Camera Choices?

[M.I.C.]

Hello Everyone -

I'm new over here, and thought you all could help me out. I'm trying to find just the right digital camera on a somewhat limited budget. I want to be able to take action shots - such as my dog running/playing, birds lighting, birds flying overhead, closeup high resolution pics - and so on.

I have a pretty limited knowledge of digital cameras so any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm not really even sure what to look for in such a camera.

Thanks in advance.

[postcardcv]

Hi and welcome to BirdForum.

Your question is not the easiest to answer as there is such a wide range of digital cameras available. I am sure that if you can give us an idea as to what your budget is, someone will be able to recommend a good camera for you.

[robinm]

Hi m.i.c.,

A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin.

I agree with postcardcv, if you let us know what your budget is it weill be easier to come up with suggestions.

[Yelvertoft]

Hello and welcome again.

As you have found, the choice available is huge. As well as budget, it would help narrow the search if you could give some information on what other factors are important to you. Some examples;
Is having something that is a small, pocketable size very important to you?
Do you only want "point and shoot" simplicity, or the ability to take more control?
How hard a life is this camera going to get, how important is build quality?
What are you going to do with your pictures after you've taken them, how large do you want to print the results, if at all?

Sorry if this seems like an interrogation but it will help if others know what is important to you.

Regards,

Duncan.

[M.I.C.]

Thanks everyone, I will explain myself better:

I'm looking at spending around $500 to $700 as of right now (unless my options are limited to mediocre cameras). I would like a camera that is rugged, well buillt and can take "some abuse". I don't know if I want a Point and Shoot, or a SLR type. I really just want to be able to take action shots without them turning out a blur. I would prefer a point and shoot style with a good zoom - but I'm not sure what's out there.


Thanks

[iporali]

Hi M.I.C.

How about Canon PowerShot S2 IS? See http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons2is/. Not "pocketable" but quite nice to handle and takes very good pictures quite easily. Also some possibilities for manual control.

Good luck,

Ilkka


Addendum: After reading the dpreview pages myself the Sony Cyber-shot H1 and the Panasonic FZ5 also seem like good candidates.

[Yelvertoft]

Thanks everyone, I will explain myself better:
I'm looking at spending around $500 to $700 as of right now (unless my options are limited to mediocre cameras). I would like a camera that is rugged, well buillt and can take "some abuse". I don't know if I want a Point and Shoot, or a SLR type. I really just want to be able to take action shots without them turning out a blur. I would prefer a point and shoot style with a good zoom - but I'm not sure what's out there.

Thanks

As long as "pocketability" isn't high up on your list of priorities then I would second Ilkka's suggestion of a "superzoom" type of camera. The Canon, Sony and Panasonic models suggested by Ilkka are all well within your price range.

I had a play with a Konica-Minolta Dimage Z5 the other day that is a similar spec camera, nice camera but I found the build quality to be a bit "light". If ruggedness is a high priority then Sony tend to build things tougher than most and also the Nikon Coolpix 8800 has a reputation for good build, though I don't have direct experience of the CP8800 or Sony H1. The Nikon is just within your price range if you shop around.

Regards,

Duncan.

[samuel walker]

After tossing my 2mp point and shoot Oly two years ago I went with the3mp Fugi finepix s5000 and have been very happy doing all of the photo tasks you listed.The 5000 was $300 in Jan 03.I'n not certain if it is still being offered as I have noticed the new 5100 and 7000 finepix models.I beefed mine up with a 1.5 teleconverter lens.Overall the cam does a good job in most cases after you learn where the limits are.
good luck,
Sam

[M.I.C.]

Well thanks everyone!

Size of the camera doesn't matter much to me, I just want good photos. A lot of my targets are "moving" so, this is a high priority. The camera that I use now takes very blurry pictures and is not what I want.

Also, do any of these camera that you mentioned above take "multiple images". Meaning, can I take three pictures of my do (as an example) running toward me from 40 yards?

Thanks to everyone for their help so far.

[postcardcv]

I have just taken a look at 5 cameras that would possibly meet your requirements - Canon Powershot IS 2, Minotla Dimage Z5, Nikon Coolpix 8800, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ20, Sony Cybershot H1.

Attched is a table comparing some of the main features of these five cameras. They are all 5mp cameras costing between $430 and £500, escept the Nikon which is 8mp and costs about $750 (probably less if you shop around).

Personally the Nikons higher resolution and more solid build would make it my favourite, but it is $250+ more than the others and may well not be worth extra money. Be aware when chosing that you will also have to buy memory cards, you will need at least a 512mb card with any of these cameras. Of the four 'cheaper' cameras I'd recommend the Panasonic, it has excellent multi shooting rate, a large clear screen and is the cheapest of the lot.

All that said the best advice is to go to a local retailer and try these cameras for yourself - it will be the best way to decide.

[M.I.C.]

Thanks a bunch Postcard!

That table chart really helped me out!

I think the Panasonic is the leader at this stage.

[postcardcv]

I'm glad it helped.

I had the Panasonic in the hand for the first time this weekend and it really does seem to be a decnt little camera, well bulit and packed with features. I only had a brief play with it and couldn't take it home, so cannot comment on picture quality.