I need a new camera...

[Chiropteran]

This seems be pretty close to what I want. Based on the reviews it sounds like it lasts a decent bit on 4 AA batteries, which is the most important thing to me.

It's more than I need really, I could go with a much cheaper camera, but it seems like every camera under $300 only takes 2 batteries and eats through them like candy. It's not the price of batteries that bothers me so much, it's the need to change them after taking only a couple dozen pictures.

Are there other cameras I should be considering? I'd love to save some money and get something cheaper, if such a camera exists.

 

[jpeyton]

Are you looking for a super-zoom camera? And do you need one that runs on AA batteries, or will a lithium-ion battery work too?

Just FYI, most cameras running on lithium-ion batteries will typically take 150 pictures at minimum, with some cameras taking over 300 per charge. Cameras that take AA batteries (even just two of them) can easily take 150-300 pictures if you use good quality rechargeable NiMH batteries. I personally like Sanyo Eneloops, but if you take a ton of pictures, try Sanyo 2700mAh NiMHs.

Regarding speed, most modern cameras are pretty quick. Casio, Canon and Fuji are all pretty fast. Newer Nikons are also fast. I have no experience with Olympus or other brands.

 

[randomlinh]

do you just shoot a dozen shots here and there? If so, your batteries just might be losing charge. Eneloops (or any low discharge nimh) are great if that's how you tend to shoot. If you're talking about a single session only lasting a couple of dozen shots, what camera do you currently have? Remember the S5 is a bit of a brick compared to some of the smaller cameras. It's compact, yes, but still bulky.

 

[Chiropteran]

I don't have a camera currently, the last one I had was a Canon Powershot A200. It was ok for it's time, but the battery life was way too short and it's nothing near the capabilities of current cameras.

As far as NiMH batteries being superior, that is good to know, but short battery life has bothered me so much in the past I want to get the camera with the best battery life I can get. I'm certainly not opposed to buying a camera that uses a battery pack instead of regular AA batteries, but my impression was that those cameras are typically more expensive.

Size isn't really a big issue to me. It's be nice to have a small camera, but basically my priorities are battery life>shooting speed>price>picture quality>size.

 

[virtuamike]

Have you considered a used DSLR? You can get bodies in the $300 range and they'll have longer battery life and better responsiveness than a P&S.

 

[Chiropteran]

Originally posted by: virtuamike
Have you considered a used DSLR? You can get bodies in the $300 range and they'll have longer battery life and better responsiveness than a P&S.

I don't really like to buy anything used, call it a character flaw.

After a lot of thought I think the S5 IS is more than I need, and after some more research I'm thinking about getting an A590. It only takes 2 AA batteries (boo!) but based on the reviews it gets some decent battery life despite that. And if the new NiMH rechargeable batteries are as great as I have heard, I think this camera will work. At $150~, this camera seems like a safer purchase.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Considering the Canon Powershot S5 was released last May, I'm betting Canon will soon be announcing its successor, the S7 I'm guessing.
That should push the S5's price down a bit.

I'm looking at an S5 myself because I want something more responsive. The lag time on my A520 is no fun.

 

[Chiropteran]

Ended up buying the A590, I think it'll be enough of a camera for me.