my daughter needs a camera for 3 weeks

My daughter is going on a humanitarian mission this summer to Bolivia. She is helping to build a woman's shelter in Cochabamba. One of the rules is that she cannot bring her phone with her. She wants a small, light camera to take with her but I know once she gets back she will never use it again. I've looked at rentals and only see pro style gear. She says my old Canon 30D is too big. I hate to buy something that will never get used again after 3 weeks and will probably be hard to sell. Any suggestions?

The canon SX series of cameras are very good. Hard to go wrong, just pick the one that is the size you want and go for it ... knowing, of course, that you pretty much get what you pay for.

Example:
https://shop.usa.canon​.com …efurbished-digital-camera

I vote waterproof point n shoot camera.

Amazon Link: http://a.co/gvkphKx

This seems strange. Do you know why this rule exists?

Kent Clark wrote in post #18610371
One of the rules is that she cannot bring her phone with her.

Here is a water proof Canon refurb for $200:

https://shop.usa.canon​.com …powershot-d30-refurbished

I concure that water proof is the way to go given the location and activity level.

There are other refurbs as low as $80:

https://shop.usa.canon​.com …&pageView:grid&​pageSize:&

My respect for her!

Canon PowerShot A1400 HD.
https://www.usa.canon.​com …h-cameras/powershot-a1400

I have purchased mine for 20 CAD in 2017.

It is using two AA batteries which lasts very long and it is on pair with phone photos quality. Very simple to use. AF is good.
It has OVF and monitor turns off to save batteries. It has size of classic P&S, smaller than phone.

Examples with build-in effects:

kmilo wrote in post #18610382
This seems strange. Do you know why this rule exists?

Isn't it just that this is about building awareness, character, confidence and self-reliance in the participants as much as it is about building a women's shelter.

Separation from your phone is more than reasonable given that aim. There will be somebody around who has a phone available in case of any actual emergency.

Seems using an older, impotent (not on the grid) smart phone as a compact P&S would be a reasonable request.
: /

FWIW:

Cochabamba's famous "Eternal Spring" continues to hold sway over the hearts of true Cochalos. Neither experiencing the humid heat of Santa Cruz nor the frigid winds of La Paz, Cochabamba enjoys a semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk). At 17° south of the Equator, tropical days are balanced by the cool of mountain nights. The characteristic of the climate is an extended dry season that runs from May until October with a wet season that generally begins in November with the principal rains ending in March.

What is your budget? Try a mirrorless system....

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Kent Clark wrote in post #18610371
She wants a small, light camera to take with her but I know once she gets back she will never use it again. Any suggestions?

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My suggestion is to buy something used, at a below-average price. . That way, when she returns from the trip you will be able to sell the camera for what you apid for it, and will not have to suffer any loss (except possibly $8 to $10 shipping).


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If you're looking for a Canon camera, don't bypass checking out their refurbished cameras: https://shop.usa.canon​.com …powershot-digital-cameras.

I've purchased a few refurbished products straight from Canon before. The products I've received were like new, no scratches, no dents or any sign of being used. Plus, Canon offers the same 1-year warranty which is very appealing.

This is a good time to purchase from the refurbished store since they're having their Spring sale, extra discounts, on many of their products.

I recently wanted a compact camera with good video quality in low light but could not pay more than $500. After researching on models and prices, I settled on the Canon PowerShot G7 X mark ii (I'm not saying you should get this model in your daughter situation). What helped my decision was the price that Canon offered for its refurbished product. It was much lower than anyone else was offering. I saved quite a bit and received a "like new" camera. Plus, I received a more reliable product than I would have when purchasing used from a consumer.

Thanks everyone. I hate to admit it but I had forgotten I'd posted this request. I hadn't thought about Canon refurbished. Now I have more things to consider.