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01/19/2008 01:15:47 PM · #1 |
My niece's 12th birthday is coming up soon and the family clan has put me in charge of picking out a camera for her. I would like feedback in the form of pros and cons from anyone who has the list of cameras I am considering...or mayhap point at another that you have had good experience with.
I have being doing ALOT of research - and agonizing.
My Niece's requirements
The color must be Pink (I could possibly get away with red. Or maybe there is such a thing as a faceplate that you can slap onto a camera to change it's color)
Would like close-up/macro capability
Must be able to make movie clips as well as take good pictures.
Camera must be easy to use for my niece's patience level.
My requirements/parameters
Would like to give her a camera that has a lith-ion rechargeable battery. If it takes rechargeable AA's how long does the charge last?
Must be no more than $150 at maximum as that I need to have a little extra for a 2 Gig card and a camera bag.
Must be a reliable, relatively well made P&S camera.
LCD screen should be close to 2 inches...in other words not small.
The models I have looked at:
Kodak M753 (I think this is a good model for her but I am concerned with some reports of the LCD screen cracking - of course that maybe because the photogs did not keep it in a camera case/bag)
Nikon Coolpix L14
Nikon Coolpix L11
Nikon Coolpix L10
Nikon S200
Olympus FE280
Olympus FE210
Canon A460
Canon A560
Samsung L830 (if on sale)
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01/19/2008 01:22:27 PM · #2 |
I've had nothing but good experiences with the Nikon CoolPix line of cameras.
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01/19/2008 01:25:50 PM · #3 |
I had lots of fun with my Canon Powershot 700. Takes decent pix - my best shot to date, Chassis, was taken with it as were most other recent pix between October 2006-Dec 2007.
It cost about $350 in October 2006 but probably around $150 now with planned obsolecence and all. I've bought 2G cards for $54 from local Independent grocery store. Sorry never seen them in colours apart from plain ol' grey!
Has manual mode, can select for fireworks, kids & pets, night, snow, beach, and of course there's auto. Takes 2 AAs. Get a good brand, ie Rayovac, and SAME BRAND RECHARGER. I used an inferior brand recharger and it really doesn't do those batteries justice.
Hope this helps, and maybe just splat some pink nailpolish on it to meet the colour requirements :-)
Susan
edit: can do macros too (see my Allsorts Macro shot from Candy challenge), shoot video and not difficult to learn how to use (I figured it out, lol, so anyone can!), has comprehensive manuals.
Message edited by author 2008-01-19 13:28:08. |
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01/19/2008 01:36:17 PM · #4 |
I like cameras which take AA batteries because they're almost always available in an emergency. My Canon S3 uses four, and a good set lasts about 4-500 shots; but I don't use the LCD much.
An advantage of the Canon A-series is that they still have an optical viewfinder, so you only use the LCD when needed; unfortunately, they've taken away the flip-out rotating LCD of earlier models, which was great for macros at odd angles. |
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01/19/2008 01:57:38 PM · #5 |
Please do not rule out the fuji line s5600, 5700, and the new little Sony has had some good reviews too.
Either way, she will get a great camera looking at the list you have there. |
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01/19/2008 02:16:44 PM · #6 |
| Here's a Canon PowerShot A570 IS for $135. The PowerShots have always been good cameras, and this one's stabilized, too. From this review: "The PowerShot A570 IS is the definition of an excellent value. It's packed with virtually every desirable feature, from image stabilization to manual controls to conversion lens support. And you don't have to pay through the nose for it, either -- it can be found for well under $250. I can highly recommend the A570, whether you're a beginning or more experienced photographer." |
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01/19/2008 03:13:58 PM · #7 |
The Olympus Stylus 790SW is a good choice for a kid's camera. It comes in many colors - not sure if pink is one of the colors. It's a bit higher than you wanted to spend but I can really recommend it.
Not too long ago, I bought a lime green one for my two grandsons to use when they are taking pictures with Grandma. They are 5 and 7 years old and even the 5 year old can do everything with it - they know how to take movies, use macro and delete the pictures they don't want. They actually manage to take some very nice pictures with this camera!
The biggest plus is that it's almost indestructible - it is waterproof, shock proof, dust proof and I can honestly say - KID proof. They have dropped it on the floor, into plates of food and they get it so dirty I have to wash it off with spay cleaner and it just keeps on going.
Message edited by author 2008-01-19 15:16:13. |
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01/19/2008 06:17:21 PM · #8 |
Lots of good advice. Any others?
BTW Does anyone know of places that sells digital camera skins for say Canons, Olympus, or Nikon models??? Not the silicone wraps yuck! But if I can find a nice stylish color skin to wrap on a quality camera then that might be a solution to the color dilemma.
Originally posted by GeneralE:
I like cameras which take AA batteries because they're almost always available in an emergency. My Canon S3 uses four, and a good set lasts about 4-500 shots; but I don't use the LCD much.
An advantage of the Canon A-series is that they still have an optical viewfinder, so you only use the LCD when needed; unfortunately, they've taken away the flip-out rotating LCD of earlier models, which was great for macros at odd angles. |
Good points, did not consider the emergency back-up battery availability |
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01/19/2008 07:13:47 PM · #9 |
I got my 12 year old daughter the Canon SD1000 7mp. She loves it. She has a second baterry in case a backup is needed but she can go a really long time on a single charge. It does have the square retro powershot canon look, but It's a great little P&S for $150-$200 range. Can't help with the color issue though.
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01/19/2008 07:32:21 PM · #10 |
Get your hands on an older Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 or FZ7.
Great little camera! Has a Leica lens that is so great for macros.
Visit my profile. Most of my entries are from those cameras. |
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01/19/2008 07:42:54 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by CNovack:
My Niece's requirements
The color must be Pink (I could possibly get away with red. Or maybe there is such a thing as a faceplate that you can slap onto a camera to change it's color)
Would like close-up/macro capability
Must be able to make movie clips as well as take good pictures.
Camera must be easy to use for my niece's patience level.
My requirements/parameters
Would like to give her a camera that has a lith-ion rechargeable battery. If it takes rechargeable AA's how long does the charge last?
Must be no more than $150 at maximum as that I need to have a little extra for a 2 Gig card and a camera bag.
Must be a reliable, relatively well made P&S camera.
LCD screen should be close to 2 inches...in other words not small. |
A couple of ideas I was able to find, might be a possible option?.....
Light Pink, 8.0 Mega Pixel, 3 in screen, movies, $129.99
OR
BRIGHT pink, 7.0 Mega Pixel, 2.5 in screen, movies, $99.99
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01/19/2008 08:01:56 PM · #12 |
My first digital camera was a Casio Elixim 8.2 mp. I loved that camera and still do... once in awhile it still comes in handy. The menu is easy to navigate, has a lithium rechargable battery and would go forever on a charge.
Here are a couple links for the pink models. I recommend the 7.2 mp without the zoom wheel on top. That was the only thing I had trouble with on mine... the zoom sometimes sticks. They both have 2.6 in LCD screens and are very slim and compact.
Casio Elixim 7.2 mp Pink
Casio Elixim 10.1 mp Pink
Here are a few pics taken with my Casio... straight out of the camera and resized. No other processing.
[thumb]635251[/thumb]
[thumb]635252[/thumb]
[thumb]635253[/thumb]
Please no cirtiques on my photo abilities back then. :-D
Message edited by author 2008-01-19 20:06:16. |
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01/19/2008 08:13:30 PM · #13 |
| And... now I sound like a saleswoman... i was just reading the whole page on the 7.2 pink link, if you buy some memory from them too you will also get a carrying case, memory reader, an extra battery and a LCD screen cover. WOW |
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01/19/2008 09:38:25 PM · #14 |
| Nikon L10. Used mine for 3 months - no problems. (A friend uses the movie feature and it's ok, which may not be the case with the pink GE models). Not spectacular macro, but ok. The rechargeables last really well. Dropped once, 3 feet onto a rock, little ding on case, no malfunction. Easy, reliable; for best results in camera mode learn to hold steady or use BSS mode or get little tripod. Circuit City/The Source was selling 2 G cards for under $20, Canadian. Yes, comes in pink, and I've seen tons of colourful little cases that might fit. |
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01/20/2008 09:04:21 AM · #15 |
| Definately get a camera that says 'Cool' to her. I tried to get my 12 year old daughter interested in a camera with some manual controls (for the sake of a 4-H photography project). I ended up buying a Kodak easy-share camera for its small (cool) size (color wasn't much of an option then). She has used that thing frequently - just to take out with friends, as fun way to make silly movies with friends and as a introduction to 4-H photography. It is now a full year later. At 13, she sometimes asks "How do I do such and such?" My point is that if your 12 year-old is turned-off by the looks of the camera, she may miss the fun of photography. |
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01/30/2008 03:45:47 PM · #16 |
I know that this is a week old, but I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I did a lot more research and ultimately decided on the package deal for the Nikon L14 at Adorama Nikon L14
I do have all the info in a file so if I need to look into a P & S camera for another family member or friend I have the info. |
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