New camera for backbacking trips

[gonehunting]

I am looking for a new camera to take with me hunting. I do a lot of backpack hunting, so I want something reasonably, compact, water resistant/proof, durable and with some good zoom capability. My old camera was an Olympus Stylus zoom 80. It was alright, but my wife had somewhat acquired it and lets just say it doesn't work anymore.

I know next to nothing about cameras, but it's about time I learn. First off, If you have any suggestions of cameras to look at that meets the description, they would be highly appreciated. Also some pros and cons of 35mm vs. digital. Also maybe some links or old threads that explains what all the camera jargon means.

I have had so many frustrating moments of getting pictures back of wildlife that I have taken, only to find that the animals look like they are miles away. Again, any help wil be appreciated.

 

[Lan-Lord]

roughly whats your budget?

 

[nickroy77]

I have an Olympus Stylus 300. Its a digital camera and it takes great pictures. Very easy to use. It goes for about $220. The Stylus 400 just came out I guess, which has a better resolution (4 megapixels vs. 3.2 megapixels)

 

[gonehunting]

I would like to keep it under $250, but i have been known to go with what I want, rather than what I can afford...lol

 

[PowDuck]

The Stylus 400 can be had from Sam's Clubs for around your budget. When I got mine it was $366. I think they are around $300 or maybe a little less now. I like mine. One of the main things I was looking for was the weather resistance. I take mine hunting and am mainly a duck & goose hunter so weather is a big issue to me. The pictures are good but a little difficult in low light without a pod of some sort. Not a lot of zoom but decent. Most folk's problem with getting good wildlife shots is getting close enough to the animal. Without a big zoom lens you gotta get real close.

Anyway, I would recommend the Stylus 400. It is small, light, and weather resistant. Just the key for backpacking.