What camera to choose?

[speaklightly]

Diana-

A lot of what you want can be obtained for less than you think. The Kodak Z-712 for example has 12X optical zoom, IS, full manual controls, and it can use ISO 400 quite well for small size prints. Our owner/webmaster, Jeff Keller, on this website gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

It is currently selling for $(US) 200.00 to 215.00. Let's make the Kodak Z-712, our base camera. If you want a hot shoe, and a rotating LCD scree, then the Canon S-5 is also a good choice, and Jeff has also written a complete review on the S-5, as well.

So as you can see, when we begin adding megapixels, features, or more zoom, the price gloes up. Take a look at the Kodak Z-712 and then tell us what more you would like to have on your ideal camera.

Sarah Joyce

Here is a Canon S-5 night shot.



Here is a Kodak Z-712 photo taken at ISO 800.

[AndyfromVA]

The Fuji S9100 has RAW format capability, but it's a large camera.

[Diana_84]

Diana-

A lot of what you want can be obtained for less than you think. The Kodak Z-712 for example has 12X optical zoom, IS, full manual controls, and it can use ISO 400 quite well for small size prints. Our owner/webmaster, Jeff Keller, on this website gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

It is currently selling for $(US) 200.00 to 215.00. Let's make the Kodak Z-712, our base camera. If you want a hot shoe, and a rotating LCD scree, then the Canon S-5 is also a good choice, and Jeff has also written a complete review on the S-5, as well.

So as you can see, when we begin adding megapixels, features, or more zoom, the price gloes up. Take a look at the Kodak Z-712 and then tell us what more you would like to have on your ideal camera.

Sarah Joyce

Thanks a lot. I checked Kodak Z - 712, but still it's not all I want. In the last resort I will make some compromise with the features and in that case Kodak Z - 712 will be one of the choices But now let me tell you what's my ideal camera

Format - SLR-like
Optical Zoom - it will be great if I can get 10x or more
Aperture priority and Shutter priority
Manual controls
Image stabilization
Megapixels - at least 7,2 (and here I would like to ask a question - what sensor size is best and does it depends on megapixels?)
Macro focus range - I'm going to take macro pictures so I would like to be if possible about 1-5 cm
Manual focus (if possible)
RAW (if possible)
Rotating display (if possible)
External flash (if possible)

I know that I want too much for non - DSLR camera, but I am just an amateur who loves to take pictures and who wants to improve

[AndyfromVA]

There are only so many SLR-like cameras available. You've been given the names of almost all of them.

You might try consulting this.
http://www.myproductadvisor.com/mpa/...nputSummary.do

[Diana_84]

I will check it right away... But can somebody explain me more about sensor size and megapixels? A friend of mine told me to look for sensor size 1/1.8, 1/1.7 or 2/3...

[David Metsky]

Cameras with 10x-14x zoom and RAW
Cameras with 15x+ zoom and RAW

As you can see, there are a total of 7 models to choose from. Two of them (the Lecia and the Casio) are in the $1000 range. If you eliminate those, you have 5 models to choose from, with two of them being slightly different versions of the Olympus ultrazoom.

In general, a larger sensor size means less noise, but it's not an absolute measure. Of your choices, only the Panasonic FZ-50 has a slightly larger CCD then the rest.

[Diana_84]

I was thinking of Panasonic FZ50... It fits my desires and also I like it how it looks But how it deals with shooting at high ISO?

[speaklightly]

Diana-

The Panasonic FZ-50 is an excellent outdoor camera. However, it does not do well at any elevated ISO settings. It does have hot shoe that will work with the Olympus FL-50 flash.

You might want to look at the Canon G-9 which does offer RAW but ISO 400 is about as high as you can press the G-9

I am sorry to say that your specification of a long zoom camer, with RAW and high ISO capabilities is a very hard bill to fill.

Sarah Joyce

[Diana_84]

Diana-

The Panasonic FZ-50 is an excellent outdoor camera. However, it does not do well at any elevated ISO settings. It does have hot shoe that will work with the Olympus FL-50 flash.

You might want to look at the Canon G-9 which does offer RAW but ISO 400 is about as high as you can press the G-9

I am sorry to say that your specification of a long zoom camer, with RAW and high ISO capabilities is a very hard bill to fill.

Sarah Joyce

Thanks again
Somehow I don't like very much Canon G9. I had a look at it and there is something that I don't like. I cannot explain what I like the size and the appearance of Panasonic FZ50 but it's the noise that bothers me I am not sure if I will take lots of pictures at ISO higher than 400, even higher than 200. Probably for night shots I will try with low ISO and long exposure...
And what do you think about Sony DSC - H9( or any of the H series)?

[AndyfromVA]

Check out Jeff's review of the Sony DSC H9 (which would apply equally well to the H7)- a mixed bag.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/sony/dsc_h9-review/