Mid Level Point and Shoot for my 13 yo avid photographer (Page 3): I use my "foot" zoom for the most part.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

sueyeisert wrote:

Great camera, but the lens is not that long.

I use my "foot" zoom for the most part.

Sunwriter Loc: High Plains

The OP said nothing about needing a long lens. On the other end of the scale, the LXs are about the only mid-levels I know of with a true (and very good) 24mm. (35mm equiv of course.)

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

fklong wrote:

CHOLLY: can't do AA batteries... gotta have a charger...

Buy rechargeable AA batteries. :mrgreen:

Flipper2012 Loc: Alberta, Canada

Harvey wrote:

No matter which camera you go for I suggest getting an Optec camera harness with the elastic straps -less than $20 - this will keep the camera tight to her chest - no flopping around while riding and instantly at hand for use.
I use mine with my Rebel and 18-55 even while driving
Harvey

Harvey have you ever looked at the Think Tank acessories under bags and straps a lot pricer but it's also very good quality and gives you the ability to add components as your needs change I really like there products

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

fklong wrote:

I am looking for advice for my daughter's "fi... (show quote)

The SX-50 is what came to mind, even before reading to the end of your post. I enjoy the features the SX-50 offers, and I feel sure your daughter will too. It's a great camera and could serve as a fine 'stepping stone' for her toward more, later on. Not much that camera won't do!

Bigfoot73 Loc: Canada

Have you thought that maybe the settings are the problem? It definitely has to have sports mode or shutter priority mode so if you are shooting in auto than it explains a lot. And I must agree with others that used DSLR is much better option. Her age has nothing to do with the choice of the camera ...

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

fklong wrote:

I am looking for advice for my daughter's "fi... (show quote)

As a happy (new) owner of the SX50, I think it is great. The lens is phenomenal! There *is* still some slight shutter delay, though. Check out the refurb stuff at Canon.com. You may find a kit with a T3 or T3i and a lens or two within your price range. That was what I was looking at, until I saw the results that people were posting on here from the sx.

Bigfoot73 Loc: Canada

Step one - check the user not the camera ...
Step two - go to DSLR if you want faster shooting ...

http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_coolpix_p520_review

Quote: "The Nikon P520 appeals further to the keen photographer with a full range of manual shooting modes, burst shooting at seven frames per second, 99-point autofocus system, 3D shooting mode"
"The performance of the Nikon P520 is mostly satisfactory. It starts up in under two seconds and zooms pretty quickly yet accurately for a power zoom. As noted earlier, its autofocus speed is not the greatest despite the inclusion of a subject tracking mode, but you'll only notice that when trying to capture fast action. We found the high-speed continuous shooting mode brilliant but sadly limited by the rather small buffer."

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Bloke wrote:

As a happy (new) owner of the SX50, I think it is great. The lens is phenomenal! There *is* still some slight shutter delay, though. Check out the refurb stuff at Canon.com. You may find a kit with a T3 or T3i and a lens or two within your price range. That was what I was looking at, until I saw the results that people were posting on here from the sx.

I have been using the SX50 since early this year and the only shutter lag I detect is if I am not in focus, or if using the on-camera flash and it needs to finish charging. Otherwise there is no noticeable lag from shutter press to picture capture.

Novots Loc: Grand Forks, ND

I will sound like a broken record on this topic but you can get excellent older DSLR's for practically nothing. Pick up a Canon (sorry Nikon folks, it's what I shoot)such as a 20 or 30D or even a 40D and a simple cheap 50mm lens. These can easily be had for under $400. Those cameras still produce excellent images - in most cases you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them and the new gear. I'm assuming she's really into it and could manage a DSLR with a little help. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck and I hope she has a great time with whatever she ends up with. Have her post some pics!

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

fklong
At 13 years of age your daughter would probably overcome the learning curve of any type of new camera more quickly than most of us. If that is not the issue, go used.

David-of-Lombard Loc: Chicago

I use both Canon and Panasonic cameras in the $350 range. The panasonic is Much faster between the time the shutter button is pressed and the time the shutter actually functions. For outdoor use, like the bicycle, I like the megazooms but smaller than the Canon SX50. There are megazooms in the 20x optical range that are much smaller and thinner (pocketable - in a larger size pocket). Here is a recent photo taken with my Panasonic DMC-ZS15 (last year's model).

Portland ME, Fall 2013

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

Before you trade it in, try several setting changes. The sports setting will reduce shutter delay. Some other settings will increase it. If you still need to change, go to a store, take your own SD card & ask to try several different cameras. Since cameras have individual personalities, you need to find one that matches yours.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

David-of-Lombard wrote:

I use both Canon and Panasonic cameras in the $350 range. The panasonic is Much faster between the time the shutter button is pressed and the time the shutter actually functions. For outdoor use, like the bicycle, I like the megazooms but smaller than the Canon SX50. There are megazooms in the 20x optical range that are much smaller and thinner (pocketable - in a larger size pocket). Here is a recent photo taken with my Panasonic DMC-ZS15 (last year's model).

Also good suggestions.
Love that shot of the Head Light. Beautiful place.

pauleveritt Loc: Erie, Colorado

You can get a refurbished Nikon 3100 with an 18-55 and a 55-200 lens for about $500. Used, even less. Start there.