I am looking to buy a new camera for the holidays. I am looking for a point and shoot camera that is simple to use but will take good pictures in a variety of settings. We had an old Kodak several years ago that was great but every Kodak we've had since then we've been unhappy with (hard to find the right settings...doesn't focus well...etc). We'd not want to spend more than $300...any cameras you've liked?
We've had a few canon camera. Last year we bought an Olympus PEN lite-pl3. It's sooooo much better. It's a proper camera that let's hubby focus but let's me just point and click.
We picked ours up refurbished, but I think they are less than 300.
My husband bought a Canon SX160IS and LOVES it.
The thing he didn't like was the batteries depleted FAST....so he did some research and found that the rechargeable batteries worked in the camera - he bought a set and now? No problems!!
LOVES the focus. He loves to sit on our back patio, put it on a tri-pod that he bought and take pictures of the birds that come to our backyard.
I believe it was less than $200 with the rechargeable batteries.
Nikon CoolPix
From Costco.
All the Teachers at my kids' school, has those.
I would go on Amazon and read a bunch of reviews since it really depends on your needs. We have a Canon Powershot and they are available with 12, 14 or 16MP all under $100. No digital camera comes with a memory card so you will have to buy one of those as well. I would read reviews since some of the cheaper point and shoots have long delays between pressing the button and the shutter actually closing. If you want a truly good camera then you need an excellent lens since digital cameras are nothing more than a simple computer with a lens and if the lens is no good then it does not matter how good the computer features are. Here is the one we got we a Carl Zeiss lens:
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-Shot-DSC-W560-Vario-Tess...
If you have a good local camera store in your area, go in and pick the people's brains. They'll tell you what cameras needs fixing most, what cameras people are dissatisfied with and want to replace, what cameras people are happy with and want to buy another of. If you want to go inexpensive, ask them about a pre-owned camera, and ask whether they do cleaning and repairs (although not for free).
Nikon Coolpix. There are a few of them you just have to compare them, and see which one works for you. Prices vary
Panasonic Lumix is a fantastic camera! We've had a couple different models over the last handful of years and have been completely happy with them. My husband is actually eyeing the newest model right now, but since our current one still works fine I'm making him wait LOL
We love the autoburst, it's rare that we don't get the picture now. With 3 constantly moving kids that's a huge plus!
