Please help with Camera Suggestions for Costa Rica
Jan 14th, 2012, 06:33 AM
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Please help with Camera Suggestions for Costa Rica
I am leaving for Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks, this time for a full month! I have an older model Canon Powershot, which I find too large and bulky, and my husband tends to monopolize it anyway. So, can anyone suggest a good camera for someone like myself who loves taking pictures but doesn't want to be bothered with a lot of technology? I think the term is"point and shoot". Must have a decent zoom for close-up wildlife shots, must be relatively compact. No more than $300. And easy to use. Muchas gracias!
Jan 14th, 2012, 07:02 AM
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Until recently I have been using a Nikon D3000 which is an excellent camera but is rather heavy, and bulky to carry around.
As a result, I have now purchased a Nikon Coolpix 500 which is MUCH lighter and, for me - though having a wide range of features - does EVERYTHING that I need, plus being much easier to use than it's larger (FAR more expensive) brother.
The cost for the Coolpix 500 is between $345 and $365 - depending on where you purchase. Personally, for my Nikon equipment, I deal with an excellent supplier, www.adorama.com (check the website), who ship free and by return, and who are currently offering this camera for $346 ($50 off their standard price).
It's an excellent, state of the art, camera, which - for once - is easy to use, as well as being highly versatile.
In my view, it's a great piece of kit and terrific value - even if it IS a little bit more than your budget I am sure that you won't regret spending the extra.
I hope this helps.
As a result, I have now purchased a Nikon Coolpix 500 which is MUCH lighter and, for me - though having a wide range of features - does EVERYTHING that I need, plus being much easier to use than it's larger (FAR more expensive) brother.
The cost for the Coolpix 500 is between $345 and $365 - depending on where you purchase. Personally, for my Nikon equipment, I deal with an excellent supplier, www.adorama.com (check the website), who ship free and by return, and who are currently offering this camera for $346 ($50 off their standard price).
It's an excellent, state of the art, camera, which - for once - is easy to use, as well as being highly versatile.
In my view, it's a great piece of kit and terrific value - even if it IS a little bit more than your budget I am sure that you won't regret spending the extra.
I hope this helps.
Jan 14th, 2012, 07:04 AM
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There are many different models and sizes of Canon Powershot cameras. Without some idea of which of these cameras is "too large and bulky" for you, it is not possible to recommend a camera that is less large and bulky. Powershot is a good place to start, though. "Decent zoom" and "relatively compact" don't narrow it down much either. Look up the current offerings on Amazon.com, or better yet, go to a place where cameras are sold and look over the sizes, shapes, colors, and prices that suit you, and buy the one you want. Amazom has reviews written by people such as yourself.
There are very few bad ones on the market. A risk with current zooms is that they can be so powerful (20X and higher) that you cannot get them steady enough to use without a tripod.
Many people here will recommend the camera that they own, but a random inventory of camera owners who see your request and choose to respond may not be as useful as your own looking around. It should indicate, however, that there are many cameras that will suit your needs extremely well...not just one: many.
If you want a good, safe camera for half the price you named, try Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP with 8x Wide Angle, Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD. The 8X zoom isn't a lot, but the high resolution allows you to crop out "close ups" rather than trying to zoom in on them.
Try getting one in red or pink, so your husband won't monopolize it.
There are very few bad ones on the market. A risk with current zooms is that they can be so powerful (20X and higher) that you cannot get them steady enough to use without a tripod.
Many people here will recommend the camera that they own, but a random inventory of camera owners who see your request and choose to respond may not be as useful as your own looking around. It should indicate, however, that there are many cameras that will suit your needs extremely well...not just one: many.
If you want a good, safe camera for half the price you named, try Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP with 8x Wide Angle, Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD. The 8X zoom isn't a lot, but the high resolution allows you to crop out "close ups" rather than trying to zoom in on them.
Try getting one in red or pink, so your husband won't monopolize it.
Jan 14th, 2012, 08:05 PM
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I'd look into the Nikon Coolpix line, the AW100 is an updated version of the S2, which has really been a great 2nd camera to have for me. Great to take along when at waterfalls, or if may rain, etc.
Jan 15th, 2012, 02:54 AM
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Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x NIKKOR ED Wide-Angle Optical ... Top of the line compact ...
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keyw...d%20shoot&rh=n... My fav... also my wife's the expert southernartgallery.com
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keyw...d%20shoot&rh=n... My fav... also my wife's the expert southernartgallery.com
Jan 17th, 2012, 03:02 AM
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Thanks for all your helpful advice. I went with the Nikon Coolpix S9100, which seemed to fit my budget and needs perfectly. Sale price of $249 and 18x zoom. Beautifully compact. Kink, loved your suggestion of buying pink to husband-proof, but alas, only had black in stock. Will post trip report with photos when I return.
Jan 30th, 2012, 07:38 AM
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I agree with either the Nikon CoolPix with a high optical zoom (14-18x) or the Canon Powershot SX230HX (around $199.)which I have been using here in Costa Rica for the last month and half.
It is a pocket size camera and I carry it everywhere in my pocket. The 14x zoom is great for getting wildlife pics and I have used it for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, etc. with great results. This is the 5-6th Canon camera I have owned and have found them to be well made, easy to use and take good photos.
It is a pocket size camera and I carry it everywhere in my pocket. The 14x zoom is great for getting wildlife pics and I have used it for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, etc. with great results. This is the 5-6th Canon camera I have owned and have found them to be well made, easy to use and take good photos.
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