TubeNet

OK. I'm shopping for a modern digital camera to replace my Panasonic PV SD-4090... the one that takes the 'SuperDisk' floppy of days gone by. It certainly won't be difficult to exceed the 1.3 megapixel/crappy zoom features.

Although price is not an absolute issue, I would like to stay below the $500 range, including a few accessories like a spare battery, extra memory, and a camera bag.

I'm currently considering the Panasonic FZ35 or a Nikon P90. Are there any other brands/models I need to be looking at?

I recently purchased a Canon SX20-IS for $399 and I'm very pleased with it. 12 MP with a 20x optical zoom (the zoom is amazing). It also shoots HD video (you can use the zoom while shooting video) and it has stereo mics. I've barely begun experimenting with it, but got some very good results shooting action photos at a beach soccer game. I also shot some video of my brass ensemble and the sound was very acceptable. Another thing I like is that it uses AA batteries (4 of them) instead of a proprietary one. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Mike

You should read this discussion:

So many cameras...so little patience...
viewtopic.php?p=289627#p289627

If you're looking for a basic "point and shoot" camera you don't have to spend near that much money. Six months ago I bought a Nikon Coolpix with 8.1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, video with zoom, operating on 2 standard AA batteries for $99 on sale. It produces amazingly good pictures. There are also a number of other brands with similar features for well under $200.

One thing to watch for with the low-end cameras, though, is that most of them don't have a regular viewfinded, only the LCD screen that's hard to see in strong sunlight. My experience is that you need the viewfinder for those situations.

Just the opinion of a non-professional picture taker.

I just picked up a nice SONY credit card sized camera. Easy to use, zoom, flash, computer connector wire, 1 gig chip. Just enough for my basic needs. Cost $150.00, It all depends on what are your plans for its use, and how much lighter you want your wallet to be.

Rick F wrote:You should read this discussion:

So many cameras...so little patience...
viewtopic.php?p=289627#p289627

Yeah... I saw that thread. I'm just looking for something with a few more capabilities that the ordinary 'point and shoot' cameras. My wife uses a Canon A410 that's a couple of years old and I'm still using my old Panasonic with the 3 1/2" floppy drive. Both cameras work very well but it sure would be nice to have a 'super-zoom' once in a while.... and the ability to take multiple pictures with a single press of the button.

Well, that's another thing I like about the Canon (see my previous post), the ability to shoot continuous shots just by keeping my finger on the button. It does about 1 pic per second in 12 MP mode - probably much faster w/ less resolution. I purchased a 16 GB SDHC card for $30 which gives you 5000+ photos in high res. Here are some shots I took in 12 MP, continuous action mode (no doubt any "prosumer" digital camera would have the same capabilities):

http://www.santacruzbeachsoccer.com/app ... id=7147570" target="_blank" target="_blank

It was a bright, sunny day, the action was fast, and I think the results were pretty good - and I was barely zooming in - and it was my first time using the camera. Being able to shoot HD video w/ stereo sound is a big plus for me, too. Also, image stabilization seems to work great when shooting without a tripod. I zoomed in on a resting butterfly from 10 feet away and in the resulting pic could see the missing scales on its wings. Pretty cool.

Mike

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ28 (predecessor of the FZ35) and am absolutely delighted with it. I have owned several SLR in the past and this with its Leica lens produces just as good pictures, is light to carry, has very useful 18x zoom and even excellent HD video facility. It has a number of modes, but to be honest I leave it automatic point and shoot 95% of the time. Several friends have bought one after seeing mine and the pictures it takes.

Here are sample pictures from my recent safari to Kenya, and video at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/vide ... 1590607789" target="_blank

MikeH wrote:I recently purchased a Canon SX20-IS for $399 and I'm very pleased with it. 12 MP with a 20x optical zoom (the zoom is amazing). It also shoots HD video (you can use the zoom while shooting video) and it has stereo mics. I've barely begun experimenting with it, but got some very good results shooting action photos at a beach soccer game. I also shot some video of my brass ensemble and the sound was very acceptable. Another thing I like is that it uses AA batteries (4 of them) instead of a proprietary one. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Mike

I have a Canon SX10-IS, which is (I believe) the predecessor to the SX20-IS. FWIW, I've been very pleased with my camera in the 8 months that I've owned it.

Another Mike
http://imgur.com/Do6gR.jpg (big pic of little burgers)

Just buy a Canon with the features you want. You will not be disappointed. I do like the Panasonic offerings, but most have proprietary batteries (which I do not want). With the Canon, you can get yourself a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries and a good charger and you'll be set for years.