8 Meg. or better Digital Camera.......?

**LS2Tuner** · 02-21-2008, 03:28 PM

I need a new decent camera for taking random pics. It needs to be around $400-500 and not huge.

I have been looking @ the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18.
It has a 18x zoom which is really good and has been reviewed as a 8-8.8 out of 10 by all the photo mags I have looked at.

Anyone already have one or used one....?
I'll take any suggestions on a different camera as long as it has 15x zoom and at least 8 megapixel.
This is about the best deal I found on Ebay with extras.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Lumix-...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for any help.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-21-2008, 03:38 PM

I will go ahead and ask.

Why do you need that many megapixels?
Are you making posters?

**Nitro_Junkie97** · 02-21-2008, 03:44 PM

ive got a Canon Powershot A570 7.1 megapixel and i love it. and it was only $199. its a very good camera.

**JwMonE99** · 02-21-2008, 03:49 PM

Anything after 7 is useless I think.

**LS2Tuner** · 02-21-2008, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

I will go ahead and ask.

Why do you need that many megapixels?
Are you making posters?

No but I take many scenic pics and they usually end up getting cropped alot which means you need the high pix count.
And taking wide shots from the stands I crop the shit out of them.

No posters just lots of 8x10's.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-21-2008, 04:12 PM

6.3 megapixel prints out great on a 13x19.
My experience anyways.

Good luck!

**LS2Tuner** · 02-21-2008, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the feedback you all!

Yeah I have a 6.2 Nikon now that gets pixelly when cropped alot and 8x10's.

Plus for track shots I need something that doesn't have problems on rapid shots and focusing.

**redls1** · 02-21-2008, 04:21 PM

Dont you want your zoom to have the highest optical not digital zoom also?

**LS2Tuner** · 02-21-2008, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by redls1

Dont you want your zoom to have the highest optical not digital zoom also?

Yeah that is why this Panasonic is so good it has 18x optical on the factory lens. Everyone is doing them now right around that 12,14,15,18x etc.

Digital sucks ass and I never use them.

**redls1** · 02-21-2008, 05:11 PM

I would love to have a camera like that but dont use it enough to pay something that high.

**9t8z28** · 02-21-2008, 05:27 PM

I just bought a 6 and I really wish I spent a little more and got an 8

**jad628** · 02-22-2008, 04:23 AM

I've been using a Sony H7. You can get them for under $400.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/SonyH7/

It's basically a point and shoot with some cool features and good software for the PC. It is not an SLR, but the performance is close. Unless you are looking for true professional results, the H7 or H9 (night shoot and tilting LCD) will really serve you well. It's small, handy and has Carl Zeiss glass! The flash isn't the best, but it's useable. The program for shots in low light without flash works the best of any camera I've ever used. Image stabilization and sports burst shots work well.

I recommend if you get it, to invest in at least one extra battery. They have decent life, but nothing sucks more than finding out the one battery you have wasn't fully charged. Also, get an extra memory card. I use 4GB with good results.

**blackout5.3** · 02-22-2008, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by JwMonE99

Anything after 7 is useless I think.

i agree i have a 7.1 olympus and it was $200 and it takes great pics and the pics are a little larger than i would like to deal with, but but makes great shots when your at he races and want to see the cars up close. :Thumbs up: