Which one of these do you suggest?

[infini]

I am going to buy my first digital camera and after reading many reviews and comments i am more confused than determined on which one to buy. I want one that has a digital image stabilization, redeye correction, face detection and 3" LCD screen. Good shots at low light or at night and also from long distances is what i prefer. I was thinking of one of these models:
Canon PowerShot SD870 IS
Canon PowerShot G9
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3
Sony DSC-T200
Do you think that the lack of face detection and intelligent auto mode that the FX-55 has, are bg disadvantages for the TZ3?
Which one would you suggest? Any other suggestions are welcome!

[TheWengler]

You might need to choose between low light performance and image stabilization. Get the Fuji S6000 or the Fuji F40 for strong low light performance but I doubt you'll get any of that other stuff. If you decide low light isn't a top priority then you'll have a lot more to choose from.

[David Metsky]

Your choices are all over the map; from ultracompacts, to a highend consumer compact, to a compact ultrazoom. How much zoom is important to you? Are you going to use manual controls? Do you want an optical view finder?

If lowlight performance is really a top concern the the Fujis mentioned above would be the first to look at. If that isn't a top concern you'll need to refine your requirements a bit more.

[infini]

What are the advantages of an optical viewfinder? (newbie question :) ). Fuji S6000 is too big for me. If i was going to buy a camera of that size i would prefer a Panasonic FZ18 which iss smaller and has more features.

[David Metsky]

Optical viewfinder - better in bright light when an LCD is unreadable, ability to hold the camera to your eye which is a more stable position, better representation of your subject, saves battery power when out for long periods of time, camera still works when LCD dies.

You also probably don't want digital image stabilization; you want optical image stabilization. DIS usually is marketing speak for pushing ISO higher to shorten shutter speeds. OIS involves moving lens components and is much more effective.

Please fill out the questionnaire at the top of the forum to give us more details. Again, if low light no flash performance is very important you should be looking at the Fuji F40 (or F50 if you want manual controls). If you also want a big zoom then you'll need to look at the S6000 which has significantly better low light performance then any other ultrazoom including the FZ18. If low light no flash performance isn't your top priority we need more information from you to give good advice.

[infini]

I wish i could find a camera with these specs: 3" display, wide angle 28mm lens, auto mode such as intelligent auto mode of Panasonic, image stabilisation, face detection, zoom over 7x, redeye correction, but not at the size of a DSLR. Most mini SLR's such as the Fuji S6000 and Panasonic FZ18 have a 2,5 display, although they are much bigger than compact cameras which often have 2,7" or 3".

[David Metsky]

The Reviews and Info page allows you to search on LCD size. There are only two cameras with a 3" screen and greater the 7x zoom.

Panazonic TZ3
Sony H9

The TZ3 starts at 28mm but has no manual controls. The H9 starts at 31mm and has full manual controls but didn't get a glowing review.

[TheWengler]

To me it seems like face detection, in camera red eye reduction and a 3" LCD are all unnecessary things that are just limiting your choices. I don't really see face detection as necessary. You can fix red eye on the computer. Is a 2.5" LCD really that much of a sacrifice? If I were you I'd be more concerned about image quality and high ISO performance.

[infini]

But how can i see picture quality and iso performance? I can't try the cameras.

[David Metsky]

Take a look at the online galleries.

[photography555]

You can compare camera images at http://imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

[AndyfromVA]

But how can i see picture quality and iso performance? I can't try the cameras.

Panasonic TZ3
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/panasonic/lumix_dmc_tz3

Sony H9
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/sony/dsc_h9