Pages

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Your favorite camera

Do you have a favorite camera? One that you would never leave home without? Something that takes fabulous pictures and is small?

I've killed yet another camera. I have been a Canon user for years. Starting with film cameras. The first one died because the flash died. I was told that I could add an external flash (and even more weight). So, I bought a new one. The next one lasted me a few years until I was ready to go digital.

I've had 2 Canon digital SLR's in the last 5 years. I bought a new Canon Rebel and added some fabulous lenses. It worked wonderfully until summer 2007. While on a roadtrip, my camera gave me an Error 99 warning. I took it into a local camera store and was told that it was cost as much to fix it as to buy a new one. I decided to do some online research and buy a new body (since I already had all the lenses). My Canon Rebel xTi was wonderful (rest your photo driven soul). It recently died in Fall 2010. Again, Error 99. I again did some research and have tried all the explanations to fix this. I've read that it's a lens error. I've used the eraser technique to rub the connection pins and lens. Now I'm torn.

Do I take it in for service or just buy another new one? And, if I'm buying a new one - what new camera should I buy. I've loved my Canon. I love that I can take clear pictures. That I have a great zoom (I don't leave home without my 28-200 lens attached). I bought a semi fisheye that takes great photos (my kids with the whole St Louis arch). 

But, I hate the weight and size. I am constantly bonking a kid in the head with my camera. It's heavy and very touristy. I'm not a professional photographer or plan to be. I just love to take pictures of my kids, vacation, sports, holidays. 

Here's where I hope you can help: suggest to me your favorite camera and why.

I'm looking for a camera with:
great zoom
fast shutter speeds (multiple frames per second)
light weight

I'm considering (it's all over the place. It's really zoom and weight that I'm looking for). I'm brand loyal. I just want a great camera that can take great photos and capture them in motion (as well as multiple shots). So tell me, what is your favorite camera?


Nikon CoolPix100
http://www.picturecorrect.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/nikon-coolpix-p100.jpg

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS
http://www.desinformado.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Canon-PowerShot-SX230-HS-Digital-Camera.jpg

Sony NEX 3 or NEX5 (comes with lenses)
http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/NEX-5-Blk+SEL16F28-R3Qtr.jpg

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1
http://digital-lifestyles.info/copy_images/sony-cyber-shot-hx1-lg2.jpg

Olympus SP-800UZ
http://www.pocket-lint.com/images/dynamic/REVIEW-4880-48160c86e1f8e6c32595c754f3124d36.jpg