Digital Camera

[jostar]

My 13 year old daughter wants a digital camera for Christmas we are looking at spending approx �150. What would you suggest. Bearing in mind that this will be dropped from her bag, pocket etc and used to death.

[snagged]

No digital camera will be totally '13yr old' proof!... go for the largest 'mpxls' you can for your budget (more pixels equal larger print capability with less loss of detail/definition)... your budget should get you a 5/6 mpxl camera with a 2 inch+ lcd screen... I recently bought Fuji's 'F10' for �130 from Amazon: 6.3 mpxls; 2.5 inch lcd screen; the longest lasting battery in its class; small and compact 'metal' body; 2005 award winner; excellent 'video' function too...

[bdol4886346]

whatever you decide on make sure it has an optical as well as digital zoom.

[beegeebee]

The biggest problem she'll have is coping with camera shake because she will try and focus on the small screen which, no doubt, will be held at arms length! There are camers on the market with technology to overcome this, but I'm not sure if it will be within the price range.

[fo3nix]

The Fuji F10 is a great little camera, as recommended above. It has a good sensor inside it that makes it ideal for taking pictures in lower light conditions, like inside restaurants and houses. The sorts of places your average 13-yr old may not think twice about taking a photo, only to usually find it comes out dark.

It's a little bulkier than some other models though; if you want something a bit thinner, have a look at the casio range. The Casio S500 is about your price range, and is a great camera. Maybe not as well built or tough as other cameras though, due to its size.

Finally, you can't go wrong with any Canon compacts. They're always well-made and give good results.

Also, I'd strongly suggest you either get a case or at least a screen protector. I use these on my camera and phone, and they're every bit as good as their videos suggest:
http://www.shieldzone.com/

[anotheoldgit]

Why spend �150 you can get some excellent cameras for under �100.

[graham1024uk]

Well said Bdol, Digital zoom is nightmare, have a look in jessops take a look note down the model number.

Then buy it from Pixmania.com they are an amazing company, great prices, customer service the lot. They are the cheapest place to buy from.

I have just had a look on there site for you.

I would go for the Canon A430 as its available in diff. colours, its �84 in stock but only comes with a 16meg card so why not put the money towards one of there bundles, that will give you a 512Meg card and Case, there are various options.

Hope this helps, let me know

[vehelpfulguy]

Steves Digicams is a great site.

Here is his choice of "best" cameras. Look under "entry level".

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.ht ml

Note these are american cameras, UK models may be slightly different.

Try to get one with a Lithium Ion battery, they last much longer than AA or AAA.

[what..the?]

I have a nice little pentax - very good make but as already mentioned getting a drop proof camera is impossible.

I would suggest trying to get a cheaper camera and getting a cute little photo printer to go with it. You can get camera and printers together as deals in Argos etc but do remember with Argos that if the catalogie is not new the prices will be out of date and therefore it is chaeper to shop else where, such as dixons where you can talk to a assistant about you choices.

If you do get a good price at Argos go to Dixons, Jessops or John Lewis or similar to get all the advice and to look, touch and test out the cameras and printers you are thinking to buy, that way you really know what you are buying.

[vehelpfulguy]

Here is Steve review of the Fuji F10.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/fu ji_f10.html

And it has a lithium ion battery

And Amazon have it for 145 pounds.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuji-FinePix-F10-Digit al-Optical/dp/B0007Z9ZQI

Seems the perfect choice to me.

[Dsg]

An important feature for a 13 year old will be an "old-fashioned" viewfinder.

Try the Sony DSC W50 (or W70)

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/230319/art/son y/cyber-shot-dsc-w50.html

[snagged]

Dsg: why?... I would have thought looking through the lcd screen would be easier than looking through a tiny viewfinder (with the lcd you can still see where all the buttons etc are)...

[netibiza]

I bought my clumsy daughter a Vivitar digital camera from Argos for �60, it's slimline and now I wish I had one. It comes with software and data cable for downloading onto computer, a protective case and wrist strap, and she still has it although it's been clubbing all round Ibiza, so will have been dropped a few times.

[netibiza]

Have just seen one on Telly tonight, for �14 in Argos - think that sounds brill.

[jostar]

Thanks so much everyone this was really helpful. I have just ordered a fab package of Canon A430 with all bits and bobs included from Pixelmania for �130.00 - what a great bargain!!!

[graham1024uk]

I am so happy I was able to help!!!! Hope she likes it, glad to know my suggestion was ot unnoticed. ;-)