Help finding ultra zoom?

[PeterB]

I'm looking for a high quality ultra zoom camera that is as small and as light as possible for use on travels overseas and on mountaineering/backpacking trips. After reading many camera reviews on DCResource, I'm looking for a camera that fits the following criteria:
1) 3-4 megapixels;
2) 8X to 10X optical zoom;
3) Has image stabilization;
4) Uses AA batteries;
5) Has an autofocus illuminator for dim light.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any camera that fits these criteria. I looked at:
--Panasonic FZ3 (no AA batteries)
--Konica Minolta Z3 (no AF illuminator, quite a bit of noise)
--Canon S1 IS (no AF illuminator, on the heavy side)
--Kodak DX 6490 and 7590 (no AA batteries, no IS)
--Olympus C750 (no IS)
--Olympus C765 and C770 (no AA batteries, no IS)
--Nikon 4800 (no AA battteries, no IS)
--Fuji S5100 (no IS)
--HP 945 (no IS and generally lower quality images)

Am I looking for a camera that doesn't exist? If so, I'm surprised because my criteria seem to make much sense, and while I'm new to digital cameras, I would have thought that many others would be looking for a camera with similar features.

I'd greatly appreciate any and all advice and recommendations.

Thanks very much...

[PixChick]

Considering the fact that the only downside to the FZ-3 is the battery issue--that is the best choice. The battery issue is not as big a deal as it has been made out to be. Just get an extra (or two if you really want to be safe) and keep it charged. Sure, throwaway alkalines are cheaper, but if you end up using them a lot when you are backpacking, you will quickly make up the price difference.

I'm looking for a high quality ultra zoom camera that is as small and as light as possible for use on travels overseas and on mountaineering/backpacking trips. After reading many camera reviews on DCResource, I'm looking for a camera that fits the following criteria:
1) 3-4 megapixels;
2) 8X to 10X optical zoom;
3) Has image stabilization;
4) Uses AA batteries;
5) Has an autofocus illuminator for dim light.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any camera that fits these criteria. I looked at:
--Panasonic FZ3 (no AA batteries)
--Konica Minolta Z3 (no AF illuminator, quite a bit of noise)
--Canon S1 IS (no AF illuminator, on the heavy side)
--Kodak DX 6490 and 7590 (no AA batteries, no IS)
--Olympus C750 (no IS)
--Olympus C765 and C770 (no AA batteries, no IS)
--Nikon 4800 (no AA battteries, no IS)
--Fuji S5100 (no IS)
--HP 945 (no IS and generally lower quality images)

Am I looking for a camera that doesn't exist? If so, I'm surprised because my criteria seem to make much sense, and while I'm new to digital cameras, I would have thought that many others would be looking for a camera with similar features.

I'd greatly appreciate any and all advice and recommendations.

Thanks very much...

[Jayde]

PeterB
pana.. Li ion batterys are better than AA`s so that narrowed it down a bit.. and you need the IS for longer zooms as you know..

see comparison pics here with canon IS
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz3/
Canon S1 IS (no AF illuminator, on the heavy side) +soft focus

http://www.users.bigpond.com/vkelim/DMCFZ10/
FZ FAQ with spare batterys here.. they last longer too..

look at FZ15 also

[Thon]

I have a C-770UZ and love the compact size, very nice for trips without being a burden. Takes good pics as well. Battery life is not really good but enough to last at least 1/2 a day with heavy use, and you can make an external battery with 4 NiMH AAs, check here:

http://www.photo-forums.com/WebX?50@229.58gKbP2JnDR.0@.ee9a06f/0

Anyway, I'd recommend it, no bad reviews from users as far as I can find. The only things that may put you off is the lack of IS & AF lamp and Li-ion battery.

In my view, if you don't plan to use a tripod for your long zoom shots and have unsteady hands, then you should get a camera with IS.

However if you can live without IS, and want a compact ultra zoom then the C-7xxUZ series is worth considering. It's all a matter of choice.

[jaalexzac]

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ15 and FZ20 !!!

These are your best options.

[propwash]

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ15 and FZ20 !!!

These are your best options.

One of the criteria mentioned was small size. The FZ15 and 20 are quite large. The FZ3 is much smaller and would be easier to carry around.