Digital Camera Recommendations

Crazy_Jamie

After a digital camera to replace a Casio Exilim that was bought in 2005 and has just died. Requirements are that it is as high on the megapixels as possible (12 seems to be standard now), or otherwise has a lens that will adequately compensate (I should point out that I know nothing about this sort of thing). At least a 5x Optical Zoom is also a requirement. Price range is up to about £250 for the right model, though preferably around £200. Again, don't mind spending more for a superior product.

I will reiterate that I know very little about digital cameras. I was considering a Panasonic Lumix, but the girlfriend doesn't like the turning switch to change modes on the top (perhaps a little particular, but it is for her).

Let me know what you all think. I am also more than happy for people to put explanations as to why a particular model is better; I am here to learn.

Tubbss

Hi,

I have just purchased this ine and am over the moon with it!

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5593543/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CPhotography%7C14419436/c_2/3%7Ccat_15701379%7CDigital+cameras+and+packages%7C14419441.htm

Vuze

It is a common assumption to think that the higher the megapixels the better the camera but this is not necessarily true - in fact I have heard from other camera experts that sometimes having a high number of megapixels without a quality sensor can result in fuzziness and an increase in noise (a type of graininess), particularly in low light conditions.

An 8 megapixel camera should be more than sufficient for most people, and the only time you would really require a higher resolution is if you were going to be printing your photos on very large paper sizes (i.e. above A4).

My sister has the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS which I recommended to her and she loves it - I think you will find that it ticks all your boxes, as it comes from a reputable camera manufacturer, has a 12.1 megapixels sensor and a nice 12x optical zoom. It also comes packed with other nice-to-have features like anti-blur and image stabilization technology for shaky hands and moving objects, face and scene detection, a well sized 3 inch lcd preview screen and to top it off you can record high definition movies (720p, 30fps) and play them back on your hd tv. Oh yeah and it comes in under £200 so it's worth checking out.

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS - digital camera
http://www.superstoresearch.com/shopping/products/10225034/photography/digital-cameras/canon-powershot-sx200-is-digital-camera.html

A._Badger

Vuze is right - beware the megapixels marketing trap. The only people who benefit from this hype are the storage makers: you fill their hard drives a lot quicker!

The two key elements are a high quality lens and a large, high quality sensor (few makers talk about that aspect). This is why an old digital SLR with, say, six megapixels, will knocks spots off a modern compact offering 12. It has a better lens and a better sensor.

For compacts, Canon is always a safe bet, as is Panasonic/Lumix.
Plenty of impartial reviews here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

Hope that helps.

wallbash

Daughter has bought the one linked by Tubbss only this week , she is delighted.

My choice is one that you rejected TZ ( best one you can afford)
My is 'only' the TZ2 but am happy

moonrakerz

Vuze wrote: »

It is a common assumption to think that the higher the megapixels the better the camera but this is not necessarily true - in fact I have heard from other camera experts that sometimes having a high number of megapixels without a quality sensor can result in fuzziness and an increase in noise (a type of graininess), particularly in low light conditions.

Absolutely true .................

http://news.cnet.com/2100-1041_3-6156398.html

If you Google this subject there is a huge amount on it.

I went from a 6mp "point and shoot" to a 6mp DSLR - the difference in picture quality was amazing - and I thought the "point and shoot" one was pretty good.

They were both the same make as well !

luckymoneysaver

I am a photographer

Firstly, its not all about the megapixels, it just means larger file sizes that take up more space. Personally i use an slr which has more than 15mpxls.
Its more about the high quality images sensor and the lens.

A longer optical zoom lens does not at all compensate on mpxls.

I also have experience with the Panasonic Lumix latest model. Personally, it is over priced for what it is, the only good thing about it in my mind is the ridiculously high amount of scene selection modes. It is an idiot proof camera, however i think the switch wheel is the easiest way of changing functions on any compact.

If you want to able to zoom, then follow TUBBSS recommendation, these hybrid slr type cameras have larger zooms to get you closer, but aren't as compact and wont slip in your pocket

A canon powershot is always the best in my mind, ive had lots of canons and use them at the moment, they have very good sensor chips in them.

The CANON POWERSHOT S90 would be for me, if i wanted one, but its quite pricey, you mihgt have to shop around.

Also the SX200 IS from VUSE is good, it has a good zoom and as far as i am aware a pretty decent flash too.

:)

daveyjp

Tubbs link is to a bridge camera - better than a compact, but not as hi tech or bulky as an SLR.

I have an Olympus bridge camera and if you want something which lets you experiment this type of camera is a good option. They also have a viewfinder, something compacts are slowly losing, but not having one can make taking photos in bright sun, or at extreme zoom settings difficult.

balloo_2

https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/d-slr-long-zoom/finepix-s2000hd
These are refurbished but they are refurbished by Fuji and you save a lot. I have bought refurb off fuji b4 and I can see no difference and great pictures. Click Here for more refurb from fuji, they also get good reviews.

gonzo127

panisonix lumix fz38 would also be a good shout if shes willing to go for a bridge camera
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2009/07/28/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ38/p1

[Deleted User]

Remember this also.. a camera is only as good as the photos you take - and you've got to be in a position to take them when you want. I have 2 digital cameras that offer very different experiences - I have a little compact one that fits in my jeans pockets, take reasonable photos and video. I have an SLR that i have to carry a bunch of extra bits with that takes cracking photos.. but its a hassle to take on a night out. I have a bridge camera sat in a cupboard that's a few years old.. it was big and bulky and didn't take as good photos as my SLR or was as portable as the compact.... bridge cameras are a poor mans SLR and a bit pointless.

So, what do you want to take pictures of / when are you going to use it?