Newbie photographer in need of camera suggestion...?

[KaTx]

Hi, I'm another noob photographer. We were required to take a few lessons on photography in multimedia arts class, and I got inspired to get a good camera. I've tried to work with a digicam my sis got me, but the specs are really bad. The max ISO is 400 and the pics are always blurry. There are more cons, but I'd like to keep it at that.

I was hoping that I'd save up for a digital SLR mainly because of ease of use and the manual configs (no films... my Mom dislikes the idea), but I'm on a tight budget. I tried searching for something that could help me capture better images and not extremely expensive and I ended up finding Panasonic Lumix FZ8 [http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digital-cameras/panasonic-lumix-fz8_reviews.html].

Do you think it's worth it? If not, what would you recommend?


Thanks for your help ^__^

 

[Earl D]

Not a fan of the Panasoincs

I like Sony, Canon, Nikon and Kodak

What about the D-40 for $600

It's a very good camera from Nikon!

There is alos the Z612 from Kodak

$250

 

[VINTAGE MUSIC]

The camera you're choosing is a 12X optical zoom, and 7 megapixels. Check Website dpreview.com for reviews of that camera and the ones me and my daughter own.
Both of these cameras take excellent 8X10s.
I own the Sony CyberShot DSC-H2. A 6 mp camera, with image stabilizer, very good on batteries.1 sec delay between shots is 12X optical. I love it, can be bought for about $300.
Daughter owns Fujifilm Finepix S5200. 10X optical zoom at 5mp. 1 sec delay between shots and excellent on batteries.Can be bought for about $280-.

 

[uc0nnh00ps]

The camera you suggested sounds good enough. The digital camera I have is an OLYMPUS which takes pretty decent pictures when used right.

 

[Morey000]

The panasonic's are great. if you want an 'ultra zoom' camera they are a terrific, but not your only choice. The FZ50 is more fully featured, but bigger and more expensive as well. They do have a good optical image stabilization system, and terrific leica lenses. However- if you want higher ISO capability- then Panasonics always seem to fall short.
Here's the FZ8 review
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz8/


What I don't like about most of the ultra zoom cameras is they start at 38mm and go to 420mm or 432mm or thereabouts. It's a rare moment that I use over 200mm (unless you're bird watching or trying to get close to sports action).

Since I like wide angle and cameras with high ISO capability- I prefer the Fuji S6000fd. 28-300mm lens.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilms6000fd/
and at only $300 is a lot of camera for the price. Oh- and don't underestimate the value of a MANUAL zoom ring on the lens. It gives you so much more of a controlled feeling than the electronic zoom, such as on the FZ8

It's not cheap- but something like a Canon G7 is a quality camera. Or- you could save some money and for under $300 get Canon's new A570IS. It has the manual modes you're looking for, built in image stabilization, and canon quality images. You will need to fiddle with AA rechargable batteries. Some people like'm, other's find them a hassle.