New digital Camera

[seanc85]

So I've finally decided i need a newer digital camera. I've found a few options and would like to know what the experts here think.
I'm open to alternatives in a similar price range, and i haven't looked a whole lot yet.
-Must have at least 10x (more is better) optical zoom
-would very much like to have manual focus and zoom control
-id like to have a very feature rich camera but those 2 are the key features right now

heres the ones I've found so far that i like

-Samsung Digimax Pro 815 8MP

- Fujifilm Finepix S6000 6.3MP

- Fujifilm Finepix S9100 9MP

- Panasonic DMC-FZ50 10.1MP

$500 is my max right now, but cheaper is always better. I guess I'm trying to find the balance point between price and features

 

[BladeVenom]

Why not a Canon or Nikon DSLR?

 

[seanc85]

I have considered that, and while part of me would love to get one i dont really think its justifiable for several reasons.
-First, after lenses and accessories are considered, DSLR is WAY out of my price range of ~$500
-I don't feel like im at the point where i need a dslr, i like taking pictures and would like to have a nice quality camera but cant really justify an slr, and im not really familiar with thier operation

all that aside, im not opposide to a higher end Canon or nikon P&S, and they are on the list of brands im goin to look into

 

[corkyg]

Echo BladeVenom's thought. Before deciding, be sure and visit DP Review and get really good reviews and user evaluations on digicams.

DPR

 

[Ketchup]

This Sony hasn't been out long, but is a lot of camera for the money. Sony has one of the best lenses, short of buying an SLR.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cyb...lization/dp/B000M4J2PI

 

[xgsound]

DPreview suggested above is a great site. Another one is http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html , go there and scroll down a little to the "Superzoom" catagory for his suggestions and reviews.

Between DPreview and Steves there's plenty of info.


Jim

 

[orbiter]

A good place to read some reviews is.......

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

 

[Rottie]

If I had some money I would like to have Canon Rebel XT!