Help? Need Good Camera

GabbyGee1976 · 03-05-2011, 07:34 PM

Hey folks - I'm in the market for a new camera because the one I had was dropped by my daughter last year. My budget is $200 or less - but I'm not very familiar with how to tell a good camera from a bad one?? What are the best cameras that kind of fall within that range? I tried to do a search, but I just don't get a lot of the information.

I just want to be able to take good quality pictures, and I don't want to have a lot of delay between when I push the button and when the picture actually gets taken (don't really know what that's called lol). I'm trying to learn some new things as well, so I want something where I can take a large variety of photo types. I don't need "professional grade" photos, but I want good ones.

I also need something that takes good pictures whether I'm outdoors or in. Can anyone help me with this???

I appreciate any help and suggestions.

*Kathleen* · 03-05-2011, 08:58 PM

I have always had good luck with Canon point & shoot cameras. I would go to a store like Best Buy scope out a few. See how they feel in your hands. Make a few notes about models, then go home and do some research on the models that seem to sync up with your price.

kydeb · 03-05-2011, 10:29 PM

I have a Canon with a 12x optical zoom. 12.2 megapixals. It takes GREAT pictures. It's just barely over $200.....well worth it. I use it for practically everything. I only use my Nikon D200 for taking really fast action shots . . . mostly horse racing action. Here is a link to one site with the camera but you can search and find it plenty of other places I'm sure. I bought mine from Amazon.com.

http://www.buy.com/prod/canon-powers...210793928.html

tshirt · 03-06-2011, 10:37 PM

Well if you're going to pay $200 I would bypass those tiny P&S'er. The images really are not high quality. Here's my suggestion and I myself would get this one tomorrow if I hadn't already bought the lower model last week. I saw this to late. Now first off you must not be scared of buying used. My used Nikon 8700 (circa 2005) hasn't a scratch on it. I can't imagine owning a camera for 6 years and not scratching it. Must never have left the bag.

Well back to the subject I see there is one left having a $200 pricetag. It's a Nikon Coolpix 8800. A step up from my 8700. 10X Optical zoom and it has "IS" image stabilizing. The image detail with this model is superb. It has RAW format also. It has a much larger sensor than any of those little P&S'er. I bought mine to do time lapse photography.

Well at least take a look see what you think. Remember it's used and I'm telling you if I didn't have my 8700 already I would get this tomorrow. I paid $165 for mine on Amazon.

here's the link

http://tinyurl.com/4d2jvon

Here is the review link for that camera
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonCP8800/

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Nelloli · 11-04-2011, 02:37 AM

I'm a fan of Nikon cameras, I own two and use them since ages and they never fail to satisfy me. Unfortunately at the beginning the settings are a little bit difficult and you have to find out which setting is the best for less light, much light, sunny days, night views.. but you will find it out fast!

Margie · 11-04-2011, 02:45 AM

I love my Nikon d40 even though it stays on auto.

http://www.dpreview.com has some good info on cameras. I just went for one that would work well on auto, but that many of my friends here had, so I can get help.

j_fitzgerald · 11-09-2011, 08:03 PM

Canons seem to be very easy to use and produce great pictures.
I used to love Kodaks, but their performance cameras don't stand up to Canon's anymore.