I need your opinion

[Ready to go in Ok]

Another digital dummy here. I have been reading and reading reviews, and quite honestly, they seem to be written in a foreign language. Here is my deal. I want to invest in a camera that takes good enough pictures to scrapbook, in the $300 - $400 range. I was thinking of a Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FZ20 Digital Camera, but never really hear of them mentioned on here. Any opinions on the camera?

[DznyFan]

I can't help you with that particular camera model, but I shoot with an Olympus C720 (since discontinued, but they have replacement models) that is a digital SLR. It gives my 8x optical zoom, which is a true zoom, and then another 3x digital zoom, which I don't use. It is a 3.0 megapixel camera, and it has been more than sufficient. I have a shot of my DD that I did a couple years ago blown up to 11x14 and it's resolution (quality, sharpness) is fine blown up. I bought my dad a C740 for Christmas a couple years ago, and he LOVES his - he's a long retired professional.

Oh, and by the way, hi neighbor!

[Ready to go in Ok]

:wave2:

Ok, now I am researching the Olympus. :thumbsup2

[YEKCIM]

...the Canon S2-IS or the Sony H1?

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_s2is%2Cpanasonic_dmcfz20%2Csony_dsch 1&show=all

All three cameras are very similar in terms of basic specs.

~YEKCIM

[Kelly Grannell]

I can't help you with that particular camera model, but I shoot with an Olympus C720 (since discontinued, but they have replacement models) that is a digital SLR. It gives my 8x optical zoom, which is a true zoom, and then another 3x digital zoom, which I don't use. It is a 3.0 megapixel camera, and it has been more than sufficient. I have a shot of my DD that I did a couple years ago blown up to 11x14 and it's resolution (quality, sharpness) is fine blown up. I bought my dad a C740 for Christmas a couple years ago, and he LOVES his - he's a long retired professional.

Oh, and by the way, hi neighbor!

Any Olympus that doesn't start with E are NOT dSLR. it's only dSLR looking.
C720 or C740 are not dSLR by any stretch of imagination. Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C720/ZC72A.JPG

[Ready to go in Ok]

Any Olympus that doesn't start with E are NOT dSLR. it's only dSLR looking.
C720 or C740 are not dSLR by any stretch of imagination. Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C720/ZC72A.JPG


And dSLR is what I want? What is the difference...seriously, I am a true dummy.

[YEKCIM]

I think Kelly was just making the point that the Oly C720 and C740 are not dslr's as was stated by another poster (Kelly, pls correct me if I'm wrong). A dslr is a digital single lens reflex. DSLR's have larger sensors and an interchangeable lens mount. My digicam is a Fuji S5200 and *looks* like a DSLR, but most decidely is not one. That is not to say that it is a bad camera; it is not, but it is not a dslr (my next cam will proably be one...been drooling over a Pentax DL ever since Pentax announced $100 rebate...).

You may or may not need/want a dslr, but you should be aware of the differences between a dslr and "just" a digicam. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. If all you want is something to take snapshots, a digicam (even an advanced one with long zoom range) will probably suffice. If you think you might get into some more serious photography, you may want to consider a dslr, which you can grow with. DSLR's *can* operate in point and shoot "full auto" mode, I might add.

Holler if you need any more info.

~YEKCIM

[Ready to go in Ok]

Ok, I think I know what you are saying. I hope I didn't come across as snarky, I truly didn't intend to. I am completely hopeless when it comes to digital cameras. My last camera was on sale for like $100, and probably worth half that. It wouldn't read the memory card, and now any pictures I take are fuzzy, and I cleaned the lens, which is the extent of my knowledge on what to do. I was originally going with the Canon S2, but then I read a review on the Panasonic that said that it is a better camera, so I thought, ok, I will get that one. Then I thought, I trust Disers much more than an anonymous reviewer, so I will ask here! I am basically looking for a good camera that I can take pictures with that don't "look" like digital pictures. Does that make sense?

ETA: This is how behind the times I am, when I think digital pictures, I think of the grainy pictures that were obviously digital. Even my cheap $100 camera took decent pictures, when I could get the sucker to work, so this may not even be an issue anymore.

[YEKCIM]

I am basically looking for a good camera that I can take pictures with that don't "look" like digital pictures. Does that make sense?

Yes, it does, and I'll have to confess that I am by no means an expert on digital cameras. A lot of what I know comes from this board and the one at www.dpreview.com. I can't comment on Panasonic. I had a less than satisfactory customer service issue some years ago (on a consumer electronics product, NOT a camera) and vowed then never to buy another Panasonic product. They may be the best cameras on the market; I simply do not know, b/c I excluded them from my searching immediately. That is not to say that you should; they may offer exactly what you are looking for.

Again, though, it goes back to what you are looking for in a camera. If you just want snapshots and a 4X zoom is enough for you, I don't see how you could go wrong with a Canon A610 or A620. Mrs. YEKCIM uses a Canon A75, and it is a gem. Very nice pix, but limited in flexibility. If you want something that will really reach out, then the S2 is a better choice. It is also image stabilized, which is more important the greater the magnification. If you think you might like a little more flexible creativity potential, consider a dslr. Is Canon the only player in the game? No. Do they make very good cameras? Based on my limited experience and what I read here and elsewhere, the answer is an unqualified, "Yes". Do other camera makers make good cameras? You bet. Mine is a Fuji and I'm happy with it. Others swear by other brands.

Your best bet, IMO is, again, to narrow your search down to a specific feature set, and then read some reviews on various cameras that fit that template, so to speak. Both www.dpreview.com and www.steves-digicams.com have sample pix for every camera they review. Compare the strengths of each camera, look at the samples, and choose the best camera for your needs and budget.

Happy reading and shopping!

~YEKCIM

[Kelly Grannell]

Ok, I think I know what you are saying. I hope I didn't come across as snarky, I truly didn't intend to.

not at all,

sorry if I sound b1tchy. I only had less than 30 minutes break yesterday to post some replies (see my reason on thread "my apology, guys").

YEKCIM have covered everything (I think) everything I intended to write.

Okay, gotta rush out again.

again, my apology.

[DznyFan]

Any Olympus that doesn't start with E are NOT dSLR. it's only dSLR looking.
C720 or C740 are not dSLR by any stretch of imagination. Sorry to disappoint.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/C720/ZC72A.JPG

So sorry - was going by the 'category' in which this camera was classified as on the Olympus website back when I purchased it. It's not a 'point and shoot', so I suppose they classified it as an SLR. Also, I suppose Olympus classifies it as such because I believe you can override the 'auto' settings and set shutter speeds and f-stops. My apologies if I mislead.

[jann1033]

i looked at that panasonic and from what i recall it was rated ok but truthfully i didn't like it as much as the canon s2 or s3( 12x zoom), it's bigger and felt kind of clunky imo and was very uncomfortable to hold. plus if you are interested in movie feature the s3 is i think the best rated. ( sorry memory stinks and i ended up getting the rebel xt so it's been awhile since i looked)

the canon takes very good pictures...it's not pocket sized but if you want closer to that they also have a 4 x 7mp A620( think that is the right number my brain is really tired) that takes great pics, has lots of user friendly modes plus some things like shutter or aperture modes you can set yourself if you want to be controlling ;) . that is low $200, s2 higher 200s s3 lowish 300 last i looked most review sites have them reviewed. daughter has the a620 and i am planning on buying the a610(?) for a point an shot (it's barely $200) for hubby to use for work unless the s2 keeps coming down in price then i 'll get him that for the extra zoom

especially for scrap booking, the canon also has some features where you can make one think color the rest B&W, or change a color to something else in camera which would be fun for that

[fitzperry]

Here is another great website that offers reviews and comparisons of various equipment. They also have a questionnaire that will provide you with recommendations based on your wants and needs in a camera.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/

[tinksdad]

I have had several P&S cameras over the last few years. Some have been a waste of money, others have been worthwhile. The most recent have been the Olympus Camedia series which they classify as "advanced point and shoot". I still use the C7070WZ for my underwater pictures when scuba diving. They are decent, have manual controls, white balance control and control over the ISO, etc. While this is/may not be important for everybody, control CAN give you better quality pictures.

My main complaint about the P&S cameras is the shutter delay. :rolleyes1 This, plus some other reasons (like lens issues) is why I have gone to the true single lens reflex camera now. Bought the Nikon D200 in March, and have to say it is a great camera. Not as complicated as you might think, but then again, I kind of like that type of thing anyway.... You get what you pay for these days. Check out the links listed above to get some really good details on lots of different cameras.

Remember, whatever camera you get, LEARN to use the camera and its controls!!! :thumbsup2 Get a camera that you will use, taking it with you for those candid shots and spontaneous opportunities that are the most fun!! :banana:

[YEKCIM]

My main complaint about the P&S cameras is the shutter delay.

FWIW, my Fuji S5200 has very little shutter lag, especially for what is basically a P&S...

Here is what www.steves-digicams.com has to say about this model:

"Shutter lag, the delay between depressing the shutter and capturing the image, was almost instantaneous (less than 1/10 of a second) when pre-focused, and only 4/10 of a second including autofocus time. Shot to shot delay averaged about 1 second without flash, and between 2.5 and 5 seconds with flash, depending on subject distance and battery life"

~YEKCIM

[Ready to go in Ok]

Here is another great website that offers reviews and comparisons of various equipment. They also have a questionnaire that will provide you with recommendations based on your wants and needs in a camera.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/


:thumbsup2

It listed the Panasonic, well actually 3 out of 5 of the recommendations were Panasonics, so it seems I am destined to own one. This was very cool, thanks for the link!

[fitzperry]

:thumbsup2

It listed the Panasonic, well actually 3 out of 5 of the recommendations were Panasonics, so it seems I am destined to own one. This was very cool, thanks for the link!

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it. I'm on my third digital camera--2 Canon point & shoots, then about a year and a half ago I stepped up to a Nikon D70, which is the coolest toy I've ever owned. Dh found that site several years ago, and we've relied on it quite a bit.

Have fun with your new purchase!

[Ready to go in Ok]

Thanks for all of the help! I ended up deciding to get the Canon S3 IS. Really don't know why, it just seemed to fit what I want (I think), and I checked it out at Best Buy, and it was comfortable.

[Kelly Grannell]

maybe because it's actually better than the Panasonic? ;) (it is better than Panasonic)

[fitzperry]

That camera (and its predecessor) seem to be very popular on this board. I've seen a lot of fantastic pictures from them. I'll bet you'll be very happy with it!

[Ready to go in Ok]

I think that must be the contributing factor. That so many people like that Canon's. I am just glad to have finally made the decision. Thanks all! :thumbsup2