New Camera Advice

[momsgonwild]

I am interested in purchasing a new digital camera, and need a little advice.
I own a Sony 5 megapixel, 4x optical/3x digital camera. Naturally, it decided to go on the fritz during our district championship game last night. I have read several of the consumer mags, but would really like to hear comments from people who actually own, or have used a camera with similar options.
I mainly print 4 x 6 and 8 x 10 prints. I use this camera for all purposes inside and outside environments. I would like to stay with a 5 or greater megapixel. I was very curious about the cameras with 10x and 12x optical zoom with the built-in lens stabilization. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I jsut got my first new camera since back in 2000, have been using a Nikon 995. I bought a Canon PowerShot S2 IS (one review here). Main features I liked were the 12X optical, image stabilization and the articulated LCD (I got so very used to that capability on my Nikon). It is 5 MP, plenty for me, for most. A few other reviews.....

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons2is/

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s2-review/

Best priced (backordered at the moment) http://www.buy.com/prod/Canon_PowerShot_S2_IS_5_0_Megapixel_Digital_Camera/q/loc/101/90147816.html

I have been playing with it a bit this week, going for a shakedown at Disney in a few weeks.

 

[oogieboogie]

I would also recommend the Canon S2 IS. I have its predecessor the S1 IS with 3mp and 10x zoom and I love it. It's hefty but not heavy, small enough for my hands but still big enough to feel like a real camera. The quality of the picture is really nice too.

The only problem with changing brands from Sony is that they're the only one using memory sticks. You'll be stuck with a bunch of memory sticks that you can't use on anything but Sony products.

 

[momsgonwild]

Thanks for the help! I think a trip to Best Buy tomorrow is in my future. I want to take a close up look at this camera. You are right about my Sony memory sticks, but I really don't have much choice. My son's HS football team has it's first playoff game next Saturday night, and I don't want to miss a thing. This is going to be a fast, and hopefully wise purchase.

 

[DawnCt1]

I have a Kodak easyshare but I have been less than thrilled with it. My big complaint? It requires a lens cap that doesn't stay on and I don't feel I have goot lens protection. I plan to get another but I am going for a weather proof camera next time. Olympus makes one. Waterproof isn't that important to me. I am happy with the Fugi disposables, but I would like one that can get rained on. Does anyone have one?

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Check out the brand spanking new Photography Board on the DIS. There are several expert and amateur photographers and photography buffs that hang out there and can help.

 

[grlpwrd]

I have a Canon S1 IS, too. I love it.

My dd's have a Kodak CX7300 and I've used it often. It doesn't have much optical zoom and other bells and whistles, but it's easy to use and download pics.

GL in your decision!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Love love love my Canon Rebel XT. It might be more camera than you want, but if you are willing to shell out the money you would definitely be happy with the photos. We mainly use it for sports - we have a F2.8 zoom lens that compliments it nicely. But that is another pricey purchase.... but well worth it!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Dan Murphy wrote: jsut got my first new camera since back in 2000, have been using a Nikon 995. I bought a Canon PowerShot S2 IS (one review here). Main features I liked were the 12X optical, image stabilization and the articulated LCD

Dan, That is the one I've been leaning toward. How long have you had yours? What's the lag time like? Who has the best price?I have an Olympus C-720 and the lag time is terrible but it does redeem itself with the 8 x optical zoom! Let me know what you think.

TC

 

[RadioNate]

Dan, That is the one I've been leaning toward. How long have you had yours? What's the lag time like? Who has the best price?I have an Olympus C-720 and the lag time is terrible but it does redeem itself with the 8 x optical zoom! Let me know what you think.

TC

I'm interested in knowing about the lag time too. It's my main concern as I hate the lag time on my older Sony.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure the actual lag time, but it is very quick. I have only had about a week, still a lot to learn, as with any digital. Reading the manual, looking online, taking lots of practice shots. As for price, the best is at www.buy.com http://www.buy.com/prod/Canon_PowerShot_S2_IS_5_0_Megapixel_Digital_Camera/q/loc/101/90147816.html. However, I had ordered it about a month ago, they have been backordered since. I got tired of waiting, did some more online search, found www.jr.com. http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4038855 They were close in price, will price match, I actually paid $448, delivered. delivery was very quick. I dealt with Carl, ext 1051. He was very helpful and they did price match (actually beat). So far I like the camera, though I have a lot to learn.

Dan Murphy wrote: jsut got my first new camera since back in 2000, have been using a Nikon 995. I bought a Canon PowerShot S2 IS (one review here). Main features I liked were the 12X optical, image stabilization and the articulated LCD

Dan, That is the one I've been leaning toward. How long have you had yours? What's the lag time like? Who has the best price?I have an Olympus C-720 and the lag time is terrible but it does redeem itself with the 8 x optical zoom! Let me know what you think.

TC

 

[Lachesis00]

Oh right on! How did I miss this??

Check out the brand spanking new Photography Board on the DIS. There are several expert and amateur photographers and photography buffs that hang out there and can help.

 

[momsgonwild]

Check out the brand spanking new Photography Board on the DIS. There are several expert and amateur photographers and photography buffs that hang out there and can help.

Thanks for telling me about the photography board. I didn't even realise it was here. Also, thanks to everyone that has given me such great advice.
Nice to have back-up when needed.