PDA

View Full Version : Point & Shoot Dilemma


fleshcakes
12-07-2004, 06:41 AM
Hi,

I know there are several threads on this subject, but instead of mixing my question with others I'll just post it here. Basically, I want to buy a digital camera (point and shoot) for my father for christmas. I don't want something too expensive (max 400$ cdn) and something small and easy to use. The more buttons there are on a camera, the more confused he'll get. He really likes my Canon S100, so I'd like something similar, but it does not have to be Canon.

So far, my guess would be to get him the S410, but in another thread, somebody exclaimed how they hated their S410 and want a different Point and Shoot. I'm happy with my S100 (untill I get that D70...) but I do not know how the later models perform.

I went to my local Camera shop and spoke with them a bit about their lower models. They showed me 3 models. The first was the Fuji A607 which is a 3.2 MP and seems utterly easy to use. I just found it looked cheap (plastic) and the video mode is only 10 (or 15) FPS with no sound. The second model was the Canon A75. That one looked fine, and I read a lot of good thinsg about it, but it uses 4 batteries, thus heavy, and has a lot of buttons. The third model was the Fuji E510. That one had a great screen and 5MP, but what a bad design! The optical viewfinder is in the top left corner and it feels awkward to hold in general.

I know there are a lot of photography fans in here so if possible, please voice out your opinion or comments. I would like to purchase this soon.


(Another option I had, which unfortunately I did not take advantage of, was to buy the D70 for myself and give my dad my old camera... they had an offer which was 12 months no interest.. which was really good, but it ended December 3!! :banghead )

egarrard
12-07-2004, 08:11 AM
I was actually going to recommend the Nikon 4200, but this (http://www.helixphoto.com/home.html) (Nikon 4800) has replaced it. It has a much better lens on it. It's a little above what you specified for price, at $399USD, but looks to be much better than anything to be found below that level.

Review 1 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CP4800/CP48A.HTM)
Review 2 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon4800.html)

fleshcakes
12-07-2004, 10:44 AM
I was actually going to recommend the Nikon 4200, but this (http://www.helixphoto.com/home.html) (Nikon 4800) has replaced it. It has a much better lens on it. It's a little above what you specified for price, at $399USD, but looks to be much better than anything to be found below that level.

Review 1 (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CP4800/CP48A.HTM)
Review 2 (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon4800.html)


That is a very nice camera!
I had not looked at that one because it was past my price range, but I do not mind extending my budget by a bit if it is worth it. I'll make sure to check it out. I'm guessing the lesser models are just as good, or are there big advantages for this model over the others? Thanks.

egarrard
12-07-2004, 10:58 AM
The big advantage is the lens. It's comparable to a 38-300mm zoom in a 35mm lens. It also has less purple fringing (CA) than most other digicameras.

fleshcakes
12-07-2004, 02:38 PM
The big advantage is the lens. It's comparable to a 38-300mm zoom in a 35mm lens. It also has less purple fringing (CA) than most other digicameras.


What about the 3200?
Is that a good choice?
The 4800 looks great, but my dad does not need 4MP...
Thanks.

egarrard
12-07-2004, 02:49 PM
What about the 3200?
Is that a good choice?
The 4800 looks great, but my dad does not need 4MP...
Thanks.Yes. I think Maro and Jei-sama each have one and love them. I have both a Nikon 2500 and a Canon G2. The Nikon is much easier to use (and takes better pictures, considering it's only 2MP).

Maro
12-07-2004, 02:50 PM
I have a 4200 - it is great. However, just as I bought mine, the 5200 came out.

:lmao

fleshcakes
12-08-2004, 08:06 PM
I went back to the store tonight and checked out their Nikon products. I decided on the 3200 model. It is small, has more than enough megapixels to satisfy my father, and looks really easy to use.
Thanks for your help!