Yet another "recommend me a digital camera" thread

[NuclearNed]

I need a small, light digital cam that takes excellent pictures. Originally I thought I wanted one of the big expensive professional cams, but that really won't suit my needs. I'll be taking this camera with me when I climb Mt. Rainier later this year, so it has to be small and lightweight. But at the same time, I don't want my pictures turning out like crap. Money really isn't my biggest consideration. I'm a photography noob, so I'll probably put a lot of clout in whatever recommendations I get.

UPDATE:
Based on the recommendation of a couple of guys in the thread below, I started researching the Canon PowerShot G7. It sounds like a great camera, so it is the one I chose. I think I got a pretty good deal on it: $464 (total cost, shipping and all) from a store that had a real good rating on www.resellerratings.com.

I also ordered an 8gb Transcend SDHC card from ClubIT ($80.99 total cost, shipping and all). This is a little bit of a gamble on my part - the camera is SDHC compliant, but according to Canon has been tested with only 4gb SDHC cards. I'm pretty sure the 8gb card will work, but if it doesn't I'll return it and get the 4gb.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Budget?

 

[GTaudiophile]

I want to buy the GF this digicam for her b-day.

 

[xchangx]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed
I need a small, light digital cam that takes excellent pictures. Originally I thought I wanted one of the big expensive professional cams, but that really won't suit my needs. I'll be taking this camera with me when I climb Mt. Rainier later this year, so it has to be small and lightweight. But at the same time, I don't want my pictures turning out like crap. Money really isn't my biggest consideration. I'm a photography noob, so I'll probably put a lot of clout in whatever recommendations I get.

Get the digital elph, my brother had that camera and it took excellent pictures

 

[imported_Mike]

Id check out the Canon SD800IS, the Sony DSC-W90, and the Casio EX-Z700.

 

[ScoobMaster]

Well, one of the most VERSATILE pocket digicams you can get is the Kodak V705. It has *BOTH* 5x optical zoom AND wide-angle lenses built-in. It is fairly small and easy to carry in your pocket.

I would think that you might want to take some nice landscape shots while climbing the mountain, so the wide angle would come in handy. No messing around carrying extra lenses to have that functionality!

HERE is a review from Steve's Digicams

IIRC, it also has in-camera photo-stitching capability - you can make nice panoramic shots right on location!

 

[R Nilla]

I would also consider any of the Casio Exilim series, namely the EX-S600 or the seemingly identical yet less expensive EX-Z60. Both are remarkably small and thin.

 

[iamwiz82]

I've been nothing but happy with my cheapie A530. It takes great pictures and cost $100 last year. The best part is that I don't fear breaking it since it's so cheap.

 

[slpaulson]

I like my Sony DSC-T100.

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

There is no reason for you to spend more then $500 for the camera and extra accessories. Where are you buying? Online or B&M?

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

The problem is that small, light and excellent picture quality aren't always something you can put in the same sentance. In low light situations you simply can not defeat physics.

If you'll be outdoors in bright sunny conditions, an ultra-compact should do fine. You'll have enough light to keep the ISO to a reasonable level. When it gets to be dawn/dusk or indoors you'll struggle with them.

Just my experience comparing a DSLR to an ultracompact P&S (SD800IS).

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

The problem is that small, light and excellent picture quality aren't always something you can put in the same sentance. In low light situations you simply can not defeat physics.

If you'll be outdoors in bright sunny conditions, an ultra-compact should do fine. You'll have enough light to keep the ISO to a reasonable level. When it gets to be dawn/dusk or indoors you'll struggle with them.

Just my experience comparing a DSLR to an ultracompact P&S (SD800IS).

So true, execpt you really can't compare a DSLR to a P&S...just not relavent. Two different types of cameras for two different purposes really.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Mike

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

The problem is that small, light and excellent picture quality aren't always something you can put in the same sentance. In low light situations you simply can not defeat physics.

If you'll be outdoors in bright sunny conditions, an ultra-compact should do fine. You'll have enough light to keep the ISO to a reasonable level. When it gets to be dawn/dusk or indoors you'll struggle with them.

Just my experience comparing a DSLR to an ultracompact P&S (SD800IS).

So true, execpt you really can't compare a DSLR to a P&S...just not relavent. Two different types of cameras for two different purposes really.

I only said that because he didn't care about the price and in the OP he stated that he initially considered one of those "big professional cameras".

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: Mike

Originally posted by: NuclearNed

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Budget?

Not relevant. I'd like to keep it under 1k, and more in the neighborhood of $500. But if the right camera costs $999, then so be it.

The key things are size, weight, and picture excellence.

There is no reason for you to spend more then $500 for the camera and extra accessories. Where are you buying? Online or B&M?

Actually, I'd like to find the right camera first, then I'll find the best deal for it. I'm open to buying either B&M or online.

 

[Aharami]

that SD700 looks pretty good. Ultra-compact P&S with image stabilization (dunno how well it works...but it has it) and 4x optical zoom

 

[fLum0x]

i am in the same boat. I was looking at the SD1000, SD750, and Sony N2.

 

[Boo Boo]

if your limbing mt rainer you want the olympus from costco

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11173217

its all weather

now as far as bateries your stuck buying propietory

so you may look at the a710is by canon it uses AA

 

[Boo Boo]

so i recommend anything that uses AA batteries as you can carry extras and easy to find

nothing like getting to the top and finding out you have no juice

also remeber the cold may cause condensation if you dont allow it to adjust right

 

[NuclearNed]

Originally posted by: Boo Boo
so i recommend anything that uses AA batteries as you can carry extras and easy to find

nothing like getting to the top and finding out you have no juice

also remeber the cold may cause condensation if you dont allow it to adjust right

The all-weather cams are a good recommendation. I would like to keep the camera either in my pack, or hitched to my pack strap for easy access.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: NuclearNed
I need a small, light digital cam that takes excellent pictures. Originally I thought I wanted one of the big expensive professional cams, but that really won't suit my needs. I'll be taking this camera with me when I climb Mt. Rainier later this year, so it has to be small and lightweight. But at the same time, I don't want my pictures turning out like crap. Money really isn't my biggest consideration. I'm a photography noob, so I'll probably put a lot of clout in whatever recommendations I get.

get the max optical zoom that fits in a pocket camera. currently, i think it's 5x.

also look for unlimited video capture. ie: stops only if your memory card is full.

look for one with a BIG lcd screen, like it takes up 3/4 of the back of the camera.

and 2 AA batteries. searching for a CR123 lithium battery when you REALLY need it is like searching for the Holy Grail.

i have a Canon A510 from 2yrs ago. 4x optical, records 3min per clip (annoying when you're recording a marching band routine), and a small 1.8" lcd display that i can hardly determine any details. but for $99, i dont mind

 

[Quasmo]

Another vote for the Canon Digital Elph from me. I had a SD400 (I guess I still do, but the screen broke). I loved it when it worked. I think Canon has the market covered on almost every price point.

 

[So]

Yet another "recommend me a digital camera" thread

You are an excellent digital camera. My friends would really benefit from your use....

 

[Davegod75]

I would look at the Canon G7. Prolly the best P&S out there right now.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_g7.asp
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1010

 

[iroast]

Either the Canon G7 or the Nikon Coolpix P5000