Reddit reviews Sony DSCW800 Compact Digital Camera - Black (20.1 MP, 5x Optical Zoom)

As it so happens, I did some research on this subject myself. I wanted to throw some cash into photography as a hobby sort of thing, and I ended up going with a slim, 'point-and-shoot' kind of digital camera. The model I bought (a Canon Powershot A2300, pretty amazing in its own right, but was also on sale for $90 at the time) is sadly unavailable for purchase in the UK, but I found a very, very similar one called the Sony DSCW800 that's around the same price tag with about the same amount of features.

It records 720p HD video (and while 1080p would be nicer, the difference is negligible unless you have a firm understanding of how to make the upgrade matter), takes crisp and quality pictures at any range, and should have some options for low-light settings. The biggest bonus to getting a camera like this is in its convenient nature - you can literally just stick it in your pocket whenever you go out and nip it out for the occasional picture (or video).

There are starter-level DSLR cameras, but even those require some practice and more-than-basic knowledge of photography to get quality images. I don't really recommend DSLR cameras unless you're planning to get more involved with this stuff. These are the highest tier "amateur" cameras available, and they'd work fine for your uses.

Sony DSC-W800 does 720p and has auto focus. £70. If you've already got a smart phone around chances are video quality will be the same or better from the phone, for free.


If you want a DSLR, a used Nikon D3100 or D3200. They're often less than £200. Do not get the D3000 though it's a piece of shit.


Really though any camera will work, if you find a place with nice lighting and little background noise.