Would like some advice

[Ellwooda]

Hello all,

I would like to know which camera would be best suited for covering motorsports events. I cover everything from motocross to drag racing to monster truck shows. At these events, many of the vehicles have small amounts of detail such as decals and elaborate paint schemes that can prove to be difficult for my existing camera (Sony DSC-P10) to capture. Often times I am required to stand afar from the action, so telephoto capabilities is a must. Additionally, due to the rapid nature of these sports, a camera with a quick shutter speed and memory writing for rapid shooting is required as well. I am aware of the VCL-DH2630 telephoto add on to my existing point and shoot, but am wary of the weaknesses it has. Idealy I would prefer a camera less than $1,000, less being better. Thanks for you help!

-Ellwooda

[George Riehm]

Hello all,

I would like to know which camera would be best suited for covering motorsports events. I cover everything from motocross to drag racing to monster truck shows. At these events, many of the vehicles have small amounts of detail such as decals and elaborate paint schemes that can prove to be difficult for my existing camera (Sony DSC-P10) to capture. Often times I am required to stand afar from the action, so telephoto capabilities is a must. Additionally, due to the rapid nature of these sports, a camera with a quick shutter speed and memory writing for rapid shooting is required as well. I am aware of the VCL-DH2630 telephoto add on to my existing point and shoot, but am wary of the weaknesses it has. Idealy I would prefer a camera less than $1,000, less being better. Thanks for you help!

-Ellwooda

You might want to check out the Panasonic FZ3 or FZ15 ($400-500). The next choice would be the Canon DReb dSLR. With a couple of lenses... about $1300. It only goes up from there. If you aspire to sell your pictures then to may want to look even higher at the Nikon D70 (only slightly more that the DReb) or the new Canon 20D, a very low cost pro dSLR ($1500 for the body and $500-600 for basic lenses).

Try the Panasonics first, as they will probably work.

[John_Reed]

You might want to check out the Panasonic FZ3 or FZ15 ($400-500). The next choice would be the Canon DReb dSLR. With a couple of lenses... about $1300. It only goes up from there. If you aspire to sell your pictures then to may want to look even higher at the Nikon D70 (only slightly more that the DReb) or the new Canon 20D, a very low cost pro dSLR ($1500 for the body and $500-600 for basic lenses).

Try the Panasonics first, as they will probably work.Just to add to George's suggestions, the Panasonic FZ15 doesn't seem to have hit the stores yet in this country, or anywhere else for that matter. But the FZ20 has, is available (when in stock) from Circuit City On-line for $539 + Tax & Shipping. And even the "venerable" (less than a year old?) FZ10 is no slouch, and they're easier to get, for under $500 these days.

[Ellwooda]

Thanks guys. I've been looking at the Nikon D70 for quite some time as well, but the Panasonic looks like it may be a more realistic option at this time. My photography will mainly be used for website coverages, so I'm not looking to go completely professional at the moment. I'd like to see what kind of reviews will come out for the DMC-FZ20 as it seems to be an awesome camera (12X ZOOM!!!). My only question is how it performs as far as night shooting is concerned. Many of the events will be held at night during adequately lit conditions (i.e. NASCAR at night) and it's performance during these conditions is important too. Thanks again!!