Camera suggestion

Frank II,

How much do you want to spend? You might have a look at the "super zoom" cameras from Canon or Panasonic, some of which have a 20-30x optical zoom and image stabilization. Here are some websites you can check.....

• http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-travel-or-superzoom-camera-1259446
• http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/120768-best-compact-cameras-2017-the-best-point-and-shoot-cameras-available-to-buy-today

I have both a newer Panasonic TZ-40 superzoom (which I believe has Wi-Fi, although I've never used it), as well as an older Canon with shorter zoom range. They both take good pictures, but the display on the older Canon is easier to see in bright sunlight. The best way to avoid the problem with visibility in sunlight is to buy a camera that has a viewfinder. If your budget will allow, you could look at one of the mirrorless models, although they're larger that a point & shoot. Have a look at this....

• http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-compact-system-camera-2013-the-best-models-reviewed-960832

Good luck!

Hi Frank,

I think it can be done with an "OTG" ("on the go") cable and USB stick. Once the photos are on your phone, you can upload to the cloud when you have a wifi connection. I've done with this with my iPhone, so the procedure isn't identical, but here is an online tutorial/explanation that's only 2 years old. https://blog.fonepaw.com/transfer-photos-from-camera-to-android-with-otg.html

I should say, though, that I found this whole process to be a bit of a pain. You often can't transfer all your photos at once because of memory limitations on your phone, so it takes a while to transfer/upload/delete and start over. Still, it's good that the technology is available.

Hope this helps!
Caroline

Frank II

I suggest you go on a site like bestbuy and select the feature search criteria (price, wifi etc) to find cameras which meet your requirements. Here is the Canadian example: http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/category/point-and-shoot-cameras/22474.aspx?type=product&filter=category%253aCameras%2B%2526%2BCamcorders%253bcategory%253aCameras%253bcategory%253aPoint%2Band%2BShoot%2BCameras%253bprice300to2000%253aLess%2Bthan%2B%2524300%253bdigitalcamerafeatures0enrchstring%253aWi-Fi&page=1&sortBy=relevance&sortDir=desc

With the USD$200 budget (prices in my link are CAD), you will be getting an entry level point and shoot. You could get something compact and sleek like a Canon ELPH or something with a bigger zoom like a Canon SX___. The other brands have similar offerings. At any particular price range, the features and quality of the brands are similar. Just pick one that looks good in your hand or has a button layout that you like.

If you get a camera with wifi, you should be able to transfer photos wirelessly to your smartphone which can then upload to cloud. Although my camera has this feature, i have never tried it because i take so many photos and i do not think my battery will last. Also uploading to cloud can be slow if you are relying on free hotel wifi. I just do sd card transfer to my netbook which is fast and easy.

At that price point, i doubt you will find any camera with a viewfinder. Most manufacturers will not put in a viewfinder to save money and space. Without the viewfinder, you will still have the same issue of using the display to shoot in bright conditions. I still think it is worth using an inexpensive camera over a smartphone. But if the viewfinder is important to you, you will have to increase your budget. With photography, you get what you pay for. There is a big diff between a $200 and a $2,000 camera.

There's a big difference between a $200 and $2,000 camera, yes -- but I have a point-and-shoot that cost me about $400 around three years ago that I absolutely love. It's the Canon Power Shot G15 - I got it for a good price after they released the G16 . . . I think they are finally on to another model now. See if you can find a G16 now that they're selling the new model.

Check B&H Photo Video - our family has bought all our cameras there for the past probably 15 years and have always been pleased with their service and prices.

Mine doesn't have WiFi capability, but I would bet the newer ones do. It goes have a mini USB port but I've never used it - I have a backup battery so I always keep the second one charged, and I upload my photos to my computer by putting the SD card in the slot.

Here's a review on the G16:
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/camerareview/canon-powershot-g16-review-slight-upgrades-still-a-great-camera/

and some select quotes:

Ergonomics and Controls
The Canon G16 could easily be the poster child for well-designed P&S cameras. Ergonomically, this camera was obviously designed by photographers, for photographers.

Performance

This where the rubber meets the road and the G16 rises to the
challenge nicely. Basically, I judge cameras on one simple
criterion–does the camera do exactly what I want it to do or does it
get in my way? The Canon G16 does exactly what you tell it to do and
it does it with efficiency and alacrity.

I found the G16 to be remarkably fast to find and lock focus on my
subjects – as fast (or faster) than any P&S digicam that I have ever
used.

It appears that all new premium digital cameras must feature Wi-Fi
connectivity and the G16 is the first G model to provide this “hot
button” feature. Although it’s not the most comprehensive Wi-Fi
configuration available, the G16 allows users to either connect to
their smartphone or tablet via a free app or to their desktop or
laptop via a home Wi-Fi network. Personally, I am much more impressed
with the new sensor and new processor than I am with the addition of
Wi-Fi. I can wait until I get home to download and share my images.

Edit to add: B&H has a couple of used, reconditioned G15s for sale for $279 and $299. (the same as mine - but remember this version is wifi-LESS).

The site says that a possible successor to the discontinued G16 is the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II -- but it retails for $679!!

Hey Frank,
To keep you in your price range, I am going to suggest the Canon Powershot SX610 HS. There is now a SX620 out but that means you can probably get the SX610 at a good price without much difference in the cameras. The SX610 is 20 MP, has a fairly long wide angle-telephoto zoom, image stabilization (important at the zoom end), built-in WiFi & something most people don't think about, a small built-on grip that makes holding the camera easier (these small cameras are really slick & you should always use the wrist strap when shooting because they can be easy to drop). I also like the fact that the flash pops up from the body rather than being built in the body.

A couple of other things: Don't be so quick to buy the high GB SD cards. A couple of 8GB SD cards should do the trick so that you can switch out during your vacation so all your eggs (pictures) are not in one basket. Cameras get lost or stolen. Also, just like a new pair of hiking boots, be sure to break in whatever camera you buy before leaving home. There is a lot more to even these small cameras than just taking pictures on your cell phone especially if you are planning to download pictures to your cell phone or tablet. Try all the features first. And take your camera instruction booklet with you. Have a great trip!

Thanks to all for your input.

I've been looking at the SX620 even though it is just over $200.

Why not, canon was always good and reliable. I have Canon SX620 HS and have no troubles with, only high quality pictures

Frank II,

Don't keep us in suspense..... Did you buy the Canon camera?

I'm in Europe now and probably won't buy anything until I return to the US at the end of June.

Trust Consumer Reports with your dinero

It's nice to have a real viewfinder (rather than always using the battery-sucking LCD display) and it is a plus to have a camera that uses commonly-available AA batteries rather than rechargeables.
Consider the Canon A1400. It's a simple, small camera for about $100 and it does a nice job for snapshots plus it shoots respectable videos too!
No, it is not a DSLR but if you drop/lose/forget it you won't shed too many tears.
Remember: the best camera is the one you have with you...

Yesterday I bought a Nikon Coolpix A900. A little more money than I originally wanted to spend, $399, but has the features I want--35x zoom and continuous shots, plus can be aperture or shutter priority. Cannon 730 was about the same but, after seeing both, the Nikon seemed to focus better using the zoom. I'd call it mid-weight for a point and shoot, obviously heavier than the cheapie because of the zoom but lighter weight than most others.
I have 2 weeks to learn how to use it.

I have the Canon 1400. I forgot I had since I hand't used it in awhile and found it last month while I was looking for something else.