Favorite camera

Kick it up a hundred bucks and get a Cannon S100 which you won't out-grow. If you can still find an S95 it's even better in some ways. I have both, having bought the S100 when the S95 was in the shop (I'm rough on things.) and couldn't find another one immediately.

Thanks Ed. I currently have a Canon Powershot A570 IS - how do the S95 and S100 compare?

No idea except to guess that the jump is bound to be monumental. The 95/100 are way, way toward the low end (by a cost factor of at least ten) of a lot of my equipement, but they get used the most. That said, most good photographs aren't really camarea-dependent.

I did wonder if it was the equipment or the photographer! Yesterday we were up in the Rockies and the views were spectacular, but when I downloaded the photos they didn't really represent what we saw. The colors weren't too vidid and they looked washed out and overly bright. I'll check your recommmendation out - thanks again!

If you can up your budget to $500, the Canon G12 is amazing. I took it to Italy in 2011 and had great results. (Didn't want to lug around the DSLR) I have printed 11x14 photos for my wall and they are very crisp. I think the biggest consideration in how much you spend is what you want to do with the photos once you have them. If they are just going on Facebook, you can spend a little less and be just as happy. Good luck.

Two good websites to help you are: http://www.dcresource.com
http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM

Dawn, It's difficult to make a recommendation without having a bit more information on your criteria. P&S Cameras these days have a wide range of features, so it would help to have some idea of: > What size Camera are you looking for - something like the Canon Elph series that will fit into a shirt pocket, or something a bit larger like a G12 that has more capabilities? > What zoom range do you want? The majority of Cameras offer 5x zoom while a few others have very long range zoom. > Are you interested in features such as controls for PV /AV / Manual, ISO range, or RAW capability? The situation described in a previous reply with "colours not being vivid" can often be corrected in a RAW image. However, post-processing is more work, and not everyone wants to be bothered with that. > Does the price range you specified have any "flexibility" (ie: would you pay a bit more for a good Camera)? I'd also suggest having a look at DP Review as that's one of the best sites to find information on Cameras. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes them awhile to review new models, but there's still lots of info on the website. Good luck with your purchase!

Dawn, I agree with Ken on checking DP Review (they have a feature you can use to compare different models) and then shop around. I was happy to see that Karen recommended the Canon G12 - I bought one at Best Buy a couple of months ago - on sale for $330. I tested it on a recent trip to San Diego and the photos looked good!

Canon G-12 is a good camera. I know professional photographers who use it as a backup camera. The main reason professionals like it, however, is the hot shoe for a separate flash. Since that's a feature I really don't want or need in a travel camera, the G-12 isn't the camera I'd pick - it's too big. I'd go with something smaller: Canon Powershot SX 260 http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11759395&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|90607|83|87151&N=4047263&Mo=30&pos=1&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=87151&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10604-Cat83&topnav= or Nikon S9300 http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11758630&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|90607|83|87151&N=4047263&Mo=30&pos=1&No=8&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=87151&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10604-Cat83&topnav= These offer great features, excellent pictures in a variety of conditions and are pocket size - IMO much better for the traveler.

Thanks to everyone for replying! As far as the price, I can be flexible on that. For size, I'd like to have a smaller one that will fit into a pocket for ease of use while traveling. And as far as features, I use zoom on occasion, but doubt I'd use many any other features beyond that. My needs are very basic when it comes to what I want and expect from a camera - I just want to point it at gorgeous European sites and then come home and download it to the computer so we can ooh and ahh over what we saw! :)

Dawn, Two things: For me, learning to make a few setting adjustments produced better photos than just using 'A" or 'P'. The August issue of Consumer Reports reviews cameras and may have information that would be helpful to you. Good luck.

Hi Dawn (have we met at the Denver meeting?) anyway ... like some others suggested, "kick it up a little bit" ... I suggest looking at the Fuji X10 as an option. I use the camera and have used it here in Colorado now for most of the year with great results and will take it on an upcoming RS tour. Benefits: compact with qualification(can fit in a coat pocket), very flexible with usage (can be very creative with many features or just have it shoot), great low light capability, great image quality of an SLR, shoots HD movies, etc. Negatives: Not as small as a general point and shoot, pricy, not an SLR. A good compromise between the run of the mill point and shoot and the heavy artillery SLRs. Compares or in the realm with the Canon G12. Another good option among many out there.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Panasonic DMC-Zseries. The DMC-ZS1 was the first one I bought and used it on several trips to Europe. Now I have a ZS9. The work well in no-flash low light situations like cathedrals and museums. The telephoto capabilities make it possible to take some very interesting photos. We print selected photos to 8 1/2 x 11 and have good results. I see that the ZS series is up to 20 now, but I usually keep a camera for five or six years before moving on so I don't know what the newer models have that the older ones don't. The ZS10 has GPS capability.

Thanks everyone - you've given me a lot to research! I also think that if I quit being lazy and learned a few of the features on my Canon Powershot A570 IS, I'd probably be happier with the results! Thanks again for all your valuable input.

Dawn, One other point to mention..... As you don't need the Camera until next year, you might want to wait until after mid-September (or later) to make your choice. The huge Photokina Show will be taking place in Köln from 18 - 23 September. A lot of new Cameras will be introduced at the show by all manufacturers, likely with a dazzling array of "bells & whistles". If you wait for a month or two after that until the reviewers have had a time to check out the new models, you may find exactly the Camera you're looking for. In any case, you'll have a greater number to choose from. Cheers!

For what it's worth, I have taken some great shots with my Canon Powershot A620 (similar to your 570IS) although I also have a DSLR camera which is my current kit while in travel mode Several travel shots from my A620 are now attractive 16"X20" giclée prints.

Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS.

Dawn, Like Monte, I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS-9. The Panasonic DMC series of point and shoot cameras have given me great service. I also had a ZS-1 and only got the ZS-9 because it has a better zoom and I got a steal of a deal on it. I've loved my Panasonic DMC point and shoot cameras, and they have served me well as travel cameras. I also have a DSLR, but find myself grabbing the Panasonic P&S when traveling and leaving the DSLR gear back in the hotel safe. A great website to get an idea of what cameras are available, and actually compare different specific camera models against each other: www.snapsort.com You can browse categories, and I think they have a "travel zoom" category for point and shoot cameras, which would be helpful in giving you an idea of what's out there right now. Happy snapping!

Dawn.... worst thing to say to a professional photographer
"Gosh, your camera takes great pictures" Practice with the camera you have and learn its's functions, and then determine if you need a new camera... (I would definitely opt for a zoom lens if you do buy a new camera) Have fun!

Hi all First off ,I'm a DSLR camera person. The number of Point and shots are endless all trying to get your money. I, recommend sticking to the three major companies in modern cameras. Canon, Nikon or sony. Look for something that will provide a good 10x8 inch image when you get home. When comparing sensor size and megapixel will give a better change of better images. THe larger of both the better. Look at the zoom range, be wary of any that have more digital zoom than optical zoom. Three things govern a photo, time,aperture, and ISO. The p&s, will manage all three for you.That's why you want it. A camera having a higher ISO,will generally deal with the inside shots better without resorting to flash. The most important thing is to get used to using it before you go, not during. This camera whatever brand, whatever level will provide you your memories of a great trip.
Another thing to do is look at some travel photo books before you go, ask yourself why do I like that image better than the one on the previous page ? It will help you to think about your photos before you take them. Best of luck....