Hi Ladies! Can anyone recommend a good point and shoot camera? My in-laws are traveling to Italy in the spring and we want to get them a new camera for Christmas. They currently have a fancier camera, but it's 4-5 years old and bulky. I think we can get them something newer, smaller, and better. (For example, the one they have now has a 12x optical zoom and a quick search on Amazon found plenty with a 20x optical zoom. Their current camera has 5.1 megapixel and the newer ones have 8.2 megapixel)
I really don't know much about cameras. I would like suggestions on ones that take great pictures and are easy to use. My in-laws are good with technology, but will not use tons of extra features.
Thanks!!
I can't recommend a specific model but over the years I have found Canon to be the most consistent in quality and reliability.
My opinion is that Nikon makes great cameras. Canon is okay, but I prefer my Nikon. I don't know what you price point is, though.
That said, most people don't use or know how to use the functions on their cameras. Complaints about poor quality photos are rarely due to the quality of the camera; they're due to the operator not knowing how to adjust the settings. Even on a point and shoot, learning the settings is important.
Also, 20x optical zoom is worthless without excellent stabilization (which Nikon has). And unless you need to enlarge a photo to poster size, that 10 or 15mp camera is overkill.
If I were in the market for a point and shoot, I'd go for this one. http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Digital-Camera-NIKKOR...
Don't forget a memory card. And whatever camera you end up choosing, pick one that uses AA batteries instead of a brand-name battery pack that has to be recharged.
I would second going to Best Buy for options for the camera. I think they are very knowledgable but after I get info, I look online for prices. I have found a better price on Amazon. I also once found a better price on their own website for a basic camera than what was in the store.
The faster the shutter speed the better. I take lousy pictures if that speed isn't the highest.
I had a Canon Sure Shot for a long time and loved it. They don't make that particular one anymore, but it was a great camera.
Any Nikon point and shoot camera. Go to Best Buy and tell them what you are looking for. I took my Nikon SLR and my point n shoot on a 2 month vacation. I used the point and shoot 95% of the time. Pictures were awesome. My SLRI use for the grand kids because it shoots continuously. My point and shoot was $350. I don't have it in front if me so I can't give you the model.
