Camera advice

[robracer]

Nice choice Rob, & if you go for a dip you can get the waterproof enclosure

[photomike666]

Seriously, I'd look at something with a better lens. the X5 optical zoom will see you using the digital zoom, which has drastically reduced quality. A X10 optic would be far more practical for general use.

I'm quite impressed with the Powershot SX1 IS, but it doesn't have the Manual/AP/SP modes (just heaps of scene options). Fuji S200EXR/S1500 are also good options with more creative control (Shutter/Aperture priority).

[fireyrob]

Seriously, I'd look at something with a better lens. the X5 optical zoom will see you using the digital zoom, which has drastically reduced quality. A X10 optic would be far more practical for general use.

I'm quite impressed with the Powershot SX1 IS, but it doesn't have the Manual/AP/SP modes (just heaps of scene options). Fuji S200EXR/S1500 are also good options with more creative control (Shutter/Aperture priority).

We want a rechargable Lithium Battery (well when I say we I mean she) The Powershot SX1 IS was one that she wanted but doesnt deliver on that one part. Same with the Fuji options At this point Im referring to that what women want thread

[6maniac]

Rob, did you look at this ?

http://www.photoreview.com.au/Pentax/re ... x-x70.aspx

[Mrs Firey]

hi all
thanks for all the help you gave rob. I got a lovely camera and of course after all the advice he went with a panasonic compact. It has 12x optical zoom which is tops and it shoots pretty quickly which means we capture Billy's smiles before he stops smiling to stare at the camera infront of Mummy or daddy's face.
cheers for all your help!

[photomike666]

Happy snapping

[Ratmick]

Update
The bulkiness of the SLR's is the major issue so we've gone for a decent compact. Was about to fork out for the Canon Powershot G10 but now will hang out for the G11
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0908/09081908canong11.asp
I think its a great combo of a compact esp hauling childrens crap around to a half decent lens etc. The SLR can wait for now and any change I get for my $1K will be put towards trackdays
Thanx all once again!!!

Just bought a G11 (ok, I pre-ordered one) from the US. It was a toss-up between the Canon and the Panasonic Lumix LX-3...the Canon scraped in by a whisker (mainly as it's built like a tank).

It was a fraction of the price than here and my sister can mail it over for less than $30. RRP here $AU899, over there $US449, or about $AU570-odd landed in Australia. Big difference, even more so if you consider the same camera retails in the UK for something like GBP585 (a price that is completely off this planet, over $1200).

FWIW I was looking at DSLRs and there was nothing I wanted that I could afford and I didn't want to just lump for an el cheapo for the hell of it. Might wait a couple of years until I can take the photography seriously and then splurge on a Nikon...or see where the 4/3 lenses go.

Mick

[fireyrob]

FWIW I was looking at DSLRs and there was nothing I wanted that I could afford and I didn't want to just lump for an el cheapo for the hell of it. Might wait a couple of years until I can take the photography seriously and then splurge on a Nikon...or see where the 4/3 lenses go.

Thats where I ended up too in the end Mick. The G11 was the one I wanted but the Mrs decided on a Panasonic Lumix TZ7. Damn should have thought of the US option Mainly because of the little one around the full on SLR's were to bulky to carry around with everything else plus the value for the $1K mark just wasnt there.

Happy Snapping

[ijuschill]

That's a good choice Firey, I'm looking at that model aswell for a small compact. Sometimes the Dslr is just to big to carry and plus can pop it in the tankbag on the bike to take quick shots while riding around.

Hope you enjoy the instant memories

[B-Ry]

good choice... if I ever go and get a compact I will be getting a powershot, we had a couple at work, and they just worked. I was able to train our construction workers how to use them so that was a good thing lol