Need advise on camera purchase.

[Rat Rod Mac]

I'm in need of a new camera, so I'll say this right off the bat. ( I don't need a lot of bells and whistles). All I want is a normal camera, but it also has to be able to take close ups. That's it normal pictures and close ups. Anyone out there have a favorite that would do this. I have some USB cards that I use for my trail cameras so it would be nice if this camera could also use them. Thanks in advance. RRM

 

[jaydee325]

Sounds like you want a new "point and shoot" camera. Cell phone cameras have just about killed point and shoot cameras, but they are still out there.

I don't know of any point and shoot cameras that use USB. All I've seen use SD cards.

Here is a fairly recent article that you might fund helpful.

The best point and shoot camera in 2 | Digital Camera World

 

[gsganzer]

A lot of folks swear by this Olympus TR6 cameral for it's quality and ruggedness. These are also great folks to buy from.

Olympus TR-6

 

[TractorGuy]

I have a out of production Canon SX530HS that takes killer photos both close and zoomed. I especially like the zoom feature and quality. Bought it used off eBay. I was skeptical about a camera with a proprietary battery so I ordered some spare generics. The battery lasts for a super long time so I rarely have to load one of the spares.

My only complaint is the way the lens fogs in early morning. After I wipe it several times and the camera temperature stabilizes it will usually clear up but sometimes I have missed the shot by then.

 

[ArlyA]

A lot of folks swear by this Olympus TR6 cameral for it's quality and ruggedness. These are also great folks to buy from.
Olympus TR-6

We use cameras like this but they only last year or two before the paper thin lens cover gets bent up. That's on various Panasonic lumix models. How does the lens cover on this Olympus TR6 hold up?? In looking at them, I can't see what it looks like..

 

[gsganzer]

We use cameras like this but they only last year or two before the paper thin lens cover gets bent up. That's on various Panasonic lumix models. How does the lens cover on this Olympus TR6 hold up?? In looking at them, I can't see what it looks like..

I don't have personal experience with it, but folks on hunting forums and those who do field work seem to really like them for the durability. It also has an option for a special lens barrier/protector. The lens has usually been the issue for me, I had a nice Canon that got a scratch on the lens, created a slight blur on every photo. I had another (also Canon), that the mechanics for the zoom quit working. It seems none of them can be repaired after a year or so, pretty much disposable.

I have a hunting trip to Spain next November and will probably buy a TR6, based on other folks recommendations. Day to day I usually just use my cell phone for photo's, but for traveling and special trips I like something a little more versatile for special photos.

 

[EddieWalker]

Few years ago I asked a similar question on here and learned about the Canon Powershot SX50 point and shoot cameras. For me, it's proven to be the perfect camera for taking on vacation, going for walks on my land, or just getting a quick picture of something around the house. 90% of my pictures are with my phone, but when I want a "good" picture, then I use the Canon. It has a built in 50x optical lens, and then the digital zoom is 200x. I can take pictures of the craters on the moon with it!!

Things that I didn't know I wanted in a camera, but really appreciate is the rechargeable battery. I have two and I've never had both run out on me in one day. On big vacation trips where I've taken thousands of pictures in a week, I start out the day with a fresh battery in the camera and rarely will I need to put the second battery in by the end of the day. I have a 32 gig card in it and that will hold thousands of pictures. More then enough for any trip that I've ever been on. My current record is about 3,500 pictures on a vacation. But by far, the best feature of the camera is that built in lens. I used to have a 35mm camera way back when and I carried 3 different lenses with me whenever I went anywhere. Having just that one lens built into the camera has made photography simple, easy and fun. It does pretty much everything anybody could want.

Amazon.com : Canon PowerShot SX54 Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom - Wi-Fi & NFC Enabled (Black), 1 - 167C1 : Camera & Photo

This is not the latest, bestest version of the camera. It's what I have. I believe the SX70 is the newest version.

Here are a few pictures from my camera. The resolution isn't as good on here as it is on my original files, but you should get an idea of what the camera can do.

 

[TractorGuy]

My Canon is even older than Eddie's They are excellent quality for a point and shoot in my opinion.

I will make another point on SD cards. I have had 3 failures on the Sandisk brand micro SD cards. A little unrelated since this applies primarily to micro cards used in dash cams but still says something about manufacturing quality. When I looked at their warranty they said it was void if the cards were used in any camera that constantly records like a dash cam. I have switched to Samsung cards. I usually buy 64 GB class 10 cards just for extra insurance if I were to go on a binge where I couldn't dump it for a while. Samsung even makes a PRO version SD card that is rated for constant use. I think the Canon takes a standard size card but the micro with an adapter works also.

Here are a few of my photos. These have been resized and compressed for upload and bandwidth concerns.

 

[tallyho8]

I have a hunting trip to Spain next November

I hope whatever you are going to hunt is not with dogs or supporting ones who hunt with dogs because the Spanish hunting dogs are the most cruelly treated dogs on Earth.

Nothing like the American hunting dogs that are practically worshipped by their owners.

Sorry for taking the thread off-track.

 

[Rat Rod Mac]

Thank you to everyone for your responses and opinions. You have given me plenty of food for thought. Sounds like Olympus and Canon may be the way to go. Thank you. RRM