Looking for a good camera for $250 or less.

[IndianaSPEED]

I bought my first digital camera at TARGET that was on clearance for $82.00 about 6months ago. It was a Nikon Coolpix L11 (6mp,800iso,3x optical) and its a decent camera but it seems like my fathers older digital camera (4mp) from Canon takes quicker and about the same quality shots. My Nikon has a lot more features than my fathers one but it just seems like the Canon just has a better processing time in pictures and in the UI itself.

So.. I want a new digital camera thats about $250 or less. I would like it to be a "like-SLR" camera such as the Fujifilm S1000FD. But, if I can get a really good Ultra Compact camera that has 5x optical zoom or better with 10mp picture resolution for around the same price then I might consider it.

I mainly will use it taking pictures of the weather here in Florida and I could've used a better camera a few days ago after all the damage I saw everywhere near Melbourne, Florida. I also go to about 4 or 5 IndyCar races every year and I would love to be able to get some great shots. I tried my Nikon at the Indy500 this year and it just seems like once I zoom in the shots have noise and tons of artifacts...

I have done some buying research on NEWEGG.com and I have found these 4 that stand out for some reason or another.

Kodak EasyShare V1253 Black 12.1 MP 3.1" LCD 3X Optical Zoom Digital Camera 175.99+FREE 8GB SDHC MEMORY CARD!

Canon PowerShot A590 IS Black 8.0 MP 2.5" 115K LCD 4X Optical Zoom Digital Camera +FREE 8GB SDHC MEMORY CARD! $152.99

FUJIFILM FinePix S1000fd Black 10.0 MP Digital Camera
+FREE 2GB SD CARD AND MEDIUM CASE! $199.99

Kodak EasyShare Z1012 IS Black 10.1 MP 12X Optical Zoom Digital Camera+ FREE BATTERIES AND CHARGER 254.99

Does anyone have any suggestions on what camera I should get?


Thanks.

[KCook]

I like the Fuji even though it lacks optical IS. But then my own Fuji doesn't have that feature either. It's not clear to me why a 10Mp camera would make any better pictures than 8Mp. Unless you like to crop a whole lot. Opening the selection up to 8Mp cameras would let in the Canon SX100 IS and Panasonic TZ4.

Kelly Cook

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

For IndyCar races you will need something fast, with a good zoom and image stabiliser. Although it is not a perfect camera, Canon S5 IS is worth considering. Also Panasonic DMC-FZ18 (and its successor FZ28, available soon) is a good option, receiving good overall reviews.

[jekostas]

For IndyCar races you will need something fast, with a good zoom and image stabiliser. Although it is not a perfect camera, Canon S5 IS is worth considering. Also Panasonic DMC-FZ18 (and its successor FZ28, available soon) is a good option, receiving good overall reviews.

And completely out of his price range.

I agree with KCook - both the Canon SX100 and Panasonic TZ4 provide a lot of camera for the money.

As to your issue with degrading image quality on zooming in, it sounds like you're using the digital zoom on your camera - I would suggest you turn this off completely.

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

And completely out of his price range

Yes, a little bit out, but you can get S5 IS for as low as $300 and its far more better than Kodak Z1012 mentioned by Indiana.

[IndianaSPEED]

Its not that I want a 720p HD video camera but it would be a nice feature to have. I have looked into both the Panasonic and Canon models and they seem like very good camera's to buy. I was considering the Kodak V1253 that can record 720p with a 3.1" LCD but the camera has a standard optical zoom of 3x and I believe that I want something better. I'm looking into 3 models right now.

The Canon SX100 (can not record 720p videos but seems like an amazing camera!!) - Roughly around $255.00
vs.
The Panasonic TZ4 (can not record HD 720p videos) - Roughly around $230
vs.
The Panasonic TZ5 (records HD 720p video and has a high optical zoom as well as a more small compact form factor!) - Roughly around $279.99

Any suggestions on which one out of these to get?

Thanks.

[KCook]

I'm not familiar with these video differences. But if you have any interest in exposure control keep in mind that the Panny TZ-series are strictly auto shooters. Though all auto shooters today do have a bunch of "scene" choices to alter camera settings. The Canon SX100 also has the scenes, plus full manual control. So if your aim is to become a student of photography, then advantage Canon.

Kelly

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

The Panasonic TZ4 (can not record HD 720p videos) - Roughly around $230
vs.
The Panasonic TZ5 (records HD 720p video and has a high optical zoom as well as a more small compact form factor!) - Roughly around $279.99

In terms of size and looks TZ4 and TZ5 are identical. Indeed TZ4 has lower resolution video mode and it has no red-eye removal tool plus lower resolution and smaller LCD screen and 1 Mpix less (9 vs 10 on TZ5).

And as KCook mentioned TZ-series cameras are full auto shooters. If you still want Panasonic camera with manual controls there are other options: LZ8/LZ10 (but with shorter 5x zoom) and FX500 (which is way over your budget).

[IndianaSPEED]

I have concluded that I need/want a HD 720p capable Digital Camera. Is the Panasonic TZ5 the best Digital Camera w/720p video for less than $300.00?

Thanks.

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

I have concluded that I need/want a HD 720p capable Digital Camera. Is the Panasonic TZ5 the best Digital Camera w/720p video for less than $300.00?

Thanks.

I don't know if it is a best one, but certainly it is an excellent camera, well worth recommending.