My answers to the questionnaire.

[Va-novice]

1. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money here, maybe $150 to $250.

2. Here's an answer I'd like to hear more often, size doesn't matter.

3 4 and 5. I am assuming that at this price range, my choices for options such as megapixels and optic zoom will be limited? Needless to say I'd like to have the best available for my money.

6. A little of everything. The main reason I've been wanting a camera is for taking pictures on the golf course.Though I'm sure I'll use it for other things also.

7. I have no plans to make prints of any photos.

8. Mostly outdoor but some indoor as well.

My knowledge of cameras is very limited if you couldn't tell. Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If anyone needs more info than my answers provided, feel free to ask.

Thanks in advance for ny responses,
Tom

...I hope I've posted this in the right place...

[Telecorder]

The Pany TZ1 has been showing very good images when used in your shooting situations...

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmctz1.asp

[bascom]

The TZ1 is nice but will cost more than his $250 max. Some cheaper ones are listed here:
http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19835
http://dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19841

[Va-novice]

The TZ1 is a bit too pricey for me. And that's before i figure out what else I need to buy with it. This is much more complicated than I thought it would be, but I think I've narrowed it down to two. Canon A610 and the A620. The only difference I see is the amount of megapixels, 5 for the 610 versus 7.1 for the 620. Will I even be able to tell the difference between the two? I've found what I think are good deals for each of them, I just haven't decided which one yet.

This is the 620

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397426&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

And the 610

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397426&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

This is highest rated seller on the where to buy page and that's really important to me. Now if I could just pull the trigger...

[ryanbrancel]

As long as you don't kick yourself down the road for spending a few bucks more (~$70) for a 10x IS lens with excellent LCD in the same form factor (if not smaller size) than the canon powershot A series :).

The black version (DMC-TZ1K) is $277 at CC after 10% coupon plus taxes.

[Va-novice]

If I remember correctly, the TZ1 doesn't have a viewfinder? That's another reason I didn't like it. Thanks for the suggestion though, that's why I'm here.

[ryanbrancel]

You may also want to consider the Canon SD450 for a good price now ($240).

[bascom]

The only difference I see is the amount of megapixels, 5 for the 610 versus 7.1 for the 620. Will I even be able to tell the difference between the two?
Yes the only diff is MP. You can't tell any difference unless you make big prints or do a lot of cropping. I have an A610 and keep it on the 3MP setting because that's all I need for 4x6 and 5x7 prints and then the computer files are smaller than at 5MP.

They have a VF and take good photos but will they be light enough to carry around the golf course? Is 4x zoom enough?

[Va-novice]

I'll check out the SD450. I don't think I've looked at it yet.

I think the weight of either of the canons I've mentioned would be fine for me. Plus I'm afraid to go to compact since I have large hands. I would love to have more zoom, but I'd still like to stay around my original price range.

[CptOfGondor]

Take a look at some of the Powershot A-Series cameras or FujiFilm's E-Series. They have that characteristic buldge on the right side from the AA comparment which conveniently doubles as a nice hand grip. Much more comfortable to hold as well.

[Va-novice]

I guess my narrowed down to two comment was a bit premature lol. A couple of those Panasonics sound great..except for not having a viewfinder. I suppose I don't have to have one but I'd prefer it. Now I'm looking over my budget and checking out the Canon a700 because it has more zoom than the 610 or 620. I don't even know how much difference one is from the other...but 6x sounds better than 4x lol. I wish I had a friend I could have just given the money and told them to pick something out for me. I'm still trying to decide if anyone else has more suggestions.