Recently a person at the workplace asked which compact digital camera would be best.  They are not serious photographers but want convenient snapshots as they travel.

This question of "best camera" cannot be answered by a second or third person but some basic considerations may be offered.

I offered simple advice:  Make sure the camera has a view finder if you plan on using one;  many compact cameras do not offer a viewfinder.    If you plan to use the led screen put out the extra $20 for a sun shield so you can actually see the led view when the sun is behind you.

Go to a reputable dealer and actually try the camera..see how it fits you hands, how easy or difficult are the controls, etc.    See if the zoom is ok for you.   You might find the extra long extending zooms on some models are more than needed. Try the macro fuction, optical I mean and not digitally aided.    Some are better than others.

Anyway, they got a nice little Nikon compact with a sunshade and love it...

I would say: that's a good advise!

Always tricky.  Depends what they want to use it for.  I normally recommend somthing with a wde to long'ish zoom.  The Panasonic TZ series are normally good and don't cost the earth.

I find it funny when they ask what's the difference between a compact and a DSLR.  Look at the results even using the same focal distance.  That's the difference

Another advice this time about DSRL.Last several years I used Canon 10D,but I wanted to upgrade and my choice was Rebel 450D.I went to Best Buy and I spent some time there and play with camera.First impression was this is small camera compere to  10D,but I thought I can get used to it and I can afford it.Camera was with kit lens(EF-S !8-55mm) which is small and light.
After some time I bought   Rebel body only and I attached my EF 28-135mm lens which is bigger and heavier.Camera feel even smaller and  very unbalanced.I am not too happy but to buy 50d is too much.
My advice -try camera with lens You will buy or You already have.
Greetings,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Wojtek
 

You really need to stay on the EOS **D  2 number series.  The 10D was one of the first they have just got better since.  The 40D is fantastic.  Much better the the 450D  and far more like what you are used to at the moment with the 10D. 

Yes I know now :)
But brand new 50 D body costs $1200,and my 450 D was $580 and with this economic situation we have now...
Anyway I plan in a future to buy used 50D...
One more thing about 450D-when I look at viewfinder my tip of my nose constantly touches screen,which of course gets smeared with sweat.My nose is regular size(according my wife and friends) and I wear glasses  all the time.I am surprised nobody mentioned this in any reviews.
Greetings..................Wojtek

I have a 50D it's superb.  You still can buy a 40D new or used, The used ones will be less than a new 450D

Yes, the one thing I would add to advice is reviews. And not just one site. I usually read reviews at epinions and a couple of sites that sell camera equipment.   I also read the photography mag reviews when they have a particular model I may be looking at. Then you have to decide which pros and cons your willing to live with.

I think for most of us here, we are always looking to upgrade, when we can, to the next best thing that will improve our images and forward our pursuits. The general public wants a convenient, easy to use, camera that takes the best pictures for day to day use. They will probably have their camera for quite awhile and only upgrade when something goes wrong with theirs or they want the latest and newest features that will suit their needs ( ie: cameras made with printers they can dock to to get their prints now.)

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I have to disagree with David here..Buying an expensive camera does not make you a photographer.. Buy what you can afford and learn how to use your tools..

Does anyone remember the disposable camera challenge ?  A good photographer can take great  photo's with any camera.

Back to the original subject. I always ask a person, what do you want to do with your camera?

There are sooooo many nice point and shoot cameras today.

Yeah, it all depends on the needs of the individual.  There are pros and cons to every camera. Not everyone needs a DSLR or has the money to invest in lenses either.  An advanced point & shoot with a good optical zoom range is a good starting point in my opinion though.   

Good advice Tom the only downside with a lot of compacts used to be the digital viewfinder which are dire and the screen is often better to view and compose, the shades do help.

Wojteg you may find the addition of a Grip with two batteries  to the base of the 450D may help the balance you spoke of..   And you can get an adpater to go over the viewfinder eyepiece which will extend out and take your nose off the screen a bit more..  Slight magnification to the viewfinder and fairly inexpensive

Thanks for advice Danny!I thought about a grip but it is pretty expensive,but I did not know about adapter.I will buy it.It is annoying to constantly clean screen just because my nose sweet :)
Greetings........................Wojtek

Thanks for advice Danny!I thought about a grip but it is pretty expensive,but I did not know about adapter.I will buy it.It is annoying to constantly clean screen just because my nose sweet :)
Greetings........................Wojtek