Finally getting a digital camera....need help

[MarshaD]

I know, I know.........I'm a little behind the times. (I have no cell phone either )
Anyway, I've been perfectly happy with my 35mm until I went on vacation and borrowed my son's digital camera. So, needless to say, I am now going to purchase my very own. I need something easy to operate, although I am pretty good at reading manuals and figuring out all of the buttons/dials. I really would like one with a pretty quick shutter speed as I get so frustrated when I miss the perfect shot because the camera is too slow. Also, I don't want to dish out a lot of cash.......Any suggetions?

TIA
Marsha

[HurricaneBox]

If you are just wanting a point-and-shoot that takes great shots, we had a Nikon CoolPix that we LOVED...until my DH dumped it in the river and it died a watery death It was easy to use, took fantastic pictures, and actually survived quite a bit of abuse (being dropped, etc) until the river incident. For some reason electronic equipment doesn't like water...

They aren't terribly expensive either... I think ours was $200 or so a few years ago... I don't know if the newer models are cheaper or more expensive, but I imagine it would still be in that range.

[punchinella]

Nikon and Canon are both pretty decent cameras, and they both have models in the lower price ranges ($100-$200).

[JulieJay]

Ive always used Canon cameras.. i own two digital cameras. and they have both taken a horrendous beating over the years. But i still have them both and they work great.
I ahve the Canon sureshot.. it's pretty.. Blue.. haha my favorite color!

[RoxiesEcho]

I have a Fuji FinePix that I really like. But as you said, they are way too slow and trying to take a picture of anything moving never comes out good. But I think that's the nature of the beast when it's a point and shoot type camera. If I was going to buy a new one today I would definitely look into one that has the picture stabilization feature. I'm amazed at how much the camera moves even when you think you are standing perfectly still!

[TossBranAbi]

For point and shoots, I like Sony but only if they have the Carl Zeiss lens. I have a Sony W80 and am happy with it. It doesn't get a whole lot of use because I have a dSLR too but the point and shoot is nice to stick in a pocket and go.

[ZOE*BOXER]

Originally Posted by TossBranAbi

For point and shoots, I like Sony but only if they have the Carl Zeiss lens. I have a Sony W80 and am happy with it. It doesn't get a whole lot of use because I have a dSLR too but the point and shoot is nice to stick in a pocket and go.

I bought the Sony W80 for myself for Christmas. I chose it because I was so happy with my old Sony. I love the Sony W80. It takes great shots and is so easy to use.

[TossBranAbi]

Originally Posted by ZOE*BOXER

I bought the Sony W80 for myself for Christmas. I chose it because I was so happy with my old Sony. I love the Sony W80. It takes great shots and is so easy to use.

Yep, I bought mine after my first digital camera died, a Sony P72 (3.2mp)

If I remember correctly, I say=w the W80 in the Staples President's Day sale ad for $130. I don't know how long the sale is going on but that is a nice price for that camera. If you don't want the silver that they sell in the store, they should be able to order another color (blue, pink, or black) from the warehouse, just depends on whether or not the colored ones are on sale.

[kmorales]

The Canon SD750 is great and takes great outdoor pictures IMO. I bought it about a year ago when it first came out for about $350 and now I believe its about $220. I hate when that happens.