digital camera recommendation

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dlc

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hi all,

im in the market for a digital camera and after some quick research these 2 stood out for me.

Fujifilm FinePix S5700 - specs page - http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_s5700/performance.html

Kodak Z712 IS - specs page -
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=10691&pq-locale=en_ZA

Both are 7.1mp and the Kodak has 12xoptical zoom where the Fujifilm has 10xoptical zoom.

I havent done that much research in the pricing department yet :) but my budget is R2000-R2600max.
Any recommendations or opinions welcome...
Thanks, Cheers!!
 
Just a hint - check out dpreview.com for a pretty honest review of cameras. Also check out their forums to see what users had to say about the cameras too. With zooms like that, I would choose which-ever might have image stabilisation cause if you zoom in really far, the slightest vibration in your hand can make the picture go blury etc.

Can't say much more as I am not a Fuji nor Kodakie person :) - anything Panasonic in your price range? They make good mid-range cameras from what I've seen.
 
Bought the Canon S5is two weeks ago and think its the best buy ever on digital cameras. Also gets rated as one of the best by the professionals, been through a couple of cheapies and decided this time to get something decent. :D
 
Just bought the Canon A570 IS - great quality+features for R2300.00

only 4X zoom compared to others - but makes up for it in image quality.

Buy it - you won't be sorry
 
In my experience a zoom camera (large barrel), gets used less. The psychical size is uncomfortable to lug around everywhere, and although the zoom is great to have it does not get used that much. A more compact camera with 4 x zoom is going to give you better use. The Canon A640 is a little more than you want to pay, but you will be getting a very good camera.
 
I am a huge fan of the Lumix range, thats what my money would be on. I have the Lumix TZ3 and it is a beaut, most of the perks of an SLR with the ease of use and size of a point and click.
 
did I mention the Canon A570 IS

btw if you go for a Canon powershot be sure to get one of the newer models with DIGIC III (as opposed to digic II on th eolder models)

*EDIT*

Has pretty groovy Video Mode too

Check out http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=113

for product comparison - the A570 has pretty much all the features of the more expensive camera - less MegaPixels and Zoom only
 
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JohnnyQ said:
The Canon A640 is a little more than you want to pay, but you will be getting a very good camera.
Click to expand...

Or the A630, which is a bit cheaper. Both great cameras. The 570 has IS, but lags a bit in image quality. Can't go wrong with Canon.:)
 
Thanks for all the input guys...

The Canon A570IS is now a big option. Was hoping for some good feedback on the Kodak:) cam though.but anyway ill be doing some more shopping this weekend.will be checking out these cams:

Canon A570IS - R2300
Fujifilm S5700 - R2000
Kodak Z712IS - +-R2300 (?? not so sure have seen prices R2200-R3200)

but i think the fujifilm is a def no as it has no IS. ive read some reviews on the canon A570IS and people complain about the recharge time for the flash (5s).thats prob not that a big factor considering the quality images you'll get apose to another cam.

i kinda like the slr looking cams as the cam im replacing is a pentax(not digital) with quite alot of optical zoom. will test(drive) them the weekend.lol. and see how the image qaulity compares as i dont want crappy images. is there any modes i should test the cams on as im quite new in the digital cam arena... anyway thanks again for the input - much appreciated.

any specials thats on atm??

cheers
 
dlc said:
ive read some reviews on the canon A570IS and people complain about the recharge time for the flash (5s).thats prob not that a big factor considering the quality images you'll get apose to another cam.

cheers
Click to expand...

re the flash - you will be able to use the flash less because of the IS thing - can use slower shutter speeds
 
One negative about the A570 is that it chews through Alkaline batteries. A set of NiMH rechargeables are essential.
 
willirob said:
re the flash - you will be able to use the flash less because of the IS thing - can use slower shutter speeds
Click to expand...
IMO IS is a better substitute for a tripod than a flash.

BTW - if anyone is looking for rechargeable batteries I can whole-heartedly recommend the UniRoss HYBRIOs.
 
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willirob said:
Ja - but in Low light conditions you can hand hold Slower shutter speeds with IS and do away with Flash
Click to expand...
Depends what you're taking a photo of. IS (like a tripod) will stop camera movement but a flash can stop subject movement.
 
James said:
I have the Lumix TZ3 and it is a beaut, most of the perks of an SLR with the ease of use and size of a point and click.
Click to expand...
From an SLR I get proper manual control of the zoom, and focus when necessary, plus a decent range of f-stops. These are not typical on compact cameras.

JohnnyQ said:
In my experience a zoom camera (large barrel), gets used less. The psychical size is uncomfortable to lug around everywhere, and although the zoom is great to have it does not get used that much.
Click to expand...
I'd guess that is true of the majority of people. I thought I'd carry my compact camera more, but the limitations and annoyances in using them made the SLR more attractive.
 
Lian said:
I'm looking for the same thing, where did you see the kodak for R2200?
Click to expand...
I cant remember - was some or other online shop as I just did a quick search for the cam on jump.co.za to get a price indication. But i was at game the weekend and they sell them for R2499 but not too sure if its exactly the same model b/c it had 10x zoom and could see nowhere IS on the cam.

I spoke to some people who are quite into photography and advised me to stay away from the fujifilm and kodak and after having a go with the kodak im glad i didnt buy it.
 
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