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I have a Canon 40D - it is great for portraits. However, I need something for daily use (a point and shoot) with two young children. I have a Canon Powershot Point and Shoot (can not remember which one) and it is TERRIBLE for everyday use - the pics are blurry and/or dark. I need something I can pick up, turn on and just take pics of moving kids. Any suggestions?
Would rather stay under $200, but would consider going higher if needed.
If you can stretch the budget a little, Sony NEX-3 (used on Amazon for $280 incl shipping with the kit zoom lens). I have this camera, and post images regularly off it. There may be a bit of learning curve involved with the possibilities (I can help with that), but you will get a relatively compact camera with DSLR quality image. And for taking kid shots, there is an auto mode for that too (Anti-Motion Blur). You don't need to worry about more lenses (unless you want to) and if you did want to add, and don't mind exploring fully manual side of photography, Sony NEX is the perfect system.
This can also be a camera if you want to expand your interest in photography. High ISO... not an issue (this one is ISO 4000):
For kids on the move, nothing will beat a nice little SLR like you already have. Every point and shoot camera that I've ever had or heard of is a little slow to focus. Too slow for active kids. You also have the advantage of a high ISO availability with your 40D, something else you don't get with point and shoot cameras -- at least not high ISO combined with low noise.
I've recently taken on a part time job where I take lots of pictures on a daily basis, none of which need to have any quality to them. I decided I'd get a cheap little point and shoot that would fit in my shirt pocket. I bought it in July -- a little Nikon. Most would probably like it, but I've gotten too used to my EOS-1D, so that's still what I use.
I mention it because you're probably suffering from the same symptoms -- good-camera-itis. We know how a good camera works, and that's what we expect. Anything less, such as your Powershot, will be a disappointment. Obviously that's just a guess, but I know that's how I feel. If I could get my 1D squished down flat enough to fit my pocket, that's what I'd do... but I've already broken three hammers trying to pound it flat.
A point and shoot will not work for moving kids because of the shutter lag. I was in the same position a while ago and got the 40D too and love it. At 6 frames per second (which your 40D has) you cannot beat that with ANY point and shoot. My suggestion is to pick up a book and study children photography; "digital" doesn't mean the camera does everything. How to Photograph Children
Actually, my point & shoot camera can take fairly decent pictures of moving subjects as long as the lighting isn't too dim. But it was a lot more than $200 and it still couldn't touch a 40d for the same purpose.
Unless the idea is to go for a more compact package with DSLR-like qualities, in which case my recommendation will be a look at a used NEX-3 or NEX-5 (should be able to find one with kit lens for under $300). But, if size/weight is a non-issue, or continuing with your 40D, a logical solution for the budget may be to simply add a 35mm f/1.8 lens. Fast lenses can help reduce the need for high ISO and help reduce blur.
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