Any tips on what to look for in a digital camera?

Hi!
Would most appreciate a tip or two as to what are some good digital "point and shoot" cameras. For the last few years I've been using a manual SLR, so not very experienced in the digital variety. Perhaps you can suggest as to what are some brands that are reliable or what specifications to look for.

The purpose of the camera is to capture "happy snaps" and potentially for some travel photography.

Many thanks!
Sabina

Tags: camera, digital

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sabina on May 4, 2008 at 4:03am: Hi Yurick!
You right it is not a simple question, in that it is not a specifi one and so 'yes' or 'no' may not be sufficient. I am also considering not only if the camera fits in the pocket but also whether if fits the budget as well. I definately agree with good zoom range and a big high-resolution display. Olympus cameras seem easy enough, but I will have a look at the Canon you've suggested. Thank you for being specific.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ryan on April 13, 2008 at 11:48pm: Whoa, manual SLR are somewhat complicated for people who aren't used to the settings. Why don't you try DSLR? D40x from Nikon. It's not point-and-shoot tho, but I really think it's easy enough even for someone who never had a digital SLR camera before. I bought one, its photos are comparable to my other pro DSLR cameras but the camera itself is reeeeeally easy to use (just like a point-and-shoot camera, well almost ;-P). Check it out, ask around ;-) I'm sure you'll like the Nikon D40X :-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sabina on May 4, 2008 at 4:06am: true, manual SLRs can be a bit fiddly, particularly for those who aren't used to them. However, in my case this is all I know, plus I am somewhat technologically challenged so manuals are a bit easier for me.
I would love a digital SLR, but for now it doesn't fit the budget. I thought I'll get a digital p&s just for the happy snaps, you know?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by zzkang on April 20, 2008 at 8:13am: Sabina,
Personally I think the new panasonic FX500 is a very good PnS camera as it has some manual setting for you to play around and the size is really compact. And with their famous OIS and wide angle lens...you can take some great travel pics......

just my thought,
zzkang; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sabina on May 4, 2008 at 4:07am: cool, thank you. I'd like to know what you think about Olympus cameras, found one and it fits the budget. Don't you just love budgets?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by zzkang on May 4, 2008 at 5:33am: If you are going to use your camera in rough condition...I think you can go for Olympus 850SW or 1030SW...the new FE340/350 also create quite good quality image...I'm using Olympus DSLR (rather than Canon and Nikon) because of their Zuiko lens... :) hmm...if you are in a budget...Olympus is a good selection...
Recently I found a new compact camera from fujifilm...finepix f100fd...check it out here...I personally think this camera is the closest competitor to lumix fx500 and one of the best compact in current market...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by David Wollum on April 27, 2008 at 8:02pm: Hi Sabina,

For your first digital camera, you might do well to keep in mind the very real possibility that shortly after you master it, you will outgrow it. This is not a bad thing. Your first digital will give you a ton of experience and provide a solid background upon which you can make sound decisions when you decide to upgrade to digital camera number two... and three... and four, if you're anything like me.

But getting down to specifics... First set a budget - say $400 (doesn't have to be - this is just an example). Take a look at all the $400 digi-cams out there and select features in the following order:

1. The largest number of megapixels in your price range
2. The largest OPTICAL zoom in your price range - ignore any reference to DIGITAL zoom.
3. The biggest high resolution display you can find.

That's it. If you stick with recognized brand name manufacturers, I'm sure you will find that almost all entry-level digital cameras have the same features, controls and buttons... they're just located in different places on the body of the camera. As I mentioned earlier, you're looking at a learning experience. A year from now, you should have a very good idea of what features are important to you and fit the unique way you approach photography.

Most of all, HAVE FUN WITH IT !!! If something doesn't work, just hit the delete button and give it another go. No more guilt over wasting film... yaaaaaaa.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sabina on May 4, 2008 at 4:15am: Hi David,
Thank god for the 'delete' button, hey? Appreciate all the hints and tips. I've got my eye set on an Olympus which fits my budget of $300-400, 8 mega pixels, 5x optical plus (better than 3x but less than 7x) dual image stabilization (not sure what that is).; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bill Dobbs on April 27, 2008 at 10:18pm: If you've gotten familiar with your SLR, my advice would be to go to a DSLR. You can leave in on Auto mode if you don't want to learn about digital settings just yet. You will definately grow into a DSLR quickly and probably outgrow a Point and Shoot just as fast.
That said, there is the extra price for a DSLR over a point and shoot. If you can afford the extra cost it is well worth it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jeff on May 4, 2008 at 6:09am: Sabina
I would Recomend the Fuji s5700/700 The camera hasmost of the features of an SLR with the ease of a poit and shoot. The camera carries a 10x zoom and offers auto antishake. 2 preset modes, with portrait, sunset, landscape, flower. and a number of others. The camera also features 2 preset natural light modes as well as a programed,apature, shutter and manual mode. The shutter mode for example allows you to set your light and shutter speed, and will show you when you have the right setting. The camera storage can either be XD or SD alowing more flexible pricing in memory cards. This camera is also cost effective selling at betwen $170.00 to 190.00. The ca,era is sold at Walmart RitzCamera and a number of other retailers. If you go to www.ritzcamera.com this camera and others are posted with reviews from consumers who have purchesed the cameras. My photos mostly have been taken with this camera, with little or no editing.
Hope this helps
Jeff; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by gopalshroti on May 14, 2008 at 1:01pm: recently introduced is the panasonic point and shoot camera in prosumer category, named FZ18, with an 18x zoom lens i.e. 28-504mm, best suited for travel, wildlife, birds shooting = from wide to long range subjects. try. for all purpose.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Johnson Zhang on May 15, 2008 at 6:59am: Hi Sabina!
I would recommend Ricoh's award-winning GX100.
It has 24mm-72mm range and creates very nice macro photos.
You can review the photos taken by it at my page.

Also please review the link below for a test in PopPhoto.com:
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4342/camera-test-ricoh-caplio-gx100...; ▶ Reply to This