What camera should I buy?

[Backpack Jack]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm looking for small,thin camera that takes great pic's, like I see in some of the threads here on BPL. I don't want to spend a fortune in case it gets lost or droped/broken, some where in the range of $150.00-$200.00 Help me out here people. Thanks Jack

[drowning in spam]

These two probably aren't what you're looking for, but they were just introduced and I find them enticing.

Canon A1200
The A series cameras typically take nice pictures. This uses AA batteries and has an optical viewfinder. With lithium batteries, you should be able to get the camera right at around 6 ounces and I bet it would take over 500 pictures if you turned off the screen and used the optical viewfinder. I wouldn't be surprised if you could take nearly 1000 pictures since I've done 700+ on the 720is using less powerful Eneloop batteries.

Price will probably be about $100 at Newegg

Fujifilm XP30
This exceeds your budget by $40.

The advantage is that it's ruggedized, so dropping it is less of a concern. It has gps, which may possibly replace a standalone gps…so possible weight savings there. The weight is already under 6 ounces with the battery.

[Tony Wong]

Jack,

I am a big fan of the Canon Digital Elph Powershot series.

Prior to 2010, my photos have been shot with the S230 3.2 Mega Pixel Camera.

When that broke, I picked up the SD880IS with wide angle lens and I could not be happier.

The SD940IS seems to be the newest version of my camera.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SD940IS-Stabilized-Black/dp/B002LITT6U/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294466882&sr=1-1

$190.00 at Amazon.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sd940_is

Canon website information on this model.

Since I have only owned 2 digital cameras, can not say that I am an expert, but they have served me long and well.

That said, please note that the photo essays that I have posted…the photos have been cleaned up using Photoshop Elements version 7.0, using the auto idiot features.

Just my two cents.

-Tony

[Backpack Jack]

Thanks guys I'll check them out, I also forgot to mention that I would like it to be able to take at least 500 pics without changing batteries or recharging. I did look at some cannons and I'm kind of steering in that direction, I was just looking for some more feed back from other camera users with more expereince likr you guys. Thanks Jack

[drowning in spam]

The number of compact cameras I've found that use proprietary lithium batteries in your price range that can shoot 500 shots on a single charge is zero. It's possible with cameras that use lithium AA batteries though…and occasionally quality rechargeable nimh batteries like the Eneloop.

Here's a list of cameras and their battery lives that I posted in another thread.
Camera battery life comparison – AA vs proprietary

[Joe Geib]

I just got the Lumix ZS5. Great zoom, HD video, some manual functions. About $200.

My friend just got the Canon S90. Great manual functions, f2.0 (for low light), zoom not as good as ZS5. Probably over $200.

[Brian Turner]

I currently use a Canon SD1400.

[Backpack Jack]

I think I've narrowed it down to the cannon sd1300, or the panasonic zs6, which of these 2 do you guys like?

[Levon Jensen]

Under 200, i have the 6000 its awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Stylus-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B0031RGETU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1299218188&sr=8-4

waterproof/shock resistant cameras are the best thing ever not having to worry about getting snow in around/ on your camera is awesome in the winter. and throwing it in your pants pocket in the summer crossing streams/ swimming is way to good.

The canon sd1300 is a decent cheap camera, i got the older model for my brother takes nice pictures.

You really cant go wrong with most cheap point and shoots nowadays, they are all about the same.

[Backpack Jack]

I finally took the plunge and bought a Canon sd1400, battery is charging as we type. I will get to use it next weekend on a snow trip we have planned up to Dewey Point in Yosemite, thanks for all the advice.

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