Amazon UK always seems to have the best deals, and i always get a model which is discounted - which means a newer, and more pricey model is soon to be released, that does not bother me though...
I first bought a Canon Powershot A470 for £69 reduced, well i had two of these over 2 years as dropped the original in the sea when 5 months old!....
You can see how much use it got by how worn the case is from sitting in a pocket in my frame bag...
Eventually i wrecked the second one when i slipped on slimy rocks and cracked the screen, but it has been a great camera and i really liked the easy to use options and SD video function, which i have made loads of films with, and that they take regular AA batteries, Ever Ready Lithium batteries cost around £6 for a pack of four but two at a time last for ages...
Decided to stick with Canons and bought a replacement 2 years ago for again £70 reduced on Amazon,
This camera is ace - a Powershot A495...
Smaller than the older A470 and for the same money pixels are up from 7.1 - 10.0,
I know nothing tech wise about cameras and photography and do not pretend to do so, but the quality of picture, size and weight of this camera is way better and using the same features it is ace, and i still use it,
Here is a link to its specs; Canon A495
Its too has seen a lot of use and again i have used the SD (standard definition) video to make films and mix the footage with the Tachyon XC sports camera...
Here is an example of its film quality, only wind noise on the microphone spoils the ability to make great wee films ...
So i wanted a compact to film in HD so i can mix footage with the Go Pro camera, and again with a newer model out i got a Canon Powershot A3200 IS camera for £70 on Amazon 2 weeks ago...
Were up to 14.1 pixels now for £70, HD video and more zoom, specs here; Canon A3200 IS
This camera has a rechargable battery which i did not realy want, until i started using it, it lasts 2 weeks between charges just taking pictures, and you know how many pics i take!,
It also has a dial for options on top so i can take a pic of say a rider cycling towards me, and then switch quickly to video to film them ride by...
There is a fish eye option so expect some massive front tyre pics soon!, i also bought a hard case for £8...
There is one problem though due to my PC, the film is shot on MOV so for Vista you need a conversion programme so you can make it DVD compatible like Go Pro etc,
So just go on line and download a free programme right?, well a friend did just that and got a bug in his search browser, and i got the same thing, of course if you own a Mac then they just convert the thing for you, another reason to buy a Mac next, in the meantime until i buy an official programme - i am not downloading any free software of the net again, i will just use the new camera for pics.
Going back to HD film, my 4 year old PC just cannot handle the Go Pro files, so i am mostly making 4:3 films again using the A495 camera and trusty old Tachyon XC sports camera - much to the disgust of friends with huge TVs , but reality is most people just watch youtube films on the PCs and do not open up the screen to full size to view.
And why do windows computer users have so much aggro against Mac owners?, while Mac owners quietly sit and upload edit and publish their Go Pro films with ease!, virus and upgrade free too!,
I know once i have the available money i would rather pay £1200 for a Mac that will go 5 years and more without slowing down, need time wasting upgrades, be virus free, and not have a heart attack when you plug in a Go Pro, for me spending amount that is like spending £150 on a Phil Wood 100mm BB for a Surly Pugsley as i did 4 years ago and never looked back. Money well spent.
