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General discussion

BEST ZOOM CAMERA FOR KIDS SPORTING EVENTS

Nov 7, 2004 11:39PM PST

I AM LOOKING FOR SOME IDEAS FOR A GOOD CAMERA FOR MY KIDS SPORTING EVENTS. I HAVE AN HP THAT TAKES WONDERFUL STILL PICTURES BUT NOT THE BEST ACTION SHOTS AND ESPECIALLY FAR AWAY ONES THEY COME OUT BLURRY AND SEEMS LIKE FARTHER AWAY THAN I AM ACTUALLY SEEING THEM. I NEED A DECENT ZOOM FOR THOSE FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL EVENTS FROM THE STANDS ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU

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Re: BEST ZOOM CAMERA FOR KIDS SPORTING EVENTS
Nov 8, 2004 8:48AM PST

Take a look at the Konica Minolta Z3.

It has a 12X zoom with image stabilization.

It also has very little shutter lag, which is good for sports photos.

It also has "burst mode" which they call Continuous Advance. It lets you snap a series of shots with one long push of the shutter button.

....

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Look at the Canon 20D. It Rocks!
Nov 8, 2004 11:22AM PST

You have your pick of how much zoom you want because Canon has lots of different lenses. It has very quick startup, focus, and a very short lag in the shots. So far, it has been a pleasure to use.

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Re: BEST ZOOM CAMERA FOR KIDS SPORTING EVENTS
Nov 13, 2004 5:19PM PST

Unfortunately, taking action shots from a distance under artificial lighting is one of the most challenging environments in which to put photographic equipment. Longer focal lengths mean less light falling on the sensor. Less light means slower shutter speeds. The distance factor means the action you want to catch is out of range of the limited power in your built-in flash. All of the above means when using auto focus and auto exposure it takes the chip in the camera longer to run through its checklist before the shot is recorded. The only way to overcome this difficult combination of contradictory factors somewhat is to spend the bucks necessary to get the premium equipment. Not what you wanted to hear, huh?

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Re: BEST ZOOM CAMERA FOR KIDS SPORTING EVENTS
Nov 14, 2004 9:14AM PST

You need to look at the new Lumix FZ20 by Panasonic. I have one and it's the best digicam I've ever owned. 12X zoom with image stabilization for under $600.