Every so often we get some feedback from readers and we're always glad to answer back. This week we have a email from Sue (actual name changed to protect their identity) who asks: "I'm looking to buy a new personal camera and was hoping I could get a recommendation from you. I am thinking along the lines of a point and shoot type, around $500, and the main criteria is that I want good photos at a great speed! I have a toddler running around and there is nothing worse than missing his hilarious moments because the camera is too slow to get the spontaneous shot. If you have time to make a few recommendations I can look at on the site that would be great." Ah the infamous baby-speed camera. Unfortunately technology has not advanced far enough to sense when a baby is about to do something cute and spontaneous. However, point and shoots have come a long way since their initial conception. This fast camera we're talking about has to be swift in multiple areas: You'll want one with a fast lens that works well in low light and maintains it's sharpness, as well as one with a quick burst-shot mode to catch action. Luckily your price range allows all of these features. Here are a few that I've come across that sound like a good fit:
Canon PowerShot G15 I've had the chance to give this camera an extensive review. It's kind of wordy so I'll just give you a short breakdown of why I think you should shell out a few extra dollars for this one. If you're looking for speed look no further. Thankfully all the ones I'll recommend will pretty much power on in an instant so you wont have to worry about waiting for the lens to extend while your kid smashes cake in his face. One of its strongest selling points is the fast lens throughout it's focal range (5x zoom). It's not the smallest of the gang and doesn't have pop up flash, but remember that a little extra size comes a more durable camera should you drop it...and pop up flash usually isn't very good. If you are looking for a little additional lighting, they do offer smaller compact flash units. Overall it's nice and versatile camera that can do wonders in lowly lit indoor settings and you're not going to find this good of image quality in a smaller package at the price...other than it's little brother.
Canon Powershot S110 If you're looking for a truly pocket sized camera that's easy to use, this is your best bet. Since it has the same sensor and the G15 above, you can expect spectacular images with less fuss. Although it may look like a typical point and shoot it easily outperforms many in it's size. What's nice is that the lens is a little wider (which means you'll be able to catch more in the frame), there's touch screen capability that will make you feel at home if you're used to smart phones, and it has in-camera WiFi to transfer to your phone or computer. This camera offers a powerful punch with a streamlined layout meaning less time fiddling and more time shooting. Although the lens isn't as fast as the G15 when zoomed in, the s110 is your best bet for something this small.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 Although Canon does offer some great point and shoots, there are other options. The LX7 is a really well rounded camera in the same price range: It has a solid build with a fast f/1.4 lens that will allow you to catch the action in any lighting, a pretty decent zoom at 90mm with even more reach digitally and it's packed with tons of creative filters to enhance your images. Overall it's a nice package that offers best of both worlds in terms of size and performance. There are MANY different options out there for point and shoots. Too many. On top of that, technology is constantly changing so I can see it being difficult to keep up. There are a lot of cheaper alternatives that might look suitable, but the ones I've outlined above offer the speed and image quality that isn't normally matched in point and shoots. As with any camera, the best way to find out if you really want it is to try it out for yourself. The glory of having a brick and mortar location (cough cough the Unique Photo Superstore...) is that you can try before you buy. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to give you a demo with any of the cameras you're interested in. I hope my advice will be beneficial in your search for the elusive child-friendly camera. When they make one that stops them from crying I'll be the first to let you know! Need a suggestion on a camera? Shoot us an email at [email protected] Be sure to fill out this little survey so we can make sure we're picking the right camera for you. What's your budget?: What type of pictures do you want to take?: How much photography experience do you have?: Will you need a high resolution sensor (20+MP)?: Will you be using it in low light (3200+ ISO)?: Are you going to shoot in manual? Do you need advanced controls?: What size camera are you comfortable with?: Do you need a rugged camera?: Will you take video with it?