Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

This is WHAT I WANT....

Jun 23, 2004 6:12AM PDT

...for my first digital camera:
At least a 3MP; good battery life (lith. ion preferable); at least 6x Optical Zoom (don't care about Digital Zoom); I'd rather the camera NOT use the xD cards - prefer CompactFlash or SD (more cost effective); short delay between shots (less than 3 sec).I am not too concerned with the size of the camera. I am used to using a Rebel 2000.
I will use this camera to mostly take pictures of my 2 year old - I like to make 4x6 prints, some 5x7s and occasionally an 8x10. I need great print quality.
I've been looking at the following cameras:
Fuji S5000; Olympus C-750; Canon S1 IS; Minolta Z1 and Z2.
If you have ANY suggestions for a great digital camera that fits all or most of my specs, I am very open to options. I'd like to pay under $400.
Thank you very much for your help and expert advice/opinions! There is so much out there that I am SO CONFUSED!!
P.S. If the video feature has sound, that would be good, too.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: This is WHAT I WANT....
Jun 23, 2004 9:49AM PDT

It is confusing indeed.

None of the cameras you listed meet all the requirements you listed.

In fact I could find no camera that met all your requirements.

Lets start with an easy assignment.
Take a look at the Konica/Minolta Z2.
Don't look at the Z1. The Z2 has many improvements.
Wal-Mart has this camera on their "hands on" display.
They sell this for about $450 but you can get it at newegg.com for $385. You are just looking, not buying.
Pick up the camera and try all the features and see if you like it or not.

The Z2 uses SD memory cards, and AA batteries. So you would need 4 NiMH batteries and charger kit.
Available at Wal-Mart for $10 for the 16 hour charge model.

If you don't like it, you have learned something which will help you in your search.

....

- Collapse -
The best
Apr 22, 2005 6:38PM PDT

Buy the new Fuji finepix f10 (compact) or
Fuji finepix z1 (ultra-compact).