I am on my 3rd digital camera. 1st was a cd 1000 (zoom and media) only a 2 megapixal. 2nd a fuji 2800z only 6x zoom. I am now ready to buy a camera capable of getting great action shots (kids sports) with great picture quality. Researched Nikon 5700, Olympus 5050z, Fuji 602z, Minolta 7Hi and the sony 717.

My question - I have learned that I definitely want full control including manual focus. Are all of these cameras capable of getting the action shots that I want? If so, which has the best image quality? Should I go with the 5mp so that I can crop my image without losing quality?

I am an amateur - don't understand aperture/shutter etc. but am very capable and willing to learn so I want a camera that I won't have to upgrade for awhile. Mostly want to print 5x7 and occaisional 8x10. I would also like to add more zoom and am very diapointed that there are not many stabilized??? cameras out there. But having full control helps with this right?

D7i/D7Hi are excellent choices if you want manual control on everything, including real mechanical manual zoom ring. Many other interesting features : WYSIWYG display in manual exposure, real time histogram , manual focus override in AF mode …
BTW, among those listed, The D7Hi is the only one with 28mm at wide angle end, if you care about this)

Take a look at some action shots by Ken E with Minolta 7i here:
http://www.stevesforums.com/phpBB2/v...10710&start=25

My personal choice would be the Nikon - it's had rave reviews.

However there is no disputing the Minolta - either will serve you well.

Consequently see which one is on offer at a bargain price.

All seem like great cameras - I have definitely considered the Nikon but would really like to have a manual focus ring.

Pricewise the Fuji seems like a great deal but I don't want a camera that I will have no regrets about later. (wishing I had gotten the 5mp instead of the 3mp)

What about extra zoom lenses?

I really am happy with my Olympus E100RS.
I know it dont have high pix. but for me its fine,
outside shots are excellent for me a rookie.
If you want to see some
www.pbase.com/wvyankeegurl
www.pbase.com/yankees22

Although id like to have a 5 or 6 pix like the nikonD1X.
Maybe in a few years when they come down ,lol.

good luck, I love action shots specially outside!

Here is a couple of sites i have up for my kids, i have some shots on them.

www.eteamz.com/phs_softball

www.eteamz.com/WVCobras