Needing Assitance on Camera Option's

[James Siler]

Hi everyone. I am needing some help and or opinons on some camera's that I am looking at getting. Things that I know that I already want are at the least is an 6 megapixel or more along with an 8x or more optical zoom. I have come across some that have high megapixel but very low or no optical zoom at all. And others where it is reverse with a low megapixel but high optical zoom. I thought I would list some that I am looking at and would greatly appreciate everyones opinion and knowledge. I might be willing to scarfice one over the other. But I also beleive you get what you pay for. So, again any help I would value. The ones I am looking at are listed below. Thanks again. James.

1. Olympus SP-550UZ 7.1MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 18x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: OlympusModel: 225885Brand: OlympusDisplay Size: 2.5 inchesIncluded Software: YesLabel: OlympusMaximum Resolution: 7.1 MPOptical Zoom: 18 xProduct Group: PhotographyPublisher: OlympusStudio: OlympusTitle: Olympus SP-550UZ 7.1MP Digital Camera with Dual Image Stabilized 18x Optical Zoom

2. Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens Manufacturer: NikonModel: 9405Brand: NikonDisplay Size: 2.500000 inchesIncluded Software: YesLabel: NikonMaximum Resolution: 10.2 MPOptical Zoom: 3 xProduct Group: PhotographyPublisher: NikonStudio: NikonTitle: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

3. Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 8MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom Manufacturer: SonyModel: DSCH9/BWarranty: 1 year warrantyBrand: SonyDisplay Size: 3 inchesIncluded Software: YesLabel: SonyMaximum Resolution: 8 MPOptical Zoom: 15 xProduct Group: PhotographyPublisher: SonyStudio: SonyTitle: Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 8MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom

4. Sony Cybershot DSC-H7 8MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom Manufacturer: SonyModel: DSCH7/BWarranty: 1 year warrantyBrand: SonyDisplay Size: 2.5 inchesIncluded Software: YesLabel: SonyMaximum Resolution: 8 MPOptical Zoom: 15 xProduct Group: PhotographyPublisher: SonyStudio: SonyTitle: Sony Cybershot DSC-H7 8MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Image Stabilization Zoom

5. Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom Manufacturer: CanonModel: 2077B001Brand: CanonLabel: CanonMaximum Resolution: 8 MPOptical Zoom: 12 xProduct Group: PhotographyPublisher: CanonStudio: CanonTitle: Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 IS 8.0MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

The Olympus has a built in telophoto lens!

 

[Jason Boggs]

Of all the cameras you listed here, I would go with the Nikon D80 if you can afford the price of around 1,100 dollars or so. I just bought a Canon 400D that I like very very much. I bought it because I could switch out lenses, and once you buy lenses, they hold their value very well. Getting the kit lens is ok to start out with, but if your serious about photography, save up and buy some of the higher quality lenses.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a camera that has a fixed lens. If your're just starting out, one of these cameras just might be what you need in order to get experience at a cheaper price. Really, it's just a matter of looking around and going to different stores such as Best Buy and actually holding the camera to see if it's comfortable in your hands. Play with it and see if the controls are to your liking and you will know when you've found the right one. When you find the right one, go online and see if you can get a better price than in the store. If you can, then there will be no surprises when it's shipped to you because you will have already held one in your hand. Also, some might not know this, but Best Buy will actually honor an internet price. I saved $300 on the first camera that I bought at Best Buy from doing this. Hope this helped!

 

[James Siler]

Jason, thanks for your input. I was looking over my options again and for financial reasons I am going to have to scratch the Nikon from my list. The remaining 4 should be with in my budget, do wish I could get the Nikon though. Again thanks for your insight.

 

[Patrick Martin]

The only camera on your list I could comment from a user aspect is the Canon S5IS. I am currently using the S3IS. It was my step from a film SLR to digital. The only serious updates between the 2 is the S5 moves from the digic II to the digic III processor, goes from 5 to 8 mp, and the screen moves up to 2.5 inches. I've shot over 1300 images in 10 months, everything from chasing, lightning, scenic photography, macros, weddings, action sports, and night scenes. I've been able to get somewhat creative with it, and have been quite happy with it as a higher end point and shoot.

The pros: The twist and flex screen seems like a gimic until you find out how useful it is. It will allow you to take shots from ground level or holding it above your head while able to clearly see what you are shooting. Optical viewfinder. The dedicated movie button is very handy and the movies/sound is pretty decent at 640x480 @ 30fps (can take approx 30min video with a 4gb SD card). Takes a pretty decent macro shot. Has a ton of shooting modes, but I pretty much stick to full manual. The flash has 3 settings for intensity. Runs on AA bateries and can get very good life with rechargeables.

The cons: Canon's have been known for red eye. My wife has the A710IS with the digic III and we still get some red eye as I do with the S3. If you are proficient with photoshop, it's not to bad to correct. I believe the screw hole for a tripod is still plastic, so some care is needed. The settings will take you to ISO 1600, but I've found you really need to stay below 400, or photos can become noisy, especially in low light. It only goes down to 36mm width, the "wide angle" setting only crops off the top/bottom so you are not gaining any width. The wide attachment is not worth the cost as it'll only get you down to 28mm. You are better off shooting 2 separate frames and merging them.

For point and shoots, Jason is very correct that you should see, touch, feel, try them in a store and see what feels comfortable. I've got a friend that has the Sony H5, and I looked at them, but could not get past the lense being all the way to the side as it felt more cumbersome. Just me.

 

[Mikey Gribble]

If you wanted a D70 I was considering getting rid of mine.