Getting a new digital

[wvhunter]

I am going to be replacing my 35mm slr with year with a digital and am looking for recommendations. I am trying to stay in the $400 dollar range but that may not be possible.

I have read reviews on the Fuji FinePix S5100 and the Konica Minolta DiMage Z2 both have 10x optical and 4mp.

The features that I am looking for are at least 4mp and 10x optical, any other features that I should really look for. I would like to stay with a cam that uses AA batts so I don't have to worry with having a spare batt of some propritory (sp) type.

I have read the reviews at Steve's Digi page but would like to find someone who might have some experience with either of these cams on the board or any other cam that you might recommend.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Skipper]

My first question is What kind of 35 mm SLR do you have now? Nikon? Canon? What lens mount does it use? and What lenses do you have now?

If I had Canon or Nikon equipment in film, I'd be much more interested in one of their SLR's even if it were a few hundred bucks more. There is no comparison from any point and shoot to the SLR cams. All of the point and shoots have much smaller chips and are much much slower.

Skipper

 

[wvhunter]

It is a Minolta. A D-SLR would be great but don't think that is in the budget at this time.

 

[Skipper]

In that case, I would look for some company dumping Nikon 5700's that they have in overstock. The camera was recently replaced with an 8700. The difference is a 5 mp photo v's an 8 mp photo. The cam sold new for about $1000 and it's replacement the 8700 is similarly priced. The excess 5700's are selling for about $450 now if you can find one. These are quality cameras and better that what you'd find at full price for most of the new line point and shoots.

Skipper

 

[Bearcamp]

Fujifilm Finepix S7000. You won't regret it. I have one and like it alot. I had the 4900 and thought the quality was great til I purchased the S7000. What a difference.

 

[Scottyman]

Here's a good site for reviews. www.dpreview.com

 

[SangChris]

I have Fuji s602z a 3mp camera that has sincee been replaced by the s7000. I have been very happy with the Fuji the last couple of years. It has ISO 800 and 1600 film speeds which greatly aid low light shooting. The pics are a little noisy sometimes but at least you can get the picture and much of the noise can be cleaned up. If I were in the market again, I would give the s7000 a serious look.