Camera Guys, please come in...

[roliath]

I did a lot of comparison shopping last summer before I ended up with my Powershot sx230-HS, but the camera I was using as my standard for comparison was the S95. The S95 is a MUCH more serious camera for someone wanting to go a bit above the point and shoot crowd..but not quite ready for the expense of true DSLR. Night photos look much cleaner with the S95 than my sx230-HS but I expected that. I wanted a GOOD pocketable camera that had a decent zoom lense. I had a much more serious Olympus camera a few years ago and I found that due to its size and bulk I didn't carry it very often...in fact almost never. If its too large or heavy to carry easily you might find yourself leaving it home like I did. I have read MANY complaints about the S100 having disgusting battery life because of the poorly designed GPS circuitry (I disabled the GPS in my sx230 for that reason)..and that the user interface is more clumsy and involved than the S95. I've also seen the S95 for MUCH cheaper than the price he posted.

I wouldn't say disgusting, the battery life isn't up to par as to what it should be though.

In total I think 3 of my family members have purchased one, and I have yet to hear them complain about them.

[motoman]

http://www.lytro.com/

End of thread...

Problem with that is you're going to have to have/buy a MAC just to transfer the images off of it.

[Leah]

I did a lot of comparison shopping last summer before I ended up with my Powershot sx230-HS, but the camera I was using as my standard for comparison was the S95. The S95 is a MUCH more serious camera for someone wanting to go a bit above the point and shoot crowd..but not quite ready for the expense of true DSLR. Night photos look much cleaner with the S95 than my sx230-HS but I expected that. I wanted a GOOD pocketable camera that had a decent zoom lense. I had a much more serious Olympus camera a few years ago and I found that due to its size and bulk I didn't carry it very often...in fact almost never. If its too large or heavy to carry easily you might find yourself leaving it home like I did. I have read MANY complaints about the S100 having disgusting battery life because of the poorly designed GPS circuitry (I disabled the GPS in my sx230 for that reason)..and that the user interface is more clumsy and involved than the S95. I've also seen the S95 for MUCH cheaper than the price he posted.

Good info. Yes, I'm worried about the size-I do like being able to throw it in my purse or back pocket and worry I won't take it as many places if I get that's a little bulky (much like all of the ones I posted); however, I thought the bigger the optical zoom, the better? I want the ability to do the focused/blurry background and some semi-professional looking pics without having to go to a full on DSLR.

[roliath]

Good info. Yes, I'm worried about the size-I do like being able to throw it in my purse or back pocket and worry I won't take it as many places if I get that's a little bulky (much like all of the ones I posted); however, I thought the bigger the optical zoom, the better? I want the ability to do the focused/blurry background and some semi-professional looking pics without having to go to a full on DSLR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jto9C5uZIWU&feature=relmfu

I still think the s95 is your best choice considering your last comment.

[ram57ta]

Leah for its small size (about the size of a boxed deck of cards), close to DSLR image quality (actually I would say it is a mini DSLR), and price...I would say the S95 has no comparison that I've been able to find. The ONLY thing the S95 lacks that I was wanting was a zoom lense (I think it has a 3x optical). I'm pretty sure the S95 and S100 were designed intentionally for up close and personal shots. I've found NEW s95's for under 300 dollars where stores were trying to clear them out for the newer s100.

[yellowstang]

Good info. Yes, I'm worried about the size-I do like being able to throw it in my purse or back pocket and worry I won't take it as many places if I get that's a little bulky (much like all of the ones I posted); however, I thought the bigger the optical zoom, the better? I want the ability to do the focused/blurry background and some semi-professional looking pics without having to go to a full on DSLR.

The blurry part is easy, just shake a little when you take the picture.

[Txstang1]

....

[helosailor]

We are in need of a new camera and I don't know what to get. We want something under $400. Neither one of us will take the time to really get the use out of a good SLR, but I LOVE taking pictures and have done some weddings for friends on the free in the past with my old 35mm SLR.

It could be a good point and shoot or a DSLR. I found this-would this be a good option? I really like it...

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX40-HS-Stabilized-Vari-Angle/dp/B005MTMFHU

Thanks for any advice

The Canon SX series are great! Easy to use, loaded with features, and take great pictures. I had the SX1is, and now have the SX10is. Both fantastic cameras, especially for the money.

[CJ]

Personally I would pick up an older Nikon or Canon SLR. I'm a Nikon guy myself, but these are just toys so far that's been posted up. If it doesn't use standard DX/EX nikon lenses, or Canon EF/S lenses then I wouldn't bother.

[Danny46]

Small, "fairly" inexpensive and takes good shots, I'd go with the s95 or one of the hybrids

[crapstang]

Nikon D40 is good. Bought one for the 'rents a couple years back...takes great pics and withstands a beating

[CJ]

Nikon D40 is good. Bought one for the 'rents a couple years back...takes great pics and withstands a beating

excellent choice, imho. Those should be down to her price range by now.

[Leah]

What about this one for $299?

http://www.store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666303793&XID=A:552179:CJ&ref=http://dealnews.com/Refurb-Sony-Cyber-shot-HX100-V-16-MP-Digital-Camera-for-300-free-shipping/548976.html

[crapstang]

I hate sony.

[Leah]

I hate sony.

Yeah, I'm not a big fan either and once I posted that I realized it's bigger than I really want.