Asking for a Camera for the Holidays (Recomendation)

[ChiliPepper093]

Alright well for the holidays I'm asking for a digital camera. It can be around $250 or less. I would like a 3" LCD with good picture quality. IT must be as small as possible either a ultracompact or a compact. Also image stabilization and burst mode are preferred. Speed is also pretty important. So far the cameras I'm looking at are Panasonic Lunix TZ3, Nikon Coolpix S50c, S51, S51c(if one of these please give me the pros and cons of each) and the Kodak Easyshare M883. Thanks.

[Photo-John]

What kind of pictures are you planning to take with it? Personally, I'll trade LCD size for an optical viewfinder. It's nearly impossible to take panning action photos with only an LCD. But with an optical viewfinder it's not hard at all. My favorite compact camera of 2007 (so far, anyway) is the Canon PowerShot SD850 IS. I used the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 a bit and I think it's pretty nice - especially with the 10x zoom. It's not really a pocket-sized camera, though. You can read our pro review for the TZ3 here:

Panasonic Lumix TZ3 Review >>

And here's my review for that Canon:

Canon PowerShot SD850 IS Review >>

The biggest zoom range I'm aware of in an actual pocket-sized digital camera is a 7x optical zom lens on the Casio Exilim EX-V7, which I also reviewed this past summer. It's also got full manual exposure controls:

Casio Exilim EX-V7 Review >>

We haven't tested any of the Nikon Coolpix S50 cameras. I am always a little nervous about that style of lens because I've seen image quality issues with them in the past. Not necessarily with Nikon, but with that internal zoom. The Casio EX-V7 has a lens like that though, and it was pretty good. Still, I think you should look at Canon if you want a pocket-sized camera. Either the Canon SD Powershots with image stabilization, or the smaller Panasonics.

Tell us more about what you want to shoot. That makes a big difference. I also want to make sure you aren't going to have false expectations about what a point-and-shoot camera can do. Fast is relative and no point-and-shoot should really be expected to be a sports camera.

[ChiliPepper093]

Mainly pictures with my friends. I might get a little more into and just take outside shoots but for now just with my friends. It will also be used a little for wrestling, but you don't need to think about that too much. What is the optical viewfinder used for because I am just starting at this. I don't really care about the zoom to much. I just liked everything else on the Lumix. As long as the camera has atleast 3x im fine. I was just looking at more cameras and how about the Olympus Stylus 820?

[cyberlord]

The optical viewfinder is the one you stick your eye up to.

My wife got a new camera not too long ago, this past summer, and she got the Pentax M30. It's pretty small but it does not have the 3" LCD like you want it's only got a 2.5". It is also a good little camera.

The powershots are nice cameras too. A co-worker bought one a few years back and he loved it and I saw some of the images and they were good quality.

Other than that that's all I know about recent compact cameras.

The best thing is to go to a camera store and try them out. Hold them, press the shutter release. See if it's comfortable in your hands. Most cameras made these days take great images. Just find the one that fits your hand and has the features you want.

You could compare specs on the computer all winter long and still not decide what to buy without holding the camera in your hand.

[ChiliPepper093]

Alright thanks. Do you know anything about the Sony Cybershot DSC-W80

[Xia_Ke]

Alright thanks. Do you know anything about the Sony Cybershot DSC-W80

Not familiar with the camera personally but, HERE'S a pretty good review of it that might help.

[ChiliPepper093]

Thanks for all your help, just wanted to let you know that I got the canon SD850 and i love it! thanks for all the help

[Xia_Ke]

Good to hear Chili. Don't forget to post some pics

Happy Holidays,
Aaron

[Photo-John]

Glad we could help. And I'll admit that I am personally pleased that you chose a camera I think is a winner

Please make sure to post a review for your new camera. We need your review! A lot of people feel they aren't qualified to post a review. But everyone's opinion is valid and everyone's opinion is important. There might be someone out there just like you looking at the SD850 IS. Your review might be the one that makes a difference for that person.

Thanks!