Seeking advice for easy to use camera...

[NokiaFanatic]

So I had a Sony DSC-P10 that was recently okd to be junked out by Best Buy, 1 week before my 4 year warranty expired. So they tell me that I will get a like camera, and will be proablay cheaper in price. I bought mine for 449.99 4 years ago. Well, the girl that helped me said that I can get this model a DSC-H9, which was valued at 429.99. Without hesitating, I said ok. I feared I was gonna get a 100 camera for the way techonloghy has eveolved. Well, after I get it home, I am unsure if this is too much camera. I mean, I am mainly looking for a point and shoot camera. Sure it would be nice to have a big one and get some attachements and all, but my wife and I are more of the "Oh thats a good picture "Snap" ok move on.

If anyone could recomend any camera to me, I would greatly appreciate it!!! But remeber, since I had the exchange at Best Buy, I am limited only to Best Buy cameras. - And thats if they allow me to return it since it was an exchange for a no lemon policy.

Unless you think I got one heck of a deal, let me know if thats the case too!

Thank you all so much!!

Oh, by the way, the main things that we will be taking pictures of are just family events, including a dog. I need to have a good motion detector so it can still pick up the dog even if she is moving. THANK YOU ALL!!!

e-mail: michael.moroni@gmail.com

[Greg McCary]

If it were me and I was dead set on a P&S and had 400 to use this is what I would get.
Canons are Great cameras...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1190678018077

[NokiaFanatic]

Thank you for your input. I will be sure to check that out. I have heard many good things about Canon. Would you say Canon will beat a Sony all of the time? Or is there a Sony that would do very nicely?

[Photo-John]

Canon has been the best-selling camera company for a few years now. And the camera that Greg pointed you to is one of Canon's PowerShot A-Series cameras, which have been among the most popular on this site for about as long as I can remember. The Canon A-Series cameras offer a great combination of simplicity, advanced features, and performance. That sounds like Canon marketing, but it's not. I like to describe the Canon A-Series cameras as great family camera cameras because they do everything well.

But the Sony DSC-H9 will do everything well, too. The main differences between the H9 and the Canon A650 IS are the lens and the resolution. The Sony H9 is a super zoom with a huge 15x optical zoom. The Canon has a 6x optical zoom lens. That's still a lot of lens. But nothing like what the Sony has. The other difference is the number of pixels. The Canon is a 12-megapixel camera and the Sony is an 8-megapixel camera. Truthfully, 8-megapixels is more than adequate for most people. But I've been using a couple of 12-megapixel compacts and I've been surprised by the image quality. And 12-megapixels does mean bigger prints, more cropping ability, and better high ISO image quality.

If you really like Sony and want to take a look at another one of their cameras, check out the DSC-W90. I don't think it offers as many features as the Canon A-Series cameras, though. It's an 8-megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens. It's more of a point-and-shoot camera. And that may be what you're looking for. If that's the case, I think you'd be happy with the W90.

My experience with Sony digital cameras has always been good - especially as far as image quality goes. But I do think you'll get more camera and a better camera with the Canon A650 IS. And all compact digital cameras have an auto mode. So you can use the more advanced features if you want. But if you want to keep things simple you can just put them on auto and enjoy the image quality and better lenses on the bigger cameras.

Here are some links for reviews for the cameras we've been talking about:
Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 Reviews
Canon PowerShot A650 IS Review Page (no reviews yet)
Canon PowerShot A640 Pro Review (an editorial review for the A650 IS predecessor)
Sony CyberShot DSC-W90 Reviews

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the cameras mentioned, including the W9. But the W9 does have a huge lens which you'll be paying for. You may be happier with a smaller camera that costs less. One important thing to note is that all of the cameras I've mentioned have mechanical image stabilization. That means that they have systems that mechanically correct for camera shake. This is an invaluable feature and I would absolutely recommend you get a camera that has image stabilization. It will mean more good photos.

I hope that gives you some more direction. Let us know if you have more questions :-)

[Glasstream15]

Greg, that link says they are sold out and not available in store or on-line. And a 12.1 MP camera? For a Canon, the G9 which is a little more, or the S5IS which is a bit less would be top of the line. The S5IS is listed on the BB site and says available at most stores. I have an S5 and it is a fabulous camera. The 12X zoom gives you a great range from moderat wide angle to LOOONNG telephoto and it works wonderfully on full auto. If you decide you want to improve your photographic skills, the S5IS is more than capable of growing with you until you decide you must have a DSLR. And then the S5 becomes a go where I really don't want to bother with the big camera.

And that Sony is also a fabulous camera. And it will take amazing pictures on full auto but also allow you to expand your phot skills and horizons.

If you had to buy over the counter and knowing what you say you want the camera for, I'd recommend a much cheaper, far less capable camera. But, since you are getting it in exchange, go for the gusto. Get the best you can fo what they'll allow and smile all the way home

[NokiaFanatic]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I forgot I posted here! sorry. I did end up keeping the Sony DSC-H9 and havn't looked back yet. Sure its a little klunky, but it has taken superb photos so far.

As far as the DSC-W90, I think I will get one within the next 2 months, for I will have enough points on my Sony credt card to get it for free. So there, 2 cameras - 1 PnS, and 1 to further my camera skills. Thanks everyone!