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General discussion

Final elimination round, ExZ50, S5i, or X50?

Mar 13, 2005 2:35PM PST

Ok guys, you've helped me understand a lot already, now please help me choose a camera.

I will mostly use this camera for travelling, hopefully with the Peace Corps. I also take a lot of pictures of friends and my dog. I need unlimited audio recording, which eliminates those beautiful canon s' and sd's, and various nice Sonys. The three camera's I'm choosing from are

1. Pentax Optio S5i Digital Camera
2. Casio Exilim EXZ50 Digital Camera
3. Konica Minolta Dimage X50 Digital Camera

(If anyone can suggest another compact with audio recording, I'll add it to consideration. These are all 5MP but I could live happily with 4.) Unfortunately, each of these cameras has a problem that might get in the way of what I want it for.

1. The S5i apparently has a very weak battery. Since I will be using it to travel, and in places without cheap electricity, this is a big problem. The weak burst mode doesn't really bother me. Also, this camera has a 1024X768 resolution option, meaning that the memory card won't fill up quickly with huge photos that I'll only have to edit down to size when I get home. I also like the look.

2. The Casio is often rapped for its image quality. As far as I can tell, my old ExM2 took fine pictures (in good lighting). The plus side is the reportedly fantastic new battery strength.

3. The Minolta X50 has no resolution between huge 1600x1200 and tiny 640x480, unless you're using burst (1280x960). So the memory will fill up quickly. Also, I think it lacks the classy and elegant look of the other two, and we all need a little help attracting attention don't we? Finally, you have to take the battery out to charge it, and I'm worried about wear and tear on the battery door. However, its pictures seem to be compared favorably to the other two's. Also, it's cool that the zoom is internal.

So, if anyone has advise on any of these cameras, or cares to toss another (compact with audio-only recording) into the area, I would appreciate the help. Pointing out any strengths or weaknesses I've overlooked (other than that they all take only small movies) would be especially welcome.

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Here's one more
Mar 14, 2005 3:20AM PST
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Pentax Optio X
Mar 14, 2005 5:25AM PST

Ugggh, thanks buddy, it's more expensive but far too cool not to add to consideration. Just when I was making progress.

Do you know where I can get a full evaluation? The CNET team hasn't done it yet.

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Pentax Optio Z review
Mar 14, 2005 7:27AM PST
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Yet another one
Mar 16, 2005 1:24AM PST

DPreview says that the Nikon Coolpix S1 has a voice recording mode (it says it where it talks about scene modes which is near the bottom)

It is a 5 MP, 3x Optical digital camera with D-Lighting which fixes shots that were taken with insufficient flash or excessive back lighting. Its MSRP is $380.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0503/05031601nikons1.asp

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Nikon Coolpix S1 - looks good to me!
Mar 16, 2005 1:51AM PST

OK, we have another contender . . . anyone care to guess how long it will take to get below $300 like the others? Also, does anyone know where there's a review up or anything about the battery life?

PS I like the idea of buying a Nikon, they have such a serious-camera reputation, so why'd they have to name it "coolpix"? Just kidding.

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Cost and battery life
Mar 16, 2005 5:00AM PST

Casio ExZ50 390 photos - $259.55 + $5.95 at Digital Foto, $269.95 at B&H Photo, so around $265

K. Minolta X50 150 frames - about $243 total at buydig.com and butterfly photo (are those reliable?)

Pentax S5i 160 shots - $242 at buydig.com and butterfly photo.

If anyone has an idea about the CIPA of the new Coolpix S1, let me know!

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Bought the ExZ50
Mar 17, 2005 11:24AM PST

Hey guys, thanks for all your help. I went with the Exilim Z50, for the battery life and out of gratitude for my ExM2's faithful service. I ordered it from B&H and hopefully I'll get it around Tuesday.