OAP which compact Camera?

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alfier

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Alfred
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Last year I went on holiday and borrowed my grandsons camera. Well 40% of the shots were unusable because of shaking or bad focus, I'm 72 and my hands shake a bit and I wear glasses for near vision.Can one of you experts advise me what Pocket compact with anti shake and auto focus would best meet my needs when touring Canada and USA East this year please.
Alfie:)
 
Hi Alfred, the Sony compacts seem to have some of the best shake-reduction systems that I've come across. With a decent sized screen on the back (rather than a viewfinder) you should be able to see the focus the camera has locke onto.

Compact camera models multiply like rabbits, so it's very easy to lose track of what's current. I have a Sony DSC-HX9V that I use for every day shots (when I don't want to carry a DSLR or film camera) and high definition video. The IS (image stabiliser/antishake) is so good it's like having the camera on a steadicam. However, there are already three replacement for this model announced by Sony..

Budget makes a big difference, but so do ergonomics. Much as I love using the HX9V I do find a couple of the buttons to be fiddly-small.

I strongly recommend you nip into your local Jessops, Jacobs, camera shop (or Warehouse Express if you're near Norwich) and get a hand-on feel of at least six different models from several manufacturers. Leave your wallet at home, and don't buy anything on your first trip. When you can tell us what feels the most comfortable, we can give more advice on the features/specifications and comparisons between similar size/shape models.
 
The Canon S100 or S95 are excellent little pocket cameras. I'm 64 and suffer with what is called essential tremors so image stabilization is very important to me. I have the S95 and carry it with me everywhere I go.
 
Yes thank :)you so far I shall look in Dixons. I was looking for sub £200 as I will only use it on the odd occasion.
 
The problem with compact cameras is that most of them rely on you looking at a LCD screen on the rear to see what you are shooting. This is not ideal if you tend to shake, as you are holding the camera in an unstable position whilst you try to see the LCD.

A camera with a viewfinder that you have to hold up to your eye will allow you to shoot from a more stable position as you can tuck your arms in to your sides to help reduce shaking.
 
Alfie, you are probably best with a compact with built in viewfinder, as Scarecrow says. My Dad ( now 88) loves his Nikon P7100. Great quality images, decent zoom and a viewfinder. Its a bit above your price range, so, looking at the second hand market, the Canon Powershot G11 is a superb camera and should be perfect for you.
Not too small and fiddly ( but still pocketable in a jacket) , has inbuilt stabilisation, great images and a good zoom. Built like a tank and will last forever.
There just happens to a a nice used model at Mpbphotographic ( if it hasn't sold already) at around your price.
I don't think you will do any better with your budget and Mpb are great to deal with. It will have a warranty for about 6 months too.

Click HERE for the one at mpb...

Allan
 
Hi. I'd suggest you get a little mini tripod so that you can place your camera, set up the shot, use the auto timer and that would help you get some unshaken shots. Also useful when trying to get yourself in the shot on what sounds like an exciting trip. Try and resist the urge to hold the camera at arms length when using the LCD. Try steadying yourself against a wall or something solid, keep your elbows tucked in to your body, that helps reduce camera shake.
 
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