Help - Need a digital 10x 6+mp camera

[CBoysMomLovesDisney]

I need to buy a new camera for work. I currently have a hp photosmart8??. I don't remember the model. it is a 6mp 10x. Anyway for the last few years it has worked great and taken really nice pictures, but it has broken and time to replace.

I work for a residential developer. We develop the land and build new homes. So, the camera will be used to take pictures of large open fields, exterior and interior of homes, etc. Many different employees will use the camera. Easy to take, download and print is also important. We mostly print 8x10's or 5x7's in black & white on our laser printer on regular paper. But we also do special presentations with 8x10's on photoprinter on photo paper.

An IT guy at work recommended the kodak z710, but I was just checking on line & I don't find any good reviews. Something about the stabiliztion???? not being good.

My budget is 400.00. Camera, bag, extra battery & docking station.

Any help would be greatly appreicated.

 

[Charade]

Canon S3IS. 12X 6mp with optical image stablization. Right about $400.

 

[Groucho]

The Sony H5 and Canon S3 seem to be the crowd favorites, but there are several available in that class, including the Kodak (though it has a slightly shorter zoom and I'm not sure that it has image stabilization?)

 

[YEKCIM]

How about Fuji S6000fd? It is 6MP and has a 28-300mm equivalent lens, which might be a more useful range for you. Note, however, that the S6000fd does *not* have image stabilization.

Review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/FujifilmS6000fd/

~YEKCIM

 

[shirleyb]

I am planning to buy the Canon S3 within the next few weeks.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've been happy with my new Sony H5 (7mp, 12X) but you may want to consider the cheaper Sony H2 (6mp, 12X) which was selling before Christmas for $299.

 

[garris3404]

The Canon S3 IS will work nicely. 6MP with 12X optical zoom and image stabilization.

 

[DueyDooDah]

Whichever camera you choose, ensure you get something that has an effective 28mm lens, or wider. I used to be a realtor (until I came to my senses) and 28mm was essential for interiors. I think YEKCIM is on the right track with the Fujifilm.

 

[ukcatfan]

Whichever camera you choose, ensure you get something that has an effective 28mm lens, or wider. I used to be a realtor (until I came to my senses) and 28mm was essential for interiors. I think YEKCIM is on the right track with the Fujifilm.

It is really tough to get a p&s that wide. I agree that a wide angle would be nice for some realty shots. I doubt that a super zoom would be required in too many situations. But then on the other hand, the IS of the other cameras will help with low lighting.

Kevin

 

[DueyDooDah]

It is really tough to get a p&s that wide. I agree that a wide angle would be nice for some realty shots. I doubt that a super zoom would be required in too many situations. But then on the other hand, the IS of the other cameras will help with low lighting.

It's not so much the lighting that's a problem. It's getting the room into the picture. Trying to present a client with a picture, especially a small room, that gives them a sense of space requires a little edge. 28mm helps to give that edge without too much distortion.

 

[CBoysMomLovesDisney]

thank you all of the recommendations. I will check out the ones you listed.