Camcorders/still picture cameras? I haven't had one ever but since I'm going to be a father I'd like to budget for one soon. I have a crappy, no-name, still pic camera that may or may not still work. I really don't want to spend a ton on a camera but if it's going to last a long time I may splurge.
The one i have is Panasonic DMC-TZ5K. Newegg had it for really nice price, but they dont offer this any more. I have only taken 1 pic from it. My friend when she get move to diff embassies, she takes it with her. So she likes it alot, picture qualities are really pretty good. And it can make movies in HD.1280 x 720 - 30fps, 15fps. If you want some thing less but still good, when i was searching for what digital camera to get, i read alot of good things about PowerShot SD 1100
At this point I'm just using the movie capabilities of my regular camera, the quality is plenty good unless you're hung up on HD or whatever. And in terms of cameras I'm a big fan of this: Amazon.com: Olympus Stylus 1030SW 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Wide Angle Zoom (Silver): Camera & Photo
If you are looking for a go anywhere point and shoot like MSP posted I would also look at the Pentax W60. Although it isn't rated to go as deep underwater, it is cheaper, produces better images and has a lighting fast shutter response time.
Yeah, can't go wrong with Pentax. I've currently got their 6MP WP model and I love it. There's something really liberating about taking pictures in a pouring rain, or 10 feet under water! I can personally vouch for it being water tight way below that too. I forgot I had it on me one time and was skin diving to 25-30 feet repeatedly for 20 minutes or so and didn't have any issues at all.
Thanks for the ideas...I'm gonna look around and hopefully have one in a few months or with my tax return.
One of the things some time people forget is, they see high MP and think it must be really good camera. Having high optical zoom is more important then high MP. I read alot of views and alot of people made that mistake. It may only apply to how the each individual use the product in their own environment. Personally i prefer High zoom over High MP.
Canon Well, just to throw another opinion out there, I've got a Canon Powershot SD870 IS. My friend who's a photographer recommended it before I went to New Zealand last year. And so far its never let me down. In fact I've gotten more compliments on my photos now. So, obviously I'd recommend this one to anyone who asks about a new camera. Its been top notch for me
I give you one word: Canon They offer everything from entry level point and shoots, all the way up to professional SLRs such as the EOS-1D Mark III. Canon know cameras, they make quality stuff IMO and I highly recommend them.
What ever you look at I highly recommend checking this site out to see how a particular camera performs: Steve's Digicams - Camera Reviews
This is the camera I use (SLR). It's great though I have yet to master the settings on it. Nikon D90 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review Also have the Nikon DX 35-185mm telephoto lens.
I find myself in the same boat all of a sudden. I want to get my GF a new camera for her birthday in March but can't decide between a SLR and a go anywhere point and shoot like the W60 I mentioned above. Cost isn't a real big issue, as long as it is under $1000. We are both super active outdoorsy people, but she is a very good photographer and has won a few photo contests with her point and shoot so I am sure she would love to own a SLR. Hmm decisions. These are from her old all weather/underwater Pentax (now broken, fell off a mountain):
