Advise please....

[Chickysmom]

Hi all! I am new to this thread but have a couple of questions....

I currently own (2) cameras....
Kodak DX7630
Canon Pro 90 IS

Yes, both of these are obsolete models and the Canon is about 5 years old, the Kodak about a year.

I bought the Kodak for a more "purse friendly" camera, as the Canon is much larger. The speed of click to capture is quite slower on the Canon, another reason for the Kodak purchase. But...I am finding the Kodak's zoom ability to not meet my picture taking needs and the nightime pics are impossble. Here is what I need and am hoping someone can give me some advice on what to look for...

I take photos: during sporting events so need something fast for click-to-capture, at night so need something that will do this, from a distance so need better zoom without blurring.

I am looking for a user friendly system with high grade professional outcome.
I am not a professional but am willing to spend more to get more if needed, take classes and read books, ask for help, and whatever else it takes to get these pictures to turn out! I am currently in Japan on a trip and am sadly disappointed by my crummy pictures....I'm on tonight learning about what is out there for my next purchase...please help!

I would also like any advise you all would be willing to give me on using my current cameras better as well, possibly saving another purchase and having to explain it to my husband! lol

****Oh, I do like the fact that the Canon has the rotating LCD screen, not only for protection of the screen but also to see it from many different angles when needed.

 

[ndelaware]

Here some good ones that are basic point and shoot types if you want but have the ability for advanced photography and all have "Image Stabilization":

Canon S3 IS (will be released soon)
Canon S2 IS
Panasonic Lumix FZ7
Sony Cybershot H1

Here is a link to a very good camera review site and a list of the best cameras (in thier opinion) broken down into what type of camera you are looking for: http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

 

[Kelly Grannell]

ndelaware beat me to it.

 

[handicap18]

Based on what your looking for, you might also want to look at dSLR's. Nikon D50 can be had for less than $1000 with 2 lenses, one an 18-55 and the other a 55-200. There is also the Canon Rebel XL. They are a little more pricy. For the equilivent lenses, I'm guessing about $200 more. Both will give you awesome pictures, almost instant startup time, virtually NO shutter delay and 2.5 to 3 frames per second. They also give you an excellent wide angle and zoom. The bigger zooms work great for outdoor sporting events and will do pretty good for indoor as you can change the ISO to 1600.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

If 6MP is enough for you and you're okay with factory refurbished, Amazing Photo in Canada is currently selling factory refurbished Canon 300D (digital Rebel) in black - without lens with BG-E1 battery grip and cable shutter release for US$500 shipped anywhere in the US and Canada.

They don't have a website and I don't know how the price compares to the US (sometimes the prices are cheaper in the US) but I can help arrange payment and shipment for you (it's my friend's store, she's the one who let me test all the new camera products she sells).


For lenses, buy from the US, they are definitely cheaper south of the border. For brand new camera body (such as the 30D), I bought it from her for much cheaper than B+H (I paid only about US$1250)