Camera Newbie

[Terzo]

To start off, I am looking into buying my first camera. I intend to carry it around with me all the time so I can take pictures of whatever catches my eye. Because of that I've been looking at a few different cameras, and focused on three. For what it's worth, budget is ~$150.

Powershot 590
This is the one I"m least excited about. From what I understand, it doesn't lack in quality (for the price), but the other two cameras seem to offer better value. Additionally, I don't like the look of the cylinder at one end. I'm only considering it since it seems to be widely recommended.

Lumix DMC-LZ8
While this one hasn't been recommended as much as the Canon, I like it better. AA batteries and (not sure on this one) IS just like with the Canon, but $20 cheaper. It also has a slightly better zoom (5x as opposed to 4x). As with the Canon, I don't understand half the features, I'm mainly going off what I've read/heard.

Casio EX-V7
I was strongly leaning towards this until I found the Lumix at such a low price. I came to looking at this camera because of the Ken Rockwell review. Based on that, it seems this camera is the best thing since sliced bread, but a second (or third) opinion would be nice. I also noticed that this camera does not use AA batteries. I am not sure if that is a positive or negative.

Right now, it's mainly between the Lumix and Casio. From what I understand both would be sufficient for my purposes; following that train of thought the Lumix is the better buy. However, Ken Rockwell writes such a glowing review of the Casio that I feel like it might be worth the extra ~$30. What do you guys think? Lumix? Casio? Or even the Canon (why)?

 

[ElFenix]

i have to wonder why those guys have the V7 for $100 cheaper than anywhere else.


anyway, the A590 and maybe the LZ8 are a little big for jeans pockets but would easily fit in cargo pants. the little optical tunnel VF on the A590 may be a vestigial reminder of an older era, but it sure does save on battery life.


the panasonic has a much better LCD than the canon but seems to suffer the typical panasonic problem of noise.

 

[Fardringle]

The Fuji F50fd ($199 at BHPhoto) costs a little bit more but will produce significantly better pictures in indoor/low light situations, so if you will be taking a lot of pictures in that type of situation, it really should be added to the list of options.

 

[Terzo]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
i have to wonder why those guys have the V7 for $100 cheaper than anywhere else.

Well, Amazon also has it for a $100 discount, so maybe there's some general sale going on?

Originally posted by : Fardringle
The Fuji F50fd ($199 at BHPhoto) costs a little bit more but will produce significantly better pictures in indoor/low light situations, so if you will be taking a lot of pictures in that type of situation, it really should be added to the list of options.

I figure there will be an even mix of indoor outdoor shots, but I'm not sure. But isn't IS made to help out with low light shots anyways?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Terzo

I figure there will be an even mix of indoor outdoor shots, but I'm not sure. But isn't IS made to help out with low light shots anyways?

IS can't stop subject movement. a higher shutter speed can. the fuji, with it's better sensor, allows a higher shutter speed.

 

[Terzo]

Ok, at this point I'm down to the Casio vs. the Fuji. It seems that the Fuji would require more adjustments (apparently such as lowering ISO from 400 to...100? 200?), but it provides better indoor/lowlight pictures.
I think I'm close to tossing a coin, but that seems like a bad way to decide. Any more thoughts?