Camera Recommendations.

[Chuckhunter]

For years I have been using an old Olympus C-700 Ultra Zoom camera that has a 10X Optical zoom. It has served me well and has taken many outstanding photos. It's a very basic point and shoot with a lot of optical zoom. The only problem is that it is only 2MP and 8X10 photos are not always possible. Well, it has finally died and I need to replace it. I'm want another camera with the same features, simplicity, high Mag Optical zoom and more megapixals. Anyone have any first hand recommendations? Have been considering these two, Canon PowerShot SX10 IS or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Digital Camera. If anybody has any input on either, I would appreciate hearing it, good or bad.

 

[BelchFire]

I have owned a point-and-shoot Panasonic Lumix for about three years. I think it's a DMC version, not the DSLR that you mention. I would buy another in a HEARTBEAT! It has been a wonderfully dependable camera and I've been pretty rough on it. The newer ones zoom to 12X and have monster resolution, so you should be fine.

My personal "must haves" are AA batteries (because the rechargeable is always dead when I want it), SD card and image stabilization. The Lumix DMC-ZS1 is 10MP with 12x zoom in a compact, point and shoot package. AND, it's under $200 with free shipping from Amazon in that link.

But as for the camera you mentioned, I can't comment other than to say my Panasonic has been great. I wanted a DSLR and let myself get talked into a Sony A-200. Don't bother, it's horrible.

 

[ltdann]

I've got a lumix myself, specifically for taking pics in the field. No complaints whatsoever.

 

[stode]

Camera Info

I normally use a Canon DSLR but the size and bulk with a zoom lense it's really not practical for a lot of activities I like to participate in. Namely, hunting and fishing. Though great for photos of the kids and when I want to take pictures...

Well, Santa brought me a new camera (Olympu Stylus Tough 8000) last week and I'm very excited about this one becuase it is waterproof to 33 ft. (basically one atmosphere) and can be dropped from 6 feet. It's "crushproof" to some extent. It's the same size as the cameras you mention and should work great if you ever need it when taking a normal camera would be ill advised. You can also "tap" the camera to change functions. This is for times when you have gloves on apparently. This is going with me to the duck blind this weekend.


It's 12 Mpix but the optical zoom is limited at 3.6x and up to 5x with digital zoom (the lense does not protrude to keep dirt/moisture out). Though for me I don't use a point and shoot for subjects that are not close (people and such) and then landscapes which doesn't require much zoom.

My wife also has a Canon similar to the one you mention and it works great!

Good luck!