Looking to spend between $100-$300. As always, I appreciate any advice my ClutchFans brethren can give me.
100-300 budget and what size? Do you need it to have a big zoom range, meaning do you need to take pictures of small things far away and large things close up with one camera? Or will it mostly be used for people/kid pictures.
It will be mostly be used for people/college pics. I would like to be able to do close-up pictures without blurring, so a nice zoom range would be appreciated. Looking for at least 14MP.
The blurring you get from close up shots comes from movement of the camera and slow shutter speeds. This won't be as much of a problem as it used to be because of image stabilization and better sensors that can do more with less light than before. It doesn't have anything to do with zoom range. Seems like you don't need a super zoom, but what about size? Smaller the better? Or can it be a little larger and not pocketable.
Sounds like you want something pocketable. Upper level would be this one http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-S100-Wide-Angle-Stabilized/dp/B005MTME3U If too much $$$ for that, I suggest the cheapest Canon ELPH 100 HS or similar you can find. They have many models 100, 300, 310, 320, 500, 510 but I have used a few and don't think any of them are worth twice as much as the other. Some can be found for just over 100 bucks.
All of the modern Canon ELPH cameras are good. For a little over 100 bucks something like this is a fine camera that will give you sharp pictures relative to what you were used to. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-ELPH-100-HS/dp/B004J3V8UU
I just bought a canon powershot elph 110 hs for my gf. Dont know much about cameras but apparently it has a new processor that is found in some higerend models. She loves it. It has limited zoom but so do most digital cameras. It was 229.00. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...F8&qid=1340074081&sr=8-1&keywords=elph+110+hs
here is a similar one with wifi and touchscreen. but if you are looking for a lower price those things may not be important to you. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...075SUJH4/ref=dp_ob_title_ce#productPromotions
I just checked around and the Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS can be had for 180 or less shipped. With a 24mm equivalent wide zoom range and a f/2 aperture, I think it is the best deal right now in the ELPH range. If you can handle a larger size, they change M43 cameras so fast (Panasonic GF2, GF3, G2, GX, GF5 Olympus EP1, EPL1, EPL2, EPL3) the marginal improvements are not enough to avoid buying the older models you can sometimes find at a great price. Under 300 bucks for one of those with a lens is a killer deal.
A Micro 4/3s camera will take much better shots than almost any P&S due to the larger sensor. I'd think something like the Olympus PEN E-PL1 with the 14-42 kit lens for $289 would be perfect for most non-action situations. If you're set on a P&S, try to find a used or refurbished Canon S95 (or even S90). I think the S95 is even better than the current S100, really. Both of those will have better image quality than the Elphs.
Size and lack of zoom range is a deal killer for most people on most M43 cameras. I agree though, any of them for under 300 is a decent deal. Doubt you will find S95 available anywhere for a good price.
The S100 is only 1/3 stop slower. In trade you get much better noise performance from the sensor and wider zoom range. S100>S95
If you want to consolidate, the iPhone 4S is a REALLY SOLID choice. I'm not sure there's any point in going elsewhere for a point and shoot. If you definitely need zoom, you'll have to look elsewhere, but I'm honestly surprised at how good it is.
iPhone 4s has: horrible low light performance significantly more noise than the cheapest camera listed in this thread no zoom no control over any aspect of how the camera is operating
The sensor size affects your picture a whole lot and when you look at cameras, try to see which of these it falls into. P&S Micro 4/3rds ($300+) APSC (entry level dslr) ($500+) As far as brand reliability, canon does have its share of problems. The S95/S100 have a high rate of "lens error" issues. Panasonic is apparently the highest in terms of quality. https://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/Camera_failure_study.pdf
