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Original poster

Please recommend me a camera!

19 replies

coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 13:47

Can anyone recommend a camera please? I have no idea what to look for or even what to consider.

Needs to be small (pocket size, not an SLR) and easy to us, more interested in quality of picture than lots of fancy features which I wouldn't know how to use anyway, video as well would be nice, kids will borrow it too so bombproof an advantage.

Happy to spend up to about £300 but also happy to spend less.

anyone....? thanks!

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Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 13:47

easy to use obv, not us

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Littlefish · 15/10/2010 13:52

We've just bought a Panasonic Lumix, to replace a lost Canon Ixus. I loved the Ixus, but I think I love the Panasonic even more! It takes great pictures, without me having to make much effort. There are lots of fancy features, but I only know how to use about 2 and I stil take good photos. Smile

Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 13:58

Thanks Littlefish, I have seen the Lumix listed on some of the websites I've been browsing. Is it intuitive to use? Easy to download photos etc? Does it do video too?

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Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 13:59

And did you consider & reject any others before going for the Lumix? sorry nosey!

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MaMoTTaT · 15/10/2010 14:00

I had a lovely Canon, but lost it in the summer.

Bought myself a Nikon Compact which is fab.

Littlefish · 15/10/2010 14:08

Very easy to use - has an "intelligent auto" setting so that, for example, if you are focussing on someone's face fairly close up, it recognises that you are taking a portrait photo and adjusts itself accordingly. Has a good sport setting that has a very quick shutter speed, and a fab setting where it takes continual photos until you take your finger off the button. It means you get fantastic action shots.

We tied it down pretty quickly to the Ixus or Lumix but decided to try the Lumix as all the reviews were so good.

Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 14:09

Waah! Was just liking the Lumix but now the Nikon looks great as well.

What made you go for the Nikon MaMo? Is it intuitive and easy to use and download photos etc and is it idiot-proof?

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Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 14:15

x-post. Littlefish that's v interesting, I didn't know a I needed a sport setting or that it existed but given that I spend much of my life on a rugby touchline that would be great. The continual photos setting sounds great for sports as well.

I've been reading the reviews on Amazon, very good - do you know if it's mac compatible?

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MaMoTTaT · 15/10/2010 14:25

I've found it very idiot proof - and love the "smart portrai" option which works by not going off until every is smiling Grin

it's the Nikon S8000

very easy to download photos, just plug and go.

MaMoTTaT · 15/10/2010 14:25

oh yes it's got a continual sports setting as well.

Littlefish · 15/10/2010 14:41

The Nikon and the Lumix sound very similar Smile.

No idea about mac compatibility as we only have PCs.

Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 16:13

smart portrait is genius! Wonder how they do that...?

Both look great. Think we'll go for a Lumix as dh said to get a Leica and the Lumix has a Leica lens so that will keep him happy. It seems it is mac compatible.

Thanks both!

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Littlefish · 15/10/2010 16:36

Good choice. We are really happy with it.

BikeRunSki · 15/10/2010 16:41

I have the predecessor to the Olympus Tough 6020 here, which is completely toddler proof! I chose it for it's toughness and water proofness, both of which have been tested by DS (who is 2, need I say more) and DH (a mountain biker) and me, skiing. It is also easy to use and takes great pics!

Original poster
coffeeicing · 15/10/2010 21:34

Looks good BRS. I've often wondered, can cameras - does yours - really survive skiing & taking photos on top of mountains in minus whatever? How does the mechanism not freeze??

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BikeRunSki · 17/10/2010 20:44

Coffee - It has survived skiing at -15o, being run over and dunking in a duck pond.

Original poster
coffeeicing · 26/10/2010 19:03

That's amazing BRS.

Littlefish, thanks so much for the recommendation of the Lumix - picked one up at Gatwick 10 days ago and it's INCREDIBLE. I had lots of fun on holiday playing with it and I'm totally blown away by all the features and the quality of the pictures. (The sport function is brilliant for ds and the soft skin is lovely for dd's little diva poses! 12x optical zoom! GPS! 12.1 megapixels! sorry I'll stop now)

£220 and absolutely brilliant value for money in case anyone else is wondering.

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Littlefish · 28/10/2010 09:21

Hooray! So glad you're enjoying it. Smile

I haven't tried the soft skin function. Is it in the menu with the sports one?

Original poster
coffeeicing · 28/10/2010 18:17

Yes, it's the one directly above the sports one (top row 2nd from left) - evens out skin tone gorgeously (mind you haven't tried it on me yet, it's prob not quite that good!)

I really can't believe what you can get for £220. I set some familiar faces and the children had lots of fun trying to get it to recognise them as each other (which it did do quite a bit). The video function is fab too, really professional looking stuff.

DH found it totally hilarious that I chose a camera on this basis ("mumsnet says this one"), but he had to accept that the result was excellent!

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