Really Need Advice on what model Camera to Buy

[GabrielleJ]

Which camera should I buy?


Budget

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible. $350

Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?

Not important

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify) Not sure

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)

9

Do you care for manual controls? Not sure

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

Primary usage will be for dance motion pictures in low light without flash. Need to be able to take in quick succession without having to wait long periods in between each picture

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

Yes often

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

Yes, mostly

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

Yes, mostly

Miscellaneous

Want slide on battery that can be charged vs AA, etc.

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

No

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

Possibly Lumix

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)

Possibly wide angle but not sure. I currently have an older model Cannon which does not have the ability to take any type of action pic, subjects must be completely still, otherwise it's blurry. Camera takes about 20 seconds to revamp in between pictures

[surfstar]

Motion + low light + no flash = Fuji

At least that what I get from reading all the reviews/advice on here and dpreview. I'd suggest the S6000fd, so you can zoom in on the action if needed. For those conditions, a tripod would help.

Or a F30, if zoom isn't a big priority.

[John_Reed]

Motion + low light + no flash = Fuji

At least that what I get from reading all the reviews/advice on here and dpreview. I'd suggest the S6000fd, so you can zoom in on the action if needed. For those conditions, a tripod would help.

Or a F30, if zoom isn't a big priority.You're pushing the limits of "Point & Shoot" cameras with your need to capture action in low light, presumably at a distance. I imagine the S6000fd's zoom range may be adequate. If it doesn't hack it for you, you might have to raise your sights and move into a DSLR with a zoom telephoto lens to give you what you really want. But that's above your stated budget maximum, so the Fuji may be the only viable choice.