Time for an upgrade!

[Mokona]

Hi everyone,

Absolutely love this site! But now I can't seem to narrow down my choices. I'm a current Nikon Coolpix 4300 user desperately in need of an upgrade. I've been reading some of these threads, but I guess we're all in need of something different.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Budget
What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
Under $400, unless there is something outstanding that I should consider.

Size
What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
I'd prefer something slim and light, easy to carry or throw in a bag, but it's
not a big factor.


Features
How many megapixels will suffice for you?
7-8 MP


What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)
Ultrazoom

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

Do you care for manual controls?
I would like the option of manual controls, as I'd like to start taking classes and learning the advanced options/controls.


General Usage
What will you generally use the camera for?
Everyday use... macro shots, outdoor scenery, wildlife, pets, landscapes, fireworks, etc. Quick, quiet shots are a plus.

Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
No

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

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Not often

Miscellaneous
Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Canon PowerShot S5 IS, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 (or the H10), Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8

Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
Image Stabilization is a MUST :)

I'm still a novice, so ease of use is nice. I'd also like room to grow.. i.e. the option of adding basic conversion lenses.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help!

[JTL]

Well, I can only speak for personally the Canon S5 which, IMO is the best of the lot. It's a very subjective thing, but the pictures simply look better to me. Add to that the fact that it has an articulating/rotating LCD (the usefulness of which can not be overstated). The S5 is the only camera in your list that has this feature.

BTW, the FZ8 appears to have horrible noise reduction artifacting, so if were my money I wouldn't even consider it.

From Jeff Keller's review on this site:

"The PowerShot S5's image quality is some of the best you'll find on an ultra zoom."

"The most important feature on a camera is its image quality, and its here where the FZ8 stumbles a bit."

I know which one I would get! ;)

Oh, and Sony? What's that? :D:p:D

Just my 2 pence. :)

[KCook]

option of adding basic conversion lenses
This is most easily done with a standard filter thread on the front of the lens. But that means a Panasonic FZ or the Fuji S700. The others use an adapter tube that attaches to the camera body instead. Depends on how important this feature is to you.

I have the Canon S3 (very similar to the S5). Does give nice results. But I would also consider the Fuji (considering low price!) or Sony. Some of the camera review sites provide sample shots. Download and print these for your own evaluation.

Kelly Cook

[Mokona]

Wow, thank you all for the help and additional info and resources. I really appreciate it!

I think I will be going with the S5!

Thanks again!