Zooms?

[lmsals]

Hi. I have been researching cameras for what seems like forever. At first I was trying to decide between having a small camera with a 3x zoom that I could stick in my pocket or a larger camera with a longer zoom for taking pictures of the kids' sports etc. I think I have decided on a longer zoom, but before I do, a couple of questions:

Are there any cameras out there that would be a good compromise? In other words, longer zoom (but not necessarily 10 or 12x) but smaller?

Also, what experience does anyone have with image stabilization, which to me seems that it might be important, but I have never used a camera with it before, so I don't know how much difference it will make.

I currently have a Canon A40. I have wanted more megapixels for a while, and have always wished for a longer zoom (which is why I think I will go with the longer zoom). I would love to go with the S1 since it will take the same CF card and use the same Nimh batteries, but it's only 3.2 mp, which doesn't seem like much of an upgrade to me. I have also looked at the Panasonic DMC-FZ15 and FZ-20 as well as the Konica Minolta Dimage Z3 (and the A2 or A200 since they also take CF,but they may be too much camera for me and are more than I would like to spend).

I know this is a lot, but it's all running through my head, which is spinning! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Lisa :eek:

[PhilR.]

You might consider looking at the Panasonic FZ3, which is a much smaller camera than the 15 and 20. It does however retain that great 12x zoom with IS. I believe the FZ3 is also slightly smaller than the S1 too. The FZ3 is 3.2mp, so you wouldn't want it if you plan on making prints above 8x10. Here lately the FZ3 could be had for just under $300.

As for image stabilisation -- I doubt that it would make a difference for most of your shots, but it can make a difference when the right situations of either low light or high zoom come along. IS can allow you to shoot handheld several stops lower than without.

Another smaller mega-zoom is the Olympus 765. Both it and the FZ3 are tidy in dimensions, but neither will fit in your shirt pocket. It is hard to have lots of zoom in a very small camera - kinda like trying to stick a size 12 foot into a size 5 shoe....

PhilR.

[Thon]

You might consider looking at the Panasonic FZ3, which is a much smaller camera than the 15 and 20. It does however retain that great 12x zoom with IS. I believe the FZ3 is also slightly smaller than the S1 too. The FZ3 is 3.2mp, so you wouldn't want it if you plan on making prints above 8x10. Here lately the FZ3 could be had for just under $300.

As for image stabilisation -- I doubt that it would make a difference for most of your shots, but it can make a difference when the right situations of either low light or high zoom come along. IS can allow you to shoot handheld several stops lower than without.

Another smaller mega-zoom is the Olympus 765. Both it and the FZ3 are tidy in dimensions, but neither will fit in your shirt pocket. It is hard to have lots of zoom in a very small camera - kinda like trying to stick a size 12 foot into a size 5 shoe....

PhilR.


Just adding to the list is the Olympus C770UZ with a bit more than the C765UZ. The MPEG4 movie mode is good for your kids' activities too.

Basically, long zoom shots outdoors in bright light doesn't need IS, but in lower light, it's either a tripod or IS.