AA Batteries, Action, Low-Light, Movies - which one?

[Tracey]

Hi there,

All I need is 3.2 - 4.0 MP, 3x zoom with good picture quality, strong action shots, good low-light conditions, little red-eye and with a movie/sound option - not to mention the AA battery option.

Size and weight are not really an issue, but a metal casing would be nice. I was hoping to be able to get a 2004 model with the faster start up times that are coming out.

Do you have any recommendations?

[Jayde]

hiya
:)
couple of options to look at... no AA battery BUT panas own Li ion battery is better, no metal casing sorry..

have a look at the PANA FZ3 review 3mp... no slouch tho..
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz3/
or
pana FZ15 4 mp.. v sharp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/fz15_pg2.html
jus needs a slave flash like vivitar df200, the camera triggers it..

they both have latest technology, auto focus in low light.. great Leica lens.. long 432mm zoom, and antishake.. for action shots both good in low-light conditions has 2 night modes.. theres a FZ20 also 5mp, with same spec

comparisons posted here
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928

http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/index.html
the FZ10 shooting manual gives a good indication of all FZ range features.

here to help.. :)

[Thon]

Have a look at the Canon A series A95, A85 and A80. The specs are similar to what you listed except the A95 is 5MP and no metal casing. They are strong performers for their price too. My brother owns a A80 and we find the photos very good indeed.

Have a read through Jeff's reviews, and I hope you find what you need.

[Tracey]

Thanks guys for such a quick response! I checked out alll of the cameras you mentioned and saw the merits in each of them - your suggestions were great. I also thought I should let you know that I checked out the new Canon SD200 as well and it is absolutely amazing when it comes to low-light conditions, but the red eye is a real pain to deal with!

[John Tropi]

Just a little, though possibly important point on the Canon A95.
Although it has a really great specification for the price, the optical view finder is missing a diopter adjustment, which I find is essential for a wearer of spectacles. Sadly on that single point, it had to come off my own short list.
This might not matter to some, but it could be a deciding factor for others and worth bearing in mind before purchase.