The most simple camera

R

ronlizpatsimon

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Ron
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I have a fairly good compact camera. However; my wife finds it too complicated to use - despite everything possible being set to "auto". What I need for her is, ideally, a camera with two controls only. One to turn it on/off and one to take the shot. Cameras which have extra buttons, such as menu buttons or review snaps already taken, will get accidently pressed! Possibly such a camera no longer exists - except in a museum! However; perhaps there is one designed in such a way that all extra controls are hidden behind a cover? Price is not important? Any ideas anyone?
 
Phonecamera.
 
Good morning Alastair,
Thank you for your brief reply. Potentially it is a good suggestion. However; In the case of my wife's phone; it is not a practical solution. I've just tested it and found that 10 operations/keypresses are needed in order to produce the first photograph.
Regards from Ron
 
Maybe change the rules.. a change of phone rather than a change of camera? My previous phone was a Nokia N95. One short-cut button to activate the camera, same button acted as the shutter, one button to return to normal operation.

I do have one of the museum pieces you mention in your first post.. a 2MP fixed focus thing that came free with something about 10 years ago. But I've not seen anything similar recently. It might be worth ignoring the typical camera shops and seeing what is available on the markets and car boots. Simple, brightly coloured cameras aimed at children?
 
Hello again Alastair,
Yes, my 5800 Smartphone works in the same manner, so your sugggestion to get a new phone is certenly worth consideration. Indeed it would solve the photography problem for my good lady. However; the trouble avoided by using a new phone as a camera, would be offset by the hassle of getting used to the new controls to make a phone call and write a text.
As for seeking out a cheapo children orientated camera; that would solve the button pressing problem. However; 2MP and a probable poor quality lens, dosn.t sound so good.
 
I seem to remember my old sony phone you slid the top up and it went into camera mode, then push the camera button and it took a picture. 5MP camera and suprisingly good, you could look at one second hand just for use as a camera. Think mine was a C902.
 
How about spending the money on some tution so she can learn to use it. Some colleges etc run basic evening courses. Most compacts are reasonably easy to use, it is just a case of taking the time to learn.

As soon as something does not happen as expected then panic sets in (if I have learnt correctly from experience) and however simple the item is, it will be wrong. If your wife has a basic understanding then she will be able to deal with it.
 
Thanks Bill,
I will look into your suggestion. As the acquisition would be in the form of a gift; 2nd hand would not be desirable. Perhaps Sony do a new one with a similar feature
 
if that is the case it was a sony 'walkman' where the phone slid apart to reveal the camera lens, a similar design sony might work the same way.
 
Thanks for that Dan.
I too am capable of giving tuition. Also, as we are incredibly old (well in our seventies); and only take pictures when we go on holiday; one soon forgets procedures.
 
How about a Canon A1100IS. It has a setting called Smart Auto Mode. This is what it says:-

Smart Auto mode uses intelligent Scene Detection Technology to determine subject brightness, contrast, distance and overall hue. The camera then selects the most appropriate scene mode from a total of 18 to obtain perfect settings for the scene. Easy mode ensures correct camera usage by deactivating all buttons except those used for shooting.

I bought one of these for my son to take travelling because he didn't want to carry the DSLR. It is a cracking little camera and can be used on full auto as it says above or there are plenty of manual settings if you ever want to play with it. It does take a good picture. All the pictures from the 'ashley's travels' drop down menu on this link http://www.bluechampagne.info/ashleys_travels were taken with it.
 
Thank you Gordon.
Problem solved. Actually the A1100 IS has been superseded by the A3000 IS (Argos) or the A3100 IS (Amazon and others) (same camera, except that the Argos one is 10 MP, the other one is 12 MP). Both have the full auto system which can lock all the other buttons not required for taking a snap (thus you can only adjust the zoom or whether you want auto flash or not.
Thanks once again for the other advice offered by Bill, Dan & Alastair
Regards from Ron
 
In some ways it's a shame that the A1100 has been superseded. The A1100 had a viewfinder and not many (if any) compacts have that anymore. It also used 'AA' batteries which was ideal for my son when he was travelling, he didn't have to carry a charger and wouldn't miss a shot because of no battery power.

Anyway I'm glad it was of interest to you Ron.
 
Yes Gordon. It is more conveinant to use AAs. Canon say that the reason for changing to the new battery type is that the repeat flash is made ready more than twice as quickly than was possible using AAs. Amazon reviews genereally say that the new battery system is very good. For heavy users - especially with flash or lots of Zooming; you can always carry a spare battery. They are not large. Yes, the lack of a optical viewfinder can be a problem if the sun is shining on the LCD viewfinder. A hand would have to be employed as a sunshade.
Regards from Ron
 
Hello Dave,
I looked at the Ebay link you provided. It did have the "old" A1100 IS (and thus have AA power and a viewfinder). However; it was £290 whereas the new model at Argos was only £67. Despite my wife's antiquity she still has the strength to carry an additional battery and at the same time hold one hand up to shield the viewfinder.
 
duct tape over the controls? I have a little pink fuji WPZ, although this has lots of buttons, it is simple enough to use under water with gloved hands or whilst surfing, so it is fairly basic. Live view screen shows what you're taking, zoom in or out and a button to take the picture.
 
Good Evening James,
Despite the possible joy my wife might experience as a result of owning a pink camera; I do not like the sticky tape idea. I might need to access the settings myself!
I would not consider its underwater capabilities as as asset - have you not heard the news recently?
Regards from Ron
 
i would suggest a disposible film camera .press button to take picture then advance film befor taking another picture, very little memory required :clap:
 
Hello Sara,
Following advice from Gordon; I looked into the Canon range and finally selected (and purchased it today) a Canon A3000 IS (Argos £67)
 
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