Suitable Camera for Visually Impaired Person

[Goodbyegirl]

I am visually impaired and am seeking a camera which will take basic photographs and has the option of videos. I am not a great photographer so something really easy to use is what I need. I also need a large screen and easy to read (if available) menus.

We have a Kodak CX6330 at present (we got it when digital cameras were a new thing to the general consumer) but the screen is very small and another big issue we have is the length of time the batteries last.
My daughter bought herself a Vivitar Vivicam 5388 and it has basic functions, a large screen (not sure what the text is like on the menus) and it takes a decent photo and it seems as though she can put her camera away for a good while and when she goes to use it again, the batteries are still working!

Cost is a big issue too. As I said, I am not an avid photographer so don't want to spend a fortune but want value for money.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

[ken1953]

Hello GBG, I am not going to list any specific brand at this time as I'm not sure which would be best for you. However, I have a couple of things you should consider.
First, the screen on many brands is getting bigger and better quality. But with a visual impairment, may not be enough for you. I think the largest screens are approaching 3 inches. You may consider a camera that uses a viewfinder (where you look through the eyepiece). Most now have adjustments so that they can be adjusted to each persons own vision. They work very well.
Battery life depends alot on how much you use the screen to preview and review your pictures, and of course to show everyone what you shot. And all rechargeable batteries will discharge slightly over time, until they are drained. My suggestion is to keep a spare battery/ies on hand at all times and to always "be prepared" with a fully charged battery. I first began using the Kodak DX 4330 and had the same problems you have with your Kodak, but I learned over time...don't use the screen so much, haha.
Not knowing exactly what your looking for, a dedicated still camera or a dedicated movie camera, I can again only offer a couple of ideas for you to consider.
Both types have their strengths and weaknesses. A point and shoot still camera will give you better still pictures and most have decent video capabilities. The movie cameras have better movies, and pretty decent still capabilities. On still cameras, you want to ensure as high of quality video as you can. My Nikon p/s for example shoots 640x480, but, I can only get 1 minute of film at a time. It also shoots 320x240 and I can shoot until my card fills up, but the quality is limited. I have no experience with the digital movie cameras, so hopefully someone else can jump in here and help you with that.
Since your Kodak first came out, cameras have gotten much better and are improving all of the time. If you live in a town that has a dedicated camera store, go down and ask a lot of questions and try out everything you might be interested in. If your town doesn't have a camera store, WalMarts, BestBuy, KMarts, Target all have camera sections, and sometimes you can actually find someone who kind of knows what they are talking about. Go try them all out. After you have tried everyone out, then get on here and look at the reviews for the cameras that you are interested in that you can afford.
Hope this helps a little.