Official Black Friday DIGITAL CAMERA Discussion Thread

[Brad]

As always, we have several dedicated threads for the hotter items each Black Friday. Please try to keep all discussion related to these items in their official threads. Other threads posted will likely be merged into this main thread.

[bfaddict1977]

Any decent camera deals for bf? My ds busted my fuji camera that was 14 megapix and 10 x zoom. Cost $169 at walmart. IT's now #139 but I won't buy another one. I want at least a 10x zoom so what's the best deal? I saw a samsung I picked up at walmart for $149 the cashier said was decent but is it? I'm not a camera consumer but I do want to make sure I'm getting a decent camera and a good deal. Is bf good for camera deals or just the really bad cameras? I'm contemplating returning this camera if a better offer comes along but honestly I don't know what to look for other then zoom and megapixels and shutter speed? I have 5 kids and need no second lapses. Thanks.

[rockpzazz]

I've always looked at cameras on Black Friday, but I think there are better deals throughout the year. If you need a new one in a pinch, or maybe as a gift, then by all means, they are fine. I still have a 10.2 megapixel I bought a few years ago on clearance at Walmart, and it was either in the spring or fall. I think it might depend on when new cameras come out (like when new TV's come out after the Super Bowl).

 

My camera is a Samsung, and I really like it. I wish it would take better action shots indoors (I go to some indoor football games) and the lighting is a little dark indoors, but Samsung has always been fine by my standards. I use to have a HP which also worked fine and I sometimes use it.

 

I'm looking to upgrade at some point, not mainly because I might just get a camcorder, but I doubt I would get a camera on Black Friday.

[bfaddict1977]

thank you. I appreciate that advice. Going to keep the samsung and see how it works. They give 14 days to return:)

[jaymacfla]

Usually, we would get one on BF except when it was not practical due to the specs of the camera not being particularly greater than the year before. Sometimes other factors kick in like losing one to bad handling, or bad choices from the previous year.

[freesia39]

I'd return the Samsung, but then I'm a Canon person. Get a Canon or a Nikon if you want some better quality pictures.

 

As for deals, yes, you can probably find better ones year round. BF is great for cheap entry level cameras that you don't care if they get busted.

[bfaddict1977]

what canon and how much are we talking? I can't spend a whole lot but want a decent camera.

[TazErase]

I got a $169 Canon on Quibids for about $20 including shipping and handling. Not saying everyone will get as lucky but if you're going to buy one any way it's another option not often mentioned in the forums.

[freesia39]

If you are hard pressed for a super zoom in a pocket sized camera, unfortunately Canon's models in that price range does not support it. You can get a SX130IS, which is a larger model, but has 12x zoom for 192 on Amazon right now, since they are clearing out that model.

 

You can try this Panasonic: Panasonic DMC-FH25K

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-FH25K-16-1MP-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B004NBZ8DQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1317781368&sr=8-4

8x optical zoom.

Panasonic makes excellent P&S cameras with great optics. It's down to 131.95 on Amazon.

 

You can also try this Sony for 159:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyber-Shot-DSC-H70-Wide-Angle-3-0-inch/dp/B004H8FNEE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1317781484&sr=8-6

This has 10x optical zoom. I've never been a fan of Sony cameras, but some here on the forums swear by them.

[Princess7915]

I second the Cannon or Nikon. I'm a Nikon girl myself. Most (good) entry level cameras are just not going to do what you are asking. The "digital lag" from slow camera reaction time is just inherent in consumer line cameras. To get better low light sensitivity you need to do a bit of research on the chip sets - some cameras and models just perform better than others. Regular flashes just are not going to help you out in a football arena setting as far as throwing light from your camera so getting a camera that has good low light sensitivity is key. You will also want to be able to adjust your ISO to compensate and that will help :) That's what those setting are for.

 

Truthfully I know buying a camera is usually a chunk of change that people cringe at - but look at how often you use it! You are preserving your family memories! And for all the times you buy a "cheap" $200 camera you could have gotten a pretty nice one that you keep and love. Look into a Nikon - Pro-sumer model that comes with a decent but non changeable lense. If it doesn't have a real viewfinder then it's not a "real" camera" You can't see on those little t.v. screens in the back.

 

Try looking at the Nikon CoolPix P7100 or Nikon P7000. My mom just got the 7000

[totallyBF]

If I were you I would invest in a DSLR camera this black Friday because there's pretty good deals on them and you have 5 children who are growing and you want to take advantage of that and not losing out on anything I personally have a Canon rebel t2i and I love it, because with a toddler that second they are looking at the camera counts because with a lagging regular 150.00 camera its not going to get those price less photos with these types of cameras.

 

It might be a little pricey at first and heavy but its worth every penny, all those camera you have already bought you could have bought 1 of the DSLR and have it for maybe the rest of your life!!

[mcwalker]

As with last year, I will be puting together a Comparison Chart of all the cameras offered on BF, which you will find amoung the other Comparison Charts on Gottadeal.com. You can see LAST YEAR's charts at http://blackfriday.thestationchief.com/gdcc.php.

 

I was looking for a new camera last year, but never bought one. I am planning to buy a DSLR this year.

 

As some others have said here, and Brad says in his general forecast for Black Friday 2011, camera deals don't seem to be better on BF than on other days or seasons. That said, you might find one in the BF adds and list that meets your needs and pick it up with your other BF shopping. The extras offered by some stores ($10 gift card for purchase over..." might just sweeten the deal.

 

While there are a few DSLRs offered on BF, and the prices for those are competitive, the selection offered is very limited and people looking for that level of camera should certainly be looking more broadly over time than just limiting themselves to what is offered on BF. I recommend checking B&H Photo (a GottaDeal partner) at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ for prices and also (if I can mention it here) Digital Photography Review http://www.dpreview.com/ for highly detailed technical camera reviews.

[123abc]

I would go into Target and see if they have any on clearance. I saw some yesterday in the glass display area.

[allshoppedout]

I got this Nikon for a gift last year and LOVE it, responds quick enough for me, great zoom, easy to use, great looking, easy to handle. I had a Samsung BF special (I think 2008)camera from Walmart, came with nice case, batteries, pretty red color, but the pictures were often blurry, especially any I'd zoom so personally I'd stay away from a Samsung, but that could have been a lemon I had.... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+Coolpix+S6100+16.0-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Silver/1978038.p?id=1218304068740&skuId=1978038#BVRRWidgetID

[mgmckny]

I gave my son a small nikon last year for Christmas and it has excellent picture quality and it's video is also not bad for the size. I have several cameras, love my little olympus waterproof for snaps, small and waterproof, no excuses not to take a camera.... but I also have a smaller Olympus DSLR, the EPL-1 pen camera, I think that's the correct model. Olympus makes a quality lens and it's very small and lightweight. I want to get a longer zoom one of these days but for now, it works well and is easy to carry around. I got it before BF last year and it wasn't on sale for a better price. Canon makes a good DSLR also, still love Nikons but they are out of my budget and I could always get my 35 mm equipment out of the closet if I really needed it...

[Kibit13]

I have taken awesome photos with a variety of cameras. From my Samsung camera phone to DSLRs. As photographer Chase Jarvis says, the best camera is the one that's with you. :)

 

If you're happy with the camera you had and the one you just purchased then stick with that. Especially if you're concerned about one of your kids breaking it again. It happens, heck I almost broke my camera the other day because I fell while taking a photo.

 

http://twit.tv/show/twit-photo/18

 

http://www.chasejarvis.com/

[tinkrbel]

I see there's no official camera thread yet so I'll post here, sorry for thread jacking.

 

I may be in the market for a new camera for the parents and have no idea what I'm looking for. Mine is a canon dslr but they say it's "too complicated" even on auto setup so I need ideas for a good compact one. They currently have a sony cybershot dsc-p10 that my brother gave them when he upgraded but it's basically a paperweight or overly sensitive. No matter who takes the picture, the situation or the lighting conditions about 75% or more of pics come out blurry.

 

I am an avid Target and Amazon shopper so some good ideas on what to avoid or what decent brands/models I'm looking for would be much appreciated.

[mcwalker]

I may be in the market for a new camera for the parents and have no idea what I'm looking for. Mine is a canon dslr but they say it's "too complicated" even on auto setup so I need ideas for a good compact one. They currently have a sony cybershot dsc-p10 that my brother gave them when he upgraded but it's basically a paperweight or overly sensitive. No matter who takes the picture, the situation or the lighting conditions about 75% or more of pics come out blurry.

tinkrbel: Be sure to check back later once we have filled in the BF Cameras comparison chart. In the meantime, a quick search indiates that the dsc-p10 does not have image stabilization (it may have predated that feature which is now common on digital cameras). A few reviews I saw suggest that that camera was even more prone to blur than others, but as I discovered when I made the transition to digital, digital cameras are just inherrently more prone to blur, thus the development of image stabilization. Be sure to get a camera with image stabilization if you buy a new one one for them.

 

Check back later once we see what is offered.

[TazErase]

I see there's no official camera thread yet so I'll post here, sorry for thread jacking.

 

I may be in the market for a new camera for the parents and have no idea what I'm looking for. Mine is a canon dslr but they say it's "too complicated" even on auto setup so I need ideas for a good compact one. They currently have a sony cybershot dsc-p10 that my brother gave them when he upgraded but it's basically a paperweight or overly sensitive. No matter who takes the picture, the situation or the lighting conditions about 75% or more of pics come out blurry.

 

I am an avid Target and Amazon shopper so some good ideas on what to avoid or what decent brands/models I'm looking for would be much appreciated.

Hey, don't put down the DSC-P10.... lol. Might be a paperweight, but it is a very expensive paperweight, lol. I bought the same camera in 2005 I believe. I refuse to just throw it out since I paid $400 (retail was $500 so I got a good deal, lol) and the 512k memory was $300 at the time but I found it for about $200 on Ebay. Same here though, my kids now have a blurry photo taking paperweight, lol. In fact they prefer to use their cell phones for photos than this bulky paperweight.

[mcwalker]

Hey, don't put down the DSC-P10.... lol. Might be a paperweight, but it is a very expensive paperweight, lol. I bought the same camera in 2005 I believe. I refuse to just throw it out since I paid $400 (retail was $500 so I got a good deal, lol) and the 512k memory was $300 at the time but I found it for about $200 on Ebay. Same here though, my kids now have a blurry photo taking paperweight, lol. In fact they prefer to use their cell phones for photos than this bulky paperweight.

Sounds like you just did! (Put down the DSC-P10.)

 

Also, unfortunately, cell phone cameras, while ubiquitous, have really depressed the quality of our collective photos and given a lot of people a bad idea of what a good photo looks like. I have never seen a cell phone camera that takes photos that can even be classified as "good." The problem isn't their megapixel ratings, it is the gross inadequacy of the lenses to capture images worthy of the megapixels they are recording.

[freesia39]

Sounds like you just did! (Put down the DSC-P10.)

 

Also, unfortunately, cell phone cameras, while ubiquitous, have really depressed the quality of our collective photos and given a lot of people a bad idea of what a good photo looks like. I have never seen a cell phone camera that takes photos that can even be classified as "good." The problem isn't their megapixel ratings, it is the gross inadequacy of the lenses to capture images worthy of the megapixels they are recording.

OMG THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS X ELEVENTY BILLION.

 

It makes me cringe that some people think a cell phone camera takes "good" pictures. They take "fine" pictures for what you are given, but I'd never blow them up and frame them. I have a decent camera on my iPhone but it will NEVER EVER EVER replace an actual camera for me, even a little P&S

[fmbp3]

I've been looking into getting my hubbie a beginner level DSLR for Christmas and I'm still not sure which to get. I've been looking at the Canon Rebel EOS T3 or the Nikon D3100. Now I see that AAFES has the Nikon D5100 for $697 with a lens and a camera bag. This is a little higher than I wanted to spend, but it sounds like a really good deal. I haven't researched much about the D5100 since it seemed a little out of my price range. I've never shopped AAFES for BF and rarely shop there anymore at all because their prices just don't seem that great anymore. I obviously have some time to figure it out and more ads will be coming out, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

[freesia39]

What's the lens in the AAFES? Is it an extra lens? They all come with a basic lens (18-55mm.) The bag you can get anywhere, and it's probably a better idea to get a bag you want - I don't like those freebie bags. The Nikon D5100 is actually a slight step up from entry level.

 

I have a Canon DSLR, love it, but I'm a total Canon fangirl (and I'm committed, I have Canon lenses.) The Nikon D5100 is also a great camera but the D3100 is more entry level.

 

The important thing is that your husband READS THE MANUAL and learns to shoot in M mode, not automatic, to fully appreciate his camera. The camera does so much, lenses are actually more important, but the most important thing is that the user knows and understands all the different settings and what setting to use when.

 

I actually don't like the T3 - I'd rather spend the money on the T3i, I just like the specs on that camera better (while the MP isn't a huge concern, shooting in live view could be useful.) It also has the larger screen on the back, and it is multi angle which could be helpful when shooting video. (In HD!)

[fmbp3]

It does only come with the basic lens (18-55 mm) so nothing special there I guess. I definitely agree about the bag, its probably crappy. I am definitely looking at something a little easier to learn on so maybe the D5100 isn't the best idea anyway. I'll have to do some pricing on the T3i to see if I can afford it. If its too much to swing for Christmas, I'll wait until our anniversary in March. I don't want to rush into this purchase. I will definitely make sure he learns how to use it properly. I am not spending this much money on a camera for him to use it in auto. I am actually a little leary of buying him a DSLR anyway as I am worried that he will be in over his head (he doesn't have a whole lot of patience). I was considering as a second option, getting him a full body point and shoot and see if that works for him. I just don't know if the picture quality will be very good. I know it won't be as good as a DSLR. Anyway, I thank you very much for your help. It's greatly appreciated. I think I have a lot more research and thinking to do.

[freesia39]

A bridge camera would be a good option also - has some manual options, but no one will really have a hissy fit if he shoots in automatic (and frankly, sometimes it's just easier.)

 

Here's one option: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320970612&sr=8-4

 

I have this camera: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-S95-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNGS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1320970612&sr=8-6

It actually allows you to shoot in true manual - I can set f/stops, shutter speed, but in a compact size. It's a bit difficult to hold effectively (I hate where the flash pops up.)

 

This is also a good option:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-LX5-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003WJR69E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320970829&sr=8-1

 

You can also look at the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-HX100V. I don't know much about this one but reading the review on DPR it says the camera operates really slow.

[fmbp3]

I like the Canon SX30IS. It seems to be more like something my hubbie can handle. It's still a step up from what we have now, which is one of the fuji tough stylus from a few years ago. It definitely more in my price range. The more I think about it, the more I think he won't take full advantage of a DSLR anyway. Thanks so much.

[jaymacfla]

OMG THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS X ELEVENTY BILLION.

 

It makes me cringe that some people think a cell phone camera takes "good" pictures. They take "fine" pictures for what you are given, but I'd never blow them up and frame them. I have a decent camera on my iPhone but it will NEVER EVER EVER replace an actual camera for me, even a little P&S

Well start cringing! The newer smart phones work better in general than a lot of the cameras being offered on BF. They take good HD video as well. It is true that nothing compares to a camera with dedicated lenses and the professional knowledge required to use it, but the shoot and go folks just want something easy and dependable.

[llist]

I like the Canon SX30IS. It seems to be more like something my hubbie can handle. It's still a step up from what we have now, which is one of the fuji tough stylus from a few years ago. It definitely more in my price range. The more I think about it, the more I think he won't take full advantage of a DSLR anyway. Thanks so much.

i just got the canon sx40is about a week ago and absolutely love it. The zoom is amazing and the pictures are fabulous. It also has a rapid shoot feature (or burst mode whatever you wanna call it) which the sx30is didn't have but for me was a must :) I haven't been able to play with it much but so far I'm loving it :)

[freesia39]

Well start cringing! The newer smart phones work better in general than a lot of the cameras being offered on BF. They take good HD video as well. It is true that nothing compares to a camera with dedicated lenses and the professional knowledge required to use it, but the shoot and go folks just want something easy and dependable.

I miss my old Canon S400/500 sometimes (I had both, one got stolen.) That was such a great camera. My current P&S, which is about 4 years old (not my S95) takes much better pictures indoors than my iPhone, which always comes out shaky. Sigh. My phone does take HD video though, the only true advantage over my current daily P&S. (I don't tote the S95 around on a daily basis.)

[magicalorange]

What do you think about the camera Sam's Club will be selling on Black Friday, Olympus SP-610UZ 14MP 22x Long Zoom Digital Camera Bundle for $149.88? Does anyone have an Olympus? I really want to get a DSLR but there is no way I can afford it now. I want at least a 20x zoom. I plan to take indoor and outdoor photos and for our vacation to Disney and Universal next year.