Need advice on new slr-type digital camera

[Markfw]

What I need:
viewfinder and screen
under $500
can handle larger memory cards (64-128)
at least 30x optical zoom
aa batterys
easy to use for a camera newbie - good auto setup.
detachable lenses is OK, maybe even desirable.

 

[paperwastage]

http://www.dpreview.com/products/se...ramSpecsZoomTele=500+&paramSpecsBatteryNew=AA

the AA battery will remove a lot of options... I would suggest looking for a camera that can recharge via microUSB (and you can bring along a powerful external battery pack... can recharge your phone too)

S9900W seems to hit all the buttons you want.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/fuji-s9900w/fuji-s9900wA.HTM

don't think you'll find a decent detachable lens camera (with AA) at this price point?

 

[CuriousMike]

Your need of 30x zoom pretty much limits you to the SuperZoom category, which have the smaller sensors.

In good light, they will deliver good performance - but they will suffer in dim light.

Your necessity of AA batteries narrows down your choices further.

There are likely much better camera in your price range if you can deal with 10x zoom and the industry standard propriety batteries.

The Fuji linked above is likely only one of one cameras that will meet your exacting needs.

 

[Markfw]

Great information so far ! The reason for the AA batteries, is that if you at on top of a 10,000 foot mountain, sightseeing, USB chargers are not practical. I need power, and in 10 seconds. I carry 8 spares (mine takes 4) My son had a lithium pack, and it almost ruined our Europe trip.

 

[CuriousMike]

If the camera has an optical and lcd screen, you can often keep the lcd screen off. That tremendously helps battery life.

You can also buy a spare proprietary battery and carry it just as you would for your AA's (at a typically greater cost, for sure.)

I imagine 10,000 ft. mountain passes are cold, and cold kills batteries, no matter what type.

 

[Imp]

The AA battery and 30x zoom are very restrictive criteria. Otherwise, something like a Canon SX60 would satisfy the zoom and price -- probably uses lithium-ion batteries though. They should have a cheaper line with lower zoom -- Sony and others probably have similar cameras.

Interdasting. Found this site (older but might be updated models around) on a search about AA cameras listed, might be what you're looking for:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/top-10-best-aa-battery-powered-digital-cameras-20942

 

[Markfw]

Forgetting the AA, and with a lower zoom, what is the best option ? I like to zoom for example a long way off, you can't get closeups of many tourist attractions.

 

[paperwastage]

probably the HX90V/HX90 or TZ70/ZS50?

 

[paperwastage]

go to the dpreview site and play with the different filters...

their site is pretty comprehensive

 

[CuriousMike]

OK, if we narrow it down to "need moar zoom"...

Panasonic FZ200 comes to mind right off the bat - it has a very nice lens on it that lets in more light than the typical super-zooms.

 

[microAmp]

Beats your budget by $100 but Nikon P900 has a hella of zoom. 24-2000mm 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

http://moon.wimp.com/moon-zoom/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=video/