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The Kitchen Table

Need camera ideas for Christmas!

12 years ago

Was going to post this on the photography forum, but this forum seems to have all the answers, so.......I'm looking for an easy to use, point and shoot camera for a young mother who's always on the go taking her boys to practices or games. A camera that's small enough to fit in her purse and yet ready to capture an action shot. Maybe something in the $100 range. Please share your thoughts with me!

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Comments (8)

Orchidllauraga
12 years ago
Ask Jodi she is the camera pro...
maire_cate
12 years ago
There are 2 cameras that consistently rate high - the Nikon Coolpix and the Canon Power Shot. They come in a wide price range. Consumer Reports rates the Nikon Coolpix S3500 ($100) very high, also the S500 ($140). The Canon is only a few points lower. Both are sub compact so they'll fit in a purse.
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I was going to suggest too, things to do on the trip on the plane to keep them busy. Small items and things when used up can get rid of so they aren't over burden with too much. Yes, check the library for an up to date book of Germany and they can check out what there is to see. Journals are excellent to have, light ones though and make sure you have pens extra in case of losing one pen. Or run out of ink. Make sure you have a good camera for all of you to use and take pictures of. Maybe a scrapbook for them to make up about their trip when they come home? The library may even have language tapes to listen, can check on that too. Check out travel sites for good ideas to bring and see with you all. Rick Steves? has travelled with his kids and wife all over and so he should have good ideas. I know the one thing he suggested on tv was with kids is that they carry their back bag and only what they can carry is all they can have in it so that way you aren't loaded down with huge suitcases which you do not want in those countries. You want to bring and be very light, so rehearse way ahead and everyone pack all they want to bring on their trips, see if they can carry their backpacks with it all in? What can be illiminated? What is really necessary. Or bring stuff that can be dumped over there and left behind. There is nothing worse then too much stuff and being a hinder and ruining a great trip. Also make sure everyone has good comfortable walking shoes to walk lots. Check weather if you need to bring umbrellas or not or what? Less is better remember so check it all out ahead of time.
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Well, I've been taking photos, but can't download them on my computer. We thought it was due to the old computer not having a USB 3.0 port, but.... My older son bought me some new computer called a Gigabyte that's a tiny box, and a new monitor. He put a Linux program on it again instead of Windows. I've had like 4 different Linux operating systems in the last couple of yrs. He's always playing around. They are good because you don't have to worry about viruses, but not everything works on them. They don't have the drivers or the support for alot of things... like my new camera. I keep getting error messages that it "failed to mount." or something like that. Sooo... he's going to try and see if there's anything he can find to fix it. Otherwise he said he'll have to put Windows on the computer. The camera downloads fine on my other son's computer and the one at my shop. Both have Windows. I did get these pics downloaded the other day at work. Christmas decoration shots... These were all in basically in just Xmas lights and maybe some light from the TV. No flash. This is our dog KYA. She was about 12ft away on the couch. No flash again, and the viewfinder looked almost pitch black. Hard to focus on a dark object in darkness. Not bad. And here's my favorite cat, Ginger.... the psycho kitty. I'll try to get some outdoor pics tomorrow if it doesn't rain again.
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wanda_va
12 years ago
I love my Canon Powershot A1300 because: (1) it's compact and easy to use; (2) it takes great pictures and videos; (3) it has a viewfinder (which is extremely rare nowadays); and (4) it uses standard AA batteries (my other digital cameras have special batteries that have to be charged--and they are always out of power when I'm ready to take pictures). I got it on sale for $70. (My father, brother, brother-in-law, and best friend bought the same camera, and they love theirs also.)
just_imagine
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, all, for your comments. Think I'll check out the Canon Powershot. It sounds like it would be a good fit for my DD's lifestyle.
oldfixer
12 years ago
Hope it has a viewfinder. Uses regular AA batteries. And has a very decent zoom (10X or more). Plus a big GB storage media that can be plugged right into the computer (forget using a cord)(even if you have to get a cheap USB adapter). Have fun shopping.
kathi_mdgd
12 years ago
I have the Nikon cool pix 5600,and it's several years old now and never had any problem with it except it seems to eat the batteries.So when I finish using it I take them out and drop them in the bottom of the case.It's small enough that I can fit it in my purse and I carry a small purse.
Kathi
chessey24
12 years ago
I've had both Canon and Nikon and both are very good cameras. Treat yourself to some rechargeable batteries - that will stop the battery drain and is much cheaper in the long run. You can get 4 AA batteries and a charger for about $21 in the store and for $15.99 on Amazon
jemdandy
12 years ago
For rechargable AA cells, try the hybrid rechargeable batteries from Batteres Plus. These command a premium price but are worth it. These are superior to the plain Nickel Metal Hydride cells. The hybrids holds a charge much longer. Regular MNH batteries self discharge as much as 10% per week.

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