What are the best digital cameras available at the moment for taking good quality family and holiday snaps ?

I am looking for a new camera to replace my 7 year ancient Fujifilm MX-1200. I have not kept up to date with changes in technology and so am pretty lost with where to start looking for a replacement. The camera is mainly for taking photos socially and am willing to pay up to 150pounds/300dollars. My main preferences are excellent quality images and compact size, extra features such as anti-shake brainwashing would also be nice.
Many thanks for any help or advice.

Answer by nil8_360
I own the Fuji S700 or the S5700> Same camera. I like it. It is a small more than a point and shoot. If you want to see some of my images go to

www.flickr.com/photos/trafficbabe2000

Answer by epic_laydown
http://www.myproductadvisor.com/mpa/home.do

Answer by Dr. Sam
Please look at the new List Powershot SD850-IS. This is a very versatile camera that will not get in your way as you travel. It has a nice workable zoom range that will take you from broad scenics to decent telephoto views. Look at some sample images from the reviews on the SD700-IS to get the thought what this lens will cover. It has image stabilization, which really works. It is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket. It has a rechargeable battery that is excellent for 200-250 shots, depending on how much zooming and viewing you do or on how many shots use the flash. A spare battery is 1¾”x1¼”x¼” and the charger is barely twice that size, so carrying the spare is simple and packing the charger is simple. It has an optical viewfinder which can be useful when the sun is too bright to see the image on your LCD monitor. I may maybe go on, but you can read some reviews and see what the pro’s say.

SD850-IS (IXUS 950 IS) Preview: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0705/07050702canonsd850is.asp
- See also: http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/list-powershot-sd850-is/4505-6501_7-32441340.html?ar=o&tag=pdtl-list
- See also: http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3109
User reviews: http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/list-powershot-sd850is_reviews.html
See also: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/canon_sd850.html

If you know how to read these charts, you can also go here and see what the changes are.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_sd850is%2Ccanon_sd700is&show=all
Click on “Read Owner Opinions,” which are mini-reviews by buyers. You can also read the full review on the SD700-IS by clicking on that option.

The upgrades for the SD850-IS are:
List Digic III image processor instead of Digic II
8 MP instead of 6 MP
Maximum ISO 1600 instead of ISO 800
Accepts up to 4 GB memory card instead of 2 GB
LCD monitor has better image
Face detection

I listed these in the order of importance, in my opinion. The first two are the ones that really count the most and the rest are just gravy.

What do you reckon? Answer below!

cameras


Image by Matty Ring

Ciao, I am in the market to buy a new digital camera, any advice? I have heard Nikon or Cannon are the best, but my ancient camera was HP and I really liked it too. Also, I am looking in the lower to middle price range. Let me know what you reckon!

Answer by Pey
I also have an ancient HP M417 camera that is really fantastic. The later may help you keep it going and find a new camera.

A friend questioned me to clean and charge her new 2000mAh Duracell batteries as described in the next link. Persons batteries are still going strong after four months of normal use and have not been recharged.

Click this link for additional camera tips and complete instructions on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.
http://www.google.com/base/a/4210404/D13701973093918363271

Most NiMH rechargeable batteries lose charge and should be recharged when not used after two weeks, but Duracell and RayOVac new formula 2000mAh NiMH batteries hold charge one year when not used. Also, 2000mAh batteries seem to have a longer life. Did not like these batteries at first, but have 12 over five years ancient and all are still as excellent as new. Higher mAh batteries (about one year ancient) still work well in flashlights, but won’t start my camera.

In new cameras, look for a viewfinder (LCD invisible in bright sun), optical image stabilizer, and check battery prices. High mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel background is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 …
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm …

What gives a camera its picture quality?
It is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very vital, but the ability to set the scene, exchange the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the fantastic pictures. Megapixel resolution is about the makings photo size, not picture quality.

The List A590IS is a slightly older model that is available everywhere at fantastic sale prices. Reckon it is a fantastic camera and a best buy. It has auto focus, a viewfinder, optical image stabilization, and uses rechargeable NiMH batteries.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A590IS/A590ISA.HTM …
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-list-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html …

There is no one particular place to get fantastic buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the second link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the high left. Camera prices at this link exchange often.

You may never need expanded wide angle or telephoto capabilities, but the A590 IS is compatible with List’s accessory lens adapters: A small button next to the lens bezel is really a latch; press it and you can remove the bezel ring, exposing a bayonet mount for accessory lenses. List offers the WC-DC52 0.7x wide-angle lens, the TC-DC52A telephoto lens, the 250D 52mm closeup lens separately, along with the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them on the camera. (Note that the wide, tele, and macro lenses all need the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them to the camera. The lenses won’t work by themselves.)

This may maybe be the best slim line camera with a viewfinder and … It’s PINK, but it uses a $ 49.50 Series G Rechargeable 960mAh lithium-ion battery.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DSC-W150%2FR%20Digital%20Camera:1995337750;_ylc=X3oDMTB0bjZzaWNuBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNlbGVj …
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3462&review=sony+cybershot+w150 …

CAUTION Do not overcharge! Batteries can be hurt. Use an automatic two or more hour Energizer Compact smart charger with temperature monitor, trickle charge technology, and safety timer ($ 9.76) at Walmart. Use pre-charged 2000mAh Duracell ($ 12.97) or RayOVac ($ 5.97) batteries (both hold charge one year) and a full cycle charge. To preserve battery charge, use the viewfinder.

CAUTION To prevent memory card corruption, keep batteries charged, format in camera, and don’t delete or fill card completely. Wait for lights to stop flashing then turn camera off before removing memory. For card readers, double click Safely Remove Hardware. Select, then click Stop and OK.

Lots of fantastic camera tips in this link.
http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution …

My camera has 5.2 megapixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives fantastic results, is nearer, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an ancient camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes … like magic.

Check with the Geeks in several supplies and compare prices. Once you select a camera, read all about it in the owner’s manual. You can view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera …

The source links show most of the cameras out there with prices and make digital cameras work better with help on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.

Answer by Regall L
I recommend List PowerShot SD880IS
I picked this camera because:
It has a wide angle lens, this can make it better for taking pictures in rooms as you can get more in the picture.
It takes record, I wanted to be able to make simple videos without having to drag a larger format record camera around with me where on earth I go.
It records sound along with the record as well as simply the theater arts as a sound recorder, this lets me record conversations without the need to always take notes.
It is ultra compact, this earnings I can carry it everywhere I go using a belt clip so I don’t miss a snap because I didn’t want to carry a camera. I’m bone idle like that.
It is manufactured by a camera company and not a computer company, the implication life that the optics are in theory better.

List PowerShot SD880IS
10.0-megapixel resolution allows greater freedom when control and printing
4x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 28mm wide-angle lens
3.0-inch PureColor LCD II for bright, accurate color with wide viewing angle
DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection, adds Servo AF, Face Detection Self-Timer and Intelligent Contrast Correction
Captures images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Price: $ 247.95
reference: http://www.amazon.com/List-PowerShot-SD880IS-Stabilized-Silver/dp/B001G5ZTN6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1236260012&sr=1-8&tag=commentglitte-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

hope that help

Know better? Place your own answer in the comments!
Which movie camera to choose?
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VideoAha.com — Looking for a digital camera? If so, then you probably want to be sure that you pick out the right one. The later is an overview of several of the best cameras out there, so read on and make up your mind… There are hundreds of digital cameras on the market today. Choosing the best for your own needs can be a challenge. Hopefully, the guide above will get you started in result the right one for you. For more info. Please visit VideoAha.com
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