Digital Camera advice needed

[sashimi]

I’m looking to buy a new digicam, preferably around $300, max I will go is $400. My main aims are:


1) To take pictures of my DD, who on many an occasion cannot stand still.
2) To take pictures of my DD with me.
3) To try to take pictures of my DW with DD.
4) To take pictures on holiday.
5) To take pictures of my model kits (i.e. need some macro).

I.e… need a good family-oriented camera, I guess. I’ve read all sorts of things about face detection, smile detection, face make-up etc. I’m not sure if these are genuinely useful or just marketing gimmicks.

Anyway, can anyone recommend? Thanks!

[daisyt]

hi sashimi, you can try to read more in this forum. http://www.clubsnap.com/


Basically nowadays, most instant camera are more or less the same. If you are taking photos of young children in action, to capture their special moment, eg. a funny face they suddenly make, instant camera might not be fast enough. Other than that, most instant cameras should able to perform your needs. For macro, depends on how close up you are taking.

[s00s_dad]

You want to check out http://www.dpreview.com

So far I have been reading their review and found them quite good.

[sashimi]

Thanks, you two - but, I'm more than aware of websites and forums with reviews, etc. The problem is that there are too many of them, and many are too full of information to be useful. Info overload. That's the problem with these gadget expert websites, they are too informative, detailing every little thing, 80% of which I have no time to read, 50% of which I don't understand or care for...


So to cut a long story short, I need a personalized recommendation for a camera model (or two). : ) That's why I specifically posted here, hoping to find a fellow parent who can share a recommendation based on his/her personal use of a camera for family purposes.

[s00s_dad]

Personally I still prefer Canon. Currently I am using my old IXUS 800IS and I am quite happy with the photo quality.

Recently my colleague had bought the IXUS 95IS and I find the picture are quite sharp too. It cost about $300+. You may consider it.

[super_dad]

check out the Lumix range. They are quite popular and are easy to use. However, may be a bit out of the price range.

[nightsky87]

Panasonic Lumix FX series. One of the better PnS cameras out there. I think that price range should be able to get the FX36, of which the more important and relevant features include


Panasonic Intelligent Auto, IA (anti shake),
25mm wide lens (great for party/group shots)
HD video recording 16:9 720p (woohoo!)

[hquek]

Hi Sashimi,


I would recommend Panasonic TZ series. it’s a bit bulky, but has very good optical zoom and it is wide range (more things in the picture).

I’m using TZ3, happy with it but of course will take the next chance to upgrade to the later models.

Long winded details below. Have fun with your purchase!

---------------------------------------
The following are very important to me to consider (in the order provided):
1. Price
2. Bulkiness
3. Zoom (look for optical zoom, digital no use)
4. Anti shake (my hands always tremble)
5. Low light
6. Video zooming (some don’t allow you to zoom when you are recording video, quite sian when recording child’s actions/performances).

[sashimi]

Hey thanks a lot everyone - I already bought the camera.


Panasonic is always high on my list as it is a brand I have absolute trust in, but most of the models that fit my needs were way over my budget. Including the LXes, the FX38 (which is now obsolete I guess, after the other day's big advert for the FX48).

If I found a Panasonic (was also considering Canon) that was within budget, its functions would pale in comparison to the camera I finally bought.

(Incidently as a busy family man I'm not at all into running around looking for the best deals, I really hate doing that these days.)

So anyway, I settled for the Casio Exilim Z300 - it was $399 at Harvey Norman, had a lot of features dedicated to capturing family pics and moving kids, for touristy needs and was essentially a point-and-shoot too. 28mm wide angle, 4x optical zoom, etc. - really great set of features for <400.

[nightsky87]

congrats on your new purchase! I think at the end of the day, what counts is the timeless moments captured in the camera that's important. Black cat white cat, can catch mice is a good cat, no? :lol: