Best digicam for parents 60+? They do cruises, gatherings, pets...no to DSLR.

[alkemyst]

They want small.

They are still using their Coolpix 3200 we bought them years and years ago.

They also only this year upgraded to Klipsch Chorus/Academy/Emotiva/Denon and a LCD at 55" from a 27" CRT and AWIA all in one 'theatre package'.

I am thinking just auto and a nice zoom in a compact design.

Targeting around $400 or 'so'...

We don't spend a lot on each other at Christmas...don't want it to be ackward.

I was thinking the S95, but the zoom is very limited.

The SX30 IS seems a bit big, almost at the point where a dSLR may make more sense, but I don't think my parents want that kind of bulk and they are going to do nothing but full-auto.

 

[alkemyst]

Panasonic DMC-ZR1 seems like a good pick, anyone have any other advice.

Their current camera is 3.5x2.6x1.5" and about 5oz without memory or batteries (AA's)

 

[Kaido]

Even though the SX30IS is bulky, it's my new default recommendation. Everyone wants a ridiculous zoom. The next step down would be an SX200IS (which I like better than the newer model) or an SX130IS. 12x zooms on those. But really, the SX30IS is a beast - the number one complaint I hear is that "it doesn't zoom far enough".

 

[996GT2]

Also check out the Fuji F300EXR. 15x (24-360mm zoom), EXR sensor, hybrid phase+contrast detect AF, and much less bulky than the SX30 IS.

 

[alkemyst]

I looked at the Fuji...I saw comments on image quality though...I will look back into it again.

I am debating the ZR1 vs ZS5 now quite a bit, seems lots of happy users of both.

 

[996GT2]

I looked at the Fuji...I saw comments on image quality though...I will look back into it again.

I am debating the ZR1 vs ZS5 now quite a bit, seems lots of happy users of both.

Panasonic makes some great compact superzooms with fully retracting lenses. Those would be my first choice as well. I just listed the Fuji to give you another option to consider.

 

[corkyg]

Since they have been using a Nikon Coolpix, they probably are used to the Nikon menu system. Take a look at the Coolpix P100 - Walmart for $339.

 

[996GT2]

Since they have been using a Nikon Coolpix, they probably are used to the Nikon menu system. Take a look at the Coolpix P100 - Walmart for $339.

Nikon makes some great DSLRs, but their point and shoots are generally produce worse image quality than similar models from Panasonic and Canon. IMHO, the latter two brands are king of the hill for point and shoot cameras.

 

[alkemyst]

DMC-ZS7 is on sale at amazon...

I need to find out more about it's low light performance. Some say it's fine, other's say it's an outdoor only type camera.

 

[996GT2]

DMC-ZS7 is on sale at amazon...

I need to find out more about it's low light performance. Some say it's fine, other's say it's an outdoor only type camera.

Superzoom point and shoot cameras don't do well in low-light. The combination of small sensor and slow-aperture lens unfortunately doesn't do them any favors in that regard.

 

[Madwand1]

For older people, I'd want a good optical viewfinder and external controls. Maybe a compact DSLR such as the Olympus?

 

[alkemyst]

Ordered the DMC-TZ7 from BHPhoto and the proper PP battery...$29x shipped.

They have the camera for $257 in all colors that are in stock (blue was out of stock, but I wanted black anyway).