Looking for a new camera, need guru's help.

[Joey D]

Right now I have an Olympus Stylus 760, it's not a bad camera but I would like something new. I'll be passing on the 760 to my mom since she wants a digital camera to mess around with. I'm no opposed to any brands and my ideal price is under $300. It also has to be a compact camera, I have no need for a DSLR right now nor do I really want to learn how to use one.

Things I do with a camera is mainly take photos of my car in various backgrounds, I enjoy doing it when it's darker out but the 760 has a hard time with that. Other people's cars are quite common for me to photograph as well as seen in the DYSAGT thread. I'm typically not moving but I tend to snap photos fast due to being in traffic or parking lots.

I also take pictures of antique stuff (part of the job) and gemstones. The camera is going to have to have a decent macro. I need image stabilisation due to my hand shaking really bad.

One problem I have with the Olympus is that if I shut the flash off the photo turns out blurry even with the image stabilisation on since the shutter stays open longer. I need something that I can take a photo sans the flash and have it come out OK.

I've looked at the Canon Powershot SD1100 IS but beyond that I don't really know where to go. I would like to get the camera soon as my mom is going to the US Open (golf tournament) in a couple of weeks and I would like her to take a digital camera, preferably the new one.

 

[F1GTR]

For a compact I'd recommend the Canon G7/G9, whatever's top of the line in their A-series, and Sony make rather good compacts too. It's also wise to get a tripod since that will help you immensely with stabilisation.

 

[emad]

Totally go for the Canon - best all 'round p&s cameras I've played with. Check out Panasonic's high end stuff as well. Their glass is quite nice from what I've seen.

 

[Dazzla]

I'll vouch for the Canon EOS 20D, I've owned this camera for a short period of time. But I'm very familiar with it and its a breeze to shoot great looking photos with. 👍

 

[TB]

I'll vouch for the Canon EOS 20D, I've owned this camera for a short period of time. But I'm very familiar with it and its a breeze to shoot great looking photos with. 👍

While I'm sure the 20D is indeed a nice ride, it doesn't fit the bill:

It also has to be a compact camera, I have no need for a DSLR right now nor do I really want to learn how to use one.

The Canon SD1100 IS clocked in at #2 in the subcompact category behind a Sony DSC-W200 on Consumer Reports. The only complaint CR had about it was the flash is too close to where you hold the camera, so you might block it. I'm not quite sure how they were holding it for that to be an issue, though.

As for the compact category, #1 & 2 were the Canon PowerShot A650 IS and A720 IS, respectively. Both have the same complaint about the flash, which, again, I seriously don't understand.

 

[emad]

As for the compact category, #1 & 2 were the Canon PowerShot A650 IS and A720 IS, respectively. Both have the same complaint about the flash, which, again, I seriously don't understand.

You are shooting in auto mode. Most cameras limit the ISO setting under auto to a maximum of 400 even though the camera is capable of 800, 1600, or even higher. This is done to reduce image noise.

Switch to a high ISO setting and try to see the difference. The image will be noisy, but the shots will be much more stable

 

[TB]

You are shooting in auto mode. Most cameras limit the ISO setting under auto to a maximum of 400 even though the camera is capable of 800, 1600, or even higher. This is done to reduce image noise.

Switch to a high ISO setting and try to see the difference. The image will be noisy, but the shots will be much more stable

That's not my issue. My issue is that they are saying that you cover the flash when you take a picture. How are they holding the camera that they are having that problem?

Right hand wraps around the battery housing and the index finger and thumb of the left hand support the other side with the other fingers ticked neatly into your palm. Flash disaster averted.

 

[Joey D]

Maybe I want a subcompact then, all those cameras seem to big for me to carry around in my pocket. I know nothing about cameras, I just figured all small ones were compact.

 

[Omnis]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V1XICU/?tag=gtplanet-20