small camera recommendations.

[starrylizard]

I'd like to buy a small camera. My smart phone is a bit hit and miss with photos and video and that is all I have at the moment.

Basically I'd like something small and reliable and easy to use. Not rocket science. Something I can stick in my pocket or handbag would be ideal. But ones I've had in the post have created fairly grainy photos and video.

Has anyone seen any good reviews or has there been a Choice survey of small cameras recently or do you have one (recently purchased) that is working well?

I won't lie, I want it before GISHWHES begins!

Any help appreciated.
Xx

Comments

[lark_ascends]

Don't get olympus - they tend to bad ISO guessing which leads to grainy.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Noted. Thanks, hon!

[tj-teejay.livejournal.com]

Not sure this is a great help, because I'm more of an SLR person. I was also looking for something small and portable a while back -- something that didn't weigh half a kilo and came in a huge bulky bag like the SLRs do. Basically an alternative for when I didn't want to carry the big one around but that would still take decent photos.

I chose the Panasonic Lumix TZ31, which got good reviews and is pretty powerful for its size (maybe also more on the expensive side -- not sure what you want to spend).

Though I must admit I was never completely happy with it. Yes, I have high standards, and nothing in the compact range really compares to an SLR, but I actually think the old Canon A710IS I had before that and gave to my mum produces better pictures than the Lumix.

However, the Lumix may very well be great for people who don't usually work with SLR and have lower expectations than me. And I don't really know what the current market offers since I last looked into it over a year ago.

[tj-teejay.livejournal.com]

And I should mention that if your camera doesn't take normal batteries but has its own removable battery block, I recommend you buy a second, extra one. There's nothing worse than being out and about, and you wish you could capture that perfect shot but you can't because your battery ran out five minutes ago.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

True. Thanks!

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Thank you. My Dad has always bought small Canon cameras and been very happy with the picture quality. So it's very possible that they do better small cameras.

[irismay42.livejournal.com]

I've got a nice little Panasonic Lumix - not too fancy, fits in your pocket. Survived me falling over and landing on it at the Grand Canyon. Has a nice 12x optical zoom. I can highly recommend!

Here's an example of the sort of thing I mean:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8EB-K-Compact-Camera-Black/dp/B00HO37V6C/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

I've got a pretty silver one!

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

Good to know. Thanks! Hardy is also a very good thing around me. ;)

[pavaneofstars.livejournal.com]

I recommend Canon, though I'll be honest and say I haven't kept up with recent customer reviews of their products, so things might be different with them now. I have a Canon Powershot I bought in 2006. The thing still works and takes great pictures despite all of the abuse I've given it over the years. It's taken all of my SGA con photos and videos. It runs on a rechargeable battery and has a good battery life. I have a spare battery to switch out when the the one in the camera runs out.

[starrylizard.livejournal.com]

I think the camera my dad has is a Canon and he's happy. Thanks! I might see what one he got and compare the latest versions for reviews online. :)