I've seen the proof of your photographic ability here, and need your help.

My old Sony cybershot has been a good little camera in many ways, but I'm limited in it's uses. My biggest gripes are that the color is not accurate with the purple/blue. I also can't take a shot of the garden under any of the settings without the lighter colored flowers being washed out.. even at sunrise on a cloudy day (regardless of the settings). I do like that I can just slip it into my pocket, but would consider something bulkier. I'd like to upgrade to something that has both auto and manual features. I've been looking online at cameras until I'm dizzy. I know a lot of people use their iphones, but it's not what I'm looking for (no cell service here)... I'm kind of a slow learner with technology, so I need something that's easy to use out of the box until I explore and learn manual functions.
I used a color card for this picture to see how off my camera is. The blue square in the second row is actually a rich purple.

What do you recommend? Tell me what you love (and don't like) about your cameras.


Thanks for your help!

Hi Sherry. My camera preference is an old one -- a Konica Minolta DiMage G530 -- which is only 5 megapixels -- but gives me crystal-clear, highly detailed Iris pictures (if I can hold my hands still enough) with very accurate coloration. You can pick one up on Ebay now and then. When I thought my camera wasn't working anymore (it ended up only needing a new battery), I couldn't find a G530 for sale so I took a chance on the next model after the G530 -- a G600 I think, which is a 6 megapixel camera -- and it does equally a fine job for me. So it is now my back-up camera.

In the interim, I tried a CoolPix camera, but couldn't get it to give me the quality of pictures that my DiMage cameras do. FWIW.

Good luck -- hope you find something that works for you!!

Oh darn, I'd narrowed the list down, and the Nikon Coolpix P510 was one on the list. I've eliminated the Panasonic Lumix series because reviewers didn't think they held up after a couple of years, but their DMC FZ200 is highly rated. Some of the Canons look good, but I heard somewhere that they pull a little to one side of the color spectrum..Haven't been able to find any info online about that though. I hadn't even thought of Minolta in years.. but will have a look.. Thank-you

I used to use a Nicon coolpix but the lens errors just happened after less than 18 months I was always buying a new one before 2 years was up.
I switched to a Canon Powershot A3300 IS .It has lasted the longest and still going after over 2 years.
I photo everyday and find the small hand held camera best for those awkward position shots.
I also have trouble with the red filters not being accurate when shooting lavenders and purples.
I use a photo editing software to correct those color errors.PIXLER is one free, thats a boon also Picasa also free.

OK -- now I just bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS6 -- second hand, of course. My cousin came down to visit and brought her camera (which was one of these) and I was so totally impressed with the quality of both the still shots and the videos, that I decided to buy one. My DiMage G530 is excellent at close-ups (for my Iris pics) but not as great at ordinary life type photos. The Lumix was going to fill that void. I took it to the International Quilt Show this past week, and took photos of some of the quilts there. I haven't had time to download those pictures yet -- but that'll be a good test of it's color accuracy.

Sherry -- I know lots of people who love their CoolPix cameras. I just didn't love mine. And I wouldn't give up on the Panasonic Lumix just yet, either..........

I have the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 which I've had for about 3 years. I just bought the new DMC-ZS25 so I can have one exclusively for plants and the new one for everything else. I like the extra wide angle feature (it has a 35mm equiv range of 25-300mm) the Leica lens and rechargeable battery that holds up well. In years past I used 35 mm w/ the various lenses but this is easier, less bulky, and provides all the quality I need. I got them at Costco, the newest one was $200 after $50 off.

Thanks Mary Ann & Patty.. I've heard a lot of praise for the Lumix series, but when I was checking out reviews on Amazon, there were a number of people who said they didn't hold up and needed to be replaced after a few years. Another problem was black spotting on the pictures after time. Have either of you had problems? I tend to take care of things and keep them for a long time. I hate replacing things after a couple/few years. My boyfriend brought his Nikon Coolpix home for me to play with and see how I like it. It is much bigger than my point and shoot, so it will be interesting to see how it handles.
Jo Ann, I liked your comment about getting shots in tight places... Certainly something to consider.

Well -- I figure the ZS6 is probably four years old. My cousin's works perfectly -- and the one that I just bought does too. The person I bought mine from said that this was his own personal camera, and he cared for it well -- but I don't know how much it was used. That could factor into whether it holds up well or not. I know that my cousin's camera has been used a LOT and it's in perfect condition.

Wonder if the Amazon review were for newer versions? Are you averse to buying a used one on Ebay? I've had very good luck..................and that way, if it doesn't last forever, you're not out a lot of money.

I haven't had any problems with mine at all. I cant imagine what black spotting on pics could be from...dirt on the lens? I take good care of my "stuff" and It's amazing to me the way some people treat their cameras (and other electronics) and then complain they don't hold up. I also don't keep the GPS feature on,which is a big drain on the battery.

You will get a better review from a camera magazine/website, than from random folks on Amazon. Here's a review for the Lumix:
http://www.digitalcamerareview...

Each camera probably has it's special features and in this case I really wanted the the wide range it offered (25-300) and I liked the price. (Cheap enough to replace if they come up with something brand new in a couple years that I MUST have ) If you are a Costco member, they refund your money without hassle if you are unhappy with an item for any reason, which is another thing I liked.

Good luck!

Hey Patty -- where can I find a review like that for my ZS6?

I only found one for the ZS7 http://www.digitalcamerareview...

Amazon had the most reviews for the ZS6, as mentioned before. I glanced at those and it got good reviews overall...One reviewer raved about it, said it was their third Lumix, and gave it 2 stars, which I assume was an accident. But just a few low scores can really lower the average score (remember school? ). I have used mine mostly outdoors so can't comment on the flash. HOWEVER... I bought the new one with my (soon-to-be) grandson in mind. Due about 9/1, and my first grand baby! The camera has a baby setting! maybe for their jerky movements?? (Or maybe MY excited jerky movements??)

Well, it is a beautiful morning (finally!) so I am off to play in the yard.

I can't find any review on Amazon for it -- where did you see those?

Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NYRMGA/

Now why couldn't I find that? So frustrating...........

Thanks, Patty!!

I use a Kodak Z710 camera. Other than eating batteries, I love it. I actually have two as I got one from my sister-in-law.