View Full Version : ultra compact cameras
desdemona
03-03-2008, 10:27
I know this subject has been up before but I want a 7-8 megapixel camera.
Ultra compact. Looking at the newer Nikon coolpix (no??) circa $200 for my birthday. Anyway any thoughts on this one? I would like some zoom on the lens (3-6), scene options (sunsets, etc), some degree of being able to tinker with it (not all point and shoot), an optional case (preferably)--though I guess I could make this, no $40-50 batteries--but consider rechargables more environmentally friendly (not sure re: the Coolpix).
I was very happy with old Coolpix but it is acting up (have had for years).
I like to take fairly good pictures but they are really snapshots.
--des
hurryinghoosier
03-03-2008, 12:38
Be sure to get water, shock, and frost proof.
One issue with ultra compact cameras is that the battery is usually very small, and thus expensive. They are rechargeable though, so it might be a trade off.:-? I have a great Pentax Optio WP40 (?) that is waterproof. Very compact, I love it.
Johnny Thunder
03-03-2008, 12:54
Des,
If you decide that Point-and-shoot is an option go check out Circuit City. Best Buy (and other economic factors) is kicking their butt. Canon has a really nice 7.1 megapixel...not sure what it's called but I know it is a Power Shot model. Shaped narrower than others (about the size of a big snickers). $159.
You can get spare batteries on Ebay. I got two spares for $12 shipped.
It call the power shot 550 and will take AA batterys they also have the power shot 560 both verry good cameras. I have the Canon power shot 540
take great pictures and i can add lens to this one also can get a ext flash for it to but try to get a camera that will take AA batterys
:sun
fiddlehead
03-03-2008, 14:42
I've always liked CoolPix. I now have a Canon powershot and it seems to go through batteries a lot faster than my older coolpix. That coolpix has been through hell, dropped a lot, still works good.
The Solemates
03-03-2008, 15:43
on the flip side of fiddlehead, i hate coolpix. i own one and have owned 2 at work. the cannon, sony, and pentax point and shoot cameras that i've also owned have been far superior to the coolpix models.
Critterman
03-03-2008, 18:36
I bought a new CoolPix L11 last week to replace a Coolpix 2100. It has all the features you mentioned, in addition it is cheaper, lighter, smaller, has better resolution and has better battery life than the old Coolpix I have. I got it for $80 on sale at Office Depot. It fits easily in the hip belt pocket of my Atmos 50. If it gets messed up no big thing. There is one thing I don't like, it doesn't have a view finder, you have to use the lcd screen to frame your picture.
desdemona
03-04-2008, 00:07
I'm thinking of this Coolpix here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830113080
(not sure I will get it here-- might be cheaper elsewhere but they have a nice review section).
If I decide for something cheaper it might a lower end Coolpix or ...
I see re: no viewfinder. Strange. I suppose it would be something to get used to?
I have the Coolpix 990 or something like that. The mechanism is slowing up. It still works but is also a little heavy, imo, and only 3 megapixels. Funny thing but I spent way way more for it.
Anyone with a newer Coolpix-- how do you charge the battery?? It doesn't seem to come with a charger nor is one available as an option. I am guessing this is a rechargeable battery system.
--des
BitBucket
03-04-2008, 00:19
Recently picked up an HP R927 at Office Depot during Christmas for about $120. It's got 8.1MP, large LCD display and takes really good pictures. It replaced an HP R707 6MP that got soaked on an outing last fall.
Nice thing was that my batteries, chargers and AC adapters could continue to be used...
desdemona
03-04-2008, 01:06
My bad, but the Adapter is in the description somewhere.
Also looking into a Power shoot (looks a bit heavier than the Nikon), and the HP mentioned is a bit out of my price range which is under $200ish.
Biggest problems mentioned with Nikons are the position of the power button and speed. Yep, I noticed this one. I think there might be ways around that that I haven't seen in the manual.
Canons are good. And I had an ancient SLR Pentax once. Those were the days when you put film in the camera, but I digress. (I also have developed it).
I'll check local Circuit cities and the like. Might like my economic stimulus. :-)
--des
Shutterbug
03-04-2008, 14:42
I know this subject has been up before but I want a 7-8 megapixel camera.
Ultra compact. Looking at the newer Nikon coolpix (no??) circa $200 for my birthday. Anyway any thoughts on this one? I would like some zoom on the lens (3-6), scene options (sunsets, etc), some degree of being able to tinker with it (not all point and shoot), an optional case (preferably)--though I guess I could make this, no $40-50 batteries--but consider rechargables more environmentally friendly (not sure re: the Coolpix).
I was very happy with old Coolpix but it is acting up (have had for years).
I like to take fairly good pictures but they are really snapshots.
--des
I usually carry a Nikon D300, but my second camera is a coolpix. I have been pleased with the quality of the pictures.
I use a plastic bag for the carrying case.
I bought a second battery and the two batteries lasted for an 8 day hike with 40 - 50 pictures per day. To extend the battery life, I turn off the display and I resist the temptation to look at my pictures on the display until I get out of the woods.
it isint waterproof or anything but i got the Kodak M883 a few months ago, greatest point and shoot ive used.
desdemona
03-08-2008, 03:58
Yikes! Circuit City is expensive!! But I did get to hold a few cameras and try them out. I am liking the Canon Powershot A570. Very nice. Might be able to get the older version out of box or reconditioned. The A570 (and ultra thin A1000) have the best reviews on newegg and amazon (5 stars or eggs and hundreds of reviews).
Newegg.com has great prices and many positives.
Unless someone has a better idea?
--des
Here's another pleased owner of a Pentax Optio WP camera. Sure nice having it waterproof.
I remember the first time I took it snorkeling. Great pics of a reef.
Its first photo was from inside a glass full of water.... still going strong.
desdemona
03-08-2008, 13:18
Here's another pleased owner of a Pentax Optio WP camera. Sure nice having it waterproof.
I remember the first time I took it snorkeling. Great pics of a reef.
Its first photo was from inside a glass full of water.... still going strong.
Which one do you have? I do go snorkeling every few years or so and I'm totally in love with it.
--des
desdemona
03-12-2008, 11:22
Which one do you have? I do go snorkeling every few years or so and I'm totally in love with it.
--des
BTW, ended up with a Canon Powershot A560. Looks good.
--des
desdemona
03-16-2008, 02:28
BTW, ended up with a Canon Powershot A560. Looks good.
--des
I took it out today. Nice camera and very nice to handle compared to the (older) Nikon. Though I don't know the quality of pictures since the weather was overcast and not great for photos.
--des
Jaybird62
03-16-2008, 02:41
.......
Dholmblad
03-20-2008, 12:38
Dont worry about it being water proof. Just put it in a plastic bag and use a pack cover when needed.