picking a point and shoot

If someone asked me which consumer point and shoot they should buy (a question I get often), I would say that they should go get whichever Canon is in the color and price range they want.  The next thing I hear is, “but, but, but, you shoot Nikon.”  I believe that in the SLR/Professional world there is more ergonomic and economic decision making (I already have/can borrow these lenses accessories).  When it comes to point and shoot cameras the following are important thoughts:

Cost:  Be realistic on your budget and mentally accept that in our current society buying a $150 camera every other year instead of the $300 camera now is actually probably better.

Menus:  Whatever you buy make sure that you can use the menu system well and quickly.  Often the menus are designed by engineers and professional photographers who are not thinking about how non-photographers use cameras.

Storage:  Sony makes a great point and shoot.  They are also great at using marked-up proprietary hardware.  If you are on vacation and run out of memory space in the middle of nowhere you are definitely going to be able to find SD cards, conversely the latest Sony MiniHDsTick+micro whatever, probably not.

Battery:  I am a firm believer in carrying extra batteries.  What that means to you is probably slightly different than it is to me.  If your camera uses AA batteries carry extras and know that you can buy replacements if need be.  If your camera uses a rechargeable battery buy a second or third keep it charged and bring it along.  If the camera you are looking at doesn’t have a removable battery, buy a different one.

Size:  AKA, smaller is better, sometimes.  If you are young and have nimble fingers then a small, slim point and shoot can be awesome.  If you are older and/or less dexterous, then a slightly larger model might be a better fit.

As always, hope that helps out, and if you have questions hit the contact/comment button.

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