Digicam for <12k

[Memento]

Hi,

I'll be taking my vacation in September and will be travelling to multiple places. I currently don't own a digicam. Not sure about the best models in the market.

This camera will be my goto party and travel camera. Everything from family photos to outdoor landscape pictures will be taken.

-I've been interested in photography for a while now. I considered a semi slr for 15-16k but I think it would be a better idea to buy a compact digicam for under 12k (preferably less) that gives me some options and manual settings to learn some basic aspects of photography like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, AND THEN maybe move on to a more advanced camera down the line. Is this a good idea?

-If I were to travel abroad to the states, is there a converter charger of some kind I could purchase from here? If so, any recommendations?

-What else should I purchase along with the camera. Which brand/model memory card should I purchase?

-A viewfinder would be an added bonus. not sure if any of the compact digicams offer viewfinders. Not the most important factor though.

Here are a few cameras that I'm considering. Feel free to recommend any other models from other brands if it's a better option.

Canon Powershot SX130 IS- 10.7k

Nikon CoolPix S3100 - 8.7k (6.8k at flipkart)

Canon IXUS 115 HS - 9.2k

Panasonic Lumix DMC ZR3- 12.3

Sony CyberShot DSC T99 -9k

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 -10.7k (flipkart vs 13k at letsbuy)

Also wanted to know if I should stick to a certain brand for after sales service or warranty/service center reason.

Any recommendations and reasons as to why I should choose a specific model would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[bottle]

My vote would go to the TZ10 I guess, not sure how they priced it at that rate since it costs a lot more internationally when I checked recently.

Do check out reviews and sample photos before you decide though

 

[Memento]

Thanks. So is the TZ-10 the best option at that price or should I consider any of the other cams?

 

[ssslayer]

Increase your budget a little and check out Canon sx230 or 240 or something in same family.

That and Panasonic TZ series are two good choices in the price range (of around 15K)

 

[Hades.]

Mods Delete this post :ashamed:

 

[Parix]

the Canon seems to be getting the most positive reviews on most of the review sites.. esp. for the point and shoot models..

around 10K the SX130 IS and around 20 K the SX230 HS are most highly rated..

 

[ssslayer]

As a disclaimer:
I was in search of a camera last year.
I had narrowed it down to two ppl: Panny Tz7 and Canon sx210IS.

Both had good reviews, and I had made up my mind for Panny.
Unfortunately I didn't quite see many Panasonic shops, neither their service centers.

Canon is pretty well established in Pune/India.
So my choice swung towards Canon.

 

[WingZero]

TZ10 or the Canon SX130 IS.

 

[paarkhi]

Personally using Canon Powershot SX200IS(Full Manual Controls) and No complaints, So would suggest you Canon