Hi all,

I thiought I would ask the amazing knowledge base of LCB, so please help me!

I am considering getting a new digial camera. I have had a Sony for a long time and it worked well but has now stopped working. I was hoping to give you guys a list of wants and see what you recommend. So . . .

Good zoom (at least 5X)
Good Pixel rate
flash
manual functions
large screen
view finder
good quality video and sound
compact (ish)

budget is between 200 and 300

Thanks for any help and advice.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_Camera/PowerShot/index.aspx

Ive got a similar version to this (mine is older TZ7). Very good camera - records in HD and sound is amazing quality. Pictures are very good too! Highly recommended especially in red!

Lumix TZ10
http://www.camerabox.co.uk/product.asp?ProductID=13614&gclid=CLHNmIqw-qQCFU0_4wodbzFBjA

[Edited on 30/10/10 by joemotion]

[Edited on 30/10/10 by joemotion]

I have a lumix (panasonic) FZ38

http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2009/07/28/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ38/p1

Cheers Mark

[Edited on 30/10/10 by mark chandler]

At that budget you should consider a second hand SLR. The difference a decent viewfinder makes is massive. LCD screens on the back are all very well, but in bright conditions they are not much good, and most pictures it's better if you can choose what exactly it is you want to focus on, and that's difficult with non-viewfinder cameras.

Also got a Lumix, can't remember which model off the top of my head. 12x zoom and takes videos. Just proved useful as I videoed a sparrowhawk dismembering a pigeon in the middle of my lawn in reasonable closeup

Second hard SLR is also a good option, but it depends whether you value portability over quality.

Edit: Mine's a TZ8 cheapest supplier when I got mine was Amazon.

[Edited on 30/10/10 by iank]

quote:

---

Originally posted by iank

Second hard SLR is also a good option, but it depends whether you value portability over quality.

---

Depends whether you want a compact or an SLR...

I have a Panasonic TZ5 and its superb, based on it being a few years old my best bet would be the next generation.

Its a good point and shoot, wobble all you like, close as you like, dark as like.. just gives a perfect picture (nearly) every time.

Stuck it on the dogs nose the other day and despite his protests (he's the shy type!) this is what I got..



Its superb full size on my 42" plasma, full or detail and supreme focus.

Another vote for a Lumix, excellent cameras, and that's one very cute dog

You can still get the TZ7 which is very similar to the TZ10 apart from not having GPS. not sure why you would need GPS though.

Had a lot of positives about my Lumix though - took it to the festivals with me and picked up everything spot on. Very good video and sound as well

2nd hand Canon G9 or G11 will be in budget. SLR levels of picture quality and features but just fits into your pocket.... Brilliant cameras.

i'm selling my fuji finepix s1500.
12x zoom and great photos, just want something a bit smaller.

Comes with a leather fuji case, practically new and hardly used. Yours for a meagre £120

Just don't buy an Olympus --- I replaced my Samsung with one last year and it is awful.

Apart fom Cannon and Panasonic also consider Samsung or Fuji.

I have the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, it has 18x optical zoom - I have never taken an acceptable photo at more that 12x though, very grainy or washed out colours

Very good at 'normal' magnifications though and a very acceptable 720p video mode in widescreen

Another Panasonic here. The wide angle is a boon

Thanks alot for your help guys. I have done a bit more reading and it seems that the cameras you have recommended are the ones I was looking at anyway.

Panasonic FZ38
Panasonic TZ10
Sony HX5
also a Nikon S8000 and Canon SX20 IS.

quote:

---

Originally posted by pekwah1
i'm selling my fuji finepix s1500.
12x zoom and great photos, just want something a bit smaller.

Comes with a leather fuji case, practically new and hardly used. Yours for a meagre £120

---

You wont be dissapointed with the Canon. It very similar to my S5is but give a better wide angle, (about the only critisism of mine)
But as with any make sure you get to feel one or two first

I've got the previous model to the TZ10 (TZ7) and also had a previous version of the FZ38. They are both good, the FZ series have great zooms.

But for a camera that fits in your pocket, the TZ7 is really good. My only criticism is that it does not have manual focus, which for me is sometimes an issue. The GPS function of the TZ10 may seem like a gimmick but more and more photo programs will use the location tag to show you where your pictures were taken - great when you can't remember.

Thanks for all of your feedback. I brought a TZ10 yesterday and its pretty sh*t hot.

I just need to know how to use the functions now. Plus with HD vid I can get better footage of my track days.

Thanks again for all of the advice, LCB never fails to impress. Roll on my honeymoon!!