New Digital Camera: $150 - $200 budget

Mugz on 01/12/2011 - 18:12

Hey all,

I'm looking for a new compact digital camera as a Christmas present for myself :D

I want to upgrade from a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W110 Digital Camera - 7.2 Megapixel that I've had for a few years.

I'm not a camera expert so I'm staying away from DSLRs…I suppose a "transition" camera from compact digitals to DSLR would be nice, but dunno if that would be possible on my budget ($150 - $200).

I've only ever had the Sony, so I don't have any experience with the other brands - but happy to take suggestions so I can check them out.

Happy to purchase online if cheaper, but want to see it in the flesh first! So if there are camera stores where I could also have a look around that would be great (I live in Melbourne). I've heard of some camera warehouse in the northern suburbs of Melbourne that is meant to be pretty good, has anyone had experience there?

Also, I'd like the "colour selection" mode that I've seen in a few photos. I don't know what cameras have that option or if it's only on particular brand, but would like that feature if possible :)

Thanks in advance!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Ughhh on 01/12/2011 - 18:35

    Would you be interested in a Sony T110 touch screen 16.1mp camera? Brand new of course, for $200 + postage (from Adelaide), I'll throw in one of those leatherette hard cases too.

  • sk1ppy on 01/12/2011 - 21:31

    Sanyo 12mp Camera VPC-S1213EX $59.95 Australia Post http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/58476

  • johnn on 01/12/2011 - 23:29
    +1

    It's too late now but the Canon SX230 HS from the Harvey Norman BOGOF deal at ~$200 each would've been a good camera in your price range. 12.1MP sensor, full HD recording, 14x optical zoom, and some handy manual controls to help you get a tiny feel of whether you would want to go the DSLR route in the future.

    Don't know if you can find anyone still selling them for $200 at this time, but the cheapest on eBay for a grey import is ~$230 to $240 depending on what colour you want. A little out of your price range there but it's probably worth the extra spend. Check out the reviews- they're pretty favourable

  • Cheeper on 02/12/2011 - 00:56
    +1

    A friend got one of these from HN for $88 and is very happy with it (Canon A1200).
    http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_A1200/ They scored 2x4g Sandisk cards for a total package cost of $100.

    It has good features for the price including optical zoom ability down to 28mm (wide angle) and up to 112mm It also has a active viewfinder which is a must in a digital camera as LCD screens are usesless in bright sunlight and they also eat up your battery.

  • psychtracker on 05/12/2011 - 04:07

    With your price point, i'd be steering away from Sony, and getting a Panasonic Lumix ZS8, or Canon SX150. The SX150 is a bit chunkier than a regular compact, but nowhere near the size of a DSLR. It won't win any beauty pageants, but is very highly regarded in this price range. You can get em for about 180-200 (shipped), from fleabay or Honkers, locally they're about 250.

    If u have time, have look here : http://www.steves-digicams.com/best-cameras.html

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