Idiot proof point and shoot camera?

[skywalk]

Hi folks, I'd love your input and advice on what camera to get my parents to replace their 4megapixel canon.

They are not photographers and basically just like to capture the moment. Most shots will be of people so perhaps a good face recognition will be in order.

nothing fancy, something budget, and preferably with AA batteries like the powershot series, because they rarely use it unless they travel, which is 2-3 times per year.

I'd get the powershot A640 or A650 but it seems like overkill for them.

Thanks in advance!

 

[blive]

I use the coolpix L14. Its simple enough, my 3 year old can use it. Its 7MP 3xzoom basic camera, really small and light and it comes with face detection & d-lighting. Very affordable too!

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

yeah i agree.... The coolpix L series cameras are sufficient. Good value for money. Use of AA batteries is convenient too.

 

[grumpy]

if they hardly use the cam, why need to replace the existing one?

 

[senray]

If you want Idiot Proof..Then i suggest you stick to Canon, Not because Im in favour of Canon or anything but because your parents have gotten use to the egronomics and buttons of a Canon PNS..

My Parents have difficulty finding certain functions when they are using Nikon while all along they have been using Sony.

And besides, I think canon suits all of your needs, face reg.. powered by AA batteries..

So yea... your call.. =)

 

[emirates]

Hi folks, I'd love your input and advice on what camera to get my parents to replace their 4megapixel canon.

They are not photographers and basically just like to capture the moment. Most shots will be of people so perhaps a good face recognition will be in order.

nothing fancy, something budget, and preferably with AA batteries like the powershot series, because they rarely use it unless they travel, which is 2-3 times per year.

I'd get the powershot A640 or A650 but it seems like overkill for them.

Thanks in advance!

OK if u get the Powershot series u really gotta stay on the lower models the higher nes r really quite confusing. I guess they really won't wanna mess with the 24 modes or something! AA batteries really limited. stray from that and the Ixus probably the easiest. got a grandma that uses it and takes nice shots, even though shake ect. Nikon (not the dSLR lah!) compacts also quite promising if u want to stick to AA batteries.

 

[Azure]

Since you already have considered the A650/640, then go for it. Relatively easy to use.



On a separate note, with no relation to anyone..... "Idiot-proof" is not a possibility. There'll just be a more idiotic idiot user to dis-proof the "idiot-proof" gadget. A teacher friend of mine related how a male colleague of hers asked her how to switch on the camera - a Canon Ixus.... gosh.

 

[ST1100]

2-3 times a year? Erm, with the prices of digicams moving as they are, why not get a good compact film camera? Try the Ricoh GR1V - killer lens, awesome form factor, simple controls and near 100% resale value if you can find one used.

 

[NoMoney]

Fuji PnS are quite easily to use too.

 

[blive]

On a separate note, with no relation to anyone..... "Idiot-proof" is not a possibility. There'll just be a more idiotic idiot user to dis-proof the "idiot-proof" gadget. A teacher friend of mine related how a male colleague of hers asked her how to switch on the camera - a Canon Ixus.... gosh.

That happens all the time. all the buttons are confusing... you can't expect everyone to know about cameras and stuff. What you know, other people may not know. Its always better to ask just in case.

2-3 times a year? Erm, with the prices of digicams moving as they are, why not get a good compact film camera? Try the Ricoh GR1V - killer lens, awesome form factor, simple controls and near 100% resale value if you can find one used.

If they are used to a digital, don't think they will switch back to film, esp since they are not avid photographers. The convenience of a digital should be sufficient for them. Would they be impressed with killer lens and 100% resale value? Probably not. I am also not interested in resale value, as I want to use the camera and not sell it to upgrade all the time.

 

[blive]

yeah i agree.... The coolpix L series cameras are sufficient. Good value for money. Use of AA batteries is convenient too.

Yeah, I got the L14 because it was the cheapest I could find amongst the Canon, Nikon & other reputable brands. Not the best, but its convenient.

if they hardly use the cam, why need to replace the existing one?

Quite true....:think: Maybe they want something lighter and smaller.

 

[skywalk]

wow thanks for all the responses and excellent advice! I might go with the A640/650 or ixus, but im definitely gonna check out the coolpix L14 first. thanks again.

 

[brightsmile]

it depends on what kind of grip they would prefer too

personally, i think A640/650 provide better grip

 

[bousozoku]

Idiot proof is impossible.

I bought my now 73 year old mum a Canon Powershot A430 and now, she uses it as a photo album, even with the tiny LCD. Once it's set, she can work it but I hope the settings are saved when the AA batteries die because she won't be able to use it again. :bsmilie:

Will something new be used? My mum becomes so accustomed to one kind of thing that she won't use another kind and she ends up selling it.

 

[blive]

Idiot proof is impossible.

I bought my now 73 year old mum a Canon Powershot A430 and now, she uses it as a photo album, even with the tiny LCD. Once it's set, she can work it but I hope the settings are saved when the AA batteries die because she won't be able to use it again. :bsmilie:

Will something new be used? My mum becomes so accustomed to one kind of thing that she won't use another kind and she ends up selling it.

Neccessity is the mother of invention. My mum has a handphone, but she never used the sms, because she says she doesn't know how to use it. When she went for an operation and she couldn't talk for a week. She learnt how to use the sms, and is now very fluent in it...:bsmilie: You are probably always there to help your mum do the settings.

 

[huipiiing]

Fuji PnS are quite easily to use too.

definitely get the fujifilm f30/31. It performs very well in low light situations you can shoot indoors/at night easily and not get blurry pics. Plus it's very compact and you can pull it in and out of your jeans/breast pocket easily. Fuss-free camera. Though is your dad has large hands it might be difficult for him to operate it.

 

[bousozoku]

Neccessity is the mother of invention. My mum has a handphone, but she never used the sms, because she says she doesn't know how to use it. When she went for an operation and she couldn't talk for a week. She learnt how to use the sms, and is now very fluent in it...:bsmilie: You are probably always there to help your mum do the settings.

Actually, I'm not there. They lived near me for a while and now, they've moved back to where they were. She also had a hand phone, which is now sitting in a drawer. Thankfully, she used all the prepaid time. The DVD player is sitting on the floor. It only got use when I gave it to them. :bsmilie:

Some people are more willing to change than others.

 

[megaweb]

I recommend fujifilm F series camera.

 

[rapierr]

I am interested in the A650IS ,where can I get the cheapest price in Singapore?