my 1st digital camera but which one to buy

[Roger The Hat]

As a 35mm user who cannot abide electronic viewfinders, nor screens that disappear in bright sunlight, I'd wait until Steveuk's suggestion gets a few reviews.

That Canon A1200, with an optical viewfinder, might tempt me to test the digital water.

[jane l]

right bruv says Canon Ixus -    
                         Lumix- 
                         Fuji-    
                         Nixon-
then he talks about lens speed etc and as said before to see how they feel try them out. so this wkend we will be off for a serious look
thanks again
jane

[Lydart]

... IXUS !!

[jane l]

lydart- i guess you like yours 

[falcybe]

with my first digital camera, a Canon bought in 2004, I was pleased to have a viewfinder. With my Sony Cybershot, bought in 2008 I found I did not need one in any lighting conditions. It is a bit like cars with starting handles (in the early 70's I couldn't do without), suddenly it is no longer needed.

cheers, falcybe

[stevieuk]

As a 35mm user who cannot abide electronic viewfinders, nor screens that disappear in bright sunlight, I'd wait until Steveuk's suggestion gets a few reviews.

That Canon A1200, with an optical viewfinder, might tempt me to test the digital water.

The A1200 sounds a cracking piece of kit.

I have 2 DSLR`s, and 3 Compact Digital cameras (+plus some 35mm & a 120mm), my fav is a Canon A530 (it takes amazing pictures and has a viewfinder - its knocking on a bit and hasn`t been treated gently-still works fine).

When I looked at compacts, I set a few "must haves", must take AA batteries (easy to buy and I had loads of rechargeables already), Must use SD cards (same as Batteries) must have a viewfinder, must be a decent make/brand and must have decent reviews.

Advice for the OP, stick with a decent Brand, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and you generally won`t go wrong.

Regards.

Steve

[jane l]

When I looked at compacts, I set a few "must haves", must take AA batteries (easy to buy and I had loads of rechargeables already), Must use SD cards (same as Batteries) must have a viewfinder, must be a decent make/brand and must have decent reviews.

all very useful info thanks
jane

[jane l]

update-having done the rounds -setting off alarms in three shops when picking up the cameras to really look at them we think wait for it  that stevieuk suggestion of the canon a1200 is looking good-best price found=£102.99-online-though oh really likes the fujifilm s1900-£129 or the panasonic fs30 {but think a1200 just might win the day] sorry as i said it does take ages too choose things after all it is a lot of money on a luxury but will make decision end of wk
jane

[Braindead]

I've always been a huge fan of Fji cameras - I just really like the pictures they take.

I also like the "bridge" cameras like the s1900 mentioned.

Just another thought - have you considered buying second hand - I just picked up a Fuji s5000 for £32, complete with a one year warranty. OK, it's not the latest model and is only 3.1megapixel, but that's quite enough for me.

I'll be following this thread with interest.