Amateur photographer needs cheap but classy runner

[rabbidogg]

Hi all

I'm an amateur photographer looking for a camera to get me on my feet in the world of photography. I'm not a specialist in any area so I'm just looking for a solid multi-use camera at a decent price. I've scoured the net for what look like good deals but would like some more expert advice before I make a decision.

Thanks for any help in advance.

_________________

Budget

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.
£100-150

Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?
Not hugely important, would certainly buy SLR or similar style.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?
8+

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

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
7

Do you care for manual controls?
no

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?
Multi-use/landscape/portrait

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
possibly

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
not many

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
likely

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I like - Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
Fujifilm FinePix S5800
Fuji - FinePix S1000fd

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)
N/A

[AndyfromVA]

The Panasonic FZ28 will probably fit within your budget. It's a very solid superzoom. It's clear you like Fuji, but I'd look to Fuji's new superzoom, the S2000hd, rather than the ones you mentioned as the new Fuji has optical image stabilization.

[rabbidogg]

The Panasonic FZ28 will probably fit within your budget. It's a very solid superzoom. It's clear you like Fuji, but I'd look to Fuji's new superzoom, the S2000hd, rather than the ones you mentioned as the new Fuji has optical image stabilization.

Thanks for your help. I'll look into the items that you have recommended.

[speaklightly]

dogg-

I shoot with a Panasonic FZ-28 and like it a lot. Here in the USA B&H has it at $(US)239.00 right now. If it is comparably priced in the UK it would be well priced. As you can see from the sample photo, the FZ-28 is a very capable camera. Good luck with your search.

Sarah Joyce

[AndyfromVA]

I've decided to take my own advice. I ordered the Panasonic FZ28 - I couldn't resist the $239 price. The website says it's currently out of stock but I expect they will have more shipments - Adorama is a major online retailer.

I hope I like it as much as my Canon A720is.

[speaklightly]

Good for you Andy! You will enjoy the Panasonic FZ-28 a lot.

Sarah Joyce