Any words of wisdom?

[sherreis]

First off.... I just want to tell everyone over here that I have loved lurking and looking at all of the pics you've taken. I have learned so much and seen some beautiful pictures.

Now- DH & I are looking for a new digital point & shoot. We currently have a Canon A80.

Right now, we're researching Panasonic lumix TZ5, Sony DSC H50, Canon S5, Canon A720. Last night, someone was telling me about a panasonic FZ18. Any words of wisdom on any of these cameras? DH has ruled out the Nikon P80 which was also on our list.

DH knows how to take pictures manually and I don't YET. I would use the auto setting on my old AE1 most of the time. I want something that takes good pics, has good zoom, of course decent enough in low-light, and some video (just cause I don't want to lug around a camcorder as well).

DH is leary of Panasonic for some reason.

Any words of wisdom on any of these cameras??? Or, any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[ukcatfan]

I do not know if everyone else has caught up by now, but Canon's "S" series used to be the only ones where you could use the zoom during a video.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You can also take stills during video with the Canon.

There is a very large ongoing thread here for Canon S3/S5 users that has some amazing pictures on it if that helps. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1235546&referrerid=70088

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I have a Sony H2 and LOVE IT, I cannot say enough about it. It does have zoom during video w/ sound. It also does a great job in low light. Has manuel controls that your hubby would like and you can use filters on it and Sony also makes 2 lenses, a wide angle conversion and a telephoto, the H50 also takes filters wide angle, and a telephoto.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=8198552921665309451&categoryId=16199

 

[MHolleman]

I have last years version of the Sony. I LOVE IT!! You can see my pics by clicking on the link in my sig area. I believe that this years model offers to shoot in RAW which is probably really helpful with the sensor being different than that of a DSLR. From the little that I understand of RAW it helps with making changes to a photo.

Just my 2 cents of course, Melissa

 

[Flanigan]

I was looking at the roughly the same selection when looking to purchase my digital camera a couple of months ago. I went with the Cannon S5 and have been very happy with the results, I had no clue how to shoot manual, but was wanting to learn. My wife and I both started off in the auto and scene modes but have since moved to mainly manual shooting.

The reason we went with the Cannon S5 was due to price/features/how it felt in our hands (and I was really interested in using the CHDK). You might want to check out, if you haven't already, dpreview.com. You can check out some sample images from the cameras you're trying to decide between, not to mention a good review and rundown of all the features.

If you get it narrowed down and are still having trouble deciding, go to a store that has both of them so that you can hold them in your hands to feel them and get an idea of the button layout.

Have fun researching and I hope you find what you need/want.

 

[sherreis]

Thanks everyone. So much to consider and I appreciate everyones' input.