Buying First Digital Camera After 20 years using 35 mm slr

[CoachP]

I am looking for a 4 megapixel ultra zoom camera that is not bulky in size for around $300. I will be using it for indoor family photos and outdoor nature and sports photography. Image quality is very important to me. I prefer AA batteries over lithium ion batteries. I use automatic mode for the most part, but do need easy to use manual access upon occassion.

I have read good things about the Olympus C-765 and the Fuji S5100.

Your feedback regarding these two cameras in particular or a new suggestion is most appreciated.

Coach P

[PhilR.]

The 765 doesn't use AA's, so I guess you can throw that one out. The 5100 can be found at B&H for $285, and has a $50 rebate, bringing the overall cost down to $235. At that price, it would be a great choice. There are also the Minolta Z series to consider, some of which are under $300. In fact, you can get the Z2 for $209 after rebate, from Butterflyphoto.com. That is an amazing price for what you get....

PhilR.

[CoachP]

Phil,

Battery type aside, how does Fuji S5100 stack up against the Olympus C-765? I don't know much about the Z2 and can't find a review on this website. Can you fill me in or point me to a review site? Thanks!

Coach P.

[ZCarroll]

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/z2.html

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/konicaminoltaz2/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/Z2/Z2A.HTM

[PhilR.]

Phil,

Battery type aside, how does Fuji S5100 stack up against the Olympus C-765? I don't know much about the Z2 and can't find a review on this website. Can you fill me in or point me to a review site? Thanks!

Coach P.

I think that the Fuji would stack up quite well to the Oly. I have cameras from both companies, so I don't have any bias towards one or the other. However, given that I can't find the Oly at anywhere near the low price of the Fuji, I would pick the Fuji, and I don't have any budget concerns....

Try to find a Z2 before you pick however, as that camera also provides a great amount of features for the price. Something that might be important to you, since one of your priorities is indoor family photos, is that the Z2 has a much better than average flash range of up to 20'.

PhilR.

[CoachP]

Have there been any problems with the shutter mirror used on the Z2's EVF? I read it's been discontinued on the newer models like the Z3. How would you rate the image quality of this camera over the Fuji S5100 or the Olympus C-765?

thanks!