Cannon, Nikon, or Fujifilm?

Cannon, Nikon, or Fujifilm? - 1

Added (1). I'm a game developer and need a point and shoot camera at the $125 budget (by eBay standards.) As a game developer, I use it to take high quality reference images or pictures that I will turn into textures for video games.

The one I have looked at the most is the Fujifilm S8600. I don't know much about camera so, is there a better a camera like Canon or Nikon for my purpose?

I personally like Canon as a brand, but Canon and Nikon are generally seen to be the best brands. If you're on a tight budget and want to buy new I don't think either of these have DSLR options at that price point so I would say stick with the Fujifilm but go to Canon or Nikon if you can afford it.

Nikon and Fujifilm make good cameras that fit your budget.

Cannon's shoot cannon balls, so do not consider buying one of those.

Canon (the camera company) also makes good P&S cameras that fit your budget

I have a little Nikon Coolpix S31 which cost me under $100 and is waterproof (down to 3 m), drop proof, dust, mud and sand proof, has a 3x optical zoom and can shoot HD video. I carry it just about every where with me

The comparable Nikon Coolpix to the Fujifilm S8600 is the L830. Both use AA batteries and the Nikon has a tilt LCD which for some is an important feature. The Nikon also can shoot video at Full HD (1920 x 1080p) … The Fujifilm is limited to HD (1280 x 720p)

Pentax

You won't get better than Fujifilm at your budget.

Canon and Nikon's DSLRs are acceptable, but their bridge cameras are nothing special.

At only $125, I think you should seriously consider one of Canon's G series cameras. Small, compact, a decent zoom and with full exposure control. It also has the ability to use an external flash. Now, I find that having the hot shoe to be the single most important feature for your needs, and it alone is why you shouldn't consider any other camera other than a Canon G series.

When photographing textures, you need the subject to be lit from the side. Using available light is great, when you can get it at the right angle. Using the on-camera flash, however, is the worst possible thing you could do since direct front light hides all texture. Side light reveals the intricate details of textures. Since the Canon G series of cameras has a hot shoe, you can use any Canon flash with an off-camera cable to get side light.

The Fujifilm S8600 is an OK compact camera, but its predecessor the S4800 has one feature I consider necessary, a viewfinder. Any camera without a viewfinder in broad daylight becomes a point and hope camera.

$125 will get you a camera good enough to take snapshots.

Canon is best all over but it just depends on what your purpose for the camera is.