What Is Your Favorite Digital Camera?

[JuneauWhatIMean]

I want to get a new digital camera for our Alaska cruise next month but don't know where to start. I don't want to spend too much (less than $500), want it to be easy to use (no changing of lenses or filters), and want good zoom. Also, DH has shaky hands so a stabilizer, if they truly work, would be a must. Any suggestions?

[mjceditor]

Sounds like the Canon PowerShot S3 IS is what you are looking for.

 

Here is a review http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

[Yukon]

THe Powershot S3 is awesome and the stabiliser DOES work!

[CasaSmith]

Definitely a Canon. Our computer guys all recommend a Canon for photograph since they are the best in that field.

:)

[dizbuster]

The website that mjceditor referencd is an excellent resource. Use it to review all the 12x optical zoom cameras with image stabiliazation. I think most (if not all) cameras in that class are in your price range. I just purchased the Sony DSC-H5 and I love it. Try to find one with the features you want that also has at least 6-7 megapixel capability. But I wouldn't go below 5 megapixels.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Thanks, everyone, for making my life a lot easier! :D

[jeff Schaber]

Here's another good source for unbiased camera reviews, you'll see that the Canon S3Is is at the top. I love my S2Is which was at the top before it was replaced by the later model. Check out the reviews:

 

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

[handy4u]

I went with the Panasonic DMC-TZ1. It has a 10X optical zoom with stabilizer, all in a very compact construction. Got for $300.;)

[swtpnk]

WOW!! im glad i checked this site out!!! i just purchased, last week, the Canon Rebel XT... what a camera it is... im the one in the family who takes pics, and i love this camera...alot to learn on this camera.. normally i just have the disposables. its awesome!

 

i hope this doesnt get taken off here for saying the name....

[MilliesMom]

http://www.dpreview.com/

Good site for reviews of digital cameras

 

Album Printing Service:

http://www.cyscommunications.com

Both were mentioned in our local paper today as being sites you could trust.

 

I just recently purchased a Nikon CoolPix P4 (same as the P3 except for no WiFi capability). Really nice and easy to use. AWESOME photos.

[Mrs007]

Personally, I like my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5. It has a 12x, stabilization, 5MP, a nice burst mode and it helped me take pictures like these last week.

 

http://community.webshots.com/album/553295726PVRkpS

[kimmeesook]

imho... go with the s2 instead of the s3 as the upgrade is only minimal. use the difference of $$$ to buy yourself a good memory card.

[dizbuster]

After purchase of your new camera, you may also want to look at some image editing software like Photoshop Elements or Microsoft Digital Imaging. There is a free tool that does a bunch of basic image fixes and even has some cool effects and filters you can apply after the image has been taken: http://picasa.google.com/

[ltdedorc]

12x zoom and out to 19x zoom at a lesser resolution and image stablizarion. Here is a link to a series of pics I took on a Panama Canal cruise this past February showing the zoom capablilities...Harvey:)

 

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1002&message=17837393

[stan wood]

We purchased our Panasonic DMCFZ7 three days before we left for Alaska (Costco-$349). It was suggested after they realized we didn't have a clue what shutter speed or aperature meant. It was suggested because of the zoom (12X) and mp (6).

 

We tried to read the manual, but our lack of knowledge kept us from making any sense of it. So we turned the camera to the "idiot setting", and let the camera do the work. The only buttons we touched during the trip were the zoom and flash. The camera did a nice job of getting us some nice photos.

 

For a sample, try http://community.webshots.com/user/stanwood60

[stan wood]

We purchased our Panasonic DMCFZ7 three days before we left for Alaska (Costco-$349). It was suggested after they realized we didn't have a clue what shutter speed or aperature meant. They told us it would be good for Alaska because of the zoom (12X) and mp (6).

 

We tried to read the manual, but our lack of knowledge kept us from making any sense of it. So we turned the camera to the "idiot setting", and let the camera do the work. The only buttons we touched during the trip were the zoom and flash. The camera did a good job of getting us some nice photos.

 

For a sample, try http://community.webshots.com/user/stanwood60. If you know photography, I'm sure there are probably better cameras. But for us, we are really happy after seeing the results and wonder what it would be like if we knew how to use the camera properly.

[JuneauWhatIMean]

Hey Stan, hubby loved your photos! He was leaning towards the Panasonic Lumix FZ50, (Tooltime "Hoo Hoo Hoo!") but after much investigation and reading reviews (i.e. 'noise') and ease of use, I think we'll go with the Canon Powershot S3. Looks like it's easy to use and I trust Murray. :p Thanks for all of the replies guys!

 

Cheers,

Ali

~:D~

 

Whoops! Stan, I'm the one that loved your photos. DH was most impressed with Harvey's alligators. :)