Decent Small Digital Camera - Which One?
Discussion
I know very little about cameras but my (early-20s) daughter has decided that she'd like a pocket camera instead of using her phone. She has asked for one for her birthday, but I rather suspect it won't get used as much as she thinks it will, so I don't want to go too extravagant but I do want it to be good enough to be a nice gift and to be a suitable piece of equipment if she sticks with it.
Can anyone offer any recommendations please? Budget is flexible but I'd prefer to stay below the 250-300 quid point if that's do-able. I also don't think she'll be keen on bulky gear, so small-ish would be sensible. It'll have to be available for me to buy online and have delivered to her address in UK.
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Can anyone offer any recommendations please? Budget is flexible but I'd prefer to stay below the 250-300 quid point if that's do-able. I also don't think she'll be keen on bulky gear, so small-ish would be sensible. It'll have to be available for me to buy online and have delivered to her address in UK.
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I've always been happy with Canon cameras at this level.
I'd look at either the IXUS 185 or PowerShot SX620 HS depending on the balance of compactness vs. features.
No point getting a large fully featured camera if it never gets taken out, conversely a compact that you always carry but doesn't get the shots you want, e.g. limited zoom.
I'd look at either the IXUS 185 or PowerShot SX620 HS depending on the balance of compactness vs. features.
No point getting a large fully featured camera if it never gets taken out, conversely a compact that you always carry but doesn't get the shots you want, e.g. limited zoom.
See them all at https://www.dpreview.com/products/cameras . The 'side-by-side camera comparison' is handy.
If she has a decent camera phone (which she will pretty much always have with her) I would be asking what she wants the camera for.
There are some good reasons, but I would agree with your assertion that it wouldn't get used much.
Cameras on phones are just astonishing these days, and the trick modes (like night photography, panoramas and portraits) are really very impressive. Add in the instant ability to share and post on social media and that's 98% of most people's needs covered.
There are some good reasons, but I would agree with your assertion that it wouldn't get used much.
Cameras on phones are just astonishing these days, and the trick modes (like night photography, panoramas and portraits) are really very impressive. Add in the instant ability to share and post on social media and that's 98% of most people's needs covered.
I've got a Panasonic Lumix TZ compact. It has a metal case. I've had it over 10 years, carry it with me whenever I go anywhere. The images are great, the video is only 720, but modern ones are 1080. It has been faultless. Easy to use, with an effective auto mode, but when I need specifics, there's a range of presets or fully manual. I've got a 5-year-old phone, so the camera is a bit basic, but there's no comparison. Further, the Lumix is much quicker to use, to set up, and easier to hold. It's got a 15x (I think - should know after 10 years) zoom, which is a bit old hat nowadays I suppose, but it's been all I've needed.
I have my micro 4/3rds Panasonic, which is excellent, but still take the Lumix with me when I go to shows and stuff.
I have my micro 4/3rds Panasonic, which is excellent, but still take the Lumix with me when I go to shows and stuff.
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Thanks, I'll get her to look at that as well. I've been favouring the Canon I think.
My advice, and feel free to ignore it as I often ignore what I think is best, is to handle the cameras and see which one feels comfortable. Remember that nowadays they last for years, and something that seemed to irritate can end up of monumental proportions. My TZ felt right, and that was after handling a number of others. We've got Park Cameras near me and I went into it with a specific camera in mind. The sales chap got me one to play with and then said, 'Try this one for size.' I didn't actually buy it at that time, going home for a think (it takes time my age) but next day I was back with my credit card. Hence my Panasonic micro 4/3rds. Well chuffed with it.
My feeling is that most cameras are well made, reliable, produce excellent images and look good. The only real difference is which one feels best for you.
I would agree and it's the advice I always give too - get the one that feels comfortable to use.
FWIW my small camera is a Canon M100 (now replaced in the shops by the M200) with a 22mm lens and it's perfect for me, although I use my phone a lot too for pictures of the kids etc. (And there's £££-worth of other camera kit for the day job of course.)
FWIW my small camera is a Canon M100 (now replaced in the shops by the M200) with a 22mm lens and it's perfect for me, although I use my phone a lot too for pictures of the kids etc. (And there's £££-worth of other camera kit for the day job of course.)
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