Cameras & Camcorders

[#1]

Hi,

I am looking for any camera recomendations cameras that would be ideal for me to take on a trip this summer. I am interested in photography, but I do not seem to have many skills so a camera that is simple would be best for me

I have an older digital Olympus and the photo quality is not that great . 

I have heard that Canon, Pannosonic and Nikon models are great and it is good to go with better optical zoom (I am not sure if this is right). I love the idea of SLRs but I do not know if I will be able to work those cameras and feel they may be bulky to travel with. I think I am looking more towards any ideas of point and shoot cameras, but would not mind any suggestions. I am looking for something under $300

Overall,  would like something that is an upgrade from my Olympis and takes good quality pictures Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Maria

[#2]

Hmm....

• what Olympus model do you have?
• Describe the quality issues you are having?
• Yes "optical" zoom is better than "digital" zoom.  Optical zoom uses lenses magnify an image.  Digital zoom expands pixels which doesn't preserve the detail.
• DSLR's are not that complicated with time and practice.  However, at this time they are outside of your $300 budget.  Expect around $600 for an entry model.  I like Nikon DSLR's.
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/-/10179443.aspx

With regards to your situation

• Click on this link and use the wizard on the left to shortlist models that meet our criteria.
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/category/digital-cameras/20218.aspx

One tip I'll share with you is to look closely at the battery.  I recommend choosing one that takes AA's.  However instead of disposables or NiCad's.  Look for "low discharge NiMh".  "Sanyo Eneloops" are my favourite fuel source.

• How much is a second lithium battery?  Some are $40... some are over $100.  AA can be as cheap as a Japadog to replace.
• When travelling, you will get a low battery whenever you can't find a place to charge your battery.  You can always go to a grocery store to find AA's.
• Lithium batteries wear out after a few years and don't hold their charge.  Again it's so much easier to replace it a AA rechargeable.

[#3]

Thanks for your response

I have the Olympus FE-4010 12 Megapixel. The photos turn out very blurry and I am unable to take photos in dark settings. Sometimes the colours in the pictures are not clear as well.

Thank you for all this information. I really appreciate it and I will look at the battery source.

The link is helpful as well!

Do you had any specific camera models that you would recommend?

[#4]

These are some cameras that caught my eye:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-elph-110-hs-16-1mp-digital-camera-red-elph... 

Cons: battery and low optical zoom

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-sx150-is-14-1mp-digital-camera-with-case-b...

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/panasonic-panasonic-dmczs8k-14-1mp-digital-camera-black-dmczs8k/...

Many use lithium batteries which is not the best.

[#5]

Hmm...

• All 3 will not give you the quality of a DSLR, but it MAY be an improvement over your Olympus.  You need to do more investigating.  Large sensor DSLR's and external flashes are the best solution to challenging light situations. Sadly that's why it's priced more
• Your Olympus came out in 2009..... I don't think it's that old, but it is an entry level camera.  These models MAY offer some slight improvements
• The Elph will give you portability.... but the battery is the turn off.  I think it will be the worst quality of the three
• I think the Panasonic will give you the best image, I don't have enough experience, so I recommend you investigate this yourself
• The Canon 150is I really like because of the AA batteries.  I have recommend it's predecessors to friends with few complaints. 
• Warning... while the images look great on the LCD, low light situations means a noisy image compared to a DSLR for all 3.  Don't make comparisons on the LCD, look at the images on your computer.
• Just outside your budget is the S95.  The camera has a slightly larger sensor for low light.
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-s95-10mp-digital-camera-s95-black-s95/1015...
• Another model just outside your budget is the Fuji.  It also takes AA's and offers nice zoom
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/fuji-fujifilm-finepix-hs20-exr-16mp-digital-camera-black-hs20-ex...
• Go google for image samples on the internet for image comparisons before committing.
• consider a tripod and use the self timer in low light situations for all cameras.  Also explore the scene modes.  There should be a few for low light where the cameras slows the shutter speed down.

[#6]

Thank you for all the suggestions and information. This will help me decide on a camera.

I am really liking the Canon s95 so I may consider increasing my budget.

Thanks again for all of your advice!

I really appreciate it!

[#7]

A few other things if you do want to increase your budget and are willing to move away from AA's.

• do research how much a second battery costs
• do also investigate the s100.  I think it's the s95 replacement.
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-12-1mp-digital-camera-s100-black-powershot...
• do also investigate the g12.... it's Canon's most advanced compact.  In addition to the manual features, it also has a hotshoe to add an external flash.  When you find there is not enough flash power, an external flash is valuable to brighten your pictures and increase sharpness
  http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/canon-canon-powershot-g12-10mp-digital-camera-black-g12/10156023...

Other models to also look at that are not on the Best Buy website

• Canon G1 X (has a even larger sensor)
• Nikon P7100 (similar to the G12, but allows you to use Nikon DSLR external flashes)

[#8]

Thank you! This is awesome!

I will do some research and look into those cameras as well

[#9]

On sale this week is the F550EXR and is within your budget.  Great bangs-for-your-bucks with top end features including a wide-angle 15x zoom, built-in GPS, and EXR technology.  If you are looking for a great low-light shooting camera to take everywhere with you, the F550EXR might also be a option to look at.  EXR technology provides for some outstanding images in lowlight situations (even at higher ISO).

F550EXR

Sale: $279.99 this week

15x Zoom (wide-angle)

EXR processor for fast shot to shot time, minimal shutter lag

Highres LCD with anti-reflective coating for viewing even in bright sunlight

Highspeed shooting at up to 11fps

Ability to take photos during video (Video is Full HD 1080p with stereo sound)

RAW capabilities

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/fuji-fujifilm-finepix-f550exr-16-0mp-digital-camera-black-f550ex...

[#10]

The Canon SX230 is good options in that range. The ZS8 is also good for the price...and as per your need too.