compact digital camera

November 22, 2008 6:10 PM

Wishlist time--what's a good small, cheap digital camera these days?

I got great recommendations last time, so I'm trying again. Primary considerations are small size and under $150--I'm not looking for something fancy. 3X optical zoom, and I don't need super-duper megapixels, just enough to get good snapshots for the grandmother. And size is really important; I'd like something I'll be likely to carry around. As a friend said, the best camera is the one you have with you.

What should I get?

posted by MrMoonPie to media & arts (11 comments total)

Canon makes good stuff. You can select cameras in your price range here and compare features.

The PowerShot A1000 ($179.99), the A590 ($149.99), and the A580 ($149.99) have a feature that most cameras in that range seem to lack now: an eye-level viewfinder. The eye-level finder will help you hold the camera steadier than relying on the screen, plus you can save battery power by turning the screen off while shooting, and only using it for looking at the photos you have taken.

I don't use these, but a relative has the A580 and loves it. I played with it a little bit and it's a great size, plus the handgrip really feels good and secure in the hand. I use a DSLR, but I've been thinking of getting a point-and-shoot to supplement, and these would definitely be on my short list.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 6:38 PM on November 22, 2008

I just bought a Nikon Coolpix L18 for $130 and I really like it a lot. As you say, I wanted something that fit easily into my pocket, which worked acceptably, and didn't cost a fortune, and that was it. It's 8 megapixel, which is more than I need, and it has an automatic mode that makes using it easy. It also has a de-jiggle feature so that you get clean pictures even if the camera isn't being held stockstill.

I'm very happy with it.
posted by Class Goat at 6:51 PM on November 22, 2008

I've got the Canon SD750 -- the SD line is a lot smaller than the Canon A, and it's worth it. The A's are way too big to carry around with you. The SD cameras can generally fit in my pocket. Get any of the SD cameras besides the 750 -- it doesn't have image stabilization, which makes a difference especially in lower light. I'd suggest the SD1100 IS. At $200, that's a solid price.
posted by incessant at 6:52 PM on November 22, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

The Canon SD1100IS is $160 at Amazon and is pretty amazing for that price. 8 megapixels and image-stabilized, which makes a big difference shooting without flash. And it comes in colors! I paid $250 for basically the same camera (SD800IS) a year ago. I'm kind of sorry I looked it up, to be honest.

The other Canon I might consider is the SD790IS, which is $185 but has a LCD that almost covers the back of the camera.
posted by smackfu at 7:29 PM on November 22, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

seconding the SD1100. got mine from that new-ova place, with spare battery and bag/SD card offer was $179. nice, quick, small, light, great pictures, many presets or modes. recommended it to my friends, ones who bought the same camera are happy too.

canon makes great stuff.
posted by KenManiac at 7:30 PM on November 22, 2008

Nthing Canon. They pretty much have that lower priced market sewn up.
posted by sanka at 8:01 PM on November 22, 2008

My son is very happy with his Canon SD790IS. We were amazed how small it is beside his old A60.
posted by lukemeister at 9:17 PM on November 22, 2008

Thirding Canon SD1100IS, I use it at work and it's a fine little camera.
posted by Muffy at 10:42 PM on November 22, 2008

Sweet--thanks for the recommendations. I'll check out the black Friday sales and see what the deals are.
posted by MrMoonPie at 8:03 AM on November 24, 2008

Newegg has a deal on the SD1100IS at the moment. $150, free shipping, and a 4GB card and case included. Probably hard to beat.
posted by smackfu at 1:15 PM on November 24, 2008

Though your advice was good, I disregarded it all--hope I'm not sorry. I got a cute little Pentax with 8 megapixels and 7x(!) optical zoom for $125, with a free photo printer, to boot.
posted by MrMoonPie at 2:07 PM on January 12