Point and shoot camra

[crzdcolombian]

It's my parents 25th anniversary in a couple weeks. I am looking to get them a digital camera. The one they have takes forever to take a picture and has a slow processor. It was a $180 powershot they got 2-3 years ago. The photos barely look better then on my iphone

I was looking at the Canon sx700 or the Canon 9700. They came out Feb 10,2014. So the new one should be coming out soon.

A SLR is too advanced for them and I know this is going to be tougher for them to take pictures but they are getting a bit more tech savvy.

I just want them to take better pictures then on iPhone 5s with a decent processor that isn't huge.

Any thoughts/comments

Thanks

 

[leighonigar]

Do they need a wide-long zoom range? That seems to be the idea with the cameras you've mentioned, I'm assuming you mean the Nikon S9700. It's likely both those cameras are similar and reasonable for what they are, and they'll be quick and modern.

For better image quality, really I would look for a camera with a larger sensor, a faster lens (one that lets in more light), or both. The trade offs with these options are cost, size, or zoom range. The sony RX-100 was the darling of many an enthusiast's pocket with its good, reasonably fast lens and markedly larger sensor. It has been updated twice to the mark two and now three. The main downside is the lesser zoom range vs the cameras you mention. That and cost!

 

[aerok]

I have a bias on Canon and I did enjoy the previous generations of the sx70 so I say go for sx70. That camera is perfect for those that want something simple yet very versatile.

 

[Unami]

i bought the sony rx100 for my dad - it's pretty nice for a point and shoot. you can get the mark I model fairly cheap (around $400) or go all in for the mark III.

 

[Meister]

I still use a canon powershoot from 2005 from time to time. A very nice little camera!
I am sure any canon P&S will work pretty well.

 

[crzdcolombian]

I still use a canon powershoot from 2005 from time to time. A very nice little camera!
I am sure any canon P&S will work pretty well.

The one they have now is a canon from a couple years ago but it's too slow. They try to take pictures of my nephew and the sensor is too slow. Out iPhones are much better

I had the Nikon s8000 something 3+ years ago but got rid of it as never used it as the iphone got better. My fiances dad gave us a Canon SLR and neither of us know how to use it. He needed an excuse to buy another 3k camera.

 

[leighonigar]

I should probably shut up about these (and I will now!), but if they don't mind a non-retracting lens and short included zoom, the little nikon 1 cameras have excellent quality, are very quick and (most importantly) are very cheap http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910126-REG/nikon_27619_1_s1_mirrorless_digital.html

If you need some pointers with that DSLR I am sure we could all help. They really can be used as point-and-shoot cameras set up in the right way.

Final thought - it sounds as though you're most concerned about how a camera works and feels subjectively, rather than many of the metrics and nerd-thoughts you get in reviews. Why not seek out an electronics/camera shop that stocks a few and have a play?