Camera Recommendation for my parents ?

[asm016]

Hi folks

Anybody got any recommendations or suggestions for a digicam for my parents? (I'm all right, I got a G5 in November :D) Mum has just got back from a visit to my sister and the catch/clasp that holds the back of her camera in place (a trusty Sureshot zoom) has broken (obviously this controls the winder mechanism) - lots of nasty noises now when I tape it shut, and the film doesnt wind properly. Shame as it was a nice little camera even though it was getting on a bit.....

Anyways, to get back to the whole point of this post - I am trying to get them to go digital (film isnt too expensive but they keep getting Photo CD's for me to print copies/enlargements and these are quite pricey) Also it will give mum a reason to use the new iMac my brother gave her...

Parents aren't "techy" people so a simple P&S is fine - I was thinking the A70 myself, but I have now seen the S400 coming down in price, to something that may be affordable for them... so it could be the better bet. Am based in the UK - wouldnt like to spend much more than £200 although final say is up to my parents.

In terms of ergonomics, which is better ? mum has arthritis (knee problem) but her hands are fine. I was planning to get her to try the cameras out in a shop anyway, see what ones she feels comfortable with before buying... Dad on the otherhand is a complete technophobe, so small buttons are the least of his worries
:D

Any thoughts / comments?

cheers

Andrew

[platinumdoc]

I love the S400. It is easy to use...Just point and shoot. My complaint is that the screen may be to small for farsighted/myopic people. Have them try several cams to see what fits for them. The dial on the S400 may be hard on arthritic hands.

[Tom W]

I think a lot depends on their age and dexterity. I like my S-400 quite a bit. It is limited by a shorter flash range, but that is common among smaller cameras. I don't really know much about the other Canon P&S cameras, but if they have good dexterity and might enjoy a very small, concealable camera, then the S-400 (or the newer S-410/S-500) might be a good choice.

I would recommend sticking with a 3X or better optical zoom regardless of the final choice. It is a useful range.

[mike j]

You should be able to get the A70 for around £200, but the IXUS 400 will be closer to £300 at the moment. (I'm talking internet prices here - check Kelkoo to get an idea)

Definately a good idea to get your parents to try them out before buying, as these two cameras will have a noticeably different feel.

It's worth noting that some highstreet photography stores will often match internet prices, so it's always worth asking - take a print-out as proof though and they'll often ring the internet store to check they're in stock.

I did this and saved £140 when I bought my IXUS in June last year. (The rrp back then was £450 !)

[stopbath]

First, what did they like or dislike about their Canon Sure Shot? Did it fit their needs exactly? This will guide you towards the digital counterpart. (More functions, less functions, zoom, no zoom)
Next have them give the cameras (with that functionality) a 'test run' to find which is comfortable, and easy to use.

If they really like the 'date on the photo' the A75 (just introduced) and another model support that feature...

[gsmx2]

First piece of advice I got before buying my first slr camera...hold different cameras in your hands and get the one that feels right and makes sense TO YOU.

Definitely get the camera into your parents hands before deciding which camera to buy.

gsm x2

[platinumdoc]

This may be blasphemy on a Canon site but you may find an alternative camera by another brand. Kodak emphasizes simplicity and value. I don't know about their quality. Olympus and Sony tend to use button driven menus versus dials.