I think I want a very small digital camera before my next trip. I have never owned any kind of camera in my life and never take pictures. I don't know anything about photography and don't expect to learn much. Can someone recommend something very small and very easy to use for a camera novice. Thanks for your help. Linda
It's small, has a big LCD screen and the menu is pretty easy to navigate. It takes great pictures and also has a video feature which I like. Size is small enough to fit in your handbag which is nice if you don't like carrying around a big camera.
I use this site when I shopped around: dpreview They include specification, features and consumer reviews so you can look at the pros and cons.
Posts: 671 | Location: California | Registered: 19 September 2004
I like to have a 10X zoom on my cameras and the lithium batteries as opposed to the AA batteries. My favorite camera was the Olympus 770, but there not making them anymore. I am not happy with my Sony Cybershot with the 12X zoom. It's okay but I liked the Olympus better.
You can't go wrong with a Canon, Olympus or Nikon.
You do NOT need to buy a package! When you decide which camera you want post here and we'll help you with your accessories.
I brought along a Canon SD800 and I absolutely love it. It is a small wide angle camera and it is very very easy to use. It does not have as big of LCD screen as some of the other SD series camera but I really like that the wide angle (28mm). It also has image stablisation which I highly recommend especially in the small cameras.
If that model takes a lithium rechargeable battery, I would suggest that you get a second one. They are very light, so you can slip it in your pocket or purse and never find yourself without a battery right before you were ready to take that perfect shot. My battery does last quite a while before it needs recharging, but if you forgot or take a lot of flash pictures, you can get caught. Also, with a second one, you can leave it in the charger and still be able to use the camera.
Ginger I think the charger will work with just a plug converter, not true? The camera guy said it would haven't had time to read the directions yet. They are long. Linda
Yes, the charger works with just a plug converter. Also, if you haven't already, get at least one large-capacity SD card. The 2 gb cards are pretty cheap now. What they usually give you with the camera is so small that it's worthless. I think it's a good idea to carry two of the SD cards too.
I also just bought the Canon Powershot SD 1000 and I love it! I bought it because the reviews mentioned that it takes great indoor pictures (restaurant/upclose food pictures) I especially like the way it takes the pictures so quickly. I don't know diddly about shutter speed, but this camera seems super quick I like all of the different options and the menu is pretty easy to navigate. I also love the larger LCD display. My eyes aren't what they used to be!
I'm struggling with the directions -- the small print -- YIKES! I've noticed as I get older they keep printing things smaller and smaller. BUT... I basically have it figured out -- its cool -- ok off to other things.
Read the section on Photo stitch and try it out before you go. You will find it very useful to put panoramic views together from several individual shots.
Also learn how to turn the flash off for good pictures inside on a tripod or braced against a wall. And how to force the flash on for backlit subjects......focus and expose on the light background and then reframe the picture with the dark subject in the foreground and then take the pix with the flash forced on.
You will find opportunities to use these three techniques on every trip. I really like our Canon SD
Before you use your camera "in anger" give yourself a lot of time to play with it.
Take lots of pictures that you will not wish to keep to learn about the camera; Landscapes Portaits Close-ups Indoors with flash Red-eye reduction Indoors without flash Night-time shots without flash Pictures facing the sun etc.
Check the pictures carefully.
Are they well exposed? Are they in focus? Do the pictures take as soon as you press the button? or is there a delay. How long does it take to open the camera and get the camera ready, including zooming. Get to know where all the controls are, or at least the ones you want to use.
Learn to copy the picture to a computer, or check how you want to keep them, either e.g. by printing or copying to CD at a shop.
DO NOT THINK THAT EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT THE FIRST TIME. IT WON'T. So make sure the first time is not your holiday.
John "There are two types of problems: those that solve themselves, and those which you can do nothing about" Isabel Allende's grandmother
Posts: 1582 | Location: Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia | Registered: 26 March 2003
What she said, plus you want to get a duel volt charger for Europe with it doesn't come with one. Congratulations.
You can buy these lithium battery chargers at Best buy that come with every plug know to man that folds out of the back. I bought 2 of them. One for me and one for my daughter. No extra cord to forget to pack.
I have 3 lithium batteries for my camera. One in the camera, one travels with me in my bag and another one charging back at the apartment.
Posts: 3781 | Location: St Paul, MN | Registered: 10 February 2006
Topic Closed
I especially like the way it takes the pictures so quickly. I don't know diddly about shutter speed, but this camera seems super quick 
