Photography has been a passion of mine since I was about 12 years-old and got my first camera—a Brownie! I enjoy documenting events and travels through the eye of a camera. Photos also are an integral part of two of my books—Grieving with Mary and Inspired Caregiving and will be more so in my next book which should be published early 2023.
Digital cameras are significantly more economical over the old film cameras. Remember the days when you had to buy enough film to get you through an event, carry the film in your camera bag, reload the camera, and wait and pay for development only to find blurry photos, people with heads cut off, or bad lighting? I sure do appreciate having a good idea of what I’m shooting and can take as many photos as I want to achieve that one perfect photo without worrying about running out of film or the expense of all the film and developing.
I prefer point-and-shoot cameras because I don’t want to carry or handle multiple lenses. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis in my hands which makes me clumsy when handling small or delicate items.
For decades, my camera of choice was a Nikon. Last year, I purchased a Minolta because I couldn’t find an affordable Nikon camera with the options I was looking for. Unfortunately, that Minolta camera lasted only 13 months. It abruptly stopped working one day, a problem I’ve since discovered is common. I called Konica Minolta for a resolution but was told that the company sold the camera division in 2006. Minolta cameras are owned by someone else, and evidently, are not producing anything like the old Minoltas. I’ve sent Minolta camera company two messages through their website but haven’t received a response.
My newest camera is a Panasonic and seems to be working well for the money. We will see how long it lasts.
I’d love to hear your recommendations for a point-and-shoot camera and even what brands you wouldn’t recommend.
**First Photo was taken with the Minolta. Second Photo with the Panasonic Lumix.
***Books make great gifts. Is there someone on your list who would appreciate one that I’ve written? You can find all of my books on my website.
Midwest Mary 
Both lovely shots, Mary!
Thank you, Sue!
Mary, the iPhone takes surprisingly good photographs. Though I still have two other good cameras I use on outings, I find myself taking more and more photos on my phone (the iPhone 11 mini). Once one gets used to “snapping” with a touch-screen, the way opens for preserving ephemeral shots that you might not have time to capture any other way. The zoom feature is surprisingly good and it works well in low light levels. The clarity and color fidelity of the photographs is very high.
I’d always had a point-and-shoot camera (mainly at the “enthusiast’s” level). After owning two wonderful small Canons that fit in my purse, I decided on the basis of reviews to step up to a Sony mirrorless. I need a larger purse to accommodate the Sony, which is a full-fledged DSLR with a removable/interchangeable lens. The clarity and color of photos it produces are fabulous. I believe I paid about 600 dollars for the Alpha 5100 (at the time the least expensive mirrorless camera Sony made). Once you get used to it, this camera would probably serve your needs very well.
Thank you for sharing your camera usage, Susan. My new iPhone does have a good camera, but as yet, photos haven’t been accepted for book publication, so I’m still carrying my camera. Thanks for your tip on the Sony. Happy Thanksgiving.