View Full Version : oh no, another "what camera?" thread
My lovely wife gave me the green light to buy a new digital camera. My trusty 6 year old Olympus D400 1.3 MP served me well, but is getting long in the tooth. She gets the Olympus when I get the new camera.
Looking for decent quality that has a minimum of 5 MP, preferably 6 MP. Need at least 5X optical zoom, but not really wanting the big 10X/12X zooms. Has to be able to run on AA batteries. Hoping to find something in the $200 to $300 range (that's a goal not a absolute budget).
Was looking at the Olympus C-5500 Sports Zoom (5MP/5X zoom) since my last Olympus held up so well and it's reasonably priced at only $180. I also looked at the Nikon Coolpix L1 (6.2MP/5X zoom), but didn't like the lack of a viewfinder, although the price ain't bad at $250.
Everyone knows Canon has a good reputation, so I checked out what was available. The new Powershot A700 (6MP/6X zoom) really caught my attention. The past A series Canons are proven winners, but I'm not finding many reviews for the A700 yet. Plus the $325 price tag is a little above my original goal. However, it appears to be a sweet little camera.
Let the discussion and suggestions begin. Did I leave any other cameras out that might fit the bill?
hanzalo
03-22-06, 08:17 PM
I've been looking for a new camera and I found this site very helpful-dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com)
Thanks, I've already looked at that site as well as others.
Well, scratch the Olympus C-5500, apparently it's a discontinued model and I could only find one refurb.
But, the Olympus SP-500 UZ (6MP) at $261 is a possibility, although it is a 10X, meaning it's bulkier and heavier. Unfortunately, it does not have image stabilization either which really helps on the long zooms (which is probably why it is cheaper than other untra zooms). The Olympus xD memory cards are a little slow and a little expensive.
Still like that Canon A700. Maybe I can find a better deal on it?
hanzalo
03-23-06, 09:26 AM
I knwo Circuit City is having a sale on cameras.I searched for the A700 but didn't find it on thier site. I know I'll get the camera I want from there-the Panasonic DMC-FZ7S is 65 dollars off.
The Panasonic DMC-FZ7S does look like a good choice if you are looking for a larger super zoom. I'm assuming you have also scoped out the Canon S2 IS 12X zoom which is about $380 if you shop around.
I was checking out the new Panasonic LZ5 (6MP/6X zoom), but lost interest when I noticed it didn't have a viewfinder and it didn't have a Leica lens like most of the other Panasonics.
I wouldn't get a long-zoom camera without effective image stabilization. It's just about impossible to hold a 10x or 12x zoom stable at the far end of the range at the 1/30 second-type exposure digital cameras end up at in anything less than strong light. Image stabilzation is really necessary to use that magnification without the sun beating down on you.
I recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2. It uses the same 5MP sensor and electronics as the FZ5, which I own. The FZ5 is a very robust camera, having image stabilization in addition to an awesome Leica-branded 12X zoom lens that is very sharp. Autofocus and overall processing speeds are very good, as is macro performance, manual and playback modes, and flash performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830134024
If the size of the FZ5 doesn't put you off, it's by far the most camera $349 can buy. If the size or cost does put you off, the LZ2 is a great solution:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830134026
The LZ2 is a 6X zoom compact version, and also includes image stabilization. It is available for $188 from Amazon, $199 from the egg. It lacks the manual modes but does include 14MB of integrated memory in addition to accepting up to 1GB SD cards. It runs from a pair of AA batteries and has the same sort of image quality as the FZ5, despite the fact that its lens carries no Leica branding. Here is a shot from today's stroll through the yard with my FZ5:
hanzalo
03-23-06, 02:23 PM
I'm assuming you have also scoped out the Canon S2 IS 12X zoom which is about $380 if you shop around.
yea I looked at the S2 IS but for some reason that I cant think of I liked the FZ7 more. It might have been the FZ7's 3 fps burst. I need a camera with a high burst so I can take skateboarding/other sequences.
and nice picture larva
The Panasonic DMC-FZ7S does look like a good choice if you are looking for a larger super zoom. I'm assuming you have also scoped out the Canon S2 IS 12X zoom which is about $380 if you shop around.The panasonics are really nice 12X zoom cameras. I've got the very similar 5MP FZ5, which has been the standard bearer for the super-zoom class since it was introduced more than a year ago. It outperforms the Canon S2 IS because of a superior lens.
I'm sure the FZ7 is more of a good thing. It doesn't look to cost much more than the FZ5, but don't discount the FZ5 if you can can get a good enough price. I've got the 13x19" Canon i9900 printer and even so haven't really been limited by the FZ5s 5MP resolution. The problem with any of these affordable 5MP+ cameras is that the sensors are small, creating noise issues at higher ISO equivalencies. The only help is IS, which allows you to leave the shutter open longer before shake becomes an issue.
The FZ7, while it does increase the resolution, probably does not increase the sensor size. I'd expect it can render a bit more detail in strong light, but may have more noise in worse. The IS on the Panasonics is really good though, and allows them to retain sharpness and detail-oriented image processing without the noise ruining the results.
Here is a link to a thread where I've attached more FZ5 pics, which pretty clearly show rendering detail is not a weakness with the FZ5:
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=397176&page=1&
I have looked at the Panasonics. Gotta love those Leica lenses.
I had the LZ2 in my hands at a local camera shop. Nice cheap price, but I didn't like the lack of viewfinder. The autofocus seemed really slow and the LCD blacked out between shots. It was also sort of loud when you took a pic.
I've certainly heard lots of good things about the FZ5. While there are times when a long zoom would be handy, I would prefer something a little smaller and lighter. Plus, $350 is getting a little farther away from my budget goal.
There is a new Panasonic DMC-TZ1 (5MP) due out in a couple of weeks that is billed as the world's smallest 10X zoom. It will have a Leica lens, optical image stabilization, 2.5" LCD, etc. Think they will retail for about $350 also.
I have looked at the Panasonics. Gotta love those Leica lenses.After my experience with the FZ5, I will probably be giving Panasonic the first shot at my money for some time. It's really great. And all the Panasonics seem to have much better than average lenses. The 12X from the FZ-series cameras is just unbelievable, but even their cheap cameras benefit from obviously competent lens engineering. I'm not sure just how principally different the ones that say 'Leica' really are, they all seem better than A and S-series canon lenses and at least equal to the best Sony Zeis-branded designs.
I had the LZ2 in my hands at a local camera shop. Nice cheap price, but I didn't like the lack of viewfinder. The autofocus seemed really slow and the LCD blacked out between shots. It was also sort of loud when you took a pic.Hmm, that's odd. The FZ5s autofocus is really quick, and most find the LZ2 very speedy (~.25s), too. I would expect the LCD to black out between shots. The FZ5 has an EVF, which isn't as good as an optical viewfinder but is better than none and solves bright-sunlight issues. I agree it's a disadvantage to have no viewfinder.
I've certainly heard lots of good things about the FZ5. While there are times when a long zoom would be handy, I would prefer something a little smaller and lighter. Plus, $350 is getting a little farther away from my budget goal.I hear you there. Just wanted to point out that the FZ5 outperforms the Canon, Sony, and Minolta long-zoom competitors and the 6X and 3X Panasonics retain most of their goodness.
There is a new Panasonic DMC-TZ1 (5MP) due out in a couple of weeks that is billed as the world's smallest 10X zoom. It will have a Leica lens, optical image stabilization, 2.5" LCD, etc. Think they will retail for about $350 also.There are a lot of other Panasonic compact models also, I don't know if any have a viewfinder. I'd just consider them all before buying, as Panasonic does offer great image quality, speed, battery life and value in digital cameras at present.
Burdman27911
03-23-06, 03:24 PM
Larva, I saw some people talking about SD card compatibility problems for the camera you linked (Panasonic DMCFZ5K). I was wondering if you knew if it supported 2gb cards... I think I'm somewhat interested in this camera, and 2gb would be nice for those long trips without a laptop at my side.
PS: I can't access the thread you linked, I'm assuming you posted it in the blue room or something, that or I'm missing something.
The FZ5, and all but the very newest Panasonic cameras, support only FAT for the file system on the SD card. This limits you to using a 1GB card. Fortunately, 1GB cards are cheap ($30) at present.
I've got two 1GB SD cards, a Rosewill and a Ridata. Both are standard speed affairs, but work fine with the FZ5. I'm not sure which cards people are having trouble with, I've not seen many issues. I can't see where a faster-than-average 1GB card makes any difference to the speed of the camera's operation--it's fast with them all.
I sent you a PM with a link to the pics in that other thread.
I've heard that it can be hit or miss on those 2GB SD cards on a lot of camera models. That could be resolved by getting two 1GB memory cards.
For anyone that's looking for a compact camera in the $250 range, newegg.com has the Canon A540 (6MP/4X zoom) on a special 8 hour sale right now. I noticed the Panasonic LZ5 (6MP/6X zoom) is about the same price regularly.
I had the LZ2 in my hands at a local camera shop. Nice cheap price, but I didn't like the lack of viewfinder. The autofocus seemed really slow and the LCD blacked out between shots. It was also sort of loud when you took a pic.
Sheesh, I've looked at so many cameras now they are all running together in my head. My bad, it was the Nikon Coolpix L1 that had a slow autofocus and slow recovery time between photos. The LZ2 LCD did completely black out while the flash recharged though, which I found a bit odd.
Since this camera is being funded by my own tax refund, I've been allowed to increase the budget to $350 or so for just the camera. That should allow a little more flexibility in my selection process.
Here is my wish list: 5-6 megapixel, at least 6X optical zoom, optical viewfinder, compact size, high speed SD memory card support, large LCD, AA batteries, high quality lens, and long term reliability. I will consider any camera that meets most of my criteria.
The Canon Powershot A700 (6MP/6X zoom) is still high on my list. The new Panasonic DMC-TZ1 that is due to be released in a week looks interesting (world's smallest 10X zoom). The Panasonic DMC-LZ5 (6MP/6X zoom) is well under budget which would score bonus points with my wife.
I really like the idea of optical image stabilization that comes on most Panasonic's models, but the lack of a viewfinder bothers me on their compact units. But, I realize the newer bigger LCD screens are better than they used to be. On my old camera, it was crappy in low lighting and had a narrow viewing angle. I might be able to live without a viewfinder if the LCD is excellent.
What about fast memory cards? My old slow Olympus transfers images at a snail's pace. I want to try the new fast SD cards. I'm seeing 60X, 133X and 150X speeds. Any compatibility issues if I get a fast 1GB card? Is there a noticeable difference in speeds? I've heard contradicting stories. One reviewer recommended getting at least a 60X speed card.
Pf.Farnsworth
03-25-06, 07:34 AM
I work at Wolf Camera and played with just about every camera from a $10 toy to a $8000 canon mark1.
For what its worth when it came time to get an upgrade myself I went for the Casio Z750. In case some of you have doughts yes casio is fairly new in the camera business vs nikon, canon, minolta, pentax, but Pentax makes their lenses which are excelent and casio makes a fine CCD.
Z750 apealed to me not only because of the quality but the whole package. All the features and how they are placed and allocated, how easily accesed and used, design and button placement and the manual mode and movie mode are excelent. I have played and still play with alot of cameras every day but I havent regreted my purchase yet.
Sensor
• 1/1.8" CCD
• 7.4 million total pixels
• 7.2 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3072 x 2304
• 3072 x 2048 (3:2)
• 2560 x 1920
• 2048 x 1536
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 (HQ) @ 30 fps
• 640 x 480 (Normal) @ 30 fps
• 320 x 240 (LP) @ 15 fps
• Limited by the memory card and the battery life
Lens
• 38 - 114 mm (35 mm equiv) 3x optical zoom
• F 2.8 - 5.1
• Shutter speeds 60 - 1/1600 sec
Focus
• Contrast type AF - multi, spot, free AF area switching
• Auto focus
• 10 cm macro mode (Wide), 40cm (Tele)
Shooting mode
• Auto
• Portrait
• Scenery
• Portrait with scenery
• Children
• Sports
• Candlelight portrait
• Party
• Pet
• Flower
• Natural green
• Soft flowing water
• Splashing water
• Sundown
• Nightscene
• Nightscene portrait
• Fireworks
• Food
• Text
• Collection
• Backlight
• Anti-shake
• Pastel
• Illustration
• Cross
• Monochrome
• Retro
• Twilight
• ID photo
• Business cards and documents
• White board
• Register user scene
• AE compensation -2.0EV to +2.0 EV in 1/3EV steps
Sensitivity
• Auto
• ISO 50, 100, 200, 400
White Balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Shade
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent 1
• Fluorescent 2
• Custom (manual)
Image parameters
• Sharpness
• Saturation
• Contrast
• Continuous 0.8 - 1.5 fps (depending on file size/quality)
Flash
• Built in
• Modes: Auto, on, off, red-eye reduction
• Range: Wideangle: 0.4 - 2.9 m, Tele: 0.4 - 1.6 m
Storage
• SD Memory Card
Viewfinder
• Real Image Optical
LCD monitor
• 2.5" TFT LCD
• 115,200 pixels
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out
Power
• Proprietary SUPER LIFE lithium-ion rechargeable battery
• AC cable adapter for cradle
Other features
• Spot (center), Center-weighted & Multi pattern metering
• 2 and 10 sec self-timer
• Playback Histogram
• Calendar
• Rotate
• Grid display
• Album function
• Favourites folder
• Icon help
• Flash assist
• World time
Weight (exc batt)
• 127 g ( 4.5 oz)
Dimensions
• 89 x 59 x 22 mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 in)
In the box
• Casio Exilim EX-750
• Wrist strap
• SUPER LIFE lithium ion battery
• AV cable
• USB cable
• USB cradle
• AC cable adapter for cradle
http://www.cnphotos.net/news/news/images/casio_ex-z750-top-big.jpg
http://www.cnphotos.net/news/news/images/casio_ex-z750-fb-big.jpg
Farnsworth, thanks for the input. As you probably guessed, I completely overlooked the Casio brand. I noticed that newegg has the Z750 like you have on sale right now. But, it's only a 3X optical zoom. Casio has a 5X zoom model, but it's not a compact size. Still, if Pentax is making their lenses, I'll keep an eye on them in the future.
I looked long and hard at the Panasonics. The new 10X compact zoom DMC-TZ1 that is soon to be release is only 5 MP, has no viewfinder and uses a proprietary battery. The LZ2, LZ3, LZ5 all have 6X zoom, but for some reason don't have Leica lenses like most of the other lineup. I've read several reviews that said they were disappointed with image quality. They also don't have a viewfinder and the LCD has less pixels than some of their competitors.
Looks like I have a winner, I'm getting the Canon Powershot A700. It has everything on my wish list. The nice added bonus I discovered this morning was that newegg.com dropped the price $30 this morning. It's now $299, yippee! Here is a link for more info and if you are interested. Second link are pics.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06022108canona700.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/canon/canon_a700_frontback.jpg
As for fast SD memory cards, from what I've read anyway, looks like cameras do benefit up to about 60X to 66X, but probably not much additional performance above that point. Trying to record video on a digital camera is really where you need a faster card. Other devices like PDA, etc. can also take advantage to faster cards. Regardless, I can get a 1 GB Trancend 80X SD card pretty cheap for like $32. Think I might give it a try.
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