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View Full Version : I need a lot of help...


thesheesh
09-29-2009, 03:11 PM
Budget: My budget is flexible, but trying to keep it no more than $275. Was hoping to find something in the $200-250 range. Willing to pay extra if it's necessary.

Size: Strong preference to being to put the camera in my pocket.. even if it has to be crammed in there. I don't care about it being extremely small or light. I'd prefer something that can take good pictures, yet still enjoy my vacation with two free hands when not taking pictures.

Features:
Megapixels: 10+megapixels would be preferable. I like to crop images in photoshop.
Optical zoom: Standard is fine. Ultrazoom preferable, but not if it will detract from image quality at my price point.
Image Quality: Scale of 1-10 is a 9.

Manual Controls: More of a novelty to me than anything else. Not necessary.

General Usage: This camera will be used on vacations. It will have to take good outdoor pictures with vibrant colors, but also good indoor pictures is a must. My current camera has a lot of noise indoors and the flash is extremely weak. I'd like to improve on that.

Will you be making big prints of your photos or not: Probably not. But I will likely crop images and make smaller photos from larger ones.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos: Yes

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos: Rarely. Not enough to make it a factor.

Miscellaneous
Are there particular brands you like or hate? I've had good luck with Canon. I'm open-minded though. As long as the brand is reputable and reliable.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I have been looking at the Canon SX200 & the Panasonic ZS3, but they seem to be out of my price range. Other cameras I've been looking at are the Canon SD960, SD780 and the Powershot A2100.

Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
A good image stabilizer is very important to me. I tend to have shaky hands when taking pictures. Also a face recognition would be nice. Since I've been reading a lot about Canons I tend to like a lot of the features in the Digic 4 processor.

jekostas
09-29-2009, 06:21 PM
In terms of low light compacts, well, there really aren't a whole lot out there. There is the Fuji F70EXR, which is at the top end of your price range, but reviews seem to be few and far between at this point.
It also seems to be somewhat difficult to find out in the "wild".
It'll take some practice to get around the low-light modes on that camera (which are effectively 5MP because of the way the sensor works), but it'll (probably) be better than anything in the same price point.

thesheesh
09-29-2009, 06:45 PM
In terms of low light compacts, well, there really aren't a whole lot out there. There is the Fuji F70EXR, which is at the top end of your price range, but reviews seem to be few and far between at this point.
It also seems to be somewhat difficult to find out in the "wild".
It'll take some practice to get around the low-light modes on that camera (which are effectively 5MP because of the way the sensor works), but it'll (probably) be better than anything in the same price point.

I just read a review of this camera on dpreview and I have to say it sounds excellent. You did a wonderful job on your suggestion. I am going to keep looking for reviews. B&H sells this camera for $240 w/ free shipping. Most excellent.

Thank you so much for your suggestion. It is extremely appreciated. Any other suggestions are more than welcome;)