Best photo quality "auto mode" camera under $300

[EliteRetard]

Mirror-less or point 'n shoot, "portable" but not tiny. Also like easy movie mode with decent quality 1080 (perhaps dedicated one button start/stop?).
Small enough to fit in large jacket pocket with short lens attached.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know if there are any decent portable mirror-less SLR cameras in this price range, or if they have a good idiot mode for great photos automatically. I know the larger sensors should in theory make much better photos than P&S. Problem is the person doesn't know much about cameras so it needs an idiot proof mode for now. They may eventually learn how to use manual modes as they will be retiring and using this for a wide variety of stuff.

If they do learn manual modes and decide to make photography a hobby they can get a full SLR then, and still keep this portable unit for casual outings/walks and quick simple shots.

I'm thinking a long zoom lens is not necessary right now, but it would be an advantage for the mirror-less if they could eventually add a long focal range (300mm?) lens for "cheap". If I do need to go P&S for now, then it probably would be best to get one that does have a decent optical zoom (at least around "15x").

I don't want to ask for to much, the most important is good quality on auto mode, and they did say at least having an easy movie option was wanted. But if I could get cheap/easy to replace/add batteries and/or good battery life that would be nice.

So many cameras have these tiny little proprietary square litho batteries with terrible life. A few hundred shot life may be OK if you can actually find/get a good extra for cheap (with a simple charging system). I know this person likes to take thousands (literally) of photos and would probably end up shooting tons of video (don't currently have anything with video capability). It would be nice if they could easily record their entire "3 hour tour" without a huge pile of batteries and cables.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks in advance

 

[blastingcap]

Sony NEX-3N. With kit lens you can still fit it in a jacket pocket, and the lens focal range is excellent. Its relatively large sensor will give you out of focus blur better than rivals can.

I'm sure some other folks will come by and recommend a micro four thirds camera or something, and some of them are quite good, but you can get a used NEX-3N with lens for around $250.

Mirror-less or point 'n shoot, "portable" but not tiny. Also like easy movie mode with decent quality 1080 (perhaps dedicated one button start/stop?).
Small enough to fit in large jacket pocket with short lens attached.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know if there are any decent portable mirror-less SLR cameras in this price range, or if they have a good idiot mode for great photos automatically. I know the larger sensors should in theory make much better photos than P&S. Problem is the person doesn't know much about cameras so it needs an idiot proof mode for now. They may eventually learn how to use manual modes as they will be retiring and using this for a wide variety of stuff.

If they do learn manual modes and decide to make photography a hobby they can get a full SLR then, and still keep this portable unit for casual outings/walks and quick simple shots.

I'm thinking a long zoom lens is not necessary right now, but it would be an advantage for the mirror-less if they could eventually add a long focal range (300mm?) lens for "cheap". If I do need to go P&S for now, then it probably would be best to get one that does have a decent optical zoom (at least around "15x").

I don't want to ask for to much, the most important is good quality on auto mode, and they did say at least having an easy movie option was wanted. But if I could get cheap/easy to replace/add batteries and/or good battery life that would be nice.

So many cameras have these tiny little proprietary square litho batteries with terrible life. A few hundred shot life may be OK if you can actually find/get a good extra for cheap (with a simple charging system). I know this person likes to take thousands (literally) of photos and would probably end up shooting tons of video (don't currently have anything with video capability). It would be nice if they could easily record their entire "3 hour tour" without a huge pile of batteries and cables.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks in advance

 

[shortylickens]

Panasonic.

LX3
LX5
LX7

Whichever you can find cheap enough.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

 

[CuriousMike]

I like that Nex 3N, but it is not pocketable.

You said Jacket Pocketable, and that is probably true.

It is tiny - but the damn lens sticks out.

 

[Silviaki]

Maybe Olympus XZ-1 Digital Camera designed for those who want the quality of an SLR in a high-end point-and-shoot format is a better choice , and this camera provides easy-to-use outlet for artistic expression add the price is cheaper and it is pocketable.
Also you can choose SONY NEX-6, it seems well.
Best luck for you!