Looking for great images

[SWinner]

My old pocket Nikon failed the drop test. Looking to upgrade from a compact point and shoot to something that takes great pics.

Budget: $400 or less.

Size: Not so important, but shouldn't require it’s own ‘carry-on’ bag.

Features: 8+ megapixels

Zoom: Standard (3x-4x) okay, but more would be better.

Image quality is most important. I am a free-lance illustrator, fully armed with digital editing toys.

Manual controls?: Haven’t used them since I put down my old film SLR. I’m a bit rusty, but it might be nice.

General Usage: In my current life, I mostly shoot kids/family type stuff and travel. I was much more serious pre-kids, and still love a good image, construction site to humming bird.

Prints: I have a nice Canon printer & do a lot up to 8.5 x 11. Don’t do much larger, but would send out if the image was worth it. Would upgrade the printer if worthwhile.

Indoor photos or low light photos?: Some but not primarily.

Sports and/or action photos? Yes – a lot.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?
I’m currently looking at the Canon G10, but it’s a bit rich for my budget. Bang for the buck, could I do as well, or better? The sx10 also looks interesting. Minor concern: I have read that some Canon’s are a bit slow, and noisy. I also like the Panasonic FZ28, but am concerned about the image quality. HD is really tempting, but not a deal maker/breaker. RAW files are nice for editing, but there aren't many in my budget.

I am totally open to suggestion – is there a gem I’ve missed? I have looked at so much my head is swimming.

[jekostas]

Yeah, why not get a dSLR? If image quality is the most important thing to you, even a low-end dSLR kit will run circles around a high end point-and-shoot camera.

The last I looked, both the Nikon D40 and Olympus E-420 single-lens kits were within spitting distance of your price range.

[David Metsky]

RAW files are nice for editing, but there aren't many in my budget.

By using the CDHK software hack (http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK) any Canon P&S can do RAW. It's really nice to have.

[SWinner]

I thought about dslr, but more than I wanted to spend, especially those with video. Also, that puts me back in the realm of carrying around a bag with lenses, etc.

[SWinner]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

[stanj]

A used Nikon D40 with a decent kit lens will be under your budget and do exactly what you need it to. The 18-200 or 18-105 lenses are low cost and wide enough range to ever need carrying a bag of lenses. I would expect you can find such a lens mounted on a used D40 or similar for your $400 budget.
The killer criteria is speed, P&S just do not cut it in that regard. Also image quality; they have so much internal processing the colors and contrast are so hyped that they might look impressive in small prints or on low res computer monitors but will look weird in larger prints or on quality calibrated monitors. Something that shoots in RAW would be much better particularly since you have photo image editing software. PS CS-4 with ACR is great.
A used camera from one of the main brands will last for years and keep providing good performance all the while P&Ss are evolving into more competitive alternatives. By having a good low cost DSLR to start with you avoid having to upgrade P&S every few months with the hopes of getting a little closer to DSLR performance.

[SWinner]

Thanks for the thoughts. Something to chew on - I hadn't really thought about going used. Advise on requtable dealers for used equip?

[KCook]

I am totally open to suggestion – is there a gem I’ve missed? I have looked at so much my head is swimming. While it's at the shallow end of the pool, the Panny FX150 ultracompact serves up some nice IQ for the $$ spent.

[SWinner]

While it's at the shallow end of the pool, the Panny FX150 ultracompact serves up some nice IQ for the $$ spent.

Thanks, looks like a great option. I've decided to shop for a used dslr, but would also like an inexpensive bag camera that could be passed off to a kid, or used in situations where I wouldn't take an expensive unit - rain, boat, hi-crime (we travel to some spotty locations), etc. - that I wouldn't cry over if something happened to it.

I like the price points of the canon sx110 & the pana. lz10. Are they worthwhile?

[KCook]

The Canon SX110 is one of my favorites. Luv the manual controls on that. However, it really only shines on sunny days. Not a top choice for indoor photography, and its video is very basic. For really cheap auto-shooters for indoors also look at Fujifilm J-series and Z-series, and Olympus FE-series. You can get your pick of those for $150 or less.

Kelly

[SWinner]

The Canon SX110 is one of my favorites. Luv the manual controls on that. However, it really only shines on sunny days. Not a top choice for indoor photography, and its video is very basic. For really cheap auto-shooters for indoors also look at Fujifilm J-series and Z-series, and Olympus FE-series. You can get your pick of those for $150 or less.

Kelly

In looking at the Fuji's, I stumbeled upon a $100 rebate for the for the F100fd, bringing the cost down to about $125. Seems like a sweet deal. I also like the 5x zoom over 3x which is what most of the Fuji's seem to have. My only hesitation is the batteries & I like that the canon sx110 & panasonic lz10 use AA's. Any thoughts on the Panasonic lz10

Thanks for the guidance.

[KCook]

The Panasonic LZ10 is a good choice. However, it is not as advanced a design as the Canon SX110 IS. So if you're finding both cameras for the same price, then the SX110 is the better value.

Kelly

[SWinner]

What do you think of the F100fd? The reviews I've read have been mixed.

Susan

[KCook]

My current camera is a Fuji, so I may be guilty of bias :)

In my view the Fuji F100fd is a top choice for enthusiasts who don't mind mastering the quirks of an automated camera. But for casual users, or anybody who is keen on manual control, the Canon SX110 is likely a happier choice. I would love to have both cameras!

Kelly

[SWinner]

I wish I could do both! I think I'll get the Fuji for now/while I can ;) (great price and limited availability) & continue to be patient & shop for a used dslr. $$'s quite tight at the moment, but I have found that patience can be rewarding. It's always nice to have a great indoor point & shoot.

Thanks for your input,

Susan

[KCook]

Good point, these rebate deals usually have short windows ...