Recommendations: Simple point and shoot camera

[RocketScience]

Hi all,

I’m hoping you fine people in the photography section can help me out.

I would like a new point and shoot camera in time for our new arrival! (Due in October )

We already have a Canon 450D but we would like something to record videos and something to have with us at all times.

The features that I have liked in previous cameras (that I would probably want again unless you persuade me otherwise) are;

AA batteries – liked this as we could get easy replacements if my rechargeables run out mid trip

Decent battery life – had one camera that ate AAs in about 15 minutes!

Decent video capture with sound – not bothered about super high res to keep file size down

A basic macro mode for close-ups

Normal SD cards only please. Have loads of SD cards we could use

Reasonably compact and lightweight

Cheap! Less than £100 is a bonus.

Any recommendations?

[nickcowen]

Personally for that price range I think the best option is too use a smart phone that you probably already own. I have a iPhone 4S and would not need a point and shoot when I can get photos that equal a point and shoot quality in my opinion.

Example

Trail over dovestones by Nicholas Cowen, on Flickr

[RocketScience]

Thanks Nick,

Good suggestion but I only have a works Blackberry which isn't particularly good for photos/video. I would still be looking to get a dedicated camera I think.

Any ideas? I spotted a Nikon Coolpix L27 which seems to tick the boxes. Any good?

[nickcowen]

Probably best to go and try a couple and see which one you like.