$200 P&S with good auto settings

[sathyan]

I'm looking for a point and shoot camera for my mom. Budget is somewhat flexible but I'm targeting $200 for the camera itself. She will be using it in a variety of conditions (daylight, indoors, etc.) and posting the output on Picasa or doing 4x6 prints.

It needs to have good out-of-the-box auto settings for different conditions. She will not want to have to dig through menus. It should truly be point and shoot. About the only setting she will need to change is disabling the flash (for a museum, etc.)

She's upgrading from my hand-me-down Nikon 775 (2MP) which has developed a hot pixel. It has a dial with a variety of scene modes she never uses. She has used my current Nikon P5100 (12MP) but finds it too heavy with too many option (so leaves it in auto)

Cliffs:
-$200 budget
-good auto mode
-fast boot time would be nice
-simple to use
-flash disable button
-weight less than 1/2 lb
-rechargeable battery

I'm looking for a few options to research.

thanks

 

[dougp]

Panasonic DMC-ZS3 or it's "new" version DMC-ZS7

 

[The_Dude8]

canon Sd4000
or the sony dsc HX5V
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-sho...dp/B00328HR76?

both cameras are within your budget range.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

The Nikon Coolpix S8100 is a really neat camera. $179.95 Refurbished by Nikon (better than new).

"Fast, responsive and versatile, the Nikon CoolPix S8100 with advanced CMOS sensor technology and incredible 10X zoom will capture fast-moving subjects in still images and Full HD (1080) movies. High-speed operation, exceptional low-light performance, outstanding image quality and sophisticated features mark the 12.1-megapixel S8100.

The optical 10x wide Zoom- NIKKOR ED glass lens covers 30-300mm and the camera's speedy start-up, fast autofocus, quick shutter release, superior low light performance and high-speed continuous shooting (five shots in one second!) ensure capture of all your memorable moments. The S8100 also offers Optical VR Image Stabilization, high ISO sensitivity to 3200, a new flash control system, movie recording with stereo sound and a 3-inch Ultra-High Resolution (921,000-dot) Clear Color Display for bright, sharp image viewing and sharing."

JR

http://www.adorama.com/INKCPS8100RR.html

 

[JohnnyRebel]

A good Powershot option, the SD4000 is $199 refurb by Canon (better than new).

"Loaded with first-of-its-kind features and high-end capabilities, the Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Digital ELPH gives ELPH lovers all new reasons to step up. Never before has Canon equipped an ELPH with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor-driven HS SYSTEM or an f/2.0 lens - both of which deliver incredible images in low light. And shooting action or sporting events has never been so fun, with High-Speed Burst mode and the Super Slow Motion Movie function to mix things up. You'll control shots like a pro with Aperture- and Shutter-priority modes, and play your 720p HD movies effortlessly on your HDTV. All this from a super-slim style icon - what more could you ask?"

http://www.adorama.com/ICASD4000RDR....rce=cj_3332167

 

[Throckmorton]

In my experience Panasonics take the best pictures out of the box. Not Nikon, not Canon.

 

[Munky]

In my experience, Canon produces the best-looking photos from a consumer P&S. Panasonic has a tendency to make yellows look greenish. Sony usually applies too much noise reduction, making photos look like watercolor paintings.