Thread: Please help Choose a Camera

Go with one of the Canons or Sonys. I'd favor the Canons. Then it's a matter of size and application.

I have the Panasonic Lumix camera all the way down the page.
I know Panasonic isn't one of the classic camera brands, but this one has got Leica optics, so that part is top notch and has got a solid feel to it. The camera I had before this one also took decent pictures, but I just love this one more and more. It has got 10x zoom and macro mode all the way down to 5cm and optical stabilizer. I have used it for a few months now and like it a lot. The size isn't the smallest, but for me the zoom is well worth that small sacrifice.

Originally Posted by icedog

Did you click on the link to see what cameras are available? Actually I was going to PM you because I wanted your advice specifically.

I know if I had the money I'd get a Nikon digital SLR but that isn't in the cards. So I am wondering what of the lesser cameras offered by American Express in exchange for Scarlett's 53,800 points might be the best value. Here's the link again: http://www.membershiprewards.com/cat...Dir=DESC&No=24

Sorry, I didn't click on the link the first time through, no.

After checking, I also think you should go with one of the Canon ones. They make good cameras!

I just went down to a Best Buy store and fiddled around with the choices. Thank you all for your input. We are going with the Panasonic because of the superior optics and it has a huge screen on it.

I've always liked the Canon SD series. They shoot nicely, take little time to power on, have great image stabilization, shoot quick, and save quick. Besides that, their customer service is very good.

Originally Posted by icedog

I just went down to a Best Buy store and fiddled around with the choices. Thank you all for your input. We are going with the Panasonic because of the superior optics and it has a huge screen on it.

Check DCRP Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

It wouldn't be my choice of camera, because the lack of manual controls, a bit duller colors, and slower start up time don't get compensated by the big zoom range for me.
But it's going to be your camera, so it's what is important for you that matters.

Just a wild guess, but I'm going with Icedog and Scarlett being strictly point and shoot people. The large lens range would be a big plus since they're not likely to carry additional lenses with them either.

Holy crap! It looks like this is a scam too! I settled on that Panasonic and sent Scar the link so she might choose the camera (it's her card so she has to deal with AMEX). This morning, when she logged back on after paying her bill, the camera we selected is no longer on the page. It looks like they have it set up so the next highest camera is way more than you wanted to spend. The computer must have picked up that Scar was settling on a choice, deleted that choice and expects her to automaticall choose the next model up the scale. They offer you extra points but the fine print explains the use of extra points costs you fees and penalties. Amazing. Everything is a trap.

Yea Quick is right, the wide zoom range is important to me. I have a Nikon N-90S 35mm SLR with which I shoot all my artsy pictures. The digital is for Evil Mr. Toes comics, quick travelogue shots and pictures for the Internet. Now that they seem to have deleted the Panasonic Lumix I guess we will go to the Canon product that is nearest in value.