Poll: YADCT (Digital Camera)

[shenaniganz]

I'm thinking about getting a new digital camera, between $300 and $350 or so. I really want a DSLR but they're too much money. Megapixels is not a main concern of mine (but must be > 3). Things that are of most importance are: optics (manufacturer), optical zoom, and small shutter lag (for action shots). After reading tons of old threads and reviews I've narrowed my search down to 3 cameras:

Olympus C-740 Seems to have good shutter lag, and good optics, also pictures look good from what i've seen, no sound with video.

Fujifilm S5000
Slower shutter lag, good optics, pictures I've seen seem to have "purple fingering" if that's the correct term) but overall good pics, like the black color.

Minolta Dimage Z1 Good overall camera, looks a little bulkier than the other two.

Also, if you have any other suggestions in this price range, please reccommend. 10x zoom is a big plus.

 

[zimu]

i definitely like the color of the fuji, and it looks more "professional"

 

[virtuamike]

Waiting on Canon S1 IS

 

[Savij]

I had the olympus C-720 and it looks like the 740 fixed my biggest annoyance, the focus. The auto focus was really slow and sometimes didn't focus on the subject correctly. Otherwise I loved the camera.

 

[shenaniganz]

Ya, I'm kinda leaning toward the Olympus. Anybody else have any suggestions?

 

[atom]

Olympus just recently announced the C-770 Ultra zoom and Minolta just announced the Dimage Z2 so if you wait a bit I bet you could get an even better deal on the models you just listed.

 

[kuk]

Wait until the camera's presented at this year's PMA starts arriving at store shelfs.

The Minolta Z2 has been recently announced.