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Old 05-15-2013, 05:35 PM   #1
hyprmut
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Camera Confusion

Or: "Oh My Aching Head"

I have been told that I have outgrown the camera on my Blackberry phone and it is time to get a "real" camera. So, I have been looking for decent point and shoots. I have only succeeded in confusing myself. So many options and price ranges!

So far, I have narrowed down to the following:
Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX160 IS 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 16x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black): CANON: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Nikon COOLPIX S9200 16 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black): Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Samsung WB150 14.2MP WI-Fi Digital Camera with 18x Optical Zoom and 3-inch LCD in Black + 8GB Memory Card + Camera Case + Accessory Kit: Camera & Photo

All of these seem fairly comparable and may just come down to hands-on trials. The prices are all around the $150 range. But... then I confused myself. My cell phone has withstood my lifestyle and the abuse heaped upon it admirably. Would a camera fair as well?

Do I need a rugged camera? The words "rugged" and "waterproof" seems to add about $100 to the price tag and drops the capabilities of the camera. I'm not into extreme sports but they don't make Otterboxes for cameras. Here are my thoughts:
I live in Western Washington, you know, Seattle-ish. It rains here sometimes.
I drive a truck and plan to toss the camera in my truck bag. My truck LOVES electronics (for a midnight snack).
I like to walk in the woods. Sometimes I find snow.
I am clumsy.

Help? Would the above listed cameras do okay with reasonable care, a good case and a protection plan? Or should I look closer at the (Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot D20 12.1 MP CMOS Waterproof Digital Camera with 5x Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens a 3.0-Inch LCD and GPS Tracking (Blue): Camera & Photo), Pentax Optio WG-3 (http://tinyurl.com/bcjpp2y) or one of the other two I can't think of right now?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Last edited by hyprmut; 05-15-2013 at 05:41 PM.. Reason: Didn't preview :p
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Old 05-15-2013, 08:27 PM   #2
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Unless you plan on taking pictures in the rain, stream, big water or are going to be dropping the camera off benches, tables, or standing on it, or using it in really cold weather, you probably won't need the rugged cameras...

The first 3 you mentioned will most likely suit your needs, but they won't be as accessible as your phone camera is. The newer phones have comparable cameras in them, and are accessible. I used my I phone 3GS and 4 all the time, capturing great photos, and now I use my I-Phone 5 a lot... I also have an Olympus Tough camera, which I usually give to my 7 year old granddaughter to use, as well as my more expensive interchangable lens and "prosumer" cameras.

It sounds like you might be best upgrading your phone, but if you really want to go ith a "real" camera any of the first 3 would be great starters...

And you should put your hands on them before you buy to make sure they fit for you, no sense in buying a camera you aren't comfortable with!
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:18 PM   #3
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Thank you for the quick response. The rain is what I worry about the most around here. Walks with the dog happen, weather or not, and I've gotten some neat pictures in drippy conditions.

I will stick with the more economical set then. Off to the store for some hands-on before all last year's models disappear!

Thank you. I will update later, maybe with a picture.
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:22 PM   #4
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Oh, forgot. The BB Torch isn't an iThing but doesn't have a bad camera. I've gotten good close-ups and nice bright light shots. I'm just hoping to expand my horizons, and knowledge, a bit without burning the wallet.
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Old 05-16-2013, 11:04 AM   #5
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I always recommend Canon or Nikon, even their point and shot models. Can't go wrong with either brand.
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Old 05-16-2013, 12:36 PM   #6
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Took photography class with Canon Rebel 35mm in high school, and I just became addicted to Canon. But go with Lizardcops advice...I went to him some time back and it was helpful info. And I agree, go and try the cameras first to see if you are comfortable with them.
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Old 05-16-2013, 10:35 PM   #7
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The Cannon is what Coop got,and used,for our quicky trip last month. It's a great camera,takes great pictures,and isn't terribly expensive. She got the idea from a PP member who has a ton of equipment,laid it out to show what the Cannon replaces. I was impressed.
Check out some of the picks on Coops thread "Are we crazy? A spur of the moment Disney trip". You'll see some shots of Boardwalk,and Hollywood Studios from our room at the "Swalphin"
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Old 05-17-2013, 02:18 PM   #8
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I took everybody's advice and went to Best Buy last night. I laid hands on a few cameras and may have made my choice. And the choice is ... None of the above Of course.

Right now I am in a cooling off period as the Canon SX280 (Lauriep used a SX260 in Africa) is about twice as much as the ones previously listed. But. ZOOM! And some choices for making my own decisions.

ChukkerB, does Coop have the 160 or 260? Those were nice photos, either way.

I will have a camera by the end of the weekend so more later.
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Old 05-17-2013, 02:53 PM   #9
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I have the SX 260. I LOVE it! Got it on Clearance at Target - it was $90 off - so it cost only around $200! I also took the advice of Laurie and Shazza (both use a Cannon SX260).

We also have a Fuji point and shoot waterproof camera that I used prior to this.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FineP...erproof+camera

It was ok but not good for low light or high action. It isn't as versatile, IMO. And Chuck also has a larger digital camera by GE.
http://www.amazon.com/GE-X500-BK-Opt...digital+camera
Very bulky but has a lot of versatility. But I've found the same versatility with my Cannon without all the bulk.
Someday - I will be able to invest in a DSLR. I just don't want to dole out that kind of cash for a hobby I'm just getting started at.
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Old 05-19-2013, 05:41 PM   #10
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Picked up my Canon SX280 yesterday. Oh boy, I'm thinking this is going to be fun...

First impressions:
Zoom! They call this a "super zoom" point and shoot and super zoom is right. Have only played with this inside so far but already love the the close-ups. Let's just I know there is dog hair on the carpet ten feet from my couch

Auto focus is a little too "auto". Must learn to shut it off.

More batteries are needed!

Camera is smarter than I am. There are several preset modes and some manual adjustments as well. I should stay in a confused state for some time.

Thanks for the advice everybody! I think this will be a good choice for me. Now, back to waiting for the battery to charge...
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Old 05-19-2013, 06:06 PM   #11
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Have fun playing with the new camera!
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Old 05-20-2013, 10:44 AM   #12
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Congratulations on your new camera. I would look into a second, even third battery just to have charged up and ready to switch out.
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Old 05-20-2013, 11:10 AM   #13
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I have used Canon for a long time and have been very happy. I tried a Nikon back in the film days. Both are good cameras, you just need to get used to their operating systems. Kind of like a computer.
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Old 05-20-2013, 01:09 PM   #14
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Have fun! Yeah - the zoom is off the charts! I was amazed at how close up I could get with ours too! Enjoy and post pics!
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Old 05-20-2013, 01:50 PM   #15
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Thank you for this thread I badly need a new point and shoot I am now going to start by looking at canon.
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