11 replies to this topic

[hindle xiii]

For my Grandma's 80th she would like a digital camera.

So what would be the best choice as a first time point and shoot, very basic camera?

She has all her faculties as it were, she can use her hands fine and can see fine too with glasses.

But as this is her first and she isn't tech savvy, I'm looking for a camera without any bells or whistles.

Perhaps even one aimed at young children, without it being a toy.

Anyhoo, ta muchly.

[JohnM]

For my Grandma's 80th she would like a digital camera.....aimed at young children,

get her an enhanced CRB check, too.

[Exiled Townie]

I don't know very much about the 'point and shoot' type cameras, but one thing I would bear in mind, a lot of older people have been brought up with cameras that you look through a eye piece/ view finder to see the pic you are about to take. With lots of these point and shoot ones you look at the screen at the back, sometimes held at arms length, to see your pic, and I know of quite a few 'grey hairs' (myself included) that just can't get away with this method - whether it be focusing on the screen, a bit too much shakey hand or not able to compose the shot you want. I would definitely consider a view finder in the camera that you eventually pick - and the largest possible screen on the back so she can see the results of her snapping.

[gazza77]

I have a Panasonic Lumix p&s that does pretty decent photos. Can't remember the model number as it is about 2/3 years old, but is probably a comparable equivalent to this one in their current range. Absolute doddle to use, has a reasonable auto setting and a range of different options (night, portrait, landscape, party, etc) and has always produced decent results. Good and compact to just pop in your pocket (or handbag as applicable) too.

http://www.panasonic...4284/index.html

[Red Willow]

I have a Lumix as well, it can be used as a point and click but also has manual settings. This can grow with her

I agree with Exile Townie about the view finder, can you get her to try the ones without and see how she goes

[Wolford6]

The software for my trusty Kodak digital, bought about six years ago, won't transfer to anything after Windows XP.

Kodak won't do updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

I'm thinking of getting a replacement, but it won't be a Kodak.

[Wolford6]

Why not get her a decent mobile phone that has a good quality camera?

That wouldn't be my Nokia Lumia then.

[John Rhino]

I have a Lumix as well, it can be used as a point and click but also has manual settings. This can grow with her

I agree with Exile Townie about the view finder, can you get her to try the ones without and see how she goes

Tried to find one with a view finder for the Mrs last Christmas as she found the screen hard to see in very bright sunlight (not in England, obviously!) and they do not seem very common these days on the point and shoots.

Ended up getting a Canon Ixus as I've always used the higher end Canons.

I would recomend one of those. Esay to understand instructions for the basics, dead easy to use in practice, big clear screen and superb pics at the end. She is delighted with it.

[John Rhino]

The software for my trusty Kodak digital, bought about six years ago, won't transfer to anything after Windows XP.

Kodak won't do updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

I'm thinking of getting a replacement, but it won't be a Kodak.

I was tempted by a Kodak printer for their claims of cheapest to run etc.

Never again - the software (bloatware!) must have been written by the work experience lad as that stopped working following XP updates and not at all on W7 or 8 and the ink heads dried up if you didn't use it every day. I threw it out - still working - and bought a Canon.

Sorry to change the subject - just had to get that off my chest!

[Padge]

The software for my trusty Kodak digital, bought about six years ago, won't transfer to anything after Windows XP.

Kodak won't do updates for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

I'm thinking of getting a replacement, but it won't be a Kodak.

You don't have to use the sofware that came with the camera. There are lots of other options.

[gingerjon]

I'm thinking of getting a replacement, but it won't be a Kodak.

There's a reason why that won't even be an option: http://www.bbc.co.uk...nology-20787024

[gingerjon]

For my Grandma's 80th she would like a digital camera.

So what would be the best choice as a first time point and shoot, very basic camera?

She has all her faculties as it were, she can use her hands fine and can see fine too with glasses.

But as this is her first and she isn't tech savvy, I'm looking for a camera without any bells or whistles.

Perhaps even one aimed at young children, without it being a toy.

Anyhoo, ta muchly.

My elder (aged 7) has used something similar to this http://www.jessops.c...83623/show.html and found it easy to follow. Transfer of files etc all a doddle as well.

The only issue I've had with Fujifilm cameras is that they autosharpen the images and they go too far in my opinion. But must people don't mind (and, I suspect, aren't so sad as to even notice.)