Best Point & Shoot for $200 or less.

[Exeodus]

I need some recommendations. I have never put much stock in Newegg reviews, and my old 6MP isn't cutting it anymore. I need something that can take:

- Good outdoor shots
- Decent low light shots with minimal pix-elation
- Must be able to record HD 720p video
- Flash memory support
- Windows 7 compatible

Thanks.

 

[txlonghorn]

I am no expert; just a casual user. I just bought a Panasonic DMC-FH20 for $149 after 10 years of using Canon (I still have a PowerShot A720Is). It has everything on your list:

- Good outdoor shots - check (8x zoom, 14M)
- Decent low light shots with minimal pix-elation -check. Good enough for me.
- Must be able to record HD 720p video - check. 1 limitation: video file size is limited to 2GB or about 8 min 30 sec.
- Flash memory support - Check. SDHC.
- Windows 7 compatible - Check.

With Panasonic you give up styling and manual control. Neither is a deal-breaker for me. I'd rather my camera take good pictures than look good.

 

[railer]

I'm another casual user.

I just replaced my Canon SD200 (great little camera), with a Panasonic ZR1. It's only slightly bigger than my old camera, but has an 8x optical zoom and does HD video. I got it refurbed from Amazon for $155 or so. Panosonic or Canon really seem to be the way to go for a point and shoot from all the reviews I've read.

 

[alkemyst]

What did you have?

 

[MotionMan]

I am looking for a good point a shoot <$300 to replace my Canon SD600.

Any further thoughts?

One question: It there a big visual impression difference between a 2.5" LCD and a 2.7"?

MotionMan

 

[wirednuts]

this is actually a good thread. its been awhile since the last wave of pocket cameras had changed much, but now with HD video in all of them i too think its a good time to buy/upgrade.

i still have a canon sd400, so getting one of these new ones would be a dramatic difference for me... hmmm....

 

[alkemyst]

LCD size is a lot more to do with resolution within a 1/4" of each other.

 

[Phobic9]

I'm also looking for a decent point and shoot since my Canon 780IS took a bath in a river this weekend. I'm not limited to $200 or less but I suppose that wouldn't really hurt.

 

[jjmIII]

Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP

 

[shortylickens]

Can you get the Panasonic LX3 for 200 dollars anyplace?

 

[996GT2]

Can you get the Panasonic LX3 for 200 dollars anyplace?

I wish. And so does everyone else.

 

[MotionMan]

The front-runners (prices from Amazon):

Panasonic DMC-FH20 - $160.00
Panasonic ZR1 - $185
Canon SD1200IS - $189
Canon SD1300IS - $169
Canon SD780IS - $169

Any further thoughts?

MotionMan

 

[txlonghorn]

I came from using Canon PowerShot A720IS with only 3x optical zoom. The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Panasonic DMC-FH20 is the 8x optical zoom. I can't believe how much I had been missing in the past. With IS on, the pictures taken at 8X zoom are rock solid. No blurriness. For me, I'd rather have higher optical zoom over other features. You should check out the cameras in person and see the difference.

 

[LeonarD26]

I picked up a SD1300 (to replace a SD200) for my wife. I got it based on her comfort level with her old camera, but am wondering if I should branch out to other brands.

The SD1300 got pretty solid reviews compared to the SD780 (but no HD video, SD1400 does however)

The Panasonic FH20 does look very interesting... is it a big camera?

 

[Exeodus]

I picked up the FH20 and it is a great camera. Very little shutter lag, amazing close up shots, and very small and light. Luckily Frys had it on sale for 149.99! The HD video is so-so however, but not really a deal breaker.

 

[ElFenix]

Can you get the Panasonic LX3 for 200 dollars anyplace?

i'm fairly certain i could sell mine, after a year and a half of ownership, for more than i bought it for (thanks bing, ert, live search!)

 

[MotionMan]

The front-runners (prices from Amazon):

Panasonic DMC-FH20 - $160.00
Panasonic ZR1 - $185
Canon SD1200IS - $189
Canon SD1300IS - $169
Canon SD780IS - $169

Any further thoughts?

MotionMan

Do any of these cameras charge the battery internally, or do they all use a separate battery charger?

MotionMan

 

[LeonarD26]

All of the Canon models use a separate battery charger as far as I know, can't say about the other models...

 

[Exeodus]

The Panasonic FH20 also uses a external charger.

 

[Brainonska511]

I picked up a Canon SD1200IS a few weeks ago for $150 from Beach Camera (through Buy.com). Works like a charm and was a perfect replacement for my older PowerShot S400 (which was in its death throes) and supplement to my dSLR equipment.

 

[ElFenix]

oh, and best advice is to just buy whatever panasonic/canon/sony is on sale. at the under $200 price tag they're all fairly similar. probably all use the same sony sensors. there is the occasional good olympus or interesting pentax model, but it really isn't worth doing all the research to find out. better to get a camera, get the manual, and learn how to use the various features and functions rather than agonizing over the minor differences between a handful of models.

 

[shortylickens]

oh, and best advice is to just buy whatever panasonic/canon/sony is on sale. at the under $200 price tag they're all fairly similar. probably all use the same sony sensors. there is the occasional good olympus or interesting pentax model, but it really isn't worth doing all the research to find out. better to get a camera, get the manual, and learn how to use the various features and functions rather than agonizing over the minor differences between a handful of models.

I have to agree. At the $200 mark any good brand will get you a darn nice camera, and none of them are interested in really standing out at that price point. You wont likely be completely disappointed unless you are very particular, and for 200 bucks you cant afford to be particular. Get anything you like, learn how to use it, and if it has one shortcoming you just cant get by, you will know to look for it in your next camera.

 

[BabaBooey]

I love my little SD780is A true pocket camera that takes great pics and does 720P video !

 

[finbarqs]

Iphone 4.0 720P back illuminated sensor,
AND BIGGER sensor!!!! they've kept the pixel pitch the same!

 

[speedy2]

Do any of these cameras charge the battery internally, or do they all use a separate battery charger?

MotionMan

Is that a feature you want?

I'd want to have 2 batteries and a separate charger. That way I'm not stuck having to use the camera as a charger when 1 battery dies.