Reddit mentions of Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 20x Image Stabilized Zoom 25mm Wide-Angle Lens and 1080p Full-HD Video (Black) (OLD MODEL)

While that's a great camera, If you don't need underwater ability I would go for something else. I was very happy with my Canon Powershot SX260 HS. This was a few years ago and on amazon it says OLD MODEL so there is probably a newer one. They're both great cameras but you will sacrifice a little bit in order to make the camera waterproof. That being says OP took some damn good pictures. Plus it always seemed someone I met traveling would have the underwater camera OP used so I would use them for water shots :)

I have two that I really like.


The first is In Memoriam. I shot this at the Vietnam Memorial around Memorial Day weekend with my point and shoot (saving up for a DSLR). I was just trying to get a neat shot of some of the names in focus and looking down that wall. It wasn't until after I had taken it and was looking at it at home that I saw the woman mourning in the background. It's not the best framing in terms of thirds. I could probably crop it some to make it look better, but this is the original.


My other favorite is a tropical kingbird. I took this picture in the ruins of Tulum in Mexico at a distance of maybe 30 yards with the same point and shoot camera. The fact that it's not blurry at all amazes me. That little camera is pretty awesome for a point and shoot.


I used a Canon Powershot SX 260 HS.

Inexpensive camera Cannon Sx 260 HS

I shot at 15 seconds, F 3.5, ISO 100 with a Dolica tripod.


Here's a photo of my friend's BMW M235i, he used a T3i to shoot.

I would say an x100s is about as user-friendly as a mid-level DSLR. There is no full auto mode like you'll find in an entry-level DSLR (like the Canon Rebel series). You would certainly be able to get decent pictures without advanced photographic knowledge, although you wouldn't be using the camera to its high potential; if you don't want to think too much about the process of taking the picture, you could get a good P&S like the Canon PowerShot and save some money. The x100s would be a great camera to learn on, though, in my opinion.

That camera didn't get very high user review. I'd consider this one. I have an SX200 and it is built like a tank and takes great pictures.

Any reason why you can't use rechargable AA's?

Otherwise, there's a couple good options for you. It boils down to two types of cameras - compacts, and SLR's.

Compact cameras are like what everyone used to have until they all just started using their phone instead. They're small, portable, unobtrusive, and light - but typically have poor controls. You'll find some that have manual controls, but they'll typically be difficult to set or change. (There are exceptions, but most of those are much more expensive models)

SLR's are the "big" cameras. It stands for Single Lens Reflex - basically, it uses a mirror to reflect the image through a viewfinder. When you take the picture, the mirror slaps up (that characteristic click sound) and the film or sensor is exposed. Digital ones are DSLRs, and I'm sure you can guess what the D stands for.

You can get a film one (very cheaply found online or in second hand camera stores) or a digital one. These cameras tend to be much bigger, more noticeable, and more expensive. Lenses are detachable and therefore sold separately, though most come with a standard or "kit" lens. However, they have many advantages - controls that are operated more quickly and easily, higher image quality, better autofocus, etc.

I prefer DSLRs, but you may not - and neither of us would be wrong.

$250 bucks should get you a couple years old entry-level model with the kit lens. On the Canon side, you're looking at the XSi, the T1i, or maybe you could find a deal on the T2i. I'm not as familiar with Nikon's lineup, but I'm sure you could find something a couple years old there too.

If you prefer the compact, there are some older model ones that work well too. The SX260 is in your price range, though for a bit over 300 you could get the S100. I've heard very good things about the latter.

The sony you suggested is not a bad choice, but beware- sony is notorious for their digital cameras "smudging" fine detail. It will be fine for a 5x7, but 8x11 or larger will be pushing it, even at your cameras maximum quality.

I know it's outside your price range, but consider the Canon SX260.

For the extra $38 over your budget, you get one of the best travel compacts there is. And it consistently ranks as among the sharpest compacts there is. And since I don't think there are any cameras below $250 that really fit the bill, I think this might be best.

The ones I have been looking at thus far have been termed either "travel zooms" or "compact mega zooms". I think I'm looking for something with: portablity (around pocket-sized), decent MP's (12+), >20x optical zoom, decent low-light quality, GPS, probably no more than $300-350.

This has led me to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

This should do the trick. - http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Stabilized-Wide-Angle/dp/B0075SUK14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376259858&sr=8-1&keywords=Canon+powershot

sorry let me clarify - would such a camera as mine (specs here: https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Stabilized-Wide-Angle/dp/B0075SUK14 ) be versatile enough to #1) use solar film during the partial eclipse (because I'm assuming without it my image sensor would be totally washed out, although perhaps not if I use short enough exposure time) and also #2) photograph the totality without the solar film at low light conditions, probably with a tripod.

Should have been 2 questions.

I prefer my same priced Canon Powershot SX260 HS point and shoot. Has GPS and takes great photos.

What about a P&S like a Canon PowerShot? They make really high quality video, can go in any standard camera mount (tripod, etc.) and you get a good still picture camera as well. Pay extra for a faster SD memory card vs. cheapos - they're worth it.

Or if you're ready to spend the bucks, look at a newer Nikon or Canon SLR that can do video. Several commercial movies have been shot on the higher-end SLRs.