Which camera to choose? Narrowed down list Canon Powershot SX150Canon Powershot SX210Panaonic Lumix DMC-ZS8Nikon Coolpix 8200The 8200 I'm shying away from because it's around $300 - handled really well in the store .. Which camera to choose? Narrowed down list Canon Powershot SX150Canon Powershot SX210Panaonic Lumix DMC-ZS8Nikon Coolpix 8200The 8200 I'm shying away from because... » Read More Which camera to choose? Narrowed down list Canon Powershot SX150Canon Powershot SX210Panaonic Lumix DMC-ZS8Nikon Coolpix 8200The 8200 I'm shying away from because it's around $300 - handled really well in the store .. « Show Less
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Amy, which camera did you decide on? My husband & I just bought the Nikon 8200 for ourselves as our Christmas gift...waiting to receive it. :)
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I just went through the same battle, although I have different needs. I have to say either is a great choice but I went with the Canon due to the zoom being a little less, a compromise in hopes that it will have better low light response. I also had a Canon before, so the operating system was a more familiar. Can't tell you yet if that was a wise choice of not. I have had the camera for three days and have had little time to play with it. Here is a comparative review that I found helpful: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q110superzoomgroup/ I saw another review but can't find it again that really played up the Nikon as a much better choice. But it seemed to be written by people reading specifications rather than actually using the camera. I don't think you can wrong with either. The Canon is bulkier and uses 4 double AA batteries which add to the weight. The nice thing about the double AAs is that you have a far easier time getting batteries if you run out of power, but at the cost of weight. If you do get the Canon, get at least 8 Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable NIMH batteries Sanyo Eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries w/ Charger. They hold their charge when not used much better than normal NIMH batteries. As the link indicates you can get them here at Amazon. With 8 Eneloops you should never run out of power (providing that you keep them charged of course). If you buy the Nikon, I would recommend looking into a spare battery and a charger. Good luck with your new camera, which ever one you choose!
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I am looking to buy my first camera in 7 years. I too am looking for something a little more portable than a DSLR. But I want a camera that effortlessly takes great pics. I am torn between the new Panasonic ZS20 and the Panasonic DMC LX5. If anyone could give a good compare contrast I would be glad to listen. Thanks
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my Kodak Z812S...and even my old Kodak DX7630 take better pictures than the Fuji S1800. My first digital was a Fuji with 3.2 mp and it was a honey! Since then, two more Kodaks (as mentioned previously) one Sony (which is purse-sized and the pix are okay...it's just so I always have a camera on me) and the Fuji S1800. I have about 120 out of 200 or so that are great pictures from Hawaii; and maybe 80 - 100 more from various events and locations. My Eastern Europe shots were not what I hoped for, but editing helped a lot. I'm online now to order the Z981 and will probably post my opinion of the results. With all that said...I'd suggest you go with the Kodak.
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I sell both of these cameras at the store in which I work. I typically recommend the canon. We see many more Sony cameras come back with 'weird' problems... (we see NO canons coming back with any kind of problems... ok fine, two canon cameras in the two years I've been there). Also sony cameras try to hard to provide sharpness and clarity and sometimes leave odd marks on the images visible at high magnifications.
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Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before I finally buy one. Thanks again for your time, that was very nice of you ;)Isabel Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before... » Read More Hi Glenn,Wow, thanks for doing that research for me. You found out in minutes what has taken me weeks!!! Well I guess with what you found I will have to narrow it down to either the T90 or the ZS3. I was reading other blogs that said that Panasonic is going to introduce a ZS7 and that might result in a price decrease on the ZS3 which is always good. I've talk to some people who are big fans of Sony cameras but, when you look at the table for shutter lags, they really are not doing so well. I will take your advice and go give them a "test drive" at Best Buy before I finally buy one. Thanks again for your time, that was very nice of you ;)Isabel « Show Less
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They are all the same cameras but have different options. The price you paid is all over the place, shop around.
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Thanks for your recommendation of the Panasonic Lumix LZ8. (Like others in this dialogue, I'm looking to replace a Nikon that was very disappointing.) It's been three years since your post, and I've noticed that it's hard now to find an LZ8. Is there a newer Panasonic you'd recommend with the same enthusiasm now? Thanks for your help.
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Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.
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Amazonian, if you were me would you reconsider and go with another brand such as the lumix LZ7 and along with the sanDisk Extreme card you mentioned? I am not sure if I care all that much for a camera vunerable to mechanical problems due to the possibility of vapor water etc.. What is the warranty for the 590 IS? Will it be wise to cancel the order and wait for a newer reliable outdoor camera? This is weird, one would tend to think canon would at least engineer a camera for outdoor activity. Suppose I want to use it on a damp day along a wooded trail or campsite? Could you suggest what might be best in my case? thanks again Amazonian, if you were me would you reconsider and go with another brand such as the lumix LZ7 and along with the sanDisk Extreme card you mentioned? I am not sure if I care all that much for a camera vunerable to mechanical problems due to the possibility of vapor water etc.. What is the warranty for the 590 IS? Will it be wise to cancel the order and wait for a newer reliable outdoor camera? This is weird, one would tend to think canon would at least engineer a camera for outdoor activity. Suppose I want to use it on a damp day along a wooded trail or campsite? Could you suggest what... » Read More Amazonian, if you were me would you reconsider and go with another brand such as the lumix LZ7 and along with the sanDisk Extreme card you mentioned? I am not sure if I care all that much for a camera vunerable to mechanical problems due to the possibility of vapor water etc.. What is the warranty for the 590 IS? Will it be wise to cancel the order and wait for a newer reliable outdoor camera? This is weird, one would tend to think canon would at least engineer a camera for outdoor activity. Suppose I want to use it on a damp day along a wooded trail or campsite? Could you suggest what might be best in my case? thanks again « Show Less
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Well, I'm now reading about another option: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20/B 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization.This one compares to the Panasonic ZS3 and both sell for approximately the same price. I guess I'm still stuck in wanting to figure out which one of these models (DSC-H20, ZS3, DSC-W350, W370) can do all of the things they promised but at a faster speed.
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Based on brand, i would go for the panasonci lumix... I do not go for sony because they have their own stick which makes their products so pricey. I am gadgetholic owning several cameras, kodak, samsung, canon, and panasonic. I used to prefer kodak for their price and simplicity, and then i found out panasonic although reluctantly since i consider it a little bit pricey. Then earning a little more, I gifted myself with a canon - and my favorite of all.. PANASONIC!!!
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I am in the same boat as you. My camera needs are the same as yours and I have been researching these two cameras as well as the Panasonic DMC-FZ8. Right now I am leaning towards the Panasonic. The Panasonic requires a battery pack instead of AA batteries but Amazon offers the battery packs for $15 - $20. In addition the Panasonic is about $50 cheaper than the Sony and the Canon. My old Olympus has problems with severe shutter lag and poor quality pics on indoor & low light situations.
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&gt;&gt;I didn't realize this camera was out there when I bought my FZ28! I notice that in the copy under the camera description, significantly more bought the FZ28K than the FZ50. Presumably the price is the reason, I suppose along with the 18x optical zoom.&lt;&lt; this one came out before the fz28, but at the time i only paid about $440 &gt;&gt;Many reviewers above said the FZ50 is "almost" a dslr - but many, many dslrs are considerably less expensive than the FZ50, which I think costs more now than when it came out....and I think I saw on the digital review site that the camera has been discontinued. &lt;&lt; i didn't know about it being discontinued so soon. it compares to a dslr in many ways. but the ISO settings are pretty noisy above ISO 400, whereas in good dslr's you can get good results up to ISO 3200. this is a very good review that gives all of its specs. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/ here it is compared to the canon rebel XT where you can see the ISO 1600 on both cameras. the canon is better. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/page17.asp &gt;&gt;The user photos for this camera are wonderful! I have a Canon Rebel XS, which cost quite a bit less than this camera, and an FZ28K....I'm now wondering if I should sell the FZ28 K, return the Canon, and get a used FZ50.&lt;&lt; yeah, i get better pictures than i ever have. &gt;&gt;What is it about this camera that makes it worth nearly a thousand dollars? &lt;&lt; i don't know. i don't understand. i haven't seen that happen with any other camera.
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Thank you very much for your review and for posting the pics, which look really great. I am kicking myself for not preordering this camera. I kept vacillating between the Pentax K-X and this one. I would like to be able to take good photos in low light and to have a big zoom (like a moon shot, for example). Any insight you might have would be welcome.
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I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird... » Read More I don't really know----I found some great camera review websites when I was deciding which SLR to choose. My favorite showed basically the same shot taken with multiple cameras. I had narrowed my choice down to 2 based on price and MPs (if I'm gonna do it, I might as well go with the 15.1) and I was delighted to find that I actually liked the pix taken with the less expensive one better. Bet you could find a similar site for p&s;, or start a discussion specifically about the best p&s; for motion shots. My Elph has a setting to take multiple shots, and I've gotten some great butterfly and bird photos---and a lot of lousy ones, too. Ya gotta LOVE digital!!! « Show Less
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I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the... » Read More I think you should get the Panasonic TZ5 (or TZ4 if you don't care about HD video). The TZ's will jump to an Optical 16.7x@ 3MEGAPIXELS, and will be in the $200- 230 area vs. the much more expensive 12x...I have both the TZ5 and SX110. They are both GREAT cameras. The TZ5 is lighter and smaller, and you can take video with optical vs digital zoom (clearer video). I bought the SX 110 , because there is a CHDK modification available for it (Google CHDK). You can do timelapse, RAW format, extend the shutter speed to 64 seconds....but if you are using the camera for the day, I would go with the TZ4 or 5, but you better hurry- all of these cameras are discontinued! « Show Less