Need a new camera

[McGyver]

I know their must be a crap load of these threads, but I figured that since technology is constantly changing i'd start a new one.

I'm going to Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks and I'd like to have a digital camera to take with me. I know absolutely nothing about cameras. I need something cheap (under $200), robust, and works good for the price point.

I saw this for $80, but I like I said i know nothing about cameras.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036ORZBO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

what does the combined experience of r3v say?

[T Verdier]

this powershot is very nice my friend has some very nice shots with it.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=YuJ&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1920&bih=1043&q=Canon+PowerShot&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=3141302000197192466&sa=X&ei=Wf--Ta79JdLbiALK4KEo&ved=0CLoBEPMCMAI#

[Mike325]

I had a panasonic lumix camera before I went t dslr and loved the thing so much. Take a look at this camera http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-...369554&sr=1-12

This camera has a higher iso (light sensitivity, higher = more sensitive) range too, so you can shoot in low light without the flash.

Keep in mind that optical zoom is better than digital zoom too. I feel like all the P&S cameras are all pretty much the same in terms of capabilities, but this panasonic has more zoom and 14.1 MP.

[blefevre]

1. Keep it small so you can bring it everywhere.
2. Canon 100HS is around $200
3. Canon 1400Is is a little cheaper just no HS system.

The HS system is really nice to have for general night pictures. I just got a S95 for my trip to south africa and even with the f2.0 lens and CCD sensor I still prefer to use the HS system for low light pictures.

[McGyver]

so r3v would only look into one of these 4 cameras? what about quality for cannon vs. panasonic?

[ButtJuice]

Is a Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS a good camera?

[mrsleeve]

think you might still be able to find a Pan LX3 for a little over your price point. 10mp and Leica glass in it makes it worth the extra money.

[e34john]

^
He is right about the Leicas

[mrsleeve]

yeah the Pan LX series is the same thing as the Leica just a ton cheaper and with out the red circle on the body. But they still have the same glass in both of them, and the pan electronic wizardry is in both as well.

Once you go good glass you never go back, this is with anything Binocs, rifle scopes, camera lenses, etc... It may be expensive but buy once cry once it really is worth it in the end.

[e34john]

I am dumb enough to pay 5 times more, only for the German made Leicas. I do want that BMW X1 Leica. Then my camera will be worth twice what I paid for my car.

[daniel]

get a lumix! seriously.