Help! Analysis paralysis researching dslr-like cameras...

[zzmom]

I am overwhelmed with reviews on digital cameras. About the time I think I have determined the best camera for me, I read another review that makes me think I am making a bad choice! I want a really good digital camera, but do not want to do the multiple lens dSLR thing yet due to costs and size. I am a Mom of three very busy, athletic kids. Lots of soccer/baseball (outdoor), Taekwondo (gyms), track, etc. Lots of school stuff including drama on stage. Lots of great opportunities for family pics in the great outdoors. If I made a wish list for a camera, it would include good zoom, the possiblity of getting some good sports action shots, reliability, true color, crisp pics, and the ability to interface well with my other favorite toy, my iMAC. I've been researching in circles, but currently my short list includes the Canon S5 IS, Panasonic Lumix DFC-FZ50, and the Panasonic FZ8. I've read some good things about the Fuji S6000fd, but don't know if the lack of image stabilization is a show stopper. At least to me, it seems that the reviews of the Sony DSC-H series and the Olympus SP550UZ conflict a lot. Can anyone out there offer advice on which cameras I should pursue further? And have I missed a camera that I should be looking at? What camera would you purchase if you wanted a great pic of your son hitting a homerun on a sunny day or your daughter sparring in a Taekowndo match in a coliseum? And, if I really NEED to get into a dSLR to get these pics, and I don't want to spend my kids' college funds to do it, do you have a recommendation? This is the first time I've every posted on any forum..., so hopefully I did it right! Thanks.

[DonSchap]

I am overwhelmed with reviews on digital cameras. About the time I think I have determined the best camera for me, I read another review that makes me think I am making a bad choice! I want a really good digital camera, but do not want to do the multiple lens dSLR thing yet due to costs and size. I am a Mom of three very busy, athletic kids. Lots of soccer/baseball (outdoor), Taekwondo (gyms), track, etc. Lots of school stuff including drama on stage. Lots of great opportunities for family pics in the great outdoors. If I made a wish list for a camera, it would include good zoom, the possiblity of getting some good sports action shots, reliability, true color, crisp pics, and the ability to interface well with my other favorite toy, my iMAC. I've been researching in circles, but currently my short list includes the Canon S5 IS, Panasonic Lumix DFC-FZ50, and the Panasonic FZ8. I've read some good things about the Fuji S6000fd, but don't know if the lack of image stabilization is a show stopper. At least to me, it seems that the reviews of the Sony DSC-H series and the Olympus SP550UZ conflict a lot. Can anyone out there offer advice on which cameras I should pursue further? And have I missed a camera that I should be looking at? What camera would you purchase if you wanted a great pic of your son hitting a homerun on a sunny day or your daughter sparring in a Taekowndo match in a coliseum? And, if I really NEED to get into a dSLR to get these pics, and I don't want to spend my kids' college funds to do it, do you have a recommendation? This is the first time I've every posted on any forum..., so hopefully I did it right! Thanks.

Is borrowing the neighbor's DSLR out of the question? j/k

My suggestion: You really need to go into a good camera store and take the time to try both types of cameras out.

Get your hands on a Canon S5 IS ... try and shoot some "finish line" type photographs, where you need a high-speed repetative shutter response. Just try it a couple times ... imagine yourself shooting a volleyball game, where you want to get the "spike action" or a "serve".

Then, get your hands on a Canon EOS XTi ... fitted with a Third-party manufacturer's (SIGMA or TAMRON) 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens ... and shoot the same way. I believe the experience will help shape your decision quite a bit more clearly.

My opinion (share by a few others) ;) : For action photography: DSLR. End of discussion.

[nutsnbolts]

What Don said, after beating me up on other posts here.

From my research hemmorage of DSLR's, If you really got some dough, the Canon D30 is great for sports. Just know it's a DSLR and to compliment it, you would needs nice lenses as well. However, this is usually tapping into your kids college fund. :D

On the other hand, the XTI is a great starter..I think the Canon 30D if you want overkill. I guess I should point that out. lol