Camera suggestions

[Strika]

My camera has died and I am looking for some suggestions on what to replace it with. Here is a list of what I want and why.

Point and click, not a DSLR.

Compact, as I want to be able to carry it in a pocket of my shorts, jeans, cargos etc without it being uncomfortable.

Large zoom. Preferably 18x optical or 300mm equivalent.

As little lag as possible as it is mostly used for taking pics of the pups and you lose the moment very quickly.

A multiple shot feature, so I can capture them moving.

Movie mode of course, but not used a lot.

Preference to a AA type battery as opposed to the others, as I am often away without an electrical socket to recharge with. Plus, AA's are available almost anywhere.

Flash of course.

Simple operation.

Panoramic feature would be nice too. Or the one where it joins several frames together to make a panoramic shot.

Under $500 if possible.





Suggest away...........

[Glen]

Mate, when we went to the US I bought a little Sony Cybershot for about US 300 while we were over there (I think they were about $400 here). I had pretty well exactly the same criteria as you and it was absolutely brilliant. I think it was about the gruntiest compact I could get. I've had Canon compacts previously but I rate this little thing better in pretty well all aspects. Charges off a USB as well so not having an Aussie charger was no biggie. You do get a charger with it though. No AA battery facility though I don't think. The battery lasted for bloody ages though

The panorama thing is sensational too.

[Strika]

Specs Glenno??? Specs????

[Glen]

This is it mate. Not up to your requirements I don't think and it's no longer available by the looks but it's a great little camera so I'd have no hesitation in recommending whatever the latest and greatest Sony is.

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod7410.htm

Panorama's are cool (even if you don't know what youre doing)

[Smitty]

This is it mate. Not up to your requirements I don't think and it's no longer available by the looks but it's a great little camera so I'd have no hesitation in recommending whatever the latest and greatest Sony is.

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod7410.htm

Panorama's are cool (even if you don't know what youre doing)

hey what happened to the sea lions..????

[Glen]

There were a few there just not gazillions. It was November so I think they were off making sea lion porn.

I'm having Clam Chowder and beer flashbacks now............Mmmmmmmm Clam Chowder

[Wattie]

18x optical zoom with a point and shoot? Haha

[Strika]

You idiot Wattie.............. 18x optical is old technology now. They are making them in point and shoots with 40+ x optical!!!

The camera I am replacing, which I have had for four or five years is 18x optical. Get with the times....and I thought I was behind the 8 ball!!

[MickLC]

Don't get an Olympus mju 8010, they're an absolutely shiteful camera that's only redeeming qualities are being waterproof and shockproof

[Glen]

I think you'll probably need to go something like the Nikon Coolpix or the Panasonic Lumix for antything near 18 x that is still compact. I think the Lumix have good lenses too ie Leica's or something like that. I pickd up the spiel when we were looking for ours

[6maniac]

Have a look here, Marty .... good mob to deal with & the $$$ conversion is still pretty good ...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[vanrootn]

I can vouch for Panasonic lumix cameras! I'm not sure what kind of optical zoom they have but the image quality is amazing for a compact!

[6maniac]

I can vouch for Panasonic lumix cameras! I'm not sure what kind of optical zoom they have but the image quality is amazing for a compact!

While it's not a compact, my FZ 100 is a pretty good unit !

[Strika]

I know the Lumix cameras do mostly have Leica Lenses and are definately available with 18+x optical zooms in compacts. I am more after some feedback from anyone who has similar, be it the panasonics or others.

Vanrootn what is the one you have? What specs and can you give me a little more detail than it's amazing for a compact???

[Wattie]

By the time the lense comes out of the camera, the dogs will be a mile away