Need your expertise and experience

[onlygodknows]

Hi,

Perhaps you can help me in deciding which camera to buy. My prefernces are

1) less than 350

2) Sony or Canon

3) 4 or 5 MP

4) as much optical zoom as possible.

5) I'm not a pro but yes like to catch scenic beauty whenever possible (thats why point 4)

Truly speaking I almost decided to go out of the way and buy Canon S2 IS. However came across many posts related to memory card error and dropped the idea.

any suggestions please...

Thanks

[speaklightly]

The Canon S2 IS is a highly regarded digital camera. However, if you desire to save some money why not consider a Canon S-1 which could probably be found on www.ebay.com.

If you can look beyond Canon or Sony, Olympus has the C-5500 model with 5X optical zoom, full maanual controls, AA bateries, and 5mp selling for around $200 (US). It is a great digital camera and has great photo quality.

Sarah Joyce

[onlygodknows]

but what about all those memory error reports for S2... even this forum has many posts

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...c.php?id=64038

And I wud like to stick to Canon or Sony.

[kenrippy]

How about a Sony V1. You can probably find one in your price range. The only knock on the V1 is the somewhat short battery life. That can be solved with 1 or 2 spare batteries which sell for around $20-25 (the last time I checked)

[[email protected]]

How about the Fuji Finepix S5100 or the Panasonic Lumix FZ5?

The S5100 is a steal at $250.

The S5100 has a 10x zoom which is probably all you could handhold anyways. Nice fast electronic shutter. Great build quaity.

Personally, I'm not a fan of sony digitals at all. I am a fan of canon, however.

The Lumix FZ5 has a 12x zoom with optical stabilization, 5 megs. and is built like a tank and can be had for about $350.

Personally I'd go for the S5100 at $250.00. Probably all you would need.

-- Terry

[gordy]

With 10x zoom IS is a must have for me.I have a Panasonic and it works well.I could not use 10x zoom without IS or a tripod

[onlygodknows]

how long you have been using your super zoom camera.. did it give any problem .. like the canon memory card error after some time..

[gordy]

I have had my fz 15 for about six months,lots of shots,no problems

[onlygodknows]

okie.. lets move beyond canon and sony.. and 3x-4x zoom would be ok.. with 4MP or 5MP

Moslty I would capture indoors with frequently outdoors..

and sometimes.. when on a holiday.. wud love to capture nature images...

[speaklightly]

Only-

How about the Olympus C-7000. It is 7mp with 5X optical zoom, very small and handy in size, and has great photo quality. It is selling for less than $300. Here is a sample photo.

Sarah Joyce