Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

What is a good affordable camera?

Mar 7, 2012 4:35AM PST

I want to know what is a camera that is affordable and takes great quality pictures.

I will be mostly using it inside and outside, take pictures of my daughter(on the move).

My price range is up to $400.

It can be a point and shoot or compact cameras.

One that has speed on a budget.

Thanks for reading.

Discussion is locked

doesntmatteratall has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Inside + Speed = Difficult
Mar 7, 2012 5:18AM PST

A moving subject indoors presents challenges compact cameras cannot usually overcome. To get a sharp photo of a moving subject, a camera needs to have a higher shutter speed. To get a higher shutter speed in low light requires a brighter lens. A bright lens costs more to manufacture. Of course you can use a flash, but a flash has a short range, and most people do not like the images built-in flashes produce.

Compact cameras also use contrast detection autofocusing. In low light, that type of autofocus generally slows down, causing a hesitation when you press the shutter button. You can speed up any camera by pre-focusing; half-pressing the shutter button to acquire focus and exposure.

One of the best compacts at right around $400 is the S100. It has a slightly larger digital senor and a brighter lens (at wide angle) than most compacts. But it is not known for being fast.

- Collapse -
(NT) thanks
Mar 29, 2012 2:46PM PDT
- Collapse -
(NT) S100 = Canon S100
Mar 30, 2012 12:00AM PDT