Camera Selection Question

Few cameras offer so much zoom but the Canon Powershot S1 IS has an optical image stabilizer if you want to use the camera without a tripod. The only thing bad about it is that there's color fringing if you're taking pictures in high-contrast areas and it's only 3.2 megapixels. This camera includes a state-of-the-art movie mode, though, so if you're investing in a family camera with 10x zoom this should be high on your list.

Some of the cameras you list are so new that they are not in customer's hands yet.

Certainly the Nikon 8800 appears to have it all.

We will have to wait a while, before there is any consumer information available.

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Keith said:

You are right the Nikon 8800 has what you want and I also am waiting for its mass production. In Canada we are not seeing its release as yet even in small numbers as in the United States.

Your question says that you would be interested in the 4 meg ccc, if that is so look at the replacement for the Fugi s5000 which is the s5100 you get 4 meg and 10 optical zoom. I know some will want you to "not" but I have the s5000 at 3.3 meg with interpolation and it is bettert han most all in its fiedd. I have been in film slr for over fourty years. My next purchase purchase will be the Nikon 8800. This will be my 3rd digital and from past experience the Fuji s5100 is something I feel you should considered if you are happy with a four meg cc.

You are welcome to email me if you wish.

Good luck:
Keith

I've been working on the same problem ... reading lots of reviews. The 8mp Nikon 8800 costs about $775 (with shipping) so is quite a lot more expensive than the 5mp Lumix FZ20 ($480) or the 4mp Dimage FZ3 ($335). The best reviews are at dcresource.com, where the reviewer Steve says that the FZ20 is is fave ultra-zoom. The others you mention don't have image stabilization so are out of the running in my opinion. Another ultra-zoom with stabilization is the Canon Powershot S1IS, but with only 3.2MP and some other shortcomings, I scratched it off my list. Of the three, the Dimage has the best movie mode. Other than that, it seems that you get what you pay for. The Dimage is smaller (335g weight) and more cheaply built (with plastic case), while the Nikon is built like a tank and weighs a hefty 600g. The Lumix is also a substantial camera at 520g. If you want a big professional-style camera, go for the Lumix or Nikon. If you want something smaller and less expensive, go for the Dimage. Personally, I'm leaning toward the Dimage, thinking that it will go out of date in a couple of years anyway, but it is a VERY TOUGH CHOICE!!! The Lumix is only $150 more and comes in second on my list, while the Nikon, at $200 over the Lumix, just seems too pricey to me, even though it is probably the choice of more serious photographers. Do you really need 8mp? If money's no object, go for the Nikon ... it will have the most snob appeal and be the camera that will stay up-to-date the longest. If movies matter to you, then the Dimage is definitely the best of the bunch ... read the reviews at dcresource.com for details. I'm putting in an order for the Dimage right now before I change my mind again!

I would definitely look for some form of image/lens stabilization, as this can make quite a difference in the final outcome of the picture. At high zooms or at low light levels, there is a significant chance of image blurring due to hand movement. Lens stabilization systems help to alleviate this problem somewhat by countering the movement of your hand and thereby (in theory) cancelling out the effect of movement. You can specify your search parameters at www.dpreview.com, clicking on the "Buying Guide" (left hand column) then "features search". There are not many digicams out there with high zoom, high resolution, and image stabilization. The Panasonic DMC-FZ20 looks pretty impressive to me, with 5 MP and 12X optical zoom along with image stabilization. You can compare online images from various cameras at some of the online review sites such as www.dcresource.com, www.dpreview.com, and www.steves-digicams.com. Good luck!