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Laminar · Nov 19, 2007, 04:16 PM

My parents currently use a 5MP HP camera they got a few years ago. The image quality sucks and it eats batteries like no other. My sister and I want to get them something nicer for Christmas.

Requirements?
-Name brand
-Built in rechargeable battery
-Around $100...ish

I browsed Amazon for a while but I'm not sure what's good and what to stay away from.

Mastrap · Nov 19, 2007, 04:22 PM

For $100? Nothing will be great. I'd up the budget to about $250 if at all possible.

shifuimam · Nov 19, 2007, 04:38 PM

Best point and shoots out there are from Canon.

If you want a compact camera, get the SD1000. If you want a slightly larger camera, get the A570IS.

If you really want to stay close to $100, the A560 has slightly lower specs and is only $130 with free shipping.

But above all, get Canon. Seriously. Best point and shoots on the market, hands down.

BTW, the SD series cameras use a proprietary Li-Ion battery (you can get replacements on eBay for around $20), while the A series cameras use two standard AA Ni-Mh rechargables. Just FYI.

Laminar · Nov 19, 2007, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

For $100? Nothing will be great.

I realize that. I also know that it will be a lot better than what they have.

I'd up the budget to about $250 if at all possible.

Not possible.

Mastrap · Nov 19, 2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by shifuimam

But above all, get Canon. Seriously. Best point and shoots on the market, hands down.

Especially in low light the Fuji F30 gives the comparable Canon a serious run for it's money.

sek929 · Nov 19, 2007, 05:07 PM

I bought my dad a 79$ Olympus last year and he loves it. Quality is pretty damn good for such a cheap camera.

No battery pack and silly xD memory card format are the only drawbacks.

mduell · Nov 19, 2007, 05:52 PM

Best under $100 is tough, but I'd say Nikon CoolPix L10 or Kodak EasyShare C613.

residentEvil · Nov 19, 2007, 09:03 PM

a good 4GB memory card* will run you $70. and you wan a camera for $29 more?

*depending on the type

Railroader · Nov 19, 2007, 09:21 PM

If you can swing $10 more this is a good choice: NormanCamera.com - Canon Powershot A460 Digital Camera it includes a 16 MB card, uses AA batteries.

Or this one for ~$106 Nikon | Coolpix L11 Digital Camera | 25563 | B&H Photo Video included 7 MB and uses AA batteries.

I'd go with the Canon.

At that price point you won't find rechargeable batteries included. Most people don't like the proprietary batteries anyway. when they die you are stuck. With AA batteries you can pick up some fresh ones if yours die during a special event. Or, even better, buy rechargeable AA batteries, they are much cheaper and easier to replace when they die.

mduell · Nov 19, 2007, 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

a good 4GB memory card* will run you $70. and you wan a camera for $29 more?

*depending on the type

$35 gets you 4GB Class 4 SDHC, $42 for Class 6.

But here's a $25 camera to go with your professional CF card.

peeb · 12:16 AM

You say it eats batteries - what batteries and charger are you using - this makes a big difference. My AA battery c camera was dreadful, until I upgraded the batteries and the charger - now I love it.

Laminar · Nov 20, 2007, 01:22 AM

Originally Posted by peeb

You say it eats batteries - what batteries and charger are you using - this makes a big difference. My AA battery c camera was dreadful, until I upgraded the batteries and the charger - now I love it.

It's an Energizer charger and batteries, from what I remember. The point of going with something different is the less interaction my parents have with the insides of the camera, the better. These are the people that freaked out when "everything on my jump drive is deleted" (after the flash drive was unplugged and plugged back in everything magically worked) and "the printer doesn't work" (two hours of troubleshooting later, it turns out the USB cable is not plugged in, contrary to what I was told two hours ago).

The fewer steps between them and technology, the better, so physically taking out the batteries and recharging them is a hassle, and it hasn't worked that well in the past.

zro · Nov 20, 2007, 01:39 AM

Originally Posted by sek929

I bought my dad a 79$ Olympus last year and he loves it. Quality is pretty damn good for such a cheap camera.

No battery pack and silly xD memory card format are the only drawbacks.

Second the Olympus. Didn't have that model, but a C-4000 that took better looking images than the Canon G7 we have now or the PowerShot A540 that replaced the Olympus after it was swiped.

Also seconded is the card format you may get stuck with.

Lateralus · Nov 20, 2007, 02:03 AM

I picked up a C653 a few weeks ago. Amazing camera for the price.

Laminar · Nov 20, 2007, 11:23 AM

Here is a Polaroid T737 for $91. Seven megapixels, rechargeable battery, and they can still use the SD card they have for their current camera. I might bite on this.

OreoCookie · Nov 20, 2007, 11:32 AM

$100 is too tight for a new camera. I'd think about getting a used one.

Mithras · Nov 20, 2007, 11:46 AM

peeb · Nov 20, 2007, 12:14 PM

It's the rating of the batteries that is more important than the brand - but I hear what you are saying about not wanting them to deal with it....

cheery7upper · Nov 23, 2007, 04:27 AM

Canon, while it is a tad expensive even the 2-3 year old models are better than some of the newer top brands. I always found them to have a faster, clearer photo.

that one is only 150: it gets great ratings as well.

Canon - PowerShot 7.1MP Digital Camera - Silver - A560

sorry - didn't read the "rechargeable" thing