Anyone here smart about digital cameras?

[MUCHO]

I am looking to buy a digital camera for my 11 year old daughter for her birthday which is in 10 days.

She will 99% of the time be using the automatic settings.

She will be using for video quite a bit.

99% of the use of the camera will be to make youtube videos.

We own a Nikon D40 so if she needs to take high quality we can loan her ours.

So far I have bought three cameras, and am looking for advice on which to keep. Conversely if you have good advice on a different camera please let me know.

Here are the current contenders and their net cost to me along with what I percieve to be their pros.

Panasonic DMC-TZ5 - $222 from Costco

Apparently very high quality lens for the pricerange with 10x optical zoom. Comes with Costco 2 yr extended warranty and carrying case.

Nikon Coolpix P60 - $116 after coupon

Uses AA batteries - decent quality zoom and VR

Olympus FE-20 - $73 after coupon

Lowest price!

[dvenardos]

If it is mainly for youtube videos, then why not something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830234003

[ThomasC]

I have a Panasonic DMC-TZ3, which is an older version of the TZ5. If you trust her not to break the camera, keep the TZ5. She may just want to make YouTube videos now, but she may want to take nice pictures later.

[MUCHO]

If it is mainly for youtube videos, then why not something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16830234003

Well she takes pictures and makes Youtube videos out of them along with video. You make a good point though... I'll look into this kind of thing as well.

I have a Panasonic DMC-TZ3, which is an older version of the TZ5. If you trust her not to break the camera, keep the TZ5. She may just want to make YouTube videos now, but she may want to take nice pictures later.

Another good point. Thank you

[Mike4AU]

I wish I could help you, but I don't know anything about P&S cameras.

Good luck.

Mike

[droht]

MUCHO, if she is into the beach or water activities you may want to consider a water-proof option. You get good but not great optics, but not having to worry about sand or water ruining your camera is awesome.

We have an older Olympus model (850SW I think), which I'd recommend. You can snag one for <$200. Several newer versions are also available.

Sorry to add another suggestion!

[greg_mitch]

If you start considering the small video options I have a Kodak Zi6 ($80 used off ebay) and have been having fun with it. Far more likely to carry it around and get some good candid videos than the higher dollar HV20 or my DSLR.

Quality claims to be in HD but it is noisy. Great for youtube style videos though.

[ChrisJam]

I am looking to buy a digital camera for my 11 year old daughter for her birthday which is in 10 days.

She will 99% of the time be using the automatic settings.

She will be using for video quite a bit.

99% of the use of the camera will be to make youtube videos.

We own a Nikon D40 so if she needs to take high quality we can loan her ours.

So far I have bought three cameras, and am looking for advice on which to keep. Conversely if you have good advice on a different camera please let me know.

Here are the current contenders and their net cost to me along with what I percieve to be their pros.

Panasonic DMC-TZ5 - $222 from Costco

Apparently very high quality lens for the pricerange with 10x optical zoom. Comes with Costco 2 yr extended warranty and carrying case.

Nikon Coolpix P60 - $116 after coupon

Uses AA batteries - decent quality zoom and VR

Olympus FE-20 - $73 after coupon

Lowest price!

Hi,

I'm happy to give you some advice as a former long-time photo pro (owned my own studio for many, many years), especially after you gave me some car advice on the av123 forum a year or so ago.

If she doesn't need something slim enough to slide into a jeans pocket, I recommend a used or refurbished Kodak P880.

It has a built-in lens made from a SUPER lens company, it has a built-in flash, and it's what I use for my digiphotos these days. Two friends have the same cam, and love it. It does good video.

Chris

[MUCHO]

Hi,

I'm happy to give you some advice as a former long-time photo pro (owned my own studio for many, many years), especially after you gave me some car advice on the av123 forum a year or so ago.

If she doesn't need something slim enough to slide into a jeans pocket, I recommend a used or refurbished Kodak P880.

It has a built-in lens made from a SUPER lens company, it has a built-in flash, and it's what I use for my digiphotos these days. Two friends have the same cam, and love it. It does good video.

Chris

Hmmm this looks pretty great for her needs. Thanks!

[persisting1]

Check out dpreview.com.

Phily Askey does one of the best jobs reviewing cameras in the industry.

http://www.dpreview.com/

One question. Will she be using this camera in a low light environment?

[scc135]

I purchased a Panny TZ5 at work, but I borrowed it for my own vacation. I love the fact it has 720p video (although in mov format), and shoots pretty well for 4x6 prints. I wouldn't blow up pics on anything other than iso100 though.

[utahsavages]

I bought 2 TZ5's for the kids at Xmas. They love them, and we borrow them as they shoot really well for a pocket camera. I read over at DPReview that Panny has released the followup camera - the TZ7. I can't remember all the upgrades except I know that they're using a much more efficient MPEG format for storing video.