Cameras for mums

Get clicking

29 May 2012

Cameras are such an all important way of keeping memories for us, and the invention of the digital camera has meant that general photography is now both affordable and achievable for everyone.

There are a few things you should take into account when shopping for a camera:

• Shutter speed and ISO sensitivity – kids are speedy and very rarely stay still, and there’s nothing worse than blurry photos!  You want a high ISO (minimum of 1600), and as quicker shutter speed as possible (most should go down to 1/1600 of a second, but you can get as quick as 1/2500 of a second).
• Battery type – if you’re the sort of person who isn’t going to remember to pop the battery out and charge it on a regular basis, get a camera that takes ‘normal’ AA or AAA batteries, and keep some spares with you (I should note the investment in rechargeable AA or AAA batteries is probably well worth it however, especially if you’re the snap happy type!)
• Zoom and zoom type – there are two types of zoom, digital and optical.  Digital zoom will zoom, but impact the quality of the image, so what you’re really after is optical zoom. 
• Memory card type – most will take standard SD cards, but it’s worth a check, you don’t want to end up having to fork out a small fortune on storage cards when the standard SD cards have now become so affordable.  A little bit of internal storage will help cover those situations where you’ve filled your card, but don’t want to miss that really special shot.

Other things to take into account:

• Megapixel s – this probably isn’t going to be an issue, with even the most basic of digital cameras now having at least 10 megapixels, but if you’re buying cheap, parallel imported, or a uncommon brand, it’s worth checking.
• Video camera – most digital cameras these days now have an inbuilt video camera, for capturing short videos.  It’s worth checking the length of the video your camera will take (and necessary storage requirements) to see if it will meet your needs. 
• Screen type and size – each person is individual, some prefer a smaller camera and therefore a smaller screen, others need a large screen. 
• Connection type – whatever you do, make sure it’s easy for you to connect your camera to whatever you want it to, be that your laptop, TV, DVD player, iPad.
• The extras – check what it comes with (spare batteries, a bag, a memory card etc) – you can quickly add on cost by having to purchase lots of extras.

Now to cut to the chase, these are a few of our favourites on the market at the moment.

Our favourite buy under $150: Canon Powershot A1200 $139 for the ‘bundle’ option


I actually have one of these for the ‘nappy bag’.  It’s light and easy to use.   Think of it as an ‘everyday snap’ / entry level type camera.  It takes AA Alkaline batteries, and you can record short videos (perfect for those things that happen quickly and spontaneously – such as first steps!)

Our favourite midrange: Nikon COOLPIX L310 $326


Nikon is another highly regarded brand, and what you’re getting with the Nikon COOLPIX L310 is value for money – 21x optical zoom, a maximum ISO of 6400 and a 25mm wide angle to 525mm telephoto lens.  Again, it takes AA batteries, so it’s easy to have a back up on hand.

Also worth considering: Canon SX150IS

Our favourite highend: Canon SX40HS $618 for the ‘bundle’ option


I figure if you’re paying a premium for a digital camera, you expect all of the added extras – high ISO, a fabulous optical zoom, an awesome auto focus, plenty of pre-set shooting modes, a super fast shutter speed...  and this baby has it all.

Also worth considering: Nikon COOLPIX S9300 – at $499 it’s definitely cheaper and still packed with features.

Our favourite super slim: Samsung ST200 $275 for the ‘bundle’ option


Super slim cameras are a must have for many, I did most of my travelling with a super slim literally in my pocket.  You lose some features to gain (or lose?) the size factor, but some people just don’t need all of the fancy extras, and having something that can be kept at their finger tips (or in their favourite small handbag) is much more important.  For its size the Samsung ST200 is still packed with features.

Also worth considering: Sony W610 – less features but a great price at $172

Our favourite entry level DSLR: Canon EOS 1100D Twin Lens Kit ($997) or the Nikon D3100 Twin Lens Kit ($1,148)

      
Once you hit the DSLR market, you will find theres a raging debate and a great divide between which photographers think is better – the Canon or the Nikon.  The reality is they are both fabulous entry level DSLR’s, and the twin lens kits make them great value for money.  If you are going to get a DSLR, make a point of going into a store, and actually holding them in your hand to see what feels right for you. 

Our favourite in-built phone camera: the iPhone 4S


It’s not just the fact that it’s on you all of the time, but the iPhone 4S actually has a more than half decent camera built into it.  Add to that some amazing apps that can give you awesome looking photos each and every time (personal favourite: Hipstamatic), and you’ve got the perfect on-the-go, everyday camera on you all day, every day.  And of course, you can immediately email, PXT, upload to Facebook or Twitter, and more...

We’re intrigued by: Samsung MV800 Multiview $399


Think of this one as a digital camera with a few gadgets.  If you’re not the sort of person who’s going to play around with the flip screen, is going to find the touch screen frustrating, and don’t care about skewing your friends faces like a funhouse mirror, then this camera isn’t for you...  of course if you do, it may just be worth a look!

Getting snappy

• Check out these photography tips for parents
• Complete this Embrace the Camera checklist from Simple As That
• If you’ve brought yourself a DSLR and want to make the most of it, why not check out these workshops from Love and Soul, designed especially for parents.

Love technology and toys?  Visit our gadgets and gizmos section for more.