Lets talk Digital Cameras!

[MosportGreen66]

I am desperately in need of a new digital Camera. My original unit is an Olympus Camedia with 3.2 mega pixel and a 3x optical zoom. It takes OK pictures and has been exceptionally reliable, but it’s ancient.

I want a camera with at least 7-10 Mega Pixels and 10x (ish) optical zoom. Some other goodies should include image stabilization and automatic light adjustment technologies.

I am strongly considering the Lumix but am open to all suggestions.

No real price range yet because I am undecided as to which camera to go with. I am very open!

Thanks.
-Dan

[ORIGLS6]

Tons of choices out there Dan. Bruce and I can highly recommend the Fuji line. We have the S5100 & S5200 respectively; both in the 5.1 MP range. Their latest offering is the Finepix S700, a 7+ MP piece. Small enough to handle easily, yet it has the feel of a 35 SLR. Both the S51/5200 and the new S700 have 10X optical zoom. Bruce and I are quite satisfied with ours. I looked at the Lumix as well and can't say anything bad about them.

First you need to decide what MP range you need, (which you obviously have) then your price range, then just go for the one that feels right to you. Kwhizz uses a smaller pocket sized unit and you can see the quality he gets. Hard to argue with his choice!

Good luck analyzing all the recommendations you're like to receive here!

[Xplantdad]

I agree with DC. Fuji consistently gets high marks from Consumer reports, too...considering the price point that they are at.

Get whatever feels comfortable for you. I prefer the larger size camera bodies...as that's what I was used to...I also like the ability to take it off the automatic setting...and experiment, too.

There are times where I wish I had a smaller camera...but for me...it's not that often...

[MosportGreen66]

Thanks a lot guys!

I have family with the Fuji's and they love them. I plan on taking a drive into the city to B and H photo just to do some more homework.

A bunch of guys on the BMW forum suggest the Canon Power Shot G7. They say it is the best bang for the buck.

G7
Back to square one...

-Dan

[GRB]

I need to make some 6-10 second movies. Is the G7 good for that or is there a better choice?

[Xplantdad]

Most all digital cameras can take good quality video...

The Fuji will take a video for as long as you have stoage space on your card. Others are limited to 15 to 30 seconds....

[DarrenX33]

CANON!

[Xplantdad]

Diane?

[ORIGLS6]

Dan,
If you've had good luck with your Olympus, you might check out their SP550. 7.1 MP with an 18X zoom and dual image stabilization. Also shoots at 15 frames/second if you have that need. I have an old Olympus OM-1 35mm that I've carried all over the country. It even survived a number of backpacking treks in the mountains and NEVER failed me once. As much as I like my Fuji, if I were to buy a digital SLR at the moment, it would be hard for me to look at anything but the Olympus E500 or E510.

[bigchevydaddy]

We use a Cannon Digital Rebel XT and XTi on a daily basis at work and they are awesome cameras. We added the battery pack, which makes the camera body slightly larger (like the old motor drives did) and we can shoot hundreds of photos on one charge of the batteries. Having interchangable lenses makes them 'handle' like the old 35mms with great flexibility. The XTi sells for under a grand with one lens.

Good luck, BCD.