I need a new camera.

[steve-in-kville]

In the market for a new camera. At this point, I'm looking at the point & shoot variety, no more than $300. Must be able to do some video. I know there are a few here that dabble in photography, so I'd appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

[JimFoxvog]

I've been happy with my Fujifilm Finepix S4500. It has a 30X zoom which may be a little deceiving as it starts with a very wide field (sometimes useful) and goes 30 times closer than that; not the same as a 30X binoculars. It does video with sound, has a 3 and 10-second delay so you could get in your own group picture, and more settings than you'll ever remember. It's also able to take 2 cm closeups.

It's available on Ebay for less than $100.

[Bootstrap]

What do you plan to use it for?

I bought a Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70S for just under $300 on sale. It is small enough that I can have it readily at hand but also takes good enough pictures that some professional photographers use it. If you use the right setting, it can be used as a simple point-and-shoot camera, which is what I do most of the time. If you can figure out everything you can do with it, you can do a lot more than I can. This is the most expensive camera I have ever bought, but I use it for work and am very pleased with it. And it has lasted longer than two cheaper cameras that died on me.

Prices go up and down, but if you wait you can get it or the DC-ZS70K for under $300 when the price dips. Or get one used.

[Judas Maccabeus]

My wife has a Pentax Q series camera. A bit more than a point and shoot, but produces really good pictures. And the features......

Beware of digital rather than optical zoom. It really kills your resolution.

J.M.

[ohio jones]

A point-and-shoot camera in that price range really ought to include an integrated smartphone.

[Judas Maccabeus]

A point-and-shoot camera in that price range really ought to include an integrated smartphone.

My daughters i phone 11 has 3 lenses! You will never make that price point though, unless you work for the company.

J.M.

[ohio jones]

A point-and-shoot camera in that price range really ought to include an integrated smartphone.

My daughters i phone 11 has 3 lenses! You will never make that price point though, unless you work for the company.

J.M.

Not all of us are enticed by the Apple.

[Bootstrap]

A point-and-shoot camera in that price range really ought to include an integrated smartphone.

Depends what you want to do with it.

When I look at smartphones with cameras good enough for the pictures I need for work, they are much more expensive than a smartphone plus a separate camera. I have a cheap smartphone and a good camera. If I had a different job, I wouldn't have the camera.

[steve-in-kville]

The reason I am holding back on a camera purchase is my phone is in terrible need of upgrading. I stick with Nokias as they are built like tanks and hold up. The one I have now is almost 10-year old technology. If I upgrade to something more current, I may not need the camera.

[mike]

The reason I am holding back on a camera purchase is my phone is in terrible need of upgrading. I stick with Nokias as they are built like tanks and hold up. The one I have now is almost 10-year old technology. If I upgrade to something more current, I may not need the camera.

If you're open to the idea of a smartphone, a Google Pixel has a camera on par with a good point and shoot camera, with the exception of the optical zoom capability. But even without that, the Pixel's camera is just excellent. I think the Pixel is currently at 4, but I have a Pixel 3 XL and the camera is just second to none. I'm sure the 4 is even better. The low light image quality in particular is great. If you look at the reviews you'll see most people agree. If you carry a smartphone with a good camera, chances are you'll hardly ever bother to pack a separate camera.