[Crazirich]

I have been looking into a camera to buy as a gift and I'm not sure what one I want to get.... I have a few in mind in the price range I want to spend under 300... I'm looking at quality and ease of use... So far the panasonic is top of the list...

Panasonic Lumix 9.1MP Digital Camera (DMCTZ5A) - Blue


Fuji FinePix 10.0MP Digital Camera (S2000HD)


Canon PowerShot SD770 IS 10MP Digital Camera


Nikon Coolpix 10MP Digital Camera (S550) - Black



LET me know what you think or if there is a better camera I haven't seen yet..

Must have.. use SD card, rechargable batter (Li-Ion) and no less than 9-10MP

thanks

[D-Dub]

it between the Panasonic and the Canon in my opinion. The Fuji is not a compact camera at all.

My aunt has a 12mp lumix that takes amazing shots in dark conditions and my parents have a 10mp canon that takes amazing shots in lighter conditions. As for ease of use, the Nikkon or Panasonic are your best bet. The cannon is loaded with functions and even in auto mode it has to be fine tuned...


If your looking for quality the Fuji will have the bigger CCD, this means the shots will be more vivid and sharper.

[Gravter]

I say Canon FTMFW... yes, I am BIASED :P


EDIT

Wow, I just did a price comparision... That Panasonic is twice the price of that Canon model. there are better Canon for the same price as that Panasonic.
I have a Powershot A700 ( 4 years old... almost) and it still delivers exceptional pics.
If you are looking for a simple point a shoot camera and don't want to spend too much, that Canon will be perfect, but don't go trying to make professional photos with it!
There are no manual controls on that model, so I would not like it for that.
I'm still dreaming of getting myself a DSLR like a Canon 40D, sometime soon.

[NOS2Go4Me]

I'm a Nikon guy, personally. I'd go for the Coolpix.

[j3rt]

Ditto on the Fuji, it's an advanced point and shoot, but if you like it, check out the Nikon P80, excellent camera with DSLR type features for when you get better.

[meford4u]

Can't go wrong with the Canon for a simple point and shoot. Very good quality.
Nikon.........your paying for the name.
Panasonic, don't really know alot about Panasonic cameras.
Fuji...my sister-in-law had one and it was very versatile and took great pics. Until it was stolen.

I think any of the cameras you decide upon will be very well received.

[Crazirich]

Yeah the Nikon P80 looks good...



I like the Panasonic for its simplicity.. since its not for me... the Fuji for its options for the price... So yeah it may end up that way.... my only problem is the Fuji uses "AA" batteries... How long will they last ??

[reldridge]

Putting on my ex-camera sales guy hat, one question for you... Who is the camera for? Gift for a tech person, or a luddite? If its for a non-techy, why go all out on a wicked camera, to have it sit unused because they are intimidated? Simple is better, in some cases.

If for a luddite non-techy, I'd go Canon, simply for the brand recognition and the easy Auto mode.

If for a techy who is into photography a little, I'd go with either the Panny or the Fuji, or the Nikon P80. More creativity can be had with the focal length, and the more photo modes.

As far as AA goes, don't be afraid. Buy a good set of Nickel metal hydride rechargeables and charger. Figure between $30 and $50 extra. Watch for the Mah (milli-amp per hour) rating. Standard alkaline batteries will only give about 150 shots, if that. Good rechargeables will give about the same as li-ion, but you won't have to deal with proprietary chargers and batteries later on. Especially handy for a traveller, who might be without electricity for a day or two, but can buy Duracells at a store.

I've had a Panasonic DMC-FZ7 for a few years now, still love it. But then again, I'm the techy who likes photography...

[euro_zx5]

Canon all the way imo. Only ever managed to kill one, and it was my fault... lol

[Crazirich]

thanks for your help guys.. the purchase has been made...

[hardk0re]

which one did you buy?

[Crazirich]

I can't say in case the receiver is lurking....I'll tell you guys after the gift giving...