New Camera Needed

Hey guys.

I'm looking for a camera for my parents. I currently have a Sony NC DSC-N1, so I thought I'd take what I thought could be better on this camera and find another one which improves on them for my parents.

Basically, I want:

* A better optical zoom (mine has 3x)
* A large screen (mine is 3", but 2.5" should be fine)
* A good interface with not too many buttons (I have a touch screen, so mine wins there :p)
* It to be 'normal' SD card compatible to use the Eye-Fi card (mine is that silly sony format) unless someone thinks the eye-fi thing is a bad idea
* It to be fairly small and portable

I wouldn't mind a better charging solution too as you have to take the battery out and put it into an external charger with mine, so I guess either standard batteries or a wire to plug into the camera would be good, but that's not vital.

After a bit of research, I've come across this camera from Samsung (I know, not a traditional camera manufacturer like canon):

Samsung L77
http://www.dphotojournal.com/images/...igimax-l77.jpg

After reading some reviews, it does look pretty decent, but there are two things that come up that are slightly worrying:

1. Image quality. Most reviews say this is 'average', which isn't 'bad' I suppose, but neither is it 'good'. I never know what to do about this. Obviously, all the professional reviews go over everything with a fine toothed comb, while the amazon reviewers didn't mention it at all. The camera isn't intended for someone who's going to analise every image they create, but neither do they want to be taking bad pictures. Does anyone have any first hand experience with this?

2. Battery life. I think it's rated at about 170ish shots, which to me sounds enough, but it's still rated as 'average' at most places.

Basically, can anyone comment on my choice, or possibly suggest another one, using the features of the Samsung as a guide to what I'm looking for?

This may not be what you had in mind but the quality of photographs and upgrade options are much better. A Nikon D40 DSLR.
I went from a great Compact digital camera to a Nikon D40 and the difference is huge. Yes I miss the large zoom at times. But I can upgrade the lens soon.
Just think if you don't you may regret it. But if a compact size is important then have a look on DPReview.
Or Steves Digicams - Canon Powershot SD850 IS Digital ELPH - Hands on Review

Yeah - I'd say being compact is quite important tbh.

The canon you linked looks good, but is still only 4x optical zoom from what I can make out.

Does anyone have any first hand experience of using the Samsung perhaps? I'm guessing it's not a bad choice, but as usual, I want to make sure since know next to nothing about photography :p.

seems to be a decent camera, has IS built in 266mm zoom, and a nice ISO range 50-1600, its a f3.5-5.6 lens

I think I've now been converted to the Casio Exilim EX-V8.

It seems to have everything going for it, apart from it's external features.

It doesn't look the best piece of technology asthetically, has a len cover that is the on/off switch, and needs it's own docking station to charge or connect to a TV.

Apart from that though, it seems to be much better than the Samsung from what I've read. It takes better pictures, has better image stabilisation and has a longer battery life than the Samsung.

http://www.adorama.com/images/Product/ICSEXV8.JPG

Again though, if anyone has any thoughts, please share :).

Steves Digicams - Casio Exilim EX-V8 - Hands on Digital Camera Review

He liked it.

On a related note, is there any reason why the eye-fi cards won't work in the UK, or are they just saying they're not supported outside the US for ease of support?

Assuming they work with all features intact, I should be able to ebay one, although standard SD cards are obviously a lot cheaper, so I'm still not sure if that's the route I want to go or not.

Eye-Fi Help Site » General Information

Maybe you should think about one from the Panasonic Lumix range. I have the FX33 and its way better than any other camera I have previously owned which have all been Olympus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ajbrun

On a related note, is there any reason why the eye-fi cards won't work in the UK, or are they just saying they're not supported outside the US for ease of support?

Assuming they work with all features intact, I should be able to ebay one, although standard SD cards are obviously a lot cheaper, so I'm still not sure if that's the route I want to go or not.

Eye-Fi Help Site » General Information

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prolly to do with radio frequencies and needign approval?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by louise_scarlett

Maybe you should think about one from the Panasonic Lumix range. I have the FX33 and its way better than any other camera I have previously owned which have all been Olympus.

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I'm looking for large zoom.

The ones I've linked to have twice as much optical zoom as the FX33.

RE The wireless memory card:
After thinking about it, I'll probably just get a normal one to avoid any possible troubles and extra costings.