Buying a new camera before Bub's arrival...any suggestions?

[Ellie]

I wasn't sure where to post this...but it is kind of 'baby equipment'!

I have an old SLR that I love and a small digital that DH has taken ownership of for work... so I want to get a good digital camera (and learn how to use it!) before bub arrives.

Just wondering if anyone has and suggestions ...even if it's what to avoid! Thanks

[Aimz]

I have a Sony SLR 10 megapixle and it's FANTASTIC.

[lilcosmo]

Really depends on how much you want to spend? I can never go past a Canon. They make a great camera! Its always best to buy a camera from a store that specialises in cameras ie. not your Kmart/BigW etc. OR do your research at the camera store and then buy the same one from the retail chain (if its cheaper).

[Ellie]

Thanks ladies! I'm going to Camera House today as they have some good offers on and some extras thrown in...I was looking at the Sony SLR great to know you're happy with it
Amy. Does it do video as well?

[Aimz]

Mine doesn't - but we also have a video camera and I find that one to be much better. I think some of the Sony SLR's do come with video though.

[briggsy's girl]

we have a Nikon DLSR hun (i have d50, mum d40 and sil d70) - all love them - very easy to use!

we got a small video camera for our wedding, so i honestly haven't checked to see if the camera does video too - i "think" it does!

[Tam78]

WE have a old SLR that we also love (Nikon) and bought a Digital 2 years ago Cannon IXUS 60 has video and is brilliant we nearly splurged on a DSLR but decided not to and are so glad we didn't for us it is so good having a small camera that is easy to take everywhere that takes good photo's and we still have the old SLR if we want to use it. Best of both world's for us. SOoooo many choices out there GL

[ShootingStar]

I would absolutely recommend Canon when it comes to cameras. Along with Pentax they are the best out.. digital wise actually Canon i think is better.
It depends what type you want SLR or compact.. but i have a compact Canon IXUS. Camera before that was also a Canon IXUS, just upgraded the pixels. It is brilliant. Compact that it will fit in your pocket, nappy bag whatever.. but also the shots from it are stunning and clear. Not to mension it has a magnificent zoom.

[Aimz]

We will get a new compact camera before we have a bub as they are easier to carry around (in a nappy bag etc) to snap any crucial moments!

[Amaunet]

My DH and in-laws are REALLY into their cameras...stand still long enough and someone will take your photo LOL! They all (without exception) have Cannon. DH and I have an ixus as does BIL. Both SILs and MIL have Powershots. The ixus is smaller and we love it (an ours is 3 years old!) Quite a few of our friends have also bought the newer ixus cameras and are really happy. They are not the cheapest on the market, but I would highly recommend.

[Ellie]

Thanks for all your replies!

I went to Camera House this arvo...now thinking I might just get a really good compact Digital with a decent zoom (so it fits in the nappy bag lol!) and ....maybe a 'video' camera too! Poor DH...he was getting a tad frustrated with me! The high definition cameras look sooooo good...but start at $1400...mmmm....thinking thinking

[aussienic]

We have the fuji s5500. ( i think) absolutly love it. not a fan of the new fujis but haven't checked out the 10mp one yet..

if you want get one at a slightly cheaper price (any brand) I personally think ebay is the way to go. We shopped around inthe shops decided on what camera we wanted then went ebaying. We got ours brand new with a warranty off ebay for $50 less then the shops.. not much in the big scheme of thikngs but hey thats $50 more you can spend on bub

[queenbee]

We have the OLYMPUS FE-340, it is excellent, bought it from Myer. It also has a video function.

We have always liked Olympus. It's quite clear and we take a LOT of photos of our DD.

[Ellie]

Ok so here's where I'm at...

I really like the 3" LCD screen that tilts..be useful with bub and all that rolling around on the floor lol!
I want ok video
At least 9/10 megapix
At least 15 x zoom
Image stabilizer thingy
Quick shutter speed
Compact enough for the nappy bag

So...I have decided on the Sony Cyber-Shot DSCH 50...as we already have a sony which we've been happy with and it has all the above and I get $300 worth of printing thrown in...along with a case and memory for $529. So I've ordered it! So now I have a nappy bag and a camera lol! Might need to start thinking about some stuff for bub...like a cot!!!!!

Thanks heaps for all your advice it really helped!

[queenbee]

Ellie, that sounds like a brilliant camera. Now I want one! Hmmm...would have sold you our BRAND NEW SUNBURY COT! We bought it for $589 and my DD never went in it, hated it, was a co-sleeper the whole time until recently, gone into her own toddler bed just perfectly!

[Ellie]

Good point Queenbee...might not even need a cot!!!

[queenbee]

Before #2 comes along...I won't be buying a cot at all! Will just wait and see how they go first, not wasting half the amount of money we did on #1 again!!

[soniebon]

Being a photographer id recommend the canon ixus,anything above 8 megapixel and the new ones have anti shake,or IS with a face recognition and auto red eye reduction...
They are small and compact but take an amazing photo for a little handheld.a lot easier than lugging a DSLR with you,not only that you do need a little knowledge with a DSLR as you need to think iso,aperture shutters etc for a perfect shot..Most of the little ones take just as good on auto or semi auto modes
Another good one is the Finepix ones,they come above 8 megapixels too,a range of funky colors,anti shake etc etc,if you set the settings of these cameras onto say a fine mode or a larger file you can print poster size with no loss of image quality or very minimal..ie not pixelated or blocky or unclear
they retail between 200-600 dollars depending on what you want to spend
Me personally-Canon ixus,all my gear is Canon
Bon