Cheap camera
 

Going on a trip in Sept so I am thinking of getting a cheap point and shoot. Sister is also having a wedding in Dec so I might as well get a camera rather than using my cell phone.

Looking for something in the range of $200 to $300.

I currently have a Canon - VIXIA HF R42
Specifications


NTSC

Video Recording system

AVCHD/MPEG-4

Image Sensor

1/4.85-inch HD CMOS, RGB Primary Colour Filter

Total Pixels

Approx. 3.28 Megapixels

Effective Pixels

Video: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)
Photo: Approx. 2.07 Megapixels (1920 x 1080)

Maximum recording Time

32GB SD Memory Card in AVCHD:*
LP (1440 x 1080) 12 hours 15 minutes**
FXP (1920 x 1080) 4 hours 10 minutes**
MXP (1920 x 1080) 2 hours 55 minutes**
NTSC 60p (1920 x 1080) 2 hours 30 minutes**

32GB SD Memory Card in MP4:
4Mbps (1280 x 720): 17 hrs. 20 min.
17Mbps (1920 x 1080): 4 hr. 10 min.
24Mbps (1920 x 1080): 2 hr. 55 min.
35Mbps (1920 x 1080): 2 hr. 20 min.

Lens

Zoom Ratio: 53x Advanced*/32x Optical/1060x Digital (*Manual mode/Cinema Mode only)
Focal Length: 2.8-89.6mm
35mm Film Equivalent:: Optical Zoom: 38.5-1232mm / Advanced Zoom Off: 38.5-1232mm / Advanced Zoom On: 32.5-1723mm
Zoom Speed: Variable / 3 Fixed Zoom Speeds; Max. F/Stop: f/1.8-4.5

Focusing System

TTL (through the lens)

Manual Exposure Yes

Programmed AE

Smart Auto, Manual Mode1, Cinema Mode2, Baby Mode

1 P, SCN3
2 P only

3 Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks)

Max Shutter Speed


Movie: 1/2000 sec.
Still Image: 1/500 sec.

Minimum Focusing Distance

Auto mode: 10mm (AF linkage: WIDE end), 1m in intermediate zoom range, approx. 50 cm at TELE end
All other modes: 10mm (WIDE end), 1m across entire zooming range (from edge of lens). However, approx. 50cm at tele macro setting established at this time (automatic movement to TELE end)

White Balance


Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Manual

Frame Rate


NTSC:
AVCHD: 60i/PF30/60P
MP4: 24P/30P/60P

Minimum Illumination


NTSC: 5 lux
Low Light mode: 0.4 lux

Image Stabilization


Optical System (Lens-shift system)

Intelligent IS in Auto/Baby mode:

Dynamic IS (default)
Powered IS
Macro IS
Tripod Mode

IS Modes other than Intelligent IS; Dynamic IS and Powered IS settings can be made manually in Manual1/Cinema Mode:

Standard IS
IS Off

*Angle detection and sensor-based movement vector detection (hybrid supported)
1 P, SCN2
2 Portrait, Sports, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Night, Low Light, Spotlight, Fireworks)

Filter Diameter


Not Supported

Viewfinder


Not Available

LCD Screen


3.0-inch Capacitive Touch Panel Widescreen Colour LCD (Approx. 230,000 dots)

USB Terminal


mini-AB: Hi-Speed USB supported

Video Terminal


Composite (output)

Audio


AVCHD Satisfied: Dolby Digital AC3 (2 Channel)
MP4 Satisfied: MPEG-2 AAC-LC (2 Channel)

Sampling Frequency: 48 KHz

Accessory Shoe


Not Available

Supplied Video Editing Software


Pixela Video Browser / Network Utility Disc

HDMI Terminal


Available; mini connector (output only)

Microphone Terminal


3.5 mm diameter stereo mini-jack

AV Mini Terminal/Headphone Terminal


3.5 mm diameter 4 pole mini-jack (video/audio output only)

For my sister wedding I am sure video recording should be ok wtih this but I am not sure how good pictures look with thing. Should I spend the money and get a camera or just use this camcorder for my trip and on my sister wedding?

can't recommend specific models of P&S but they have definitely come a long way since your old camcorder.

you can even get a entry-level mirrorless camera at that price...Nikon 1/Samsung NX/Pentax Q on sale

If you're willing to up another ~$100 you can get a very nice camera

$529.95 - $115 w/ promo code BCD146237411 = $414.95
http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.a...mid=200&ref=cj

Thanks!

now $399 on newegg via ebay...even I'm tempted despite buying a new camera just 2 months ago :considered::denied:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujifilm-X-M1-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera-XC-16-50mm-f-3-5-5-6-OIS-Lens-Blac-/380958788708?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item58b2e9cc64
i've spent more time researching and buying gear than actually taking photos :derp:

Fujifilm X-A1 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Kit Black

A1 is practically the same as the M1.. just Bayer vs XTrans, but I've seen reviews and they don't seem to differ very much if at all. Better to save the money and just go with the cheaper option.

Gift that money to your sister so she can put it towards a videographer. If you're the dedicated guy and have no experience with the equipment or shooting videos, the results aren't likely to be good.

IMO, getting a sibling to take pictures/videos is the last thing I would ask for. They're there to celebrate a special moment. Not to do slave work.

agreed if that's the case of no photographer

Get her to call me to shoot the wedding, can get video done too. Srs. When is the wedding?

I don't know where you guys are getting this "I'm gonna be the wedding photographer" thing, he just stated he wants a camera for a trip and so that he can take pics while he is at the wedding. Nothing wrong with wanting to take his own pics while he is there.

I guess I should be more clear.
I need a camera when I am traveling and for my sister wedding. I won't be the photographer guy for the wedding at all. Just need a camera to take pics to share later. Cell phone camera are great but for special events a camera is better.

Sony RX100

Arguably the best pocket-sized camera all around.

i got a canon t1i for 300 if you are interested

canon t1i isn't worth 300...