A95 vs Minolta Z10 or ??

[wynnia]

Here I am another person buying their first digicam -- overwhelmed by information. The main purpose for the digicam is to take and email photos of my dog. I have determined that my priorities are:

Mostly point and shoot
3X or more optical zoom
NiMH batteries
Minimal delays between shots
$400 price or less
Minimal red eye
Good flash for indoor shots
Good action (moving) shots

I don't like small or fragile cameras (my dog will sit on it). I don't plan to print large photos. I am not computer savy, so I need the process from camera to computer to email to be simple! That is why Canon has been recommended --it is supposedly the easiest camera to integrate with your PC. But the Minolta Z10 sounds good to me because of the short lag between shots and 8X zoom is neat.

Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated!

[George Riehm]

Here I am another person buying their first digicam -- overwhelmed by information. The main purpose for the digicam is to take and email photos of my dog. I have determined that my priorities are:

Mostly point and shoot
3X or more optical zoom
NiMH batteries
Minimal delays between shots
$400 price or less
Minimal red eye
Good flash for indoor shots
Good action (moving) shots

I don't like small or fragile cameras (my dog will sit on it). I don't plan to print large photos. I am not computer savy, so I need the process from camera to computer to email to be simple! That is why Canon has been recommended --it is supposedly the easiest camera to integrate with your PC. But the Minolta Z10 sounds good to me because of the short lag between shots and 8X zoom is neat.

Any opinions or suggestions are appreciated!

If you want good, but cheap, then Canon A75.

If you want a good long lens (12X Image Stabilized), within your budget, then Panasonic FZ3.

If you want something a little better with a long zoom then FZ15 or 20.

These all have decent software packages as well.

I think the FZ3 will fit your requirements in a medium sized package.

As always try before you buy. I'm just giving you what I would pick in these catagories. Going to the local camera store (including Wolf and Ritz) may open your choices up a little.

[wynnia]

I never considered Panasonic -- a brand recognition issue I guess. Thanks for the tip, though. I will go to Ritz and take a look at them.

[wynnia]

George:

I haven't found a store yet that stocks the Panasonic brand, but I went to a local camera store and checked out the A95 and Minolta Z10. Much to my surprise I didn't like the Minolta Z10. Can't explain exactly why.

I was about set on the A95 when the sales person showed me a Canon S1 IS. The IS seems like a major ++, but I am wondering when upgraded S1 IS is coming out, since it has been on the market since February. Heard anything about a newer S1?

Now I need to find a store that carries Panasonic to check them out, although I really prefer NiMH batteries -- as you know, Panasonics use lithium batteries. Anyway, just wanted to report back and see if you have heard anything about Canon upgrading the S1.

Thanks, Wynnia

[wynnia]

Found Jeff's response on 9.8.04 to my question about whether Canon will update S1 soon. Seems not this year.

[Jayde]

wynnia
HI :)
did you look @ Minolta Z3 model ? more money but prolly worth it..along with Pana FZ20
IMO FZ3 is better than Minolta z10 by miles... :)

both here and pana forum
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Konica_Minolta/

pana site here
http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/lumix/index.html
see FZ10 shooting manual FZ20 is similar..

btw the pana`s blow the canon SI lens away, lots info re this on dp forum
not sure on new ver tho is it same lens ..prolly is :confused: