looking for a point and shoot

Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 43

I am looking for a good point and shoot camera that i can keep in my pocket and use for when the slr is just too big.

I went to a casino this weekend and had an opportunity to take many pictures, if i only had a smaller camera with me.. the big SLR is just way to big and a little more delicate when alot of people and alcohol are around...

Any one have any recomendations? Something that is reasonably good in low light is a must...

Joined: 21 Aug 2006 Posts: 175 Location: Midwest

I read an article, linked on this site somewhere, about how PS camera's are all ____. While I wouldn't go that far, I certainly agree with its message that you shouldn't really waste time comparing PS cameras.

For me, I'd go for a camera that fits my budget, fits my hands, and uses SD cards (since I have a bunch for my D80). Megapixels don't really matter as I dont plan on producing anything bigger than 4x6 mostly.

And if you look at all the features, they are pretty much the same across models and manufacturers. So just go into a store, play around a bit and find one that works for your hands and wallet. Don't fret too much.

Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 1:06 am

I had a Kodak Easyshare about 3 years ago. It worked pretty well. The biggest problem with P&S is the shutter speed being too slow and bluring. But if your not doing any action shots, you should be ok. My girlfriend has a Nikon coolpix and it works pretty well also.

Joined: 24 May 2005 Posts: 213 Location: Derbyshire, UK

Another option might be to get yourself an old film camera - the Yashica Electro I own (for example) is the camera I use for low light people photography - 400/800 ISO B/W film (you can use C41 process film that can be developed anywhere) and you're away. The results can be amazing - pin-sharp and an f1.7 max aperture - you would have to spend a fortune on a P&S to get anywhere close.

Built like a tank, cheap ($20/£15 ish is about the going rate on ebay), and rangefinder focussing (which is far easier than any other method in low light). Also, it is whisper-quiet, no flash needed for most photography, so it is ideal for candid shots.

There are other cameras from this era that perform similarly, if this idea interests you...

Just another possible way to meet your requirements :-)

Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 43

really want digital -

Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 21

Deleted

Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 21

I just got a Nikon P5100 for $400 (came with a free 4X6 printer too). So far it's been a fun little camera. Lot's of setting to play with and I can use my SB800 strobe with it if I need more light than the piddly in-camera flash can put out. Great quality images. I've shot a few high ISO images in low light and they're really not too bad.

On the other hand, a friend of mine just got a canon SD850 (I think it was an 850) and the images he's printed straight out of it are really quite nice. I think he paid around $250 for it. Ken Rockwell seems to like this model too.

Good luck!