help with purchase

[honkbox]

First off, great site for gathering information and insight to the daunting task of choosing a digital camera. I'm looking to purchase what they classify as an "ultra-zoom" camera. Around five or six megapixels is sufficient but the most important feature is zoom capability and image stabilization. I would like to stay around four hundered dollars.(plus or minus) I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 simply for price and features. Any help with this choice or any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance:)

[tim11]

I'm not sure what kind of advice you are searching for but FZ7 competitions are Canon S3 IS, Sony H2....
Anyone of those will make me happy.

[honkbox]

Thanks for your reply! I did a little research on the suggestions you gave. They all are pretty similar(price and features) I guess I am looking for the top rated camera as decided by the people who use them. I know there are many different opinions but scanning the forums there are always a couple cameras that seem to rise above the rest. I can do research till i get dizzy, but I'm relying on the professionals and everyday users that own these cameras for help. I am going to purchase a camera bases largely on what I hear and learn in this site. Thanks.:)

[undefined]

If size matters, get a TZ1 instead of the FZ7. TZ1 can be fit easily into most large pockets (think cargo shorts), the FZ7 is right on the edge of not fitting in nearly any pockets. I bought the Canon S3 (only marginally larger than the FZ7) and will be sending it back for this, among other, reason.

[tim11]

Yes. Do take a look at TZ1. Ultrazooms don't come any smaller than that. 10X optical with stabiliser.
Just go to different manufacturers forum and read owners comments. I don't see many complaints on any of the cameras mentioned. They are all great cameras.. in fact, it's down to which one take your fancy the most. I suggest a trip to the local store and have each of them in your hands.
Also, you should read the reviews as well.

[undefined]

You may have to go on faith if you want a TZ1. I have yet to see one with a battery installed in a store. The location of the battery compartment does not seem to mesh well with the antitheft devices in that the battery compartment is not protected, resulting in "lost" batteries.

[honkbox]

Thanks again for the guys who take time to reply. I am going to take your advice and head to the local Best Buy and get some hands on time with the cameras that have been suggested. I'm hoping this along with some help from the associates will aid in my decision. One final question I hope you can answer. I read one of the reviews on the DMC FZ7 and it stated the automatic mode on the camera did not make for the best pictures. She said this was accomplished by self adjusting the camera for the best results. As both my wife and I are complete novices we are really counting on the auto-mode. Are these larger cameras not a good idea for begginers? Whick one of the super-zoom cameras would be ideal.

[undefined]

Thanks again for the guys who take time to reply. I am going to take your advice and head to the local Best Buy and get some hands on time with the cameras that have been suggested. I'm hoping this along with some help from the associates will aid in my decision. One final question I hope you can answer. I read one of the reviews on the DMC FZ7 and it stated the automatic mode on the camera did not make for the best pictures. She said this was accomplished by self adjusting the camera for the best results. As both my wife and I are complete novices we are really counting on the auto-mode. Are these larger cameras not a good idea for begginers? Whick one of the super-zoom cameras would be ideal.

If I were you and wanted simple point and shoot, I'd probably buy the TZ1. It is more likely that you will bring the camera with you if you can fit it in a case on your belt, in a pocket, or in your wifes purse. The TZ1 is a point and shoot camera - you need not have photographic experience to make acceptable prints from this camera. The FZ7 is more gear towards the advanced point and shoot user who wants a little more manual control and is willing to take a little extra effort to get things setup properly.

The TZ1 is also about $50 cheaper, but you sacrifice the electronic viewfinder , manual controls, 1MP, and 2x more zoom. You get a higher resolution LCD (if memory serves), and about 60% less size to deal with. The TZ1 will fit into most purses or large pockets, compared to the FZ7 which requires either a camera case or large purse to carry.

[honkbox]

I am going to go this weekend and get some hands-on time with the TZ1. I have just one more question. Are new camera models introduced like cars? Do all the manufactuers release their new models simultaneously. I'm wondering if some new better models are just on the horizion? Thanks.:)

[ben7337]

I am not sure. I think they come out around the same time or are announced in a 1-2 month span. I also think photokina announces a lot of cameras or shows how good or bad they are before they come out. I think photokina is in September