topic Suggestions for digital camera under $150. in Community Chat

Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 21:41:28 GMT

I have never purchased a digital camera. The disposable camera that I normally purchase have been discontinued . I need something small but easy to operate. Should I consider a bundle package or purchase camera and individual accesories ?TIA. Southern Bee

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SteelerFaninMD — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 21:50:49 GMT

may i suggest the canon power-shot, very small, easy to use & lightweight. i have a powershot model from 5 yrs ago, works great and takes great pictures. I also have a more expensive complex canon model, but it much larger in size. I take half my photos on powershot, rest on the other model don't know the current pricing of the powershot series, but i'm fairly sure max price is $150. i've seen them at best buy, target, and amazon, not sure if q offers the option. good luck!

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Sooner — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:03:16 GMT

If you have a high-megapixel smart phone, you really don't need a camera like that. I've been a photog in my job before, and had $2,000 Nikon bodys, and an array of lense and flashes and such. But for most photos now, a high megapixel smart phone is great. We don't even carry a camera on vacation now.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Moonchilde — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:28:29 GMT

Whether one is satisfied with a very good (iphone, Galaxy 7) camera phone or even a mediocre one depends on what you want to take photos of.

If you want no zoom capability and just outdoor sunny shots for the internet with no adjustability (like the disposable cameras), you can find Vivitar cameras for $20-50 lots of places, in b&m stores and online.

Spending a bit more money (depending on what you want) will get you more. Canon ELPH cameras are good basic digital cameras with 8 to 10X zoom for the less expensive models, and very compact, running $100-150 or less. Nikon also makes a few models in that price range that would be similar, as does Fuji. Panasonic is probably out of that price range.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Mz iMac — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 23:12:24 GMT

For your first digital cam, get the bundled package. As for ease of use, its best to FIRST read the manual from front to back. Practice using each & every one of the bells & whistles your cam has.

I purchsed my 1st (to date my last) digital cam 5 yrs ago. I did not want one that I needed a Ph.D to figure out how to use it. I got a Kodak which is the size of a cc. Came bundled w/extras. After reading the reviews on the cam especially for ease of use, I purchased the cam from MacMall dot com.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

homedecor1 — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 23:45:58 GMT

I bought about 6 years ago a Olympus point & shoot TSV from Q.

its still the camera I use today (although I have a IPhone 6S) I just love this little camera and still takes great pics. I think it was $129 maybe -- it came with rechargeable batteries (still working), case, strap, upload disc for transferring pics to computer & memory card (needed to store pics from camera).

best thing so easy to use no learning curve and small (slim & fits palm of hand) - just point & shoot! I'm sure they have something comparable in the digital camera offerings on Q.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 15:54:36 GMT

I have the basic Jitterbug cell phone no photos. I appreciate all the help and suggestions. I found the Nikon Coolpix S2900 20 MP point and soot and reading the reviews.The Cannon camera was available in the international version and read the reviews and decided not to order. I have another friend that needs a digital camera.She was looking at the Vivitar and I explained the reviews were bad. Your suggestions for her would be appreciated. I prefer help from friends experiences rather that just : Google.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Moonchilde — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 16:18:47 GMT

@SouthernBee, cameras are like phones and laptops - everyone will have a brand they prefer and a bad experience with something else ;-)

I have had Casio, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji and Canon point & shoot cameras. I hated the Sony which was supposed to be fabulous, wasn't impressed with the Nikon or the Olympus (they were okay but just okay), and liked the Fujis a lot (I had two) but the telephoto lens malfunctioned on the last one so I didn't buy another.

My last three cameras have been Canon Powershots (the long telephoto models) and I'm very happy with them. Oddly, the Casio, which was my first ever p&s, was not expensive and critics poo-pooed their cameras, but it took some of the best photos ever and I liked it better than all the others except the Fujis and the Canons. It's just personal preferences and personal taste for a lot of it.

When I'm investigating a camera, before I read any user reviews I read the professional reviews from big online camera stores and camera review sites. THEN I will read a few user reviews.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Sooner — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 16:34:11 GMT

We had a Sony when they first came out with them and it was junk. My favorites were the Nikons but we had several brands before the cell phones had more megapixels and we quit using them

I was a long-time user of Nikon 35 mm then digital pro cameras and lenses. They are BIG to tote around though!

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Moonchilde — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 16:44:03 GMT

I should say that I use my iPhone for photos a LOT, but when you want to take good photos in low light (museums, etc) without flash or if you want any zoom at all, you need an actual camera.

And seriously, learn to use simple photo editing tools - they can make lousy or mediocre shots very acceptable for sharing online, and some are very simple one-click to use.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

riley1 — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:16:02 GMT

Before I had a phone with a camera, I had a Nikon Coolpix - it was great, easy to use and took good pictures.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

homedecor1 — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:37:47 GMT

my son is a avid fisherman and does guided trips -- I bought him the Canon point & shoot many years ago before GoPro, affordable SLRs and phones to take good pics.

still uses this today and still takes great pics! He is still using from a few years ago the Canon dvd camera offered by Q(it takes film & video).

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:34:33 GMT

Well- I turned 62 Saturday and I must be old and cannot comprehend new stuff!!! I purchased the Nikon Coolpix S2900. I read the manual. Not difficult to set up. Took a few photos before going out to eat. Restaurant was dark and had problems seeing icons on camera to take photos and inside photos dark. One photo outside on the lake took great photos of ducks in pond. Then friend wanted me to transfer photo to her: she replied: "should have told you to purchase something with wifi to use with your iPad and my cell phone"!!! God gave me the best birthday gift- a rainbow! We were riding in the car and not able to take a photo. I really wanted a neat small camera because I may be going on a cruise in January. I will probably give the Nikon to my other friend that needs a camera. I was able to purchase the Nikon bundle for a great price. More research for me. I appreciate all the help and suggestions. SouthernBee

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

Moonchilde — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:54:52 GMT

@SouthernBee wrote:
Well- I turned 62 Saturday and I must be old and cannot comprehend new stuff!!! I purchased the Nikon Coolpix S2900. I read the manual. Not difficult to set up. Took a few photos before going out to eat. Restaurant was dark and had problems seeing icons on camera to take photos and inside photos dark. One photo outside on the lake took great photos of ducks in pond. Then friend wanted me to transfer photo to her: she replied: "should have told you to purchase something with wifi to use with your iPad and my cell phone"!!! God gave me the best birthday gift- a rainbow! We were riding in the car and not able to take a photo. I really wanted a neat small camera because I may be going on a cruise in January. I will probably give the Nikon to my other friend that needs a camera. I was able to purchase the Nikon bundle for a great price. More research for me. I appreciate all the help and suggestions. SouthernBee

@SouthernBee, you may not find a camera with wifi at $150 or under. The wifi feature typically has complaints from all users, no matter what the brand of camera, that it's difficult and complicated to set up. Mine is a PIT*.

However, since you have an iPad - the best purchase I've made as far as transferring photos is the Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader. It allows you to transfer photos from your camera directly to your iPad or an iPhone, MUCH faster than wifi (almost instantly) as long as the camera uses an SD type card (most do).

Only $29 and can be bought from Apple or many camera stores, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, etc.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 21:18:25 GMT

@Moonchilde: Thank you for your help and information. I purchased my iPad in 2015: refurbished iPad 2 wifi32 GB ( 2nd generation). I only use the iPad at home because I have mobility issues. I am worried that I could drop it or forget and leave it somewhere. We do not have Apple Store in our area. I am still learning how to use it. My extended contract for tech support has expired. Reading information on the electronic boards helped me to decide to purchase the refurbished iPad which was one of the best purchase for me. My friend is trying to get me to purchase the iPhone but we are trying not to add extra monthly fees and we have a jitterbug basic phone and use only for emergencies. Southern Bee

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 02:57:18 GMT

@Moonchilde: Trying to research the Apple reader and best I can determine this will not work with my IPad. I was given Amazon gift cards for birthday. So I could pay more for camera and doing more research. Never thought this would be so frustrating.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:49:02 GMT

I really hoped the Apple lightening to sd card would work for my iPad. Someone suggested the Apple dock connection to VGA adapter and now I am really confused?!!!DH said I could spend $250 for camera. We cannot not find the disposable cameras in our area. I looked for disposable cameras on line and several reviews complained that the expiration date had expired. Still reading reviews and trying to decide.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

BalletBabe — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:11:14 GMT

I have Apple Iphone and it takes great pictures, but if you want to print and blow pictures up , no cell phone will give you the quality that a good camera will. If you don't blow your pictures up and print them , you will be ok with cell.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera under $150.

SouthernBee — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 16:07:55 GMT

Currently reading reviews for the Canon power shot ELPH 350 HS and the

360 HS. Jet.com has a good price but I have not purchased anything from them.

Re: Suggestions for digital camera $250.

SouthernBee — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 19:03:12 GMT

Went to Sam's for passport photo and the lady used the Nikon Coolpix S2900. I thought that was interesting. I was really considering the canon power shot elph 350/360 HS. My iPad 2nd generation model 1395/ serial F8QP204MDFHY does not have SD slot. Really confused about what to do and other options. Any suggestions appreciated. TIA. Southern Bee.