Advice needed for new camera...10x+ zoom

[disneyfan551]

I know I can look on dpreviews.com for advice on cameras to buy, but I would like to ask fellow diser's opinions too! I trust you guys! Basically, I'm looking for a GREAT camera, with at least a 10x zoom. I currently own a Minolta DiMAGE Z1 and it has been great. The zoom is terrific, and the lag time is very little. I'll be going to Disney next month, so hoping to find a new camera in Atlanta this weekend, so I can start practicing with it. I bought my last one at Costco, mostly due to their return policy. If you have ANY advice, I would LOVE to hear it!!

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[YEKCIM]

I'm currently enjoying using my new Fujifilm S5200, although that may not be the best "superzoom" camera on the market. My decision was driven, in part, by the now-expired $50 rebate, which made my net shipped cost a little over $200, plus batt's and memory cards. If I'd had the extra funding, I probably would have gone with the Canon S2-IS or the Sony H1, due to image stabilization. My (almost) 82 year old dad is preparing to take the digital plunge with the H1, so I may have an opportunity to check it out, soon. If you are looking for the 10X+ zoom range, I doubt you could go wrong with either the Canon or the Sony.

Others, who have actual experience with those two models, may want to chime in, as well.

~YEKCIM

 

[MICKEY88]

what is your budget, that makes a big difference in options, also how advanced a camera , what size...etc...

 

[Anewman]

Over at DPREVIEW one of the news articles stated that the Panasonic LUMIX TZ1 just won some kind of award in the superzoom catagory.

The TZ1 is a 10x image stabilized ez to use affordable camera.

 

[MICKEY88]

if you really like your z1 why not a z5...12x zoom 5 megapixel


there are a few on ebay for around $200

 

[disneyfan551]

I was looking in the $400 range, but will go up to $800, if need be. I only do point & shoot, but I want GOOD quality pictures, and HAVE to have the 10x or more zoom. The bad thing is that I don't even much time to review cameras online, due to work situations (only place I have internet available currently). And I really had hoped to find something this weekend in Atlanta. However, I was seeing that (for example) a few of the cameras I was looking at at Costco, the Rebel XT, and the D50 are $100+ cheaper if I buy at one of the online sources vs. Costco. I do like Costco's return policy and have had to return digicams twice before, so I do worry about that a little. Oh, any size of camera is ok. I have the Z1 and it's pretty bulky, I don't love that aspect about it, but I do deal with it. Who wouldn't want a pocket camera that takes GREAT pic's with a huge zoom??

Thanks for all of the advice! I really do need all I can get...quickly!

 

[YEKCIM]

www.steves-digicams.com lists the following "super zoom" cameras as the pick(s) of the litter:

Canon Powershot S2 IS

Panasonic DMC-FZ7

Olympus SP-500UZ

Kodak Easyshare P850

Sony Cybershot H1

Fujifilm FinePix S5200

Nikon Coolpix S4

Panasonic DMC-FZ30

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

Of the ones listed, as stated above, my personal preference would be the S2-IS, or the H1, based on reviews I have read. I have the S5200, but it was a compromise, based on after rebate cost to own.

Having said all that, ONLY YOU can determine which camera is best suited for YOUR needs. My advice would be to read reviews on any that make your "short list". If nothing else, you can read the Conclusion portion of the reviews on those in which you are interested. If online time constraints are a concern, you might consider using the internet access at your public library.

~YEKCIM

 

[disneyfan551]

I am the proud owner of a Nikon D50 now! I'm very excited, but very nervous about it at the same time! I'm sure it will take great pix, and I'm just going to have to spend the time to learn more about it. I'm glad the decision is over now!

 

[YEKCIM]

I am the proud owner of a Nikon D50 now! I'm very excited, but very nervous about it at the same time! I'm sure it will take great pix, and I'm just going to have to spend the time to learn more about it. I'm glad the decision is over now!

Big time congratulations! Excellent entry level DSLR, from all I've read.

Just out of curiosity, how close were you able to come to your "10X+" zoom requirement, as initially posted at the beginning of the thread?

~YEKCIM

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I guess you must've bought the Nikkor 18-200 VR or Sigma 18-200 lens to get that 10x+ zoom.

 

[disneyfan551]

You're correct, I bought the Sigma 18-200 lens!