Digital Camera - Pittsburgh,PA

Updated on March 12, 2013
B.D. asks from Pittsburgh, PA
6 answers

I've probably had my Kodak Z8612 for a good 4+ years now. I liked the 12x optical zoom. I liked the fact that I had a rechargeable battery for it but could throw lithium in it and keep taking photos once my rechargeable died. My only complaint was that the zoom button was getting tired after all of those years of use. Sometimes it would 'stick' and wouldn't go right away etc. otherwise I was content.

Well last week I accidentally dropped it and I think it is done :-( It will only power on for seconds and then shuts down. Not sure what I broke but I assume in our disposable world it would not be worth fixing.

So I am looking to replace it with another compact zoom camera. I don't want to pay an arm and a leg but I do want a lot of zoom and quality pictures. I'm trying to stick to about a $200 budget (just an arbitrary number I picked).

I see some with the zoom but then when I read the reviews they always say something negative. On a whim I decided to see if I could buy a new Z8612 and yes I actually could. I'm sure a lot of technological improvements have improved in the past 4 years so do I roll the dice and try a different brand/model or do I go with what I am familiar with.

(FYI - I should also say that I just bought my husband a small compact Nikon Coolpix S3100 for Christmas and within 3 months it has a "lens error" which I read means that it is toast. I will try to return it, but I must admit my confidence in Nikon has been shaken by this experience.)

If anyone has a "super" zoom compact (not SLR) camera and can speak to the quality of Nikon, Canon, Samsung, etc. I would appreciate it.

Like I mentioned above I would love one that accepts lithium AA's and keep on going until I get a chance to recharge but that almost seems like a pipe dream..

What can I do next?

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More Answers

J.O.

answers from Boise on

That stupid lens error can and does happen with any camera. Try to take it back or call the company, you may still be within a warranty period. Just don't wait to long.

The best thing to do when buying a camera is to go out and play with them. figure what fits best in your hand, what is going to give you the best zoom...which is easier to do when you can physically see and play with it.

Now MP are important to an extent, but higher isn't always better when it comes to the average person, unless of course you are wanting to blow them up to poster size. Not something people do on an everyday bases.

Start at Best Buy, you do not have to buy there, but they will give you good idea of what you are looking for and will walk you through the process.

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D.K.

answers from Columbus on

We have several canons and like them. I would suggest going to the store and trying out several to see what you like. They can put memory cards in them so you can look at the pictures. Nikon is really good for colors. dpreview.com is a great website for comparing.

Contact Nikon about the other one if it is under warranty. They just replaced a pair of binoulcars for me that were that were not focusing right after a couple of years. I sent them in for repair, they have had a hard life with me and since they no longer make them they were replaced instead. My mom has two nikon cameras and really likes both. I can't comment on any that take AA, all of ours take camera batteries that are rechargable and we have a spare for the cameras that is kept charged so you can just replace and charge the other one.

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J.P.

answers from Sharon on

That's a tough question! I had a Canon that I loved, but I always want to update. I got a Nikon. Do not like it. It does not take pictures nearly as nicely as my old Canon. My husband broke it, so I can't even go back to it. If you are happy with the picture quality, and features, it might be very worth it to get another. Being comfortable with the camera is a big part of taking great pictures. I think it really is trial and error. That's the only way to get the right camera fro you. Reviews don't mean much unless they are about the quality of the camera (how it's made, etc..or you agree with the specific complaint!)

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

You may be able to repair both cameras. Have you talked with a repair shop? Some stores that sell cameras and related products exclusively also have a repair facitlity. It's been my experience that often just be describing the problem they can give you an estimate for repair.

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Love my Coolpix. Never a problem with it. They have some great new ones out. Have Nikon SLR too. Love that also. Go to a camera shop and talk to the folks there. They can advise you best.

~.~.

answers from Tulsa on

I have had two Nikon Coolpix cameras (lost the first one) and I have been extremely happy with both of them. It's small enough to keep in my purse all the time and the battery lasts a good long while, even if it hasn't been used in a few weeks. The battery is rechargeable and you can buy an extra if one isn't enough. My pictures are crisp and clear and that's what I care about the most.

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