Compact Digital Camera advice on quality not mega pixel

tavyabe

Hi, I don't know anything about cameras other than that Megapixels do not mean quality. I have a maximum of £100 to spend on a non-slr camera and I am interested in quality of picture as priority number one every other feature is not very relevant to me. Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for and what are your recommendations for the best camera below £100. Please only reply if you know a lot about cameras as I have seen lots of good 'deals' as in save 60% but this does not mean that it is going to produce quality pictures.

Many thanks

ukcarper

Here are a couple of useful websites

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/

http://www.dpreview.com/

Dave_C_2

As you say, megapixels are not a good starting point. More important is the size (and quality) of the image sensor. For this reason stick to the big names (Nikon, Pentax etc.)

Also important is the lens on the front Some Panasonic and Sony cameras and have Zeiss lenses, which have a good pedigree.

Don't always look at this years model of camera, normally last year's is very much reduced but without this year's extra doodads that you won't use.

Some time ago I bought a refurbished compact digital camera direct (E3200) from Nikon. Still going strong but the display is too small. This is a 3 MPixel camera which can produce excellent 10x8 prints.

Hope this helps Dave

victor2

Something like this may do...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fujifilm-FinePix-AV100-Digital-Camera/dp/tech-data/B00342UTH0/ref=de_a_smtd
You should have enough cash left to buy four AA rechargeable batteries, charger, decent SD card and a card reader if you don't already have that capability.
Fuji cameras have pretty good optics. As you have already said, megapixels are not that important. Although with such a high rating, it may mean you get very large image files, which can be a bit of a nuisance to deal with.
You may want to look for one with a bigger optical zoom though. Forget what digital zoom these cameras have - they do nothing you can't do on your computer.

Farway

You may also want to consider a Fuji refurb

https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/fun-and-easy/finepix-av130

Similar spec, slightly larger lcd screen £44.99 1 year g'tee

ukcarper

If you are looking for a bargain
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/78991/show.html?tduid=e744c9e1e294c1a6a65b15b6cdbcab23&url=http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/78991/show.html
or http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77343/show.html

I have personal just bought a Panasonic Lumix TZ8 £149.95 from Sainsbury to use when I don’t want to carry my DSLR and my initial impressions are very good.

birkee

I have Fuji 1.3Mp camera bought years ago, (Cost me £400 bloody quid) and the images were excellent, but limited for enlargement. Anyone interested?

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsId=3214939

birkee

http://www.digital-camera.com/category/camera-reviews

http://www.testfreaks.com/digitalcameras/

[Deleted User]

Frankly, i doubt you'll see much difference in quality in sub-100 quid cameras.

Here's a good one for under 70 quid... http://www.digitaldepot.co.uk/digitalcompactcameras/nikon-compact-cameras/nikon-coolpix-s570-red-digital-camera.html

Reviewed last january, gets 9/10 - http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2010/01/29/Nikon-Coolpix-S570/p1

It's roughly 40% cheaper now than last year.

Personally, i'd stump up £110.96 and get this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PowerShot-A3200-Digital-Camera/dp/tech-data/B004HKJUIM/ref=de_a_smtd

HD video recording, f2.8 at wide angle (even my SLR can't go that bright without me buying a new lens).. lithium rechargeable battery.

A bit cheaper, this looks snazzy - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-FE-5030-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/tech-data/B00318CU8I/ref=de_a_smtd

For a bit less money, this one - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-FE-4050-Compact-Digital-Camera/dp/tech-data/B0041H4M1G/ref=de_a_smtd

However, i'd go for the more expensive olly.. it's got a brighter wide lens (lower aperture).

I quite like panasonics.. here's the 'sub-£100' model i'd go for -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-FS11-Digital-Camera/dp/B0031MA176/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=560798&s=electronics

Basically, if you spend around 100 quid and buy a Panasonic, Canon, Olympus or Nikon camera, you'll be pretty safe. I'd always go for a wide angle rather than a large zoom, and i'd prefer a bright, fast lens when possible. Most modern sensors are quite good.. they only loose their quality at high ISOs.

You've made me want a new camera now..

tavyabe

Thank you everyone! Very helpful and lots of good suggestions, I will study them before deciding which one to go for, but I am very grateful to you all

marms

Farway wrote: »

You may also want to consider a Fuji refurb

https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/fun-and-easy/finepix-av130

Similar spec, slightly larger lcd screen £44.99 1 year g'tee

The Fujifilm F200EXR Refurb at £119.99 can be had for £101.99 with free delivery using the code P10FEB15 and will give far better quality pictures than any other camera in this price range because of it's large sensor.
https://secure.fujifilm.co.uk/shop/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/advanced-compact/finepix-f200-exr