digital camera options

[OuiKikUrAzz]

Ok here's the scenario, I was planning to buy the dx3500 but the zoom doesn't seem to great according to the reviews...then they say the dx3600 is better but I can get teh dx3700 for the same price as the dx3600. Anyhow here's what I need the camera to do...

able to print good quality 3x5 prints

zoom features that will allow me to get zoom say about 50-75 feet away (estimated) for sporting events at a good quality.

I was also looking at the Canon A10 but that's a lower megapixel camera but keep in mind 90% of the time I only want 3x5 prints. so I'm not too sure which to get...someone please help me

PS I'd prefer some good shutter times too.

thanks in advance

 

[GTaudiophile]

DPreview.com

The Canon A20 is a great camera. You should go 2.1mpx minimum and get something that takes CF media.

 

[OuiKikUrAzz]

about $60 off my price range, i originally wanted that one too...why would you recommend a minimum 2.1mp tho?

 

[mschell]

I have the A10 and think it's an inexpensive but still high quality camera. Don't be fooled by the Mpixel hype, the only difference between the A10 and the A20 is the later can take 1600X1200 sized pictures. The A10 tops out at 1024x768. The A20 also has a video out port for viewing pics on a TV. Both use the same compression settings.
The Cannon len is faster and sharper than the Kodak lens and the Cannon has better noise reduction for low light shots. The Cannon's digital zoom, 3 to 6X is better than alot of other cameras digital zooms but I would still use the 3X optical for the sharpest shots. Although I'm starting to sound like I work for Cannon, I think the A10 is one of the best cameras in it's price range and feels better in the hands than alot of cameras I've tried which seemed to be designed for more for "pocket feel" than trying to hold the thing.

 

[OS]

<< able to print good quality 3x5 prints >>



Anything 2+ mpixel will do that.



<< zoom features that will allow me to get zoom say about 50-75 feet away (estimated) for sporting events at a good quality. >>



Most of the consumer level cameras (sub 700 retail) won't do this well.

Olympus does make a 2 mpixel camera with a 10X zoom lens. The max telephoto zoom is 380 mm (!) (35 mm equivalent). 380 mm should be more than enough to get the pictures you need.

DP review here

Sony and Minolta also both make 5 mpixel cameras with ~200 mm telephoto zoom lenses which should do ok at this, but both these cameras have a retail price of over 1k.