anniecollie

Canon, huh? Never had a Canon before. I'll look into them.

Like the part about it being kicked by a horse that someone mentioned.

pg

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Welcome to UHH. I needed a grin. Good luck.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Annie.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Hello Annie and welcome to the forum.
A friend purchased this Canon and she raves about it.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/powershot-a-series-digital-cameras/powershot-a2400-is-black

Marc-Wi Loc: Oshkosh Wi

Welcome. My best advise is go to the local camera store or big box and look them over. Play with them. Ask lots of questions. Take your time and get it right. It's your money so don't get pushed into something you don't want or need.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

That was a "Camera Store" where they have people who know cameras, not Best Buy.

usn ret Loc: SoCal High Desert

Welcome to the HOG. Once you decide what you want, think about buying used. I have purchased several cameras and several of pieces equipment from KEH. I have been very pleased with all my purchases, lens and cameras,SLR, DSLR and P&S. Very affordable 12-14 M/P cameras.
They have a very good grading system and warranty/return program.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I agree with you about a viewfinder. I bought a very nice Panasonic ZS15 without a VF and I never use it. Unfortunately, only high end compacts come with VF's. I did some checking for used compacts with VF's on keh.com the best source for used photo gear. I found a Nikon P7100 in Ex+ condition for $218. It has a very sharp 28-200 f/2.8-5.6 lens, a 1/1.7 inch sensor which is bigger than most P&S sensors, a hot shoe in case you add a small flash for bounce flash (a simple technique that produces a much nicer light than direct flash), and a viewfinder. I have one and I highly recommend it.

keh.com is a very reliable dealer. They grade very conservatively so cameras graded EX are like new cameras. They give a warranty and they have a very good return policy. Buying used from a reliable dealer is a good way to save money. I bought my P7100 from keh.

I also found two Canon G10 high end compacts at keh in EX and EX+ condition for $228 and $238. They have a 28-140 f/2.8-4.5 (I think) lens, a 1/1.7 inch sensor, a hot shoe, and a VF. I never used one, but the Canon G series is very highly regarded.

anniecollie

thank you so much for that information. I never would have found it on my own. I'll look into it. I didn't know they even made cameras with vf anymore. How do people take photos on sunny days when they can't see what they're shooting? The glare is overwhelming. When I had my camera (before it got smashed) I took good pictures but I had to guess that I was actually shooting the picture I wanted. I hate the new cameras. If they made them with a glare proof window it would be so much easier.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

You can use your phone, which you probably already own and will give you what you want.

Alternatively, go to Best Buy or a camera shop, if there is one near you, handle a bunch of them in your price range and go from there.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Almost all of the newer high end compact cameras aimed at advanced photographers have viewfinders. VFs not only help in bright light, they are better in low light because it is steadier holding the camera to your eye, and they are better for following moving subjects.