Good digital camera

whistlepig · Jan 20, 2013

We aren't photgraphers but our old and cheap 3.2 megapixel camera isn't up to snuff compared to the photos I am seeing here these days. Looking for a new camera. Only priority is a camera that does good close ups and would like to keep the price under $300.00.

MIKE R · Jan 20, 2013

Take a look at the Sony Cybershot.

KennyG · Jan 20, 2013

Today, the megapixels don't matter because all the good cameras are over 10 MP. Price generally buys you a better lens with a longer zoom range. I'm partial to the Canon digital cameras but Nikon, Olympus etc are also good. I would suggest poking around B&H Photo (B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders. You should be able to find something for your needs for $150 to $200. In macro mode, most of these small digital cameras will focus down to 1 or 2 inches.

whistlepig · Jan 20, 2013

MIKE R said:
Take a look at the Sony Cybershot.

I have been reading the reviews on this camera. It's one of the best that I have looked at so far.

whistlepig · Jan 20, 2013

KennyG said:
Today, the megapixels don't matter because all the good cameras are over 10 MP. Price generally buys you a better lens with a longer zoom range. I'm partial to the Canon digital cameras but Nikon, Olympus etc are also good. I would suggest poking around B&H Photo (B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders. You should be able to find something for your needs for $150 to $200. In macro mode, most of these small digital cameras will focus down to 1 or 2 inches.

I have been looking at the macros. Seems like ISO 6400 is the best range for close ups in my price range. Again, I am not knowledgeable about digital cameras. I am considering something rugged. We use our camera outdoors a lot and beat them up. The Olympus Tough TG-820 has caught my eye.

Boondox · Jan 21, 2013

There are some in-depth reviews by a professional who takes no advertising on KenRockwell.com. He really puts em thru their paces!

jymbee · Jan 21, 2013

If you're willing to spend a bit more, rugged may well be the way to go. I do photography professionally but probably take more shots with my little Panasonic Lumix rugged camera than the big guys (Canon 5d Mark IIIs). Always have it my pocket when out on the property. Have used it in just about every kind of weather and conditions-- including under water while diving. Takes great videos too.

Rugged might save you $$$ in the long run if it holds up in situations where a conventional camera might break down.

I would expect the rugged versions sold by any of the major brands work similarly well. Here's a review of some of them published last year by dpreview:

whistlepig said:
I have been looking at the macros. Seems like ISO 6400 is the best range for close ups in my price range. Again, I am not knowledgeable about digital cameras. I am considering something rugged. We use our camera outdoors a lot and beat them up. The Olympus Tough TG-820 has caught my eye.

gsganzer · Jan 21, 2013

I've had good luck with the Canon point and shoot pocket camera's. Call Doug at Cameraland NY and see what he recommends and what specials he has. First class service with prices you can't beat. I buy almost all my camera's, bino's and rifle scopes from them.

/pine · Jan 21, 2013

Unless your main focus (pun not intended) is photography you can buy two fantastic "point and shoots" for the cost of one built inside a tank...I would look at the Canon's, best value for the money IMO but I have always liked Sony digital camera features...

cameras are probably as shock proof as cell phones...?