Digital Camera
 

I might be able to shake loose some money and upgrade from my Canon Powershot 3.2 megapixel to something with more zoom and image stablization.

My one beef is that when I turn off my flash, I get blurry results. Some cameras have a 'best shot' feature where the camera automatically shoots multiple images and selects the best.

I am looking at image stablization, 8 megapixels, and a 7x or greater zoom.

At http://www.dpreview.com/, the finalists are the Minolta A2, the Minolta A200, and the Nikon 8800.

The A200 got slightly better reviews than the A2 at DPREVIEW, but CNET gave the A2 the edge.

I don't want a true SLR, but I do want the best resolution and a better zoom.

If I decide to do without the image stabilization, I could go with the Canon Powershot Pro, which would turn out to be more expensive than the Minoltas but would have the 'best shot' feature.

Does anyone own any of these cameras? Any opinions? I would like this to be the last digital camera I own for the next 10 years.

I'm in the hunt for one myself, though I'm not going for anything as expensive as the above 3.

I own an A1. It's a lot of fun; I've since <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/SLRs/at1/">upgraded</a> to a Canon AT-1.

I loved it: sensible user interface, complete control over everything you want to control (and the ability to not control anything, if you want), great results, etc. I imagine a newer model would only be better.

My only real beef, and the only reason I can think of to go to a true digital SLR, is that after a while you'll get sick of having to basically give up any influence on timing. Non-SLR digital cameras have a slow shutter response, whereas SLRs have a very satisfyingly mechanical one. (this might be something I care too much about; I also own a Zippo.)

I wouldn't worry about not having a 'best of' feature. You could reproduce it yourself by learning a little about how the photos suck/what would improve them, and then taking more shots with a range of relevant settings. I've never managed to even half fill the 2.2gb memory card I have, and you're paying pennies per photo (the cost of charging the battery.)

If you intend to make prints of your digital photos, you'd probably be best off with the A2's option for 3:2 aspect ratio. A lot of stores print digital photos fairly cheap (15-25cents for a 4x6), but they almost always do it at preset dimensions, and those dimensions are almost always 3:2. (Until you get up to 8x6, at least.)

Mine's column 4.

What about PowerShot S-70? I'm an IXUS point and shoot guy.

That's called physics. The only thing that would help that would be a more open lens. You're unlikely to find anything really open on a P&S. Why exactly is 8mpx a pirority? Unless you're printing about 12" there really isn't much point.

Jag,

Enlighten me. If I'm only P&S and only print A4 usually for posters and other times only share on the Internet how many do I need. My current unit is an ancient 1meg first model Ixus

depends on the printer largely. If your'e using a decent printer of glossy paper something about 4mpx is nice.

This is 5 megapixels (click):

<a href="http://photos7.flickr.com/10340564_0e37d64b04_o.jpg" title="Painted Desert"><img src="http://photos7.flickr.com/10340564_0e37d64b04_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Painted Desert" /></a>

Do you need more or less than that?

Well I took a look at the Konica-Minolta Dimage Z5 , it's 5 megapixel with a 12x optical zoom and image stabilization.

The price is certainly better, more in the 'wow' range.

I'm considering it.

Looks pretty cool. I'd pick up some rechargeable batteries, though.

That's one of the reason's I like this camera. I already use NIMH AA batteries for my Canon. I like being able to run into any store and pick up alkalines if I haven't charged my batteries.

I would have to buy extra lithium battery packs with some of these other cameras. I can get a 4-pack of NIMH AA batteries for about $10.

Ok, I have narrowed it down. I can get the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 or the Z20

The Dimage Z20 costs $260 street vs the Z5 $370 street.

Both cameras are 5 MP. The Z5 has 12x vs 8x optical zoom.
The Z5 has image stabilization.
The Z20 has a built-in flash but no external mount. The Z5 has both.
I have heard good reviews on both cameras, although I did here that the Z20 feels more plastic, and that the Z20 tripod threads are plastic, not metal.

The question is am I going to miss the extra zoom and image stabilization? Is it worth $100?

I'd like more zoom than I've got. There's always that bird that's just a bit too far. I don't know much about the stabilization, but it probably would come in handy with a lot of zoom.

Is it possible to get high quality pics with a cheap standard digi? I can't afford £3000 for the SLR I want so could I get a credit card sized japanese import for a fiver off ebay and still make them look good (when accompanied by a talented eye, naturally)?