new or used cameras

[flyingdutchman]

hey folks,

my wife and I have a sony cybershot 7.2mp camera that we have lost the power cable to. I decided to try and find a replacement, by then thought, why don't we just replace the camera.

We would want something that takes good snapshots and performs well in a number of settings. It doesn't have to take great video or anything like that. SLR would be lovely, but I don't think that we can budget for that right now. We aren't pro's and we really don't need anything too stacked. I was looking at some Nikon models and noticed on amazon that some of the used listings are significantly lower cost. I began to wonder if I could trust these used or "like new" cameras to still be in good shape while trying to save $500.

Here are my questions.
1) Any good model recommendations?
2) Should I only stick to new cameras?
*) If no, what sort of details should I look for in trying to buy a used electronic device (the only used items I normally buy are books)

I would say that we are looking to stay under ~$130 because, like I said we don't need a lot out of it.

Your thoughts?

[MrBlah]

Slightly older DSLRs are nice, but won't take any video. They can run you $400 for a single body and lens though. However, losing a power cable won't be an issue. They all use rechargeable batteries and use a charger.

I would recommend spending about $120-180 on a simple point and shoot, to be perfectly honest. Olympus, Canon, Nikon.

[gator]

If you wanted to go the new route, maybe something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... sku=749967

If you wanted to go the used/refurb route, this might be a fairly good option. You may want to consider doing one of the 2 yr warranties from Squaretrade or somewhere (should run ~$25).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... amera.html

[Flaming Cheese Wheel]

I'd pick the Panasonic.

[flyingdutchman]

Ok, update:

we haven't yet gotten a camera, but now papa-in-law is looking to get one for us for Christmas.

It puts our price range up to about $200 but still basic stuff, some landscapes, baby pictures, good indoor/outdoor, decent lens (for price)

Any other imput?

[MasterChef]

I have this camera and it's treated me well the last few years. It was about $300 when I bought it new. Pictures all look good to me. The only complaints I have are that the flash is put in a poor spot and often gets stuck on a finger. Also, it can be a bit easy to randomly change color settings with the wheel on the back.

Other than that, I like the quality of the photos and it takes decent video as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Dig ... B00427ZLS8

[Plas]

If its going to be your daily camera I wouldn't go with a DSLR. I've had a Nikon D70 DSLR for years and the big draw back is portability. Having to lug the bulky camera around in a case or holding onto it as you walk around gets old fast. There's a lens cap you have to make sure gets back on between shots.

I've had to send my DSLR back to Nikon twice for repairs over the last 5 years. So I'd be wary of buying a older used DSLR .

I'm guessing your sony cybershot uses a Memory Stick DUO so you'd probably need a new memory card if you go with a camera that's not a Sony.

As others have recommended I'd go with a smaller point-and-shoot.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-S ... s=elph+110
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-E ... LPH+300+HS
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-E ... LPH+320+HS

I have a Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS and it makes a nice day to day camera. My wife likes the small design and having the video capability at hand is great when your out & about. Has a bunch of auto settings that cover most of the photos that I want to shoot.

[Gizanked]

I have this camera and it's treated me well the last few years. It was about $300 when I bought it new. Pictures all look good to me. The only complaints I have are that the flash is put in a poor spot and often gets stuck on a finger. Also, it can be a bit easy to randomly change color settings with the wheel on the back.

Other than that, I like the quality of the photos and it takes decent video as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Dig ... B00427ZLS8

this actually looks quite nice for the 150 it is listed at

[flyingdutchman]

this is what I've been looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6830113388

Any thoughts?

How is your camera in lower light MasterChef?

[Flaming Cheese Wheel]

This is a bit higher than your initial stated range, but is a nice camera, if older:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... amera.html
Look at the aperture on that lens. Bask in the glow.

At $200...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... amera.html

[flyingdutchman]

Look at the aperture on that lens. Bask in the glow.

Glorious.

I'll have to list that among the considerations. Since my Father-in-law is the one searching for it as a gift, me may be so inclined to go for something a little more.

Thanks for the suggestions.