What Nikon or Canon Camera is good for, not professional, but EXCELLENT quality pictures?

Question

I take pictures during day, night, all weather types. And of lots of moving activities, sports, karate, children running and playing. I need something that can take a beautiful snap shot of scenery as I am in a vehicle going 60 mph without being blurry.

I need something that regardless of what I am doing, if I turn to take a quick pic it will be identical to what i am taking a picture of.

Something to say WOW about, but nothing ENTIRELY TOO COMPLICATED that only a professional photographer would be able to operate.

I am not interested in something that requires me to change lenses or light bulbs or that weighs a ton.

something under $400

something under $400 but closer to $200.

Answer 1

for something under $400... I would pick a Canon Powershot S5 IS. ~$380 depending on stores, it has SLR-like operation and performance. It has auto mode so you don't have to worry a thing, but of course you're gonna need to learn a little bit about photography, but that's the price if you want to make other say WOW.

Answer 2

Both, neither, they are practically the same and both worthy of purchase. I'm not trying to be a jerk but, I grew up shooting both Canon and Nikon. The make comparable cameras and comparable lenses. While I shoot Canon today (7D and 5D Mark II), I'd happily shoot a Nikon D300s and D700 along with the Nikon equivalents to my primary lenses if someone told me I had to switch tomorrow. Canon and Nikon take slightly different approaches to resolving the same problems and many people will recommend whatever happens to be the brand they own and to which they have become accustomed. Some will even recommend an alternative like Pentax, Sony or Olympus if that's the system with which they have experience. The dirty secret is any of them will work just fine if you know what you are doing, As a rule, you should invest more in glass than you do in the cameras. DSLRs are basically electronic devices and they are now evolving just as quickly where as the technology evolution was in the film back when we all shot 35mm. So one could buy a 35mm camera and literally use it for a lifetime where as DSLRs are sometimes obsolete within days of being announced and all but guaranteed to be replaced by a newer and better model within 24 months. The Canon 40D was a prime example...Great camera but, it was eclipsed by the Nikon D300s which was announced 3-days after the 40D. In response, the 40D itself was replaced by the 50D just 12-months after the 40D's introduction. Lenses on the other hand, aren't replaced nearly as often and remain quiet functional, useful and often desireable for years after they are discontinued (e.g. Canon's EF 200mm f1.8L USM or 1200mm f/5.6L USM). Try asking for 80% of the original sale price of a Canon 10D and see what happens.

Answer 3

all canon cameras are excellent
go to canonusa.com

All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on.......

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Answer 4

Look at a review of the new Canon Powershot G9. It replaces
the G7.

You may be expecting more than a digacam is capable of.

No camera is going to photograph 2 different scenes the same. If your subject is front lit and you turn to either side then you'll have a side lit scene and it will be different.

For night photography unless you're using flash you'll have to change your settings.

Sports photography requires a fast (f2.8 minimum) zoom and the ability to use higher ISO settings as required by the situation.

If you really do take photos in the rain then you'd better look for a weather-proof camera. Cold weather will also adversely affect battery performance and, hence, camera performance.

IMO you need to take a photography course at your local community college or high school.

Answer 5

For "closer to $200," consider the Canon Powershot A640 for $257 at B&H Photo. The A630 is a good choice, also.

I own a few Nikon DSLR's and I'd buy the Canon Powershot A630 or A640 for myself. These cameras have the larger sensor (1/1.8" or 5.2 mm x 7.2 mm) that is nearly double the sensor size you find in many point and shoot cameras and this translates into better image quality. They allow fully automatic use or total user control and offer several stages in between. The only significant difference between these cameras is that the A630 is 8 MP and the A640 is 10 MP.

If you're going to spend up to $200, look at a Canon Powershot A630. My son has had his A620 for over a year (May 2006) and we both like it. My brother has had his A630 for over a year and it's a very nice camera, also. You can get it at B&H Photo (available through Yahoo! Shopping) for $184.

If you can go to $300, look at the 10 MP Canon Powershot A640. This is an excellent camera. It sells for $260 and you can add a very nice memory card for under $40. The images from the A640 compare VERY favorably with the images from a Canon G7, which costs about twice as much.

For either camera, buy a 1 or 2 GB Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme III card. You will NEED the increased capacity and write speed to fully realize the benefits of your camera. The Ultra II would be excellent, but if you are really into video, you might prefer the faster Extreme III. These cards cost from about $25-45 at B&H and several other outlets.

A630: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a630.html
Also: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a630.asp (Read owner opinions)

A640: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/a640.html
Also: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona640/

Answer 6

Nikon Coolpix L12 or Nikon Coolpix L5 With 7.1 megapixs would be a good choice for the price range check out the link below for the complete specs on these models.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp

check out our group its new so I'm still learning about yahoo groups leave a message and some pictures I might post some on the group page if you leave permission for me to so.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PhotographersLimited

AND COMING SOON www.photographerslimited.com

Answer 7

Consider either the Canon SD850.
http://kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/sd850/index.htm

or the Canon A570 IS.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/a570.htm

The pictures he shows that were shot using those cameras are very impressive. Whatever camera you choose (and be sure to handle them first to see how they suit you) it sounds like you really require one with some form of image stabilty. These two models have that feature.

I hope this is helpful for you.