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Question

What camera do you suggest for around $300.00

May 8, 2012 10:15AM PDT

I'd like it to be a little better than my tiny point and shoots that I've collected in my junk draw. I'll be mostly taking photos of my children. I'm jealous if my sisters beautiful Nikon but, I can't afford a 600.00 camera.
Thank you for all your help! I'm really overwhelmed with the choices.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
$300
May 9, 2012 12:27AM PDT

$300 is a good neighborhood to explore.

Since you have not given us much to go on except price, I am going to make a suggestion.

Canon SX130

Take a look at that camera and tell us what you think.
It is a step above the usual point-and-shoot
It takes excellent pictures and gives you room to grow as a photographer.
You should be able to find one for around $250.

Here is a full review with sample photos:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/powershot-sx130-is/canon-powershot-sx130-is-review.html

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Answer
Used
May 9, 2012 1:09AM PDT

I'll assume you want a better camera because your kids run around and all you get is blurry photos. While you cannot rely solely on the camera to give you what you want, a DSLR will always be the best tool for the job. Within your budget, a new one would be out of the question. But you should be able to find one used and in like-new or very good condition. It would require you to learn a few things about exposure, which is not too hard.

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Answer
Suggestion for camera around $300
May 15, 2012 11:20PM PDT

Nikon Coolpix S1200pj
The concept of adding projectors in cameras was started by Nikon and two years since their first projector camera, the brand has built up on this concept. Compact cameras look the best when they have a minimal design, Nikon have done just this and launched a simple, yet stylish camera that boasts of a 20 lumens lamp located at the front. The S1200pj features a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor along with a optical zoom of 5x. This camera can also be paired with an iOS device with a special USB cable to project videos off the camera itself. Videos shot in HD 720p records well and be viewed well on the 3-inch display, as well as on a PC.

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Uh, No
May 16, 2012 12:25AM PDT

The OP wants an upgrade from a point & shoot, not another point & shoot with an additional gadget. The Nikon is not under $300 either; it's closer to $350, with the projector probably adding $100 to the camera's cost.

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Answer
How about the $200 to $250 range?
May 22, 2012 2:39AM PDT

I'm sort of in the same boat. Unfortunately there's just too much choice. I've been using a Canon S2IS for several years and have always been very satisfied with it's picture quality and video. But lately I wanted a camera that can fit in a pocket, is pretty quick to start and use, fast taking pictures repeatedly and good zoom. I recently picked up a Canon 110 ELPH and a Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7. Hopefully I decide which one is right for me, but I've been leaning towards the Panasonic. It appears to receive less complaints, but very few comments are available. Can anyone offer their opinions or comments? Thanks much!

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If I had to choose between the two.
May 22, 2012 8:32AM PDT

I would pick the Panasonic SZ7 primarily because the Canon Elph 110 uses a 16 MP sensor.
I have yet to see a sharp picture from a small camera that uses a 16 MP sensor.
It just generates too much noise.
Then the camera maker is forced to be too aggressive with the noise reduction firmware.
That removes fine detail.
That makes the images soft (not sharp).

While the SZ7 has many more features, it does not have some features that the Canon S2 has.
Namely - a Viewfinder, manual controls and low noise pictures.

The 12X zoom on the Canon S2 has a much longer focal length than the Panasonic SZ7.
Since the SZ7 uses a (25mm) wide angle lens its longest focal length is only 250mm (25 x 10 = 250).
The Canon S2 does not use a wide angle lens (but a 36mm lens) which gives you a maximum focal length of 432mm (36 x 12 = 432).

Being big and old has its good points too.

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"Big & Old" Fan
May 24, 2012 2:04PM PDT

Thanks for refreshing my memory! I really do feel that the S2 yeilds great photos as well as video. The viewfinder proved to be invaluable when I was shooting my daughter's play in a darkened auditorium where flash was prohibited. It truly is a workhorse. Unfortunately I'm now faced with a $100 bill to get the CCD replaced (overexposed pictures in outdoor shots only), but I'm seriously considering getting it repaired because It's really an all around fine camera, regardless of its 5MP rating.
Still wanting a camera the carry in my pocket, I'm now giving more thought towards the Lumix DMC-ZS19 (no GPS) over the Lumix DMC SZ7. Although it's about $100 more, putting it at the $300 mark, I've been reading that it's probably a better buy, in addition to the higher 20X zoom. Physically, it's only about .3 inches longer and .2 inches thicker. Still pocket sized.
What's your thoughts on that model snapshot2? And at $300, maybe Brooklynn1974 is interested as well.

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Not Pocket Sized
May 25, 2012 2:24AM PDT

The Nikon P7000 is not pocket sized per se (it could fit in a loose coat pocket), but it does give you bang for the buck, because it is discontinued and at a blowout price on Amazon. The main attractions are a bigger imaging sensor and a relatively bright lens. It got some poor reviews for operational issues, but it's image quality is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Camera-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B00427ZLRO