Buying a digital camera, need some options

[Schadenfroh]

Requirements:

MPixels: Dont really care
Zoom: 10X optical minimum
Support for SD or MMC or CF
$350 price range
Solid construction and good build quality
No proprietary memory sticks

This is going to be a gift for my father, do aid me in finding the right one. I know little of digital cameras.

Thanks

 

[hjo3]

10x optical zoom is really high.

 

One of thoes Kodak psuedo-SLRs.

 

[tfinch2]

Previous gen Panasonic Lumix

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Previous gen Panasonic Lumix

 

[montanafan]

Might want to look here for comparisons:

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/extended-zoom-digital-cameras-ratings.html

 

[Muadib]

Canon Powershot S1 IS if you can find it.

 

[imported_Snagle]

Panasonic FZ3

 

[Schadenfroh]

Thanks guys, having some problems finding new ones of some of the cameras mentioned in this thread. How is this camera?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830170030

 

[jlfirehawk]

I just bought that 740 for my wife for her first digital camera and it seems to do fine for what we need. Had a $150 voucher for BB so just snagged it there, minus the warranty of course.

 

[kaizersose]

canon powershot s2 IS. fits your specs exactly

 

[Kelemvor]

Kodak DX7590 if it's still made. If not, whatever replaced it.

Look like the Z740 replaced it....
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakz740/

Well, the 740 didn't replace it, it's just very similar. There's a DX7590 and a Z7590.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: kaizersose
canon powershot s2 IS. fits your specs exactly

No it doesn't, it's at least $100 over his budget. I'm loving mine though.

 

[yhelothar]

Panasonic Lumix FZ3

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'd increase your budget a bit and get this.

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Thanks guys, having some problems finding new ones of some of the cameras mentioned in this thread. How is this camera?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830170030

Review #1

Review #2

Review #3

 

[alkemyst]

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

http://www.steves-digicams.com/

http://www.dcresource.com/

First step is to figure the use you want....I carry a A620 now, my wife a SD450...two way different cameras in the same budget range. I don't mind having to 'bag' my camera, her SD could fit in my pocket though but would not let me do much manual photography.

My brother carries a photog 'card'. He just downgraded his EOS dSLR to a G series (G5) last year or so and finds he has his camera much more of the time with him.

If he knows he needs critical shots he has a top level 35mm and all the lighting and lenses in the world 🙂

Zoom needs are sort of the opposite what many lower budget camera solutions are going for.

Steve's site above has a 'best of' section to check out:
10-12X Optical "Super" Zoom
Canon Powershot S2 IS

Panasonic DMC-FZ30

Sony Cybershot H1

Nikon Coolpix S4

Panasonic DMC-FZ5

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5

Kodak Easyshare P850

Fujifilm Finepix S5100

Olympus C-765UZ

Panasonic DMC-FZ20