Camera Recommendation?

monbon11 · December 2014

I love the google doc of baby product recommendations and thought I would add a request for one more recommendation request from you moms!

Has anyone purchased a point and shoot camera that they would recommend?

Yes, smart phones are super convenient for spontaneous moments and videos, but I am considering purchasing an actual camera as the smart phone has limitations in photo quality, flash, lighting, etc. It would be nice to be able to get good pictures for birth announcements, christenings, general life events so I don't have to fight with my iPhone. Anyone have a favorite? I haven't purchased an actual camera since 2000.

Thanks!

elephantsonpatrol · December 2014

I've been looking into cameras myself - what do you want to use it for (besides baby)?

monbon11 · December 2014

I imagine using it mostly for documenting life events - holidays, birthday parties, travel. I will need to take it with me on the go, so I am probably not up for one of the gigantic cameras with multiple lenses (I also don't have the skills to really put those high quality cameras to work properly).

Any advice would be most welcome, thank you!

elephantsonpatrol · December 2014

If you aren't looking for a super-long zoom, I think the Canon S110 is a good bet. Nice lens, very compact. Its on sale at Amazon for $179.

winterbabe2015 · December 2014

I have a Sony cybershot 14.1 mp that has served me well. It is compact so fits nicely in a diaper bag or purse, has multiple settings and ways to adjust options but still easy enough for my 4 yr old to use. Takes great pictures also.

Irishcurls · December 2014

D3200

monbon11 · December 2014

Irishcurls said:

D3200

Ooooo, that looks fancy. Do you find it easy to use?

mels823 · December 2014

I will definitely be following this thread, I've been wondering the same thing!

Irishcurls · December 2014

monbon11 said:

Irishcurls said:

D3200

Ooooo, that looks fancy. Do you find it easy to use?

We just got it on Black Friday and have only used the automatic settings so far but it really is just point and shoot that way, so super easy!! I'd like to do some research and actually use the features of it at some point, but definitely not necessary!!

tee18 · December 2014

We have a canon point and shoot. I love it! I think they have a softer flash that doesn't wash people out (I had a Panasonic that had a bright flash that washed everyone out). I love it! Mine doesn't have a long zoom either like pp mentioned, but we haven't needed it and it takes great photos and video. I'll have to look and see what model it is.

We also have a Nikon dslr that we pull out occasionally. I love it at well, but actually tend to use the canon mostly.

MissEm15 · December 2014

Irishcurls said:
D3200

I have this same camera. It's awesome. I want a zoom lens now!

mirigirl · December 2014

We bought a Cannon Rebel EOS t3i earlier this year. I think they replaced it with a new model now. But we love ours.

MissEm15 · December 2014

Irishcurls said:

monbon11 said:

Irishcurls said:

D3200

Ooooo, that looks fancy. Do you find it easy to use?

We just got it on Black Friday and have only used the automatic settings so far but it really is just point and shoot that way, so super easy!! I'd like to do some research and actually use the features of it at some point, but definitely not necessary!!

The auto function works great & there are tons of easy tutorials on Pinterest!

Nvywife · December 2014

I have a cannon rebel, it's easy to use and takes amazing photos. It's pretty bulky and something I don't take everywhere with us. We also have a smaller cannon power shot that is good as well. This is my purse camera, small and compact.

crispywheats · December 2014

While my preference is Canon, you should be happy with a Canon or Nikon. You'll pay more than you need to for a camera that says Sony or Kodak on it.
If you're looking for something that has decent zoom capabilities, ignore the "digital zoom" magnification number and only pay attention to the "optical zoom" number.
Despite popular belief, the number of megapixels does not necessarily reflect the quality of a photo and only matters so much for most users. Most personal users blow up photos to an 8x10 size at largest. If this sounds like you, a 7 or 8 megapixel camera should be sufficient. However, if you find yourself shooting wide and then cropping, you'll probably want more. At this point, most cameras have about 87 bizilion megapixels and this will be moot. However, don't feel like you need to drop a bunch of extra cash just because a camera has more.
If anyone has camera questions, I'm happy to be the resident camera geek, just send me a PM.

bhjones1980 · December 2014

I have the Canon Rebel SL1 (which is the smaller version of the T3i)

love it!

elephantsonpatrol · December 2014

crispywheats said:

While my preference is Canon, you should be happy with a Canon or Nikon. You'll pay more than you need to for a camera that says Sony or Kodak on it. If you're looking for something that has decent zoom capabilities, ignore the "digital zoom" magnification number and only pay attention to the "optical zoom" number. Despite popular belief, the number of megapixels does not necessarily reflect the quality of a photo and only matters so much for most users. Most personal users blow up photos to an 8x10 size at largest. If this sounds like you, a 7 or 8 megapixel camera should be sufficient. However, if you find yourself shooting wide and then cropping, you'll probably want more. At this point, most cameras have about 87 bizilion megapixels and this will be moot. However, don't feel like you need to drop a bunch of extra cash just because a camera has more. If anyone has camera questions, I'm happy to be the resident camera geek, just send me a PM.

For Point and Shoots, more megapixels often leads to a worse picture. If you want a point and shoot, I stand by the S110 which trades zoom for picture quality. If you are ok with a compact or SLR, then many more options are available.

crispywheats · December 2014

I agree, because on a point and shoot the sensor and glass are not as good as one could get on a DSLR. That's why I suggested not dropping a lot of money on megapixels.
This is why one's intended results are important. If looking to post nicer quality photos online, a simple point and shoot should suffice. If the plan is to regularly do some sharp, 16x20 prints, even a basic DSLR would be more ideal.

Sahara6971 · December 2014

If you want a small camera with great photo quality, I am currently drooling over the Fujifilm XE2. As I mentioned, it is small but does have the multiple lens option. When looking for a p&s, I would recommend something that has the option of a wide aperture (f2.0 or less). This will be good for low light and portraits.

Irishcurls, when you have time to learn the basics, I love the book Understanding Exposure. There is a great online 12 week course you can do for free. Just google Two Peas photography course. Enjoy your new camera!

monbon11 · December 2014

crispywheats said:

I agree, because on a point and shoot the sensor and glass are not as good as one could get on a DSLR. That's why I suggested not dropping a lot of money on megapixels. This is why one's intended results are important. If looking to post nicer quality photos online, a simple point and shoot should suffice. If the plan is to regularly do some sharp, 16x20 prints, even a basic DSLR would be more ideal.

Thanks, this has all been really helpful! I don't post pictures online, this is for printing and framing, etc. Sounds like the DSLR is the way to go. I'll look into that Nikon D3200 - it looks great!

tee18 · December 2014

They have Nikon dslrs at costco

Mommalawyer · December 2014

We have 2. One is a Fuji XP that is waterproof. We took that to the Dominican Republic in our honeymoon. I felt it was a great point and shoot camera. It takes relatively recent pictures, for the price. I think we spent $180. We also have a fancy Canon as well. I think it's one of the later version Rebel models. It takes absolutely stunning pictures. However, with all the hooplah it ended up being really, really expensive. We obviously don't take that one everywhere.

I had two Sony Cybershots that I absolutely hated. I'd never buy those again. I've had the cheaper Canon point and shoot before and been really happy with them. Good luck!

jmcgra06 · December 2014

Irishcurls said:
D3200

We also have the d3200 and are amazed by the photos it can take with minimal effort. We love it!

ETA words

kefttsc · December 2014

This is a GREAT deal on the Canon that our photographer recommended as a good starter set for us.

https://www.nomorerack.com/daily_deals/view/1451364?n=2632&pid=103232&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&scid=scplp8127847&gclid=CjwKEAiAqrqkBRCep-rKnt_r_lkSJAArVUBcsX5FehcYrg4u3PmArWdDQ2Kt8vq-TfQXjK7J116cVRoCe7nw_wcB

Sahara6971 · December 2014

Anyone looking to invest in a dslr, go try them out (both Canon and Nikon). They are equal in quality but you will probably like the feel of one over another. Canon lenses that come with the Canon dslr cameras are crap. You are better off just buying the camera body and getting a 50mm lens.

crispywheats · December 2014

Sahara6971 said:
Anyone looking to invest in a dslr, go try them out (both Canon and Nikon). They are equal in quality but you will probably like the feel of one over another. Canon lenses that come with the Canon dslr cameras are crap. You are better off just buying the camera body and getting a 50mm lens.

I completely agree with this. A 50mm 1.8f lense is incredibly versatile and reasonably priced. You'll be able to shoot in low light without noise, you can shoot at a faster shutter speed which helps with potential camera shake, and get the sexy bokeh (the selective focus/out of focus look) that people love.

Edit: Typing spazz.

elephantsonpatrol · December 2014

Sahara6971 said: Anyone looking to invest in a dslr, go try them out (both Canon and Nikon). They are equal in quality but you will probably like the feel of one over another. Canon lenses that come with the Canon dslr cameras are crap. You are better off just buying the camera body and getting a 50mm lens.
**** If you are going to buy your own lens, please please avoid the slow 28-200/280-300 lens that best buy will try to sell you.

lromeo1 · December 2014

You can find some great packages for Nikon Dslr cameras and lenses. We got a package for a Nikon D5200 with a 18-140mm zoom over the summer at B&H for about $850 with free shipping and no tax (shipped from NYC to Connecticut). The camera is great! We are planning to take our own newborn photos, etc with it.?There are probably even better deals now for the holidays.

schnitz9 · December 2014

We've got this one

https://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-TS25R

Its great got it 2 years ago for our honeymoon. Its waterproof and also you can drop it from like 10 ft and it won't break. We've got some great underwater pics and videos. Figure it may be good for kids. Not using it that much since I mostly use my Iphone 6. The camera is awesome and I sometimes get better pics on it.

Want a personalized experience?

Camera Recommendation?

Re: Camera Recommendation?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards