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General discussion

Need help buying wifes birthday camera

by Gypht Jan 16, 2011 5:25AM PST

So I am wanting to replace my wifes Olympus SP-500UZ. She's had the camera for a few years and its just getting too old. I do not know too much about cameras so please try to be specific. I have been researching the differences between digital cameras and slr cameras. I am still learning the differences but I am gathering that the SLR's require more work and are more for the photographer and less for the mom who wants to take good photos of her family.

Some of the features that I'd like it to have are:
The fast shooting (I don't know what it's called, but where you can take several quick photos in a second).

That panoroma shot, where it takes a whole scene.

Background blur would really be nice so she could make some of her photos look professional, as she does like to play photographer :-P

I'd like it to do video, aswell as have good zoom.

Any other neat features would be nice but arent required.

Thanks for all the help. I gotta go, shes coming up the driveway.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Replacement
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jan 17, 2011 6:27AM PST

The Olympus SP-500UZ was among the top choices back in 2005.
It has all of the features that everyone wanted.
There is no current camera that has all of those features unless you go to a larger and heavier camera. Something like the Canon SX20IS.

If you want a smaller camera you would have to give up the electronic view finder, and manual controls (Shutter Priority & Aperture Priority).

Camera makers have been removing those features to save money.

Would your wife miss those features?

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wifes present
by Gypht Jan 17, 2011 9:27AM PST

I was told that the Panasonic FZ40 is a good camera, and it has all the features including the EVF...and some manual options.

I have recently begun to play with her Olympus and it does alot of things..But like I said this is the one that has been recommended on other sites. Along with Canon SX130, & Panasonic ZS7

Any other recommendations? Pros? Cons? Also I would rather buy from Wal-Mart, OfficeMax, K-Mart or Radio Shack. These are the only stores around me that carry digital cameras, I have been checking online to see what they have but dont really know the differences. I will purchase online but would rather see it hold it and play with it before I buy. Im looking for the $150-$300 range. Thanks!

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Others
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jan 17, 2011 12:34PM PST

The FZ40 has all of the features of the Olympus SP-500 (including RAW).
It is a bit larger and heavier than the SP-500, but it has a lot more zoom.

The Panasonic ZS7 and Canon SX130 do not have a viewfinder, but do have manual controls.

You should find out what your wife thinks about not having a viewfinder.
Most digital cameras have a bad LCD glare problem in bright sunlight, that is when you need a viewfinder.

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Love my Panasonic
by volvogirl Jan 17, 2011 10:55AM PST

Lumix DMC ZS6 Got it at Costco under $300. I highly recommend it!

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