Looking for a camera for the wife

[RadiclDreamer]

Wanting to get a decent camera for my wife, we have an 18 month old so her main concern is being able to take pictures in quick succession. I've been looking at the DMC-FZ28S from Panasonic, it seems to have decent res and battery and really good zoom.

What do you guys think? Is there something better at the $300-320 price point

 

[996GT2]

FZ28 is nice, but it's not exactly compact if you want to be able to carry it around. The TZ5 is much smaller but still packs a 10x zoom.

 

[Billb2]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Wanting to get a decent camera for my wife, t

Post pics of her and I'll see which of my cameras I'll trade ya.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Originally posted by: 996GT2
FZ28 is nice, but it's not exactly compact if you want to be able to carry it around. The TZ5 is much smaller but still packs a 10x zoom.

Compact isnt a huge concern, like I said its mainly for pics of the kid and there are many times her current camera (Sony P52) is sitting waiting while hes doing something cute and she misses the shot. So, speed is obviously the main concern followed by image quality

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer

Originally posted by: 996GT2
FZ28 is nice, but it's not exactly compact if you want to be able to carry it around. The TZ5 is much smaller but still packs a 10x zoom.

Compact isnt a huge concern, like I said its mainly for pics of the kid and there are many times her current camera (Sony P52) is sitting waiting while hes doing something cute and she misses the shot. So, speed is obviously the main concern followed by image quality

If speed is an absolute concern then your best bet is to get a DSLR like the Nikon D40. The FZ28 is pretty fast for a point and shoot, but it's still a point and shoot. A D40 kit with the 18-55mm lens will run <$400 and even <$300 if you go used on eBay with MS Live Cashback. I'd definitely consider a DSLR first over any P&S camera since you are concerned with speed.

Also, most DSLRs get noticeably better battery life than P&S cameras because their optical viewfinders aren't power hogs like the LCDs used on most P&S cameras. I've been able to get over 800 shots on a charge consistently with my Nikon D200, and I got over 1200 shots on each charge when I had a D70.

 

[SZLiao214]

Originally posted by: Billb2

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Wanting to get a decent camera for my wife, t

Post pics of her and I'll see which of my cameras I'll trade ya.

The user Yllus talked about a mint rebel xt + kit lens for 300 in a different post.

I don't know if the rebel xt is as fast as you want but it's a nice camera especially at that price. I paid 400 for it during the summer

 

[mshan]

^