A camera my wife will use!

[jmsalt1]

Ok guys, admittedly, photography is not my thing. For perspective, we have been using a Nikon Coolpix S6 as our family camera until the Lens Shutter froze up this week and all I get is "Lens Error" on the display. So.....I need a new camera that I won't be the only one in the house willing to use because it's too complicated or antimidating. Don't get me wrong, I like using the camera, just don't see the need to carry around 5-10k in equipment every time I want to take a pic of the family at the beach, on a hike or just hanging out together. If my wife or kids want to grab it to take a fun shot with something that will look better than your typical iPhone pic. I don't want to freak out because the camera they grabbed cost us a small fortune.

I know I probably need two cameras but for now I am focused on the one we can all use and enjoy. I guess for pricing guidance I'd be willing to spend about $500 but could go up to $1k ish if it was worth it to make that jump.

DSLR a must? Other must have features? Thanks guys.

 

[Breadman03]

GoPro Hero 3 Black. I've been fascinated with GoPro for a while, but the Black edition seems to have made it into a very versatile general camcorder for my purposes; playing with the kids, bike rides, beach trips, etc.

For about $1k, you could get a Target DSLR and a sports camcorder.

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

I would seriously consider one of the higher quality waterproof point and shoot cameras on the market. The image quality is quite impressive and most of them have a decent, impact resistant housing. I dont really think a DSLR fits the bill for your needs.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366987,00.asp

 

[Michigan Mike]

I'm no expert by a long shot (lol) but after getting a DSLR I would never get another point&shoot like my cheap old coolpix cameras.
I think some of the p&s have come along way but ill never get a camera that doesn't manual focus ever again, I like taking pics of my tank too much and my old cameras could never focus properly but like I said - I think the new P&S have gotten better and may be what your looking for.
The Nikon d5100 & the canon T3i are pretty nice DSLR cams that dont break the bank.

 

[jmsalt1]

Thanks for the advice guys. I should say my biggest pet peeve with our old camera, the Nikon Coolpix S6 was that it took horrible pictures in lower light and at a distance the flash would not work but the picture would be really dark. I thought it was a battery issue but it was just a problem in general that I'd like to get past with this purchase.

 

[akitareefer]

If DSLR is what you want I'd recommend the Canon REBEL XSi. If your looking for something easier to use and a little more compact I recommend one of the Canon Powershots like the SX40 HS. With my old Powershot I could take macro or zoom with manual focus, video and never had to worry about interchanging lenses.

This is what my powershot SX10is could do, not a dslr

 

[jmsalt1]

If DSLR is what you want I'd recommend the Canon REBEL XSi. If your looking for something easier to use and a little more compact I recommend one of the Canon Powershots like the SX40 HS. With my old Powershot I could take macro or zoom with manual focus, video and never had to worry about interchanging lenses.

Looking at those shots and the fact that the Powershot had my attention already, I'm going to zero in on that group of cameras.

 

[jmsalt1]

Canon Powershot G15 looks like it would be a great upgrade from what we were using and keeps the price point where I'm very comfortable. Trying to figure out on the Canon web site if that is a better option than the SX50 HS or SX40 HS. The price difference across all three is only $70 but I'm not sure if it is worth the difference. I'm leaning toward the G15 because it is smaller, lighter, has a slightly better monitor and appears to have slightly better performance, although, much of the technical specs. are lost on me because I have not researched them at length yet.

 

[akitareefer]

reef related powershot photos:

Keep in mind you can take much better pictures than these with a DSLR

 

[dc]

Post removed. FTR, no, pictures in here do not have to be reef related.

 

[akitareefer]

Lastly, powershot limitations:
This is the best fish close-up I've ever taken with the powershot (nearly impossible):

Close up with my Olympus E-410 DSLR and stock lens shot in RAW

 

[jmsalt1]

Thanks guys. Those pics and your commentary have been helpful!

 

[BlueCorn]

The Canon G series are great cameras. They shoot in RAW, have full manual exposure available (if you want it) and the Canon underwater housing is a real bargain. I bought one for April and I use it all the time.

 

[dread240]

canon s series cameras are quite nice. I have an s90 (I think, haven't used it in ages)

for a point and shoot, it has manual focus, shoots in raw, very good image quality and there's even hacks on the market to give it even more dslr like features

I guess I could give proof and go get some of the pics off of it... I even have some really nice long exposure shots on the beach of myrtle beach and stuff like that