i just had my camera stolen. in a drive-by-on-a-motorbike-type mugging-type thing. trying not to be too freaked out and focusing on buying a new camera. recommendations for a person who knows zilch about cameras?

Oh no! They snatched it from a scooter? Are you in Chiang Mai? I'm so sorry.

Oops...that second line should have been directed at catlady.

Well, I hope your camera wasn't too expensive.

Yeah, that happened to a friend of mine in Vietnam, but thinking about it that must be a fair few years ago now. Sorry to hear this has happened to you too.

I'd say the choices are get one no-one is gonna want to steal, (disposable or cheap film one) or get a cheapish digital one that you'd rather not lose but which won't break your heart if it gets stolen. At least you have most of your pictures uploaded and saved already, they'll prove more valuable to you in the long term I'm sure.

@oom: your experience sounds scarier. i know you hear about stuff like that happening all the time, but it feels different when it actually happens to you, i think.

nope. i would never actually keep money in a purse. of course, it was in my pocket all loose but you'd have to *really* mug me to get that.

sigh.

so, no camera advice, eh, people?

Should you feel better you weren't hurt in a violent attack? You don't really need to ask this do you?

you are right of course, make art. of course i feel better that i wasn't hurt. that was never in question.

it was still a scary experience is all.

but in the end it's over and it won't have any big effect on my life, no. except that i will be slightly poorer but with a better camera.

I wouldn't dwell on it, but sure, whatever makes you feel better, use it. It'll make for a cool anecdote and it shouldn't have a huge effect on your adventure long-term.

I know what you mean about the unnerving feeling of such an unpleasant incident (I had trouble shaking an uneasy, wary feeling returning central London after my drunken mugging earlier this year) but focusing on the positive aspects of the situation will make it easier to get on with your life and get back to the business of enjoying your trip.

noooooooooooooooo! :(

I'm glad that you are okay!

what do you have access to - are there camera shops there? Would you buy online?

What camera accessories do you have - batteries, charger - from your old camera? And what type of media card? Do you have a card reader for the media card?

What features are most important:

- size?
- zoom?
- manual functions (controlling shutter speed or aperture?)
- water resistant?
- rechargeable batteries or AA's?
- price?

- anything else????

Oh wait, Michelle brings up some good points. I'd forgotten that my camera uses a rechargeable battery that you have to plug into an outlet. Since you're out in the wilds of Asia, you should probably look for something that runs on good ol' AA batteries that you can carry around and change at will.

I've been looking at this one for a while. Maybe some day I will own one.

http://nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-Camera/25580/COOLPIX-P5100.html

hmmm. every model i've seen that i would want uses rechargeable batteries. but so does everything else i'm using here and i have so far not had any trouble finding electrical outlets. so i think it's ok to get a rechargeable one...do you agree?

i have scope out the panasonic lumix fx-150, which appears to blow every other camera in its price range away ($3-400). mostly because it's 14.7 megapixels.

thoughts?

yeah i was told i don't have to worry about voltage because it's all new appliances automatically convert. or something. i do have an adapter just to make the plug fit in the hole.

so to speak.

I've shot professionally with a 6mp camera for years. Those photos can be enlarged past 8x10 size and still look great.

Sexy pictures now to follow?