New Family Camera?

[Shane]

Hiya Everyone

Off to Florida early next year, and what better to buy than a new camera to take all them wonderful pictures! I really need some help on what to buy and what too look for, I was hoping everyone could give me their ideas so I could do a more indepth look at various cameras. Please keep in my I live in the UK. Thing's (I Think ) i'm looking for is:

1. Canon (Seem to be great)
2. Image Stabilzation (Really do need this)
3. Optical Zoom (Not worried about digital)
4. I'm not sure if "MP" is that important after reading these boards, but are last camera was 8.1, so anything the same or higher?

Many thanks

P.S - No budget but needs to be compact!

 

[Jeanne B]

I would suggest the S3 but you mention that it needs to be compact and the S3 isn't compact compared to most so you might want to consider the Canon A710 IS if compact is really important to you, but you lose zoom with the A710. Here's a side by side comparison of a few Canon's with IS.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/com...non_sd700is,canon_sd800is,canon_s3is&show=all

 

[TwoOldPoohs]

Lots of people here really like the Canon S2 or S3.

I just picked up the Canon A710. I liked the feature set, the increased zoom over the A6xx series, and the compact size. I've only had it a few days, and I haven't had much time to play with it, but so far I'm less than thrilled with the image quality especially in low light. Once I have a chance to really learn the camera, my opinion may change.

Some good sites to visit when researching a new camera are:
www.dpreview.com
www.dcresource.com
www.steves-digicams.com

 

[manning]

Also take a look at this one.

Panasonic TZ1 10x zoom.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wc...rogram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=20454366 Click on "expand/contract" to see the whole pictures.

If you are planning to take pictures under wet conditions (Rain or pool) look at the Pentax optio W20 waterproof camera.


Whatever you do go to a camera store and try all the cameras.

 

[Shane]

Thanks for the quick response

Those links will be very useful

Before I get reading, what are your views on the new Canon Isus 900 (I think) and the SONY-DSN2 (Pre-Order).

 

[Scottl]

I would look at the Nikon Coolpix series. The S10 is awesome and Amazon has it for $344.

 

[Groucho]

The OLD camera was 8.1 megapixel? I have to assume that that's a misprint. As far as I know, the only cameras with 8+ megapixel are DSLRs (or very expensive non-consumer cameras.)

Don't shop purely by brand, every company has had a clunker or two. The digital camera field is extremely competitive and most companies have some very good products. You may stay with your first company choice, but at least you'll know what the competition has to offer and can make the decision yourself which is best for your needs.

 

[Shane]

Nope, the Sony-Cybershot DSC-N1 was 8.1 MP. There new N2 is 10.1