What affordable digital camera is good in a variety of lighting conditions?

Question

My biggest peeve with my last digital camera (Canon Powershot A100) is that it couldn't take good pictures unless the lighting was perfect. If it was too bright, the pictures would be washed out. If it was too dim (e.g. even in a well-lit room), the pictures would be grainy. When the flash was set to auto mode, it sometimes wouldn't make the best "decision" (i.e. it would flash, the picture would look like crap, and I'd manually disable the flash and get a decent shot). Taking night shots wasn't even a remote possibility.

What good, reliable camera models are better able to adapt to and take good pictures in a variety of lighting conditions? I also want a camera with decent resolution, optical zoom, and that can take macros. My shots are almost always scenic, so whether or not it can take action shots doesn't matter. I never take videos either.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

Answer 1

From your troubles, I think most cameras over $150 on the market today are better than what you've got. I've been happy with my Fujifilm Finepix F10. If you shop around it's $120. It will go up to ISO 1600 and 15 seconds, so it can take pictures of the stars even! It's 6 megapixel, 3X optical zoom, and very good macro. If you want a decent camera with a higher zoom, you'll have to spend more money. The Canon Powershot TX1 I've heard is nice (I don't own it) and it has 10X optical zoom and 7 megapixel, but it's $330. The Olympus SP-550UZ has 18X optical zoom, but it's $335 and a much bigger camera. I don't own that one either. No offense, but I don't know why your camera is $150 but only one megapixel. It's the biggest piece of junk I know of. You'll be much happier with one of these.

Answer 2

Take a look at the Canon G9.

After you buy your new camera and before you try to use it, READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for it. If you want to get the maximum benefit of any camera you must learn its features and how and when to use them. Failing to do so will result in frustration and lousy results.

Taking photos in low light requires knowing the camera's capabilities and limitations. Digital cameras don't have "magical powers" that somehow repeal the laws of exposure. For optimum results its usually best to use a tripod and a low ISO - 100 or 200 - with your lens at f8 or f11. I recommend the FotoSharp (fotosharp.com) Day & Night Exposure Guide since I've been using one for years.

You might find these books of interest:

"Hands-On Digital Photography" by George Schaub

"How Digital Photography Works, Second Edition" by Ron White

"The Joy of Digital Photography" by Jeff Wignall

They were reviewed in the Dec. 2007 issue of Shutterbug Magazine and you can read the reviews at shutterbug.com.

Note: For what you'll pay for a high-end digicam like the Canon G9 you're getting close to an entry-level DSLR. The Sony A100 and Pentax K100D Super with lens are about $200 more than the G9 and cretainly increase your potential.
IMO you should read reviews of the G9, A100 and K100D Super, compare prices and features and benefits, and go from there.