BeachMartini Posted June 4, 2016 #1 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Hi all, I'm hoping you can help me out with a recommendation for a digital camera. I know nothing about photography except to point and shoot! For the most part I take pictures with my phone, and while they come out decent enough, they pale in comparison to those of friends with SLR cameras. I've avoided buying one those because I know nothing about photography, they're bulky/have lots of pieces and parts, and expensive. Of course I'm not expecting a small camera will be able to give me the same quality, I'm wondering if there's anything out there that might be closer than my phone. Criteria: Small enough to fit in an average size purse or tote Waterproof (snorkeling and beach, not diving) Have an image viewer Hopefully under $300 We will primarily be using this when we go away on vacation. We have looked at the go Pro but the only one with the viewer is very expensive. I know there a lot of action cameras out there now, not sure if we need to go this route or not. I hope I'm being clear, haven't had my coffee yet! Would appreciate any feedback. Thank you so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmjivey Posted June 4, 2016 #2 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Right at $300 is the Olympus TG-4 will be your best bet for everything you want. Google it and might find a used or refurb for alittle cheaper John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmjivey Posted June 4, 2016 #3 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Sorry it doesn't have a view finder, kicks butt with what it has John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare havoc315 Posted June 4, 2016 #4 Share Posted June 4, 2016 What makes the quality of an SLR better is two-fold-- bigger better sensor, and potentially better lenses. A camera like the TG-4 has a tiny sensor, just like a smart phone. Most p&s cameras are similar, There are enthusiast compacts that now use a 1" sensor -- still smaller than a dslr, but 4 times the size of a typical p&s. And these enthusiast compacts typically have very good lenses. The original 1" camera, first version of the Sony rx100, can be found for about $400, but lacks a viewfinder. You may also find some older mirrorless models in the $300-$400 range, and they have even larger sensors. (some use the exact same sensors found in dslrs) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmjivey Posted June 4, 2016 #5 Share Posted June 4, 2016 I recommended the TG-4 based on she wants to play in water with it, the Sony is way better for pictures for sure size is great something you can use year round not only for vacation John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxo Posted June 4, 2016 #6 Share Posted June 4, 2016 Once the camera is in that purse/tote.... does it need to share space with other stuff? Some mirrorless or superzoom bridge cameras offer large sensors to achieve DSLR quality without the bulk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare havoc315 Posted June 4, 2016 #7 Share Posted June 4, 2016 I recommended the TG-4 based on she wants to play in water with it, the Sony is way better for pictures for sure size is great something you can use year round not only for vacation John ahh, missed the water proof part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popcan Posted June 22, 2016 #8 Share Posted June 22, 2016 Have to totally agree with wmjivey on this: the Olympus TG-4 is a great little camera if you don't want a larger interchangeable DSLR or mirrorless camera. It's not just waterproof... it can take really cool underwater movies too if you go snorkelling, for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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