Hi everyone
I need to buy a camera sometime soon. My budget is 10k - 12k maximum.
Simple point and shoot
Some video recording as well
Brands - Sony, Canon & Nikon
Kindly suggest since I don’t have much idea regarding cameras. I’d be starting of my research in sometime. Please pour in your suggestions.
Warm regards
Gaurav
The Canon PowerShot A2000 IS is a good bet. Its 10 MP and comes with 6x optical zoom and a 3in screen. You could also consider the 880IS / 870IS.
If you can upscale your budget a bit then consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ7 / ZS3. It comes with a 12x stabilised zoom and a 25mm wide lens.
+1 for Panasonic Lumix TZ5(if it’s available) or TZ7
Wide Angle + Big Zoom Lens + HD Recording + Compact Size
Not interested to buy Pana at all. Would be my last option. Some options in Canon & Sony would be really welcome.
Regards
@beanstalk_230: One of the advantages of asking a question on a public forum when you do have adequate knowledge about cameras (as stated) is that new options open up.
In that regards, with limited knowledge, it would help (you) if you took up suggestions with an open view. Otherwise, what is the point of asking? If you’re stuck to Canon, Nikon or Sony then just hop over to dpreview.com and check out the models and pick one. Or drop into a Croma and buy one for your budget.
Don’t get me wrong here (am not blaming you), but I speak in general for questions asked here.
Instead of giving you an option, here’s something I’ll tell you require (without even asking your requirements) out of a good point-and-shoot camera:
Manual controls are not utterly necessary (trust me, am a seasoned enough photog to know) for snapshots. Everything else listed above will help you capture great memories, not necessarily artistic photos.
In this scenario, there’s only camera which fits all of that: The Panasonic ZS3/TZ7. The Canon SX200 IS also fits into it, but is way overpriced.
We are not brand fanboys here. So please just state your photographic requirements and not your brand preferences - they don’t mean anything for the end result, a great moment captured.
Cheers!
Payne
Since you want to stick to a particular brand, you could check out the Canon A2100 or the Sony W230/W270
@ Payne nice model suggestion but both are out of budget for OP, his max budget is 12k
Thanks a lot guys for the inputs. Stuck with particular brands due to dad & as well as the availability issue & support.
I was looking at canon ixus 100 is - Around 14k MRP ; 12.1MP ; 3x ; 720p video recording. The video recording factor is a big plus. And yes the A2000 IS - 13k MRP ; 6x ; 10 MP w/o HD rec.
All options in Sony are overpriced IMO and therefore nothing decent is into my budget. W230 is the option I can only consider which has 14k as MRP . w300 is also one option with 13.6MP and is priced at 14k MRP. (Both without 720p recording). I would have bought the w270 but it is out of my budget I guess but it nearly fulfills all the requirements. (NO idea about wide angle though.)
But all the above are nothing compared to the Pana. How much does it cost? Website does not mention its pricing. And how is the service support of Panasonic.
Regards.
P.S. I am hoping to get some discount at the MRP rates and therefore hope that the end rate I get is around my specified budget.
I am on a similar budget. Keep us updated on whatever you buy. Will be helpful.
Cheers!
@beanstalk: Thanks for the detailed reply. 
Do not have much time but can drop in a few suggestions:
Yes, the Sony W270 meets almost all of your requirements - wideangle too. I have heard of pricing anywhere between 13-15k for it.
The Pana is 240$ in the US but in India is ridiculously priced.
Take some time to compare prices on eBay. Some very very good dealers are there with great pricing.
Examples:
**Sony W290 ** - Rs.13k
Panasonic FX520 - Rs.13k
The Panasonic is 25mm wide-angle with 5x zoom, HD recording as well - a very very good option. The Sony is 28mm with 5x zoom and HD recording.
Cheers!
Payne
Coming from a Panny owner, the Leica lens does wonders !
Head over to flickr and check out some images.
Remember, with a P&S you ought to be looking for a complete package and not just certain aspects of it.