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ialsohaveadream
08-24-2005, 06:33 PM
Anybody have a recommendation on a digital camera that is absolutely foolproof to use? I need to buy one for my boss, and if it has more than 3 buttons, she'll freak out. She wants a camera that'll turn on, take pictures, look at those pictures, and zoom. That's pretty much it.

I'm guessing that someone here has had experience buying such a camera for a complete technophobe relative/friend/boss, so I'd appreciate feedback.
Bires
08-24-2005, 07:27 PM
I have a older HP315 that's a 2.3 MP, point and shoot, no frills, and simple UI. No zoom though, but the UI must be the same for HPs with zoom.
AlpineJay
08-24-2005, 07:30 PM
3 buttons? Hmm...

I was gonna suggest any one of the Canon Elphs for good picture quality.

Or, get one of those Sony T-series or Nikon S1. For the lack of the buttons I'd say Nikon S1 is a pretty darn good bet. Reviews may be found at www.dpreview.com and www.steves-digicams.com . S1's also reasonably priced, takes less proprietary SD cards, and Nikon PQ is hard to beat. Also super simple and is a fashion statement to boot.

Picture of the S1: http://jancology.com/blog/archives/nikon/nikon-coolpix-s1.jpg
ialsohaveadream
08-24-2005, 07:48 PM
Sony is out because we don't want to deal with Memory Sticks. The camera has to have some type of zoom (preferably at least 3x), but has to be very much a point and shoot. Bells and whistles can be left behind. The 3-button thing was just a reference to how basic the camera must be...because my boss still shudders at the thought of having to learn to use the sort function in Excel.

Elph and Nikon are good suggestions, though.

Also, in case anyone's going to ask budget: $500 or less.
AlpineJay
08-24-2005, 08:09 PM
While I'm partial to Elphs (I own a SD400 myself), I would say Nikon is better for simplicity's sake. Elphs are still somewhat customizable whereas the Nikon is really a point and shoot camera with all the credentials you are seeking for her:

1. Large 2.5" screen
2. Simple buttons - the review button (or the "blue dot" as the novices say) is a separate button on the camera as opposed to being a switch on the Elph.
3. 3x zoom.
4. Smaller - for some reason smaller is less intimidating to the technophobes.
5. Bells and whistles are not required to be used in normal day-to-day operation.

I'd say the S1 is a damn good bet.