
 
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My answers in bold...


JSMcustoms said:
My old camera (a Kodax EasyShare C182) finally kicked the bucket. Now I'm just in need of something to replace it. I've looked at few point and shoot camera, but am pretty much lost on what to get. Can anyone recommend a good one?

A few things I'd like:

- at least 14 megapixels Megapixels are about quality, not quantity. I can do 16x20 prints that are just fine with 10mp.
- decent zoom Then you will be looking at only optical zoom. Digital zoom is useless for the most part.
- HD video recording (quality video, not junk) How important is video in reality to you? Maybe consider a video camera that can capture stills instead.
- budget of about $200 I would look at Canon offerings, they seem to have the best offerings in compacts
Click to expand...



-Xander
 
Make sure you get a camera with a glass lens. My best camera for many years was an old one with a 4MP sensor and a Zeiss GLASS lens. New cameras with higher pixel counts never matched its picture quality.
 
You guys make some good points there. Basically I'd be using this camera for general picture taking and a bit of video taking.

Macro for knife photos, so that would be plus to have decent capabilities there.

Camera size isn't all that important so long as it's not huge DSLR sized.
 
It's a good camera for its price point. However, for close up photography it's probably not an optimal choice. It has a great lens built for long range work.

For close up knife photography, an entry level DSLR system will work much better. The Canon Gxx series has a long standing favorable reputation as well for this type of photography in a more compact form. Look for an APS-C camera with a replaceable lens system. Yes it will have more bulk but, you will get much better close up pictures. And, you can always swap lenses when you have more specialized needs.

In a point-and-shoot camera, it's going to be hard to get good performance close up and at more reasonable distances for family pictures. When you get to the Canon Gxx series cameras, you are at an entry level price point for the APS-C DSLR's that offer more flexibility.
 
Honestly, Canon has the compact P&S market cornered. Hardly anything can touch them in this category. Buy as much camera as you can afford. Check DPReview, as well as fredmiranda.com for possibly last year's or used models. Keh.com is the only place I trust to buy used photography equipment.


-X
 
Sid Post said:
Canon G16
Click to expand...

Solid recommendation, though above his price point. I just bought a refurbished G15, however, which ticks most of the same boxes (very similarly specced camera), and is closer in price.

Good optical zoom range. Decent macro, HD video, small size - physically big sensor (which cuts down on image noise). Fast start up... really nice overall.
 
I ended up with a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80. It's a very nice camera and seems to meet all my needs. It takes great photos and even shoots good quality HD video.
 
I've got the Canon G11 and S90 (amongst other Canon models). Was not impressed with the G11's color rendition at all and have rarely used it. The S90 I'm not crazy about either but I got it at a steal of a price and still carry it as my EDC camera in my pack. I also have the Canon SX220 HS that I bought as a floor model and it's ok. I was gonna suggest it's newest version which I think is the SX280 HS. Large optical zoom, full 1080p HD video with zoom. Sony also makes nice P&S as does Olympus. Glad you're happy with your Sony, they're making some really nice cameras lately.
 
I just ordered this Panasonic dmc-ts25. I wanted a camera but not a smartphone, because I see no point in getting a point and shoot if I could just get a smartphone that has a lot of other cool things, I decided the fact that I like fishing/boating and this phone being waterproof will justify my decision on a point and shoot and not a smart phone. Great reviews on this camera...

[video=youtube_share;b0gnyfQRZQk]http://youtu.be/b0gnyfQRZQk[/video]
 
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