Expert Recommendation

.
Best Easy Compact Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets Under $750
By Ilya
Expert (2 Recommendations)
Send a ComplimentComplimented (Change)
November 3, 2007 Updated: November 8, 2007
Overview

Face detection technology combined with a “Kids & Pets” shooting mode, 12.1 megapixel resolution, and optical image stabilization makes this camera a sure pick for anyone looking to take casual pictures of junior and the family dog. The PowerShot G9 also features a fast shutter speed to capture the energetic escapades of your family’s cutest members with less blur and more “adorable!”. It’s all tied together with a powerful 6x zoom, and a beautiful 3 inch screen for important decisions on scrapbook-worthiness. The Powershot G9 can be fully automatic but also has more advance ‘manual’ modes for those who might wish to delve into higher end photography later. As an added bonus, the camera features external flash support for extra dark conditions.

Best-badge
My Best In Class Pick
Canon PowerShot G9

Technical mumbo aside, this camera will simply do exactly what you want. Not only does it fulfill all of the aforementioned goals, it is solidly built and provides a simple point and shoot experience while delivering enough possible tweaks and modes to keep you occupied for a while. Normally when a camera takes a picture the image is compressed to conserve storage space. In the process, valuable aspects of quality are lost and the photo becomes worse. With the G9 you are able to capture photos in raw mode which, while making the images substantially larger, allows for excellent prints at the highest quality possible.

Where to buy
Canon PowerShot G9
Specs
  • Type: Compact
  • Resolution: 12.1MP
  • Zoom: 6X
Detailed Specs
Want More Opinions? See:
Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (264 reviews)
Website Reviews (4 reviews)
  • Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Rated Excellent by CNET.com
2
Nikon Coolpix P5000

The Coolpix P5000 comes packed with 3.5x zoom, a 10 megapixel resolution, versatile shooting modes, and vibration reduction technology. Being a trusted name in digital imagery, Nikon definitely had its foot in the door as a leading contender. I considered this model as compared to the G9 due to the fact that it offers quite a lot for a lower price. However, the price drop is in exchange for a few rating points on popular review sites such as CNet.com and various quirks which made the G9 a better choice. These include color distortion and a narrow angle of view.

Where to buy
Nikon Coolpix P5000
Want More Opinions? See:
Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (40 reviews)
3
Canon PowerShot G7

The G7 is practically identical to its successor but cuts back on the larger preview screen, and omits raw format support. If your budget is lowered this would make for a good alternative however, with more to spend the G9 would be your cup of tea. Once again the review ratings are lower than that of the G9 so that should make the good choice more obvious.

Where to buy
Canon PowerShot G7
Specs
  • Type: Compact
  • Resolution: 10MP
  • Zoom: 6X
Detailed Specs
Want More Opinions? See:
Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (142 reviews)
Website Reviews (6 reviews)
  • Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com

How It Works

Unbiased experts recommend the best digital camera for you based on the types of photographs you intend to take, your budget, and desired features.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement