Digital camera know-it-alls, check in!

[Ozzie]

I am looking at getting a simple pocket camera for my US trip in May.
Looking for anyone who has used a few different models, and can give me ideas on a good camera (and why it's better than brand "x")

Not looking for anything mega expensive, just something that can take nice clear pics, and doesn't require a degree to use.

aaaaaand GO!

[dasoupdude]

I suggest the canon 1D, its portable, cheap, easy to use..

But really, just about any brand camera from kodak to sony will do. They all have the ability to take decent pictures and take a few movies.

[Jesda]

Good, cheap, and dummy-proof:

Kodak Easyshare, $70
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kodak+-+Eas ... &cp=1&lp=1

Takes better pictures than you might think.

[Dattebayo]

Easyshare has been my savior for trips around the US, great except in extreme light conditions...

[Xdisaster240sX]

Samsung makes some pretty awesome cameras. Theyre pretty cheap at BestBuy

[Otto.]

I am looking at getting a simple pocket camera for my US trip in May.
Looking for anyone who has used a few different models, and can give me ideas on a good camera (and why it's better than brand "x")

Not looking for anything mega expensive, just something that can take nice clear pics, and doesn't require a degree to use.

aaaaaand GO!

You should probably be looking at Canons, though not exclusively. Their point and shoot cameras are small and easy to use. The menus are easy to navigate and they take great pictures.

It depends on what you mean by "mega expensive".

Here are a couple of options:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/ ... lph_300_hs

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/ ... _sd1400_is

More info?

[AppleBonker]

I'm with Otto ^

I have a thing for Canon PnS cameras. I've had a few, and they've all treated me quite well. Currently, I'm rocking an SD4000is as my daily. And I have my older SD780is in my car as a backup (or for when I see that awesome something on the road that requires a pic). MSRP on the 4000 is probably $300 US, but it can be found for cheaper. And it would last you a while. The cameras mentioned above are also very solid. I guess it depends on your budget.

[Jesda]

I've had Canons fail on me due to lens mechanisms that froze in place because of dirt and sand particles. Unfortunately, the way the software is designed, it means you can't use the camera at all unless the zoom mechanism is removed, taken apart, and cleaned. I believe Casios have the same issue.

I once bought a Kodak M-series with the same problem, but it was still usable, just lacking the optical zoom function. Some people dislike the way Kodaks saturate colors, saying it feels artificial.

I dropped my metal-body Panasonic ZR3 on concrete and it remained in tact and managed to avoid major scratches or scuffs, but this camera was over $280. Its not as easy to take quick moving snapshots with it since it takes a while to focus and read lighting conditions.

[AppleBonker]

For the record, I know people who have been quite happy with Kodak cameras as well. I have never had the issues you speak of, Jesda. And I beat up my PnS cameras pretty badly (especially the one in my car - it gets cold during midwest winters). Also, the pocket cameras I have are what accompany me to the bars. I have no idea what happens to them there...

[GrilledCheese33]

I have had a casio exilim for about 4 years now. When it dies, I will buy another one. It is super easy to use and has been super reliable. The battery still holds a good charge and it still works flawlessly. I love it for car shows because I just take pics of stuff as I walk and they still come out clear. I throw it on a cheapo tripod to take pics of my car and they come out great. I think I paid $160 for it new, and like I say I will own another. Plus, its very slim and easily fits in your pocket.

Heres the camera:


And some sample shots:

[Ozzie]

Taking your suggestions under advisement while still looking for something.
I might go and have a testing session with a few cameras this weekend.

Thanks guys

[AppleBonker]

testing session with a few cameras

Pronz shoot?

[zacmil]

I picked this camera up for a trip I took to England back in the summer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6830120433

I've been very pleased with it. It's not too hard to use, easy to carry around in a large pocket, and (most importantly) it takes pretty good pictures. Here are a few examples I took in Haworth (the town where the Bronte sisters were from) and Newstead Abbey (the home of Lord Byron), respectively.







Hope this helps!

[skydragoness]

pbase.com is a great place to look up cameras and view sample photos

Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Fujifilm are some brands I recommend. You're fine if you stick to the major camera brands that have been around a while.

If anything, stay away from HP digital cameras. They're junk, they don't know anything about optics. :P

[Jesda]

HP digital cameras are indeed the worst.

My first digicam in 2001 was an HP Photosmart, 1MP. $400. It broke after a year. :/ Inexplicably decided not to turn on anymore.
I bought another one in 2003 that took horribly blurry photos, so I exchanged it for a Kodak.

[skydragoness]

HP digital cameras are indeed the worst.

My first digicam in 2001 was an HP Photosmart, 1MP. $400. It broke after a year. :/ Inexplicably decided not to turn on anymore.
I bought another one in 2003 that took horribly blurry photos, so I exchanged it for a Kodak.

1MP !?
Remember when the view screens were the size of postage stamps? What good was that?
My first digital camera was a Fujifilm 2MP, it took pretty good pics. Fujifilm cameras have great color IMO.

[flohtingPoint]

Honestly, pretty much all of those little cheap cams are the same aside from how sturdy they are. I'd recommend a Fuji as I have one that's fallen off my car twice and lived to tell the story.

[cellardoorv]

Just bought myself a new little point-and-shoot today as a present to myself. I lost the battery charger to my older Cannon Powershot SD1100 IS, so instead of replacing the charger, I just decided to grab an upgrade. I have a Canon DSLR already, so off I went. I loved the Powershot, but my biggest complaint with it was the shutter lag, and quality of video.

Replaced it with this:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-elec ... 0000005702



I don't know much about Panasonic, but I was advised by a close friend who happens to be a camera nerd that this was a good choice, considering the steal I got it for. 350$ camera for 130$? Don't mind if I do.

Haven't played with it much, but it boasts HD videos, panoramic shots, and a pretty serious zoom for a point-and-shoot. The price and some pretty nifty features and scene modes are the factors that got me to buy outside of Canon.

It's not as slim as some of the other suggestions, but I think it's worth the bigger width.

[Otto.]

Definitely Panasonic... If only for the optics (Leica). I don't know much else about their cameras.

Apparently Casio is pretty good too.

[tigersharkdude]

For real though, I had a rather nice kodak PnS. It was like 12mp, took great pics (except for low light)

[Ozzie]

I'm leaning towards a Panasonic Lumix F3.
Seems pretty good for the money they are asking.

[Ozzie]

Once I got into the store, I found a stack of cameras I hadn't done any research on.

I ended up getting a pretty good deal on a Fujifilm Finepix Z70

12MP
5X optical zoom
HD video
Metal body
and a whole bunch of other features

[Jookmasta]

i recently scooped up a canon sd1300. ran around 80 bucks and does what it needs to do.

[Eikon]

I am looking at getting a simple pocket camera for my US trip in May.
Looking for anyone who has used a few different models, and can give me ideas on a good camera (and why it's better than brand "x")

Not looking for anything mega expensive, just something that can take nice clear pics, and doesn't require a degree to use.

aaaaaand GO!

Whatever you do... stay away from the Fujifilm Finepix Z70. I hear they are the worst!!!

j/k

[audtatious]

I've used various cameras and will only use Canon now. I have my 10d SLR (to be upgraded soon) and one of their higher-end PowerShots (I don't remember the model) and I am ultra pleased. My last Canon PowerShot lasted 6 years before the sensor went out which was much better than the prior Kodak that lasted two years before the display died.

[Ozzie]

If the camera dies within 3 years, I have a replacement warranty. Apparently, all they will do is check to see if a fault exists, and if so, I get a new camera.