Trying to find a good (but inexpensive) digicam w/ wide angle

[morkus64]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations... I've got around 300 to spend on a new digital camera, but it must have the following features:

at least 5MP... 6-7 preferred
at least 4x optical zoom... of course better is better
NEEDS to be fairly capable of wide angle shots... I had a Powershot A95, and it just couldn't cut the mustard on this
good low-light (stage lighting) performance

I've been looking at a few cameras... the Casio EX-P505 caught my eye, except for lack of good wide angles...

Whaddya all think?

 

[The Stigenator]

you might want to get an adaptor and a wide angle lens on top.. thats what i do.

 

[morkus64]

Oh, forgot to mention... I'd REALLY like it if it had the swiveling LCD like the a95... (hence why i'm leaning towards the casio... or the a620) Once you get the swivel LCD, it's hard to go back

 

[Koing]

You won't get very wide with any consumer compact without an adapter of sorts. The price of $300 is tough to take that on also...

Good luck!

Koing

 

[morkus64]

thanks... i'm looking at the a610/a620 from canon, since it is at least a little better than the a95 for wide angles... trouble is that i just looked at the wide angle lens and it costs 200 alone... no way can i afford that. I'm thinking a610 or 620 versus casio ex-p505... anyone have experience with any of em? opinions?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I got lenses for my A40 and they work pretty well. So you're sure you don't want to just get an adapter for the A95?

 

[morkus64]

nope.. i sold the a95... hence why i have some money for a new camera

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: morkus64
nope.. i sold the a95... hence why i have some money for a new camera

oops, I read "had" as "have"

 

[morkus64]

so... the a95 and the casio mentioned above both have focal lengths (eq. to 35mm) starting at 38mm, while the new canons start at 35. how much of a difference would 3mm make towards wide angle shooting?

 

[morkus64]

just bumped into the samsung digimax l55w... not many reviews though... anyone have experience with it (or know any reputable reviews of it?)

 

[Bullhonkie]

Check out the Canon Powershot S series (S60, S70, S80) for wide angle too.

 

[morkus64]

i was wondering about the s-series... do you just slide the cover shut to turn it off, or is there an actual button? If no button, doesn't it damage the lens?

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: morkus64
i was wondering about the s-series... do you just slide the cover shut to turn it off, or is there an actual button? If no button, doesn't it damage the lens?

As you slide the cover shut the lens retracts. It would only damage the lens if you purposely slammed the cover into the lens before it was done retracting.


Lethal

 

[morkus64]

yeah... i just couldn't deal with that... i move quickly, and i'd probably wind up hurting the lens

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: morkus64
so... the a95 and the casio mentioned above both have focal lengths (eq. to 35mm) starting at 38mm, while the new canons start at 35. how much of a difference would 3mm make towards wide angle shooting?

not much at all.

you'd need to go down below 30 to see much of a difference, imho

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: morkus64
yeah... i just couldn't deal with that... i move quickly, and i'd probably wind up hurting the lens

if this is the same canon S series mechanism that is used on my S40 the door is locked by the camera so that it can't touch the lens until it is safely out of the way. i just tried.

 

[BUrassler]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9


$340 at bestbuy

Steve's review

DPreview full review

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

No offense..but I think you would have to be out of your mind to buy a Casio. Go with a trusted brand like a Canon.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: BUrassler
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9


$340 at bestbuy

Steve's review

DPreview full review

that isn't any wider.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal
No offense..but I think you would have to be out of your mind to buy a Casio. Go with a trusted brand like a Canon.

No offense..but you have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[Gatos]

I just bought the s80....Just shipped from dell yesterday....if you don't want to get 2 year warranty it will run you 420, if you get a dell coupon for 45 off from delf game

 

[BUrassler]

Originally posted by: CheapArse

Originally posted by: Cdubneeddeal
No offense..but I think you would have to be out of your mind to buy a Casio. Go with a trusted brand like a Canon.

No offense..but you have no idea what you're talking about.

Seriously, Casio makes some GREAT cameras. I have the EX-Z750 and have advised both my father and friend to each buy one for themselves.

 

[morkus64]

I actually didn't consider any casios until i saw so many sparkling reviews of the z750... apparently that is indeed a superb camera... too bad it's only 38mm and up

 

[morkus64]

any more suggestions anyone?