Please help me pick a camera

[NWDMD]

Hey, I'm a newbie with cameras but I think it's time I get a real one. Prior to this point I've just used disposables. We want to capture our WDW memories as well as our future children's accomplishments etc... So I don't want to skimp too much as these memories will be pretty important to us.

So what are the things that I need to be looking for?

My price range is negotiable at this point. Really I just want to get something quality (although I'm not looking to spend a thousand dollars on a camera since I probably wouldn't have the knowledge/skill to use all that it has to offer). So at what point is there going to be a noticeable difference in quality, are there price points where there are big differences?

Let's say I spent up to 300 dollars on a camera, what would you get? If there's a noticeable increase above 300 that someone of my skill level could use, I would consider that as well.

I don't care about size of camera or shape or anything.

Thanks!
NWDMD

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Without wanting to sound too vague - you get what you pay for.

You'll be able to get a pretty good camera for around $300 - but then if you were to spend another $100 you'll get an even better camera (and so it goes on). Its all down to what you want to spend, how "future proof" you want it to be, and whether, in a few months/years how disappointed you'll be when you realise you could have got something so much better for so little more.

Go down to your local camera retailler and ask for their prices and recommendations. Then go home and search on the interent and see what you can afford

 

[KeithVH]

Some recent responses i have made on this question:
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I'll recommend three possibilities:

Canon SX100IS

Canon A720IS

Canon A570IS

There's also newer versions of the 570 just out (580/590) and an A710. Read the llinked reviews on DPReview. The best things about these:

They all take AA's.
They all take a basic SD card.
They all run ~$175-190.
They all have Image Stabilization.

There's a reason Canon outsells most everyone else - they make decent stuff that'll last with proper treatment. These models also have more advanced settings to allow you to experiment and grow as a photographer. The only drawback, largely due to your price limit, is a larger sensor. But you'd need to hump at least another 100 or so to get something with better image quality (Canon A650IS).

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Slightly different viewpoint here.

First, at your pricepoint, these items are basically consumables. If there is a major failure outside of warranty, it'll probably be cheaper to buy a new one - and, in most cases, most cameras should last for at least the warranty period.:animwink:

Secondly, don't confuse equivalent pricing between UK and US. Jessops, for example, list the Canon A720IS at £149.99. Best Buy has it for $199. Or the A590IS for $179 at CircuitCity. Both of these stores are in Orlando. And Canon, AFAIK, will honor any warranty at the factory anywhere in the world.

I would recommend a Canon. But there are a boatload to chose from in this price range, making it a tough choice in some ways. I stay away from Sony as they do have minor known quality control issues (MTBF issues) and their proprietary memory cards. Panasonic has great features but their sensors and noise reduction spoil it for me. Olympus isn't bad and neither is Nikon. But there's a reason Canon has the majority market share here - they make a better, more consistent product. If you want to go a little higher end, try the SX100IS for $249.

Don't forget to add in extra batteries and a couple of memory cards. This is why I suggested the A590/720. They have image stabilization and that is amazingly helpful at DW. Learning to use either would take about 15 minutes. You could buy two sets of rechargeable AA (if possible, get the new hybrids - holds a charge for a year) and a couple of 1Gb memory cards (ANY will do, high perf isn't needed) and still be under the $300 limit.
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The current lowlight king is Fuji. Depending on your price range, I would suggest either the F50 or F100. The F50 should work just fine for you. See http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec...nepixf50fd.asp for details. DPReview is a great place in general to check out different models. I would have said the F31 actually but it's discontinued. Not sure what the 100 would offer that the 50 won't do for almost half the price.
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[NWDMD]

I've looked at dpreview.com and it seems like the Canon A720 is getting a higher rating (Highly recommended) vs the SX100 or S5 (recommended). Am I to understand by the ranking that the A720 is going to give a better image quality than the more expensive SX100 or S5?

 

[Victoria]

I have a Canon A640. I have a pretty good understanding of basic photography techniques, but it has a zillion more options than I could ever use. It is expensive though because it is 10 megapixels. The A720 that you mentioned looks like a less expensive rendition of the A640. I would steer away from anything like the S5 or SX100 mainly because of the size and weight of it. Go to your local camera/electronics store and play around with the cameras. That what how I decided what camera I wanted. I did some online research and then found stores that had demos of the cameras I liked online.

 

[KeithVH]

Unless you're going to be shooting to print 8x10's, I don't think you'll notice the diff. The 720 comes close to being pocketable, the SX and S5, not so. Unless you plan on producing fine art, the 720 will be great in the parks (and with a good eye, who knows what you can create with it).

 

[Victoria]

Unless you're going to be shooting to print 8x10's, I don't think you'll notice the diff. The 720 comes close to being pocketable, the SX and S5, not so. Unless you plan on producing fine art, the 720 will be great in the parks (and with a good eye, who knows what you can create with it).

That is my feeling with cameras as well. I really didn't need a 10 megapixel camera because I have no intentions of making a life-size print of Cinderella's Castle from my camera. The price was right when I bought it and the 10mp version had all the bells and whistles that I wanted and the 8mp one didn't. I still regret buying a camera so large and heavy because it is kind of a pain to carry aaround.

Ultimately....go with the smaller one. You will be far happier carrying it around! :wave: