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GMichael
12-01-2006, 06:38 AM
Hey gang, How's it going?

I am hoping that you can help me pick out a camera. I am a total beginner so I'm looking for something small to point and shoot and still get good pics. There are a few models that I'm looking at. Do you know much about these? Is there something else I should take a peak at in this range? Looking to spend $300 - 400 unless a lot more can be had for very little extra. It needs to be very small or I just won't bother to carry it. It's gotta almost take the pictures for me or they won't come out clear. I like zoom but not digi-zoom. Here are the one's I've been peaking at:

Olympus Stylus 1000 10 megapix seems like overkill. Stabilization is a program that changes shutter speeds & helps correct it later. Only 3x zoom
Olympus Stylus 750 7.1 meg seems like plenty. A little fuzzy on the Stabilization on this one. 5x zoom...
Canon Powershot SD800 7.1 meg again. Stabilization,
Canon Powershot SD900 10 meg!, no stabilization?

Does anybody know how to help a complete nub? Are any of these good? Are any of them lemons? Remember to keep it simple for me.

Thanks,
Mike

L.J.
12-01-2006, 06:59 AM
GM you should get a camera made by umm........dang what's the name. Anyways, for only $7000, this camera comes with everything you need. Very sleek and won't clutter your counters. Compared to the big bulky cameras out there, this stylish little camera should blend right in. Oh yeah the company is called BOSE :ciappa:






O I kill me. I'm in the market for a new camera myself and we're in the same boat, I don't know to look for. I plan on doing a little research first. But $300 sounds like a good price point.

GMichael
12-01-2006, 07:05 AM
GM you should get a camera made by umm........dang what's the name. Anyways, for only $7000, this camera comes with everything you need. Very sleek and won't clutter your counters. Compared to the big bulky cameras out there, this stylish little camera should blend right in. Oh yeah the company is called BOSE :ciappa:






O I kill me. I'm in the market for a new camera myself and we're in the same boat, I don't know to look for. I plan on doing a little research first. But $300 sounds like a good price point.

Bose makes the best everything!

I have found a little help at this site. http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM
There's a section where you can put in all the things that are important to you and then it gives suggestions. Also a forum to read and ask questions. But I trust the people here. And I know there are a few camera buffs among us.

Edit: I went to post pics of my system the other day and they all came out like crap. Still using my camcorder to take pics with. It's not working out so well.

Bernd
12-01-2006, 07:44 AM
Hi Mike,

I used both makes. Olympus and now a Canon. Both are safe bets. But I am frankly amazed that a man of your talents is going for something simple.:)

Both are good. It's the lens that makes it. I loved my Olympus and have only recently treated myself to a top of the line Canon. I am still wrestling with it. Good luck with the camera hunt.
Hope all is well with you and yours.

Peace

Bernd:16:

JohnMichael
12-01-2006, 08:01 AM
GMichael, sorry no advice since my knowledge and expertise is in the Digital SLR arena. I love my Canon 10D and have asked Santa for the 5D. I am prepared to be disappointed. I have already received so much this year. Anyway do not forget the test reports on our sister site photographyreview.com. Scroll down to the bottom and click on and there is a lot of reviews by users of the cameras you might be interested in buying.

Resident Loser
12-01-2006, 08:17 AM
...I'm still using my Penatx ME Super with various lenses...haven't made the jump to digital yet...

And anywho, we have very few laser-totin' mechanical lizards around here, just me and the missus and the dog...

A buddy of mine has shown me some good pictures he has taken with his digital, from close-ups to sunsets...

jimHJJ(...I'll try to get some info...)

ForeverAutumn
12-01-2006, 08:24 AM
If you want a digital SLR I can offer no help. If you want just a plain digital point and shoot, I can help. I bought a new camera last summer. After much research and discussion with the good folks in my local camera shop (I highly recommend a camera store over a big box store if you're looking for good advice), I ended up with a Panasonic TZ1 ($429 CDN) and am loving it!

We've been shopping for a camera for my mom for Xmas, and have decided on a Panasonic for her also. I forget the model number...LZ5 or something like that...but it's about $299 CDN. The reason that we chose Panasonic for mom was for the image stabilizer. No other make, at that price point, included this feature.

The higher end Panasonics have Leica lens's (mine has it, mom's doesn't).

Whatever you get, make sure that your camera includes an image stabilizer. This feature is amazing, expecially when you are using the zoom.

Here's an old thread that might help... http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=17233&highlight=camera

GMichael
12-01-2006, 08:24 AM
Hi Mike,

I used both makes. Olympus and now a Canon. Both are safe bets. But I am frankly amazed that a man of your talents is going for something simple.:) Bernd:16:

HAHAHAHA When you look up the word simple in the dictionary it has my picture underneath it.



Both are good. It's the lens that makes it. I loved my Olympus and have only recently treated myself to a top of the line Canon. I am still wrestling with it. Good luck with the camera hunt.
Hope all is well with you and yours.

Peace

Bernd:16:

Thanks, it's a fun hunt so far.
Mine are doing well. It's a fun time of life. Hopes you & yours are doing just as well or better.

The B.O.T. is gone! Temps starting near 60 today going down into the 20's this weekend. Snow sleet and ice on the way. It's going to start to look a lot like Christmas.

GMichael
12-01-2006, 08:25 AM
GMichael, sorry no advice since my knowledge and expertise is in the Digital SLR arena. I love my Canon 10D and have asked Santa for the 5D. I am prepared to be disappointed. I have already received so much this year. Anyway do not forget the test reports on our sister site photography.com. Scroll down to the bottom and click on and there is a lot of reviews by users of the cameras you might be interested in buying.

Those are very nice. I like the Hassleblads. But who's got $30k to spend on a camera?

GMichael
12-01-2006, 08:39 AM
If you want a digital SLR I can offer no help. If you want just a plain digital point and shoot, I can help. I bought a new camera last summer. After much research and discussion with the good folks in my local camera shop (I highly recommend a camera store over a big box store if you're looking for good advice), I ended up with a Panasonic TZ1 ($429 CDN) and am loving it!

We've been shopping for a camera for my mom for Xmas, and have decided on a Panasonic for her also. I forget the model number...LZ5 or something like that...but it's about $299 CDN. The reason that we chose Panasonic for mom was for the image stabilizer. No other make, at that price point, included this feature.

The higher end Panasonics have Leica lens's (mine has it, mom's doesn't).

Whatever you get, make sure that your camera includes an image stabilizer. This feature is amazing, expecially when you are using the zoom.

Here's an old thread that might help... http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=17233&highlight=camera

Panasonic huh? Are theirs good? Each time I use that program to find a camera, I have left off Panasonic as a brand to look at. And each time it comes back with a half dozen Panasonics that it thinks I would like. How is it to use? Does it take nice (read easy & clear) pics?

icarus
12-01-2006, 09:12 AM
I bought a Pentax optio A10 8.0 megapixel camera. and i have been very dissastisfied, a few weeks ago my screen went white and Pentax wants to charge $75 just to get my camera checked out, not even to get it fixed!!! i have only had it for about 5 months too

Feanor
12-01-2006, 09:26 AM
...
I am hoping that you can help me pick out a camera. I am a total beginner so I'm looking for something small to point and shoot and still get good pics. There are a few models that I'm looking at. Do you know much about these? Is there something else I should take a peak at in this range? Looking to spend $300 - 400 unless a lot more can be had for very little extra. It needs to be very small or I just won't bother to carry it. It's gotta almost take the pictures for me or they won't come out clear. I like zoom but not digi-zoom. Here are the one's I've been peaking at:
...
Thanks,
Mike

Yeah, I'd love to have one of these big-time. G, I'm afraid it's a little out of your price range, though -- mine too. :sad:

http://www.panasonic.ca/English/audiovideo/camerascamcorders/digitalstill/dmcL1.asp
...

ericl
12-01-2006, 09:46 AM
GMichael, check out our other site:
http://www.photographyreview.com

It's the audioreview of photo sites! Tell them you're from AudioReview. It's administered by photojohn, my coworker and really knowledgeable photographer/camera guy. They've got some good buying guides.

OR i just recently bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01, which is a really nice little camera. It uses a fancy pants Leica lens. It was $300 at best buy way back in September..

ForeverAutumn
12-01-2006, 09:51 AM
Panasonic huh? Are theirs good? Each time I use that program to find a camera, I have left off Panasonic as a brand to look at. And each time it comes back with a half dozen Panasonics that it thinks I would like. How is it to use? Does it take nice (read easy & clear) pics?

After doing all my research, I walked into the camera store absolutely convinced that I was walking out with a Canon. I also had never even considered a Panasonic. After a lengthy discussion with the sales guy about what I was going to use my camera for and features that I wanted, he said that he wanted to show me something else. Out comes the Panasonic TZ1. I was skeptical at first, but the guy assured me that it was a good quality camera.

After playing with it in the store for a while, I decided that I really liked it. The menu was easy to use. The buttons and dials were nicely laid out. The screen was very good quality. And the image stabilizer was fantastic. Mine is only 5 megapix. But it has a 10x optical zoom. I haven't printed anything yet, but I put together a slide show of our last vacation and projected the pictures onto a screen and they looked real nice.

I was in the same camera store with my brother on the weekend because he was looking for a new camera. We were talking to the store manager about Canon vs. Panasonic. He thought that the two brands were pretty comparible. He said that Canon has a slightly better engine, but Panasonic has a better lens. He was referring to the higher end models with a Leica lens. I don't know how the lens on the lower end models is. My brother was also sure that he was going to buy a Canon. He didn't. He ended up with a Panasonic.

I love my Panasonic. I didn't think that I would, but I do. You have to decide which features are important to you, and buy based on that. But IMO Panasonic is definately worth taking a look at.

Also, buy the camera someplace that has a liberal return policy. I had 30 days to play with my new camera. If I didn't like it, I could return it for a full refund.

GMichael
12-01-2006, 11:37 AM
Thanks one and all.
I'll give the Panasonics a look as well as our sister site. Up to this point the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS Digital ELPH is the front runner. I was very interested in the Olympus Stylus 750 or 1000 until I saw a few of the reviews. This Canon seems to be everything I am looking for but I won't pull the trigger for a couple more weeks. That gives me time to look into some of the other options. I'll try to get out and hold a few in my hands this weekend.
Maybe I'll finally get those pics up here.

L.J.
12-01-2006, 11:47 AM
Bose makes the best everything!

I have found a little help at this site. http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM
There's a section where you can put in all the things that are important to you and then it gives suggestions. Also a forum to read and ask questions. But I trust the people here. And I know there are a few camera buffs among us.

Edit: I went to post pics of my system the other day and they all came out like crap. Still using my camcorder to take pics with. It's not working out so well.

I checked out the website and this is what it pulled up. This one was the most expensive at about $300.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DMC-FZ7S-Digital-Camera/sem/rpsm/oid/145399/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Blows the camera I picked up a year ago from Costco for $200 out the water!

Grandpaw
12-01-2006, 12:08 PM
I would suggest starting out by making a list of the type of uses you will want your camera to handle. Action, close up, night photography, zoom lens for far away pictures, wide angle for close up, external flash connection, video capable, need changeable lenses? These are just some of the things you might want to think about before asking a question like " what camera to buy for X amount"?

It is like someone coming here and asking what speakers do I buy if I have $300.00 to spend? The first question would be .... What are you going to use them for?

I also second asking at the photography review site. What camera you need to buy is determined by what you want to do with it, Jeff

GMichael
12-01-2006, 12:31 PM
I checked out the website and this is what it pulled up. This one was the most expensive at about $300.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Panasonic-DMC-FZ7S-Digital-Camera/sem/rpsm/oid/145399/catOid/-13062/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Blows the camera I picked up a year ago from Costco for $200 out the water!


Ooh, very nice. A little bigger than I would want to carry right now though. Maybe if I get into it more, I may switch to something like that later.

GMichael
12-01-2006, 12:36 PM
I would suggest starting out by making a list of the type of uses you will want your camera to handle. Action, close up, night photography, zoom lens for far away pictures, wide angle for close up, external flash connection, video capable, need changeable lenses? These are just some of the things you might want to think about before asking a question like " what camera to buy for X amount"?

It is like someone coming here and asking what speakers do I buy if I have $300.00 to spend? The first question would be .... What are you going to use them for?

I also second asking at the photography review site. What camera you need to buy is determined by what you want to do with it, Jeff

Thanks,

I'm just looking for a camera that I can point, shoot, and get a good picture with very little effort. It's for taking pics of my HT system to post here. X-mas and other familly gatherings. Maybe if Yogi visits again I'll get a quick pic of him too.
I'm not really into photography but would like to have something nice for when it's time for picture taking. Small is good. Smaller is better. IS is needed. Zoom is fun.

......

JSE
12-01-2006, 02:28 PM
I bought the wife the Panny FX-01 and it's a great little camera. You can get them at B&H Photo Video for just over $200 now. 6mp, IS, and a true wide angle lens (28-105mm). Hard to find a wide angle lens on a digital P&S. It's small, light and a breeze to use.

I use a Hasselblad with digital back and Nikon DLSRs as well as an arsenal of film cameras and I am always reaching for this little camera for general snapshots, family, dog, etc. I took it on a Trip to Michigan recently with two 1GB SD cards and my iPod for storage. Worked like a charm. Granted, it can't touch my larger digitals, but no P&S can for that matter.

Me? I would stick to either Canon, Panansonic, Fuji. Just my preference. I use Nikon DSLRs and I will never buy another Nikon P&S. Piece of junk compared to others. The Fuji F30 is supposed to be a awesome little camera as well.

JSE

Grandpaw
12-01-2006, 02:30 PM
Thanks,

I'm just looking for a camera that I can point, shoot, and get a good picture with very little effort. It's for taking pics of my HT system to post here. X-mas and other familly gatherings. Maybe if Yogi visits again I'll get a quick pic of him too.
I'm not really into photography but would like to have something nice for when it's time for picture taking. Small is good. Smaller is better. IS is needed. Zoom is fun.

......

If you want something simple get a $7.00 throw a way camera. You won't have to worry about it getting broken or lost and if you want to put some pictures on the web have Wal-Mart drop them on a CD for about $3.00 and your ready to go. Then when you get more interested get a real camera then, Jeff

GMichael
12-01-2006, 02:35 PM
If you want something simple get a $7.00 throw a way camera. You won't have to worry about it getting broken or lost and if you want to put some pictures on the web have Wal-Mart drop them on a CD for about $3.00 and your ready to go. Then when you get more interested get a real camera then, Jeff

Not looking for a bic camera. Thanks though.

GMichael
12-01-2006, 02:39 PM
I bought the wife the Panny FX-01 and it's a great little camera. You can get them at B&H Photo Video for just over $200 now. 6mp, IS, and a true wide angle lens (28-105mm). Hard to find a wide angle lens on a digital P&S. It's small, light and a breeze to use.

I use a Hasselblad with digital back and Nikon DLSRs as well as an arsenal of film cameras and I am always reaching for this little camera for general snapshots, family, dog, etc. I took it on a Trip to Michigan recently with two 1GB SD cards and my iPod for storage. Worked like a charm. Granted, it can't touch my larger digitals, but no P&S can for that matter.

Me? I would stick to either Canon, Panansonic, Fuji. Just my preference. I use Nikon DSLRs and I will never buy another Nikon P&S. Piece of junk compared to others. The Fuji F30 is supposed to be a awesome little camera as well.

JSE

Thanks JSE,

I'll take a look at them.

Hasselblad huh? That's some serious equipment there.

topspeed
12-01-2006, 04:58 PM
I'll second the Fuji. We have one (can't remember the model #, but it was one of their better ones) and it takes really nice pix for a digital. I'm an old Nikon SLR guy and even I'm impressed by them. Then only downside is a voracious appetite for batteries and somewhat slow shutter times. Oh yeah, it's pretty durable as well...not that I've dropped it or anything :rolleyes:

Smokey
12-01-2006, 05:27 PM
It needs to be very small or I just won't bother to carry it.

In Nov ‘06 issue, ConsumerReports magazine evaluated 20 sub-compact digital cameras (camera that fit in pocket or purse), and only these 8 cameras received Excellent (5 stars) rating in term of print picture quality:

1. Casio EX-Z750 $300
2. Canon PowerShot SD430 $450
3. Canon powerShot SD500 $280
4. Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 $430
5. Kodak Easyshare V550 $240
6. FujiFilm FinePix V10 $280
7. Kodak Easyshare V570 $350
8. Pentax Optio SV $220

Hope it help :)

Bernd
12-02-2006, 12:46 AM
HAHAHAHA When you look up the word simple in the dictionary it has my picture underneath it.




Thanks, it's a fun hunt so far.
Mine are doing well. It's a fun time of life. Hopes you & yours are doing just as well or better.

The B.O.T. is gone! Temps starting near 60 today going down into the 20's this weekend. Snow sleet and ice on the way. It's going to start to look a lot like Christmas.

Just looked it up - that doesn't look like you.

All is well here and winter is surely on the march. The B.O.T. is gone here too. A cold icy wind is blowing. Global Warming - pah.

Hapy hunting.

Peace

Bernd:16:

basite
12-02-2006, 04:00 AM
All is well here and winter is surely on the march. The B.O.T. is gone here too. A cold icy wind is blowing. Global Warming - pah.

Hapy hunting.

Peace

Bernd:16:


seems to be that the winter is avoiding belgium somehow, the B.O.T. is gone here too, but it's still 15° C here...

lucky guys, you'll have snow fun while I cut my fingers scraping dead flies of the wall.


Greetings,
Basite.

GMichael
12-02-2006, 07:24 AM
In Nov ‘06 issue, ConsumerReports magazine evaluated 20 sub-compact digital cameras (camera that fit in pocket or purse), and only these 8 cameras received Excellent (5 stars) rating in term of print picture quality:

1. Casio EX-Z750 $300
2. Canon PowerShot SD430 $450
3. Canon powerShot SD500 $280
4. Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 $430
5. Kodak Easyshare V550 $240
6. FujiFilm FinePix V10 $280
7. Kodak Easyshare V570 $350
8. Pentax Optio SV $220

Hope it help :)

Yes, thanks. I see that they like the Canon powerShot SD700 IS as well. But the Canon powerShot SD800 IS is not as durrable. Something about the battery door being made of cheap plastic and breaking easily.

Thanks Speed, Speed you are.

Fuji is on the list too.

Bernd,

Enjoy that ice. Still warm inside though. Warm with great tunes!

Basite,

15C huh? I'll take it. Send it over.

emorphien
12-02-2006, 08:23 AM
Gotta run so I can't read the whole thread right now...

I tend to have the best luck with Canon. I've tried several things but ultimatey mostly own Canon, particularly with digital cameras. The last digital Stylus cameras I used had worse image quality than comparable Canons and in fact I sold one earlier this year to get the Canon SD630. The overall operation of the camera was also much clumsier, so I would suggest that you go play with both to find out what you like better. You may also find one feels more comfortable or easier to use.

As it stands I've wound up with 3 Canon digital cameras, G3, SD630 and 1D MK II.

basite
12-03-2006, 01:53 AM
Basite,

15C huh? I'll take it. Send it over.


Well, Sir, we have several bonus packages,
These include rain, flies and wind, sometimes fog* will be there too, for this special occasion (being shipped to America), we will include the rain as a free trial package**,



* fog will sometimes appear during the mornings,
**this trial will expire in 14 days


Greetings,
Basite.

GMichael
12-03-2006, 07:37 AM
Well, Sir, we have several bonus packages,
These include rain, flies and wind, sometimes fog* will be there too, for this special occasion (being shipped to America), we will include the rain as a free trial package**,



* fog will sometimes appear during the mornings,
**this trial will expire in 14 days


Greetings,
Basite.

Sign me up. Sounds like spring to me. Can you throw in a few hungry bears just waking up and looking for food?
What do I do after the 14 days? Can I renew?:idea:

JSE
12-04-2006, 07:54 AM
Hasselblad huh? That's some serious equipment there.


Yeah, it's not mine!

It's an H2 owned by my buddy who has a commercial studio where he does a lot of product work and portraits. I help him out when time permits and in exchange I get the run of the place and his equipment. I would never spend "that" kind of money for a camera. I think he paid well over $20K for the camera, lens, and back. He just bought zoom lens for it that was just over $6k. I can't wait to get my hands on it. :biggrin5:


Jim

GMichael
12-04-2006, 08:08 AM
Yeah, it's not mine!

It's an H2 owned by my buddy who has a commercial studio where he does a lot of product work and portraits. I help him out when time permits and in exchange I get the run of the place and his equipment. I would never spend "that" kind of money for a camera. I think he paid well over $20K for the camera, lens, and back. He just bought zoom lens for it that was just over $6k. I can't wait to get my hands on it. :biggrin5:


Jim

Cool, must be fun playing with that stuff knowing what it's worth. I've never got to use a Hassleblad (not that I could tell the difference). But years ago (1989) back when IBM Research had almost unlimited funds for their Techies to play with, I had a request on my desk to buy a lot of their accessories. The order totaled over $35k and did NOT include a camera. I was in shock that any camera equipment would cost so much. These guys knew the best and didn't mind spending someone else's money to get it.

Feanor
12-04-2006, 08:30 AM
Yeah, it's not mine!

It's an H2 owned by my buddy who has a commercial studio where he does a lot of product work and portraits. I help him out when time permits and in exchange I get the run of the place and his equipment. I would never spend "that" kind of money for a camera. I think he paid well over $20K for the camera, lens, and back. He just bought zoom lens for it that was just over $6k. I can't wait to get my hands on it. :biggrin5:


Jim

Hasselblad equipment is in the "If you have to ask the price, you can't affordi it" category -- not unlike so super hi-end audio equipment.

The quality of the 'Blad might justify it for full-time professionals, though.

emorphien
12-04-2006, 08:42 AM
The quality of the 'Blad might justify it for full-time professionals, though.
Generally speaking a lot of the high end/pro equipment does, although Hassie isn't my favorite medium format system. Tax writeoffs anyone?

JSE
12-04-2006, 11:31 AM
Hasselblad equipment is in the "If you have to ask the price, you can't affordi it" category -- not unlike so super hi-end audio equipment.

The quality of the 'Blad might justify it for full-time professionals, though.


The thing with Hasselblad is your buying into a system. You can use a lens from 1950 on a brand new V series body. The overall designs of their cameras have not really changed much at all. There are millions of parts out there and they are easy to work on so if they break, it's easy to get it repaired.

Now the new H system is a totally "new" system with it's own backs, lenses, accessories, etc. And even more expensive!

With digital taking over the world, you can get some great deals on Hassy, Mamiya and Bronica MF systems these days. Hell, you can pay pennies on the dollar for any film camera system now. I have a tone of film gear I need to start sellling but it's worth almost nothing now compared to several years ago. I just assume keep most of it.

JSE

L.J.
12-07-2006, 02:59 PM
GM, any luck on your camera hunt?

herm0016
12-07-2006, 04:46 PM
i really like my kodak. z-730 its kinda big, but takes great pictures with a 4x zoom 35 to 132mm??, 5 mp.

http://s14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/ajherman

all of these except for the Yellowstone pictures were taken with this camera, the Yellowstone pictures being taken by a cannon 35mm camera with a 35 to 150 mm zoom lens. and Kodak 400 speed film.
i like to play with my settings and stuff, so most of them are taken with manual settings.

a friend of mine who owns a cannon slr and about 15 cannon lenses says that its one of the better p&s digitals that he as seen as far as settings and picture and color quality.

GMichael
12-07-2006, 05:29 PM
Great pics Herm.
Thanks for all the input. Thanks to all.

After many hours of reading reviews & comments, and several trips to stores to play with them, I ended up pulling the trigger on the Canon SD800 IS yesterday. The 2GB, 150x speedy memory showed up today. The camera should be here in a week.
Many others were great also. The Olympus' and Fuji's really cought my eye. But I had to pick one and this one seems like the best fit for me & Wifey. Hopefully I'll post some pics after X-mas. Oh! Did I say that this is a gift for the honey? She started dropping hints a few weeks ago. I think she'll love it. So SHHHHHHH.... Don't anyone tell her.


TANX
me

L.J.
12-14-2006, 08:46 AM
Hey GM I finally picked that camera. Got it at JR for only $239. I had a chance to play around with it for a little bit and this baby is nice. It was suggested based on my comments from that link you provided. I haven't found a bad review yet.

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/detail/pan/EC.PAN.DMCFZ7S.JPG

Here the specs:


6-megapixel: The Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FZ7K digital camera delivers stunning pictures with 6-megapixel resolution. You can create brilliant 4" x 6" photos or blow images up as large as posters.

Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens: Made by one of the most respected camera companies in the world, this compact lens combines a comfortably small size with superb image rendering.

12x zoom: The unbelievable 12x optical zoom lets you get really close to your subject before you take your shot. Equivalent to 35mm-430mm on a 35mm camera, this telephoto zoom doesn't miss a thing. An additional 4x digital zoom lets you enlarge the details before or after shooting.

2.5" LCD: Frame your shot, review up to 25 thumbnail images at once and access the menu using the enormous 2.5" LCD screen. For easier viewing on sunny days, use the Power LCD button to boost backlighting by about 40%. The high-angle LCD feature makes it easier to check the LCD when you're holding the camera high to shoot over a crowd.

MEGA optical image stabilizer: Don't worry about shaky hands—shots are clear with this image stabilization system, even at full zoom.

High-sensitivity mode: This mode helps suppress motion blur by automatically setting the ISO sensitivity to 1600, which increases the shutter speed. It also lets you take clearer, sharper shots in dim lighting without using a flash.

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Easy manual operation: The joystick on the back of the camera gives you quick, easy and accurate manual focusing. You can also set the aperture, shutter speed and focus with your thumb while framing the shot on the LCD monitor.

Movie mode: When a snapshot just isn't enough, you can record video clips directly to your memory card.

Memory: This digital camera comes with a 16MB memory card, which stores around 10 pictures at the highest resolution. Get the most out of your camera by adding a 512MB or larger MultiMediaCard or SD memory card. How much memory do you need? Click here to find out.

PictBridge-enabled: Simply connect the Panasonic Lumix® DMC-FZ7K digital camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer to print pictures without a computer.

GMichael
12-14-2006, 09:10 AM
Wow LJ. That looks like a d'm nice one. I've heard nothing but good things about that Leica lens. Seems we're on the same wavelength. I paid just a smidge more. I guess mostly because it's a new model and wifey can fit it in her pocket. She wanted tiny. But yours seems to do a little more with that 12x and Leica lens.

So let's see, we've both bought cameras and subs (sorry to bring that up). I got a new home and you are packed up to do the same. Are we doing anything else the same?:yikes:

GMichael
12-14-2006, 09:29 AM
Wow LJ.

So let's see, we've both bought cameras and subs (sorry to bring that up). I got a new home and you are packed up to do the same. Are we doing anything else the same?:yikes:

OK, just saw your post on the Blue-Ray vs HD-DVD. Wifey is looking to buy me an Xbox for Christmas. It's getting creepy.

L.J.
12-14-2006, 10:24 AM
OK, just saw your post on the Blue-Ray vs HD-DVD. Wifey is looking to buy me an Xbox for Christmas. It's getting creepy.

You wouldn't be thinking 'bout setting up a 2 chan system anytime soon I hope? If so :eek:

GMichael
12-14-2006, 10:32 AM
You wouldn't be thinking 'bout setting up a 2 chan system anytime soon I hope? If so :eek:

Was kinda looking at these for the basement.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1
and
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=26.1
or maybe
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=95.1

L.J.
12-14-2006, 10:47 AM
Was kinda looking at these for the basement.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1
and
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=26.1
or maybe
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=95.1

Can't drop $$$$ like that on a pair of speakers anytime soon. I may get my hands on some C-7's if I can get this guy in my area to go low enough. I doubt that's gonna happen so it's most likely gonna be my C-3's. I was gonna get a Integrated but I may just pick up a used AVR and a Squeezebox. Still thinking about that.

GMichael
12-14-2006, 11:05 AM
Can't drop $$$$ like that on a pair of speakers anytime soon. I may get my hands on some C-7's if I can get this guy in my area to go low enough. I doubt that's gonna happen so it's most likely gonna be my C-3's. I was gonna get a Integrated but I may just pick up a used AVR and a Squeezebox. Still thinking about that.

I'll be holding off till I can get something a really want. I already have an old Pioneer 2 channel to use in the mean time. And the speakers I built a few years back turned out better than I thought they would. It's actually their fault that I got back into all of this. They sounded so d'm good that it made me wonder what a pair of store bought speakers might sound like. The rest has been a spending frenzy. New speakrs, can't hook them up to the old receiver. New receiver, puts out 7.1?! Need more speakers now. Wow, sounds great, but what about the bedroom? etc etc etc......

basite
12-14-2006, 12:44 PM
Was kinda looking at these for the basement.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1
and
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=26.1
or maybe
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=95.1


what about these?
http://www.focal.tm.fr/accueil_en.htm (-->home audio --> chorus 800v --> products --> Chorus 836v) i'm thinking about saving for them, a couple years...

what about maggies (1.6 or so) or a martin logan mosaic?

Greetings,
Basite.

GMichael
12-14-2006, 12:47 PM
what about these?
http://www.focal.tm.fr/accueil_en.htm (-->home audio --> chorus 800v --> products --> Chorus 836v) i'm thinking about saving for them, a couple years...

what about maggies (1.6 or so) or a martin logan mosaic?

Greetings,
Basite.

Yes, Maggies are still high on my list. I like Totems too. So Many good speakers, so few rooms to put them in.

jrhymeammo
12-14-2006, 03:13 PM
I'm not sure if Onix SP3 can drive a pair of Strata Mini with a good enough result..... Reference .5 shouldnt be a problem though. What do you plan to use SP3 with?

JRA

GMichael
12-14-2006, 05:47 PM
I'm not sure if Onix SP3 can drive a pair of Strata Mini with a good enough result..... Reference .5 shouldnt be a problem though. What do you plan to use SP3 with?

JRA

Comes with the package deal with a pair of the Strata Mini and .5's. You get all 3 for the price of what the mini's will be going for in 3 weeks. I'm sure I'd find something to drive with it.

jrhymeammo
12-14-2006, 10:00 PM
If you are serious about the Strata then you might wanna jump on it, then decide what you wanna do with them. If you do decide you dont wanna keep the SP3, you can always sell it on A'gon or even here assuming we still have a classified section.... SP3 can be sold for $450 in a flash. That would make an incredible bathroom system though..but tubes and rapidly changing humidity/temp might be a problem....

JRA

basite
12-15-2006, 04:32 AM
Yes, Maggies are still high on my list. I like Totems too. So Many good speakers, so few rooms to put them in.


i do know that feeling from somewhere...

GMichael
12-15-2006, 06:01 AM
If you are serious about the Strata then you might wanna jump on it, then decide what you wanna do with them. If you do decide you dont wanna keep the SP3, you can always sell it on A'gon or even here assuming we still have a classified section.... SP3 can be sold for $450 in a flash. That would make an incredible bathroom system though..but tubes and rapidly changing humidity/temp might be a problem....

JRA

Don't nudge me too hard. I might end up spending the money we saved up for a bedroom set. Honey would kill me. Hmmm.... But she did say that these speakers would match our living room nicely. Hmmm.... And they won't be on sale much longer. Hmm.... The SP3 and .5's would sound great in the computer room. Honey has been bugging me for a better system in there. She says, "The music doesn't sound the same in here."
Hmmmm........

L.J.
12-15-2006, 09:17 AM
Don't nudge me too hard. I might end up spending the money we saved up for a bedroom set. Honey would kill me. Hmmm.... But she did say that these speakers would match our living room nicely. Hmmm.... And they won't be on sale much longer. Hmm.... The SP3 and .5's would sound great in the computer room. Honey has been bugging me for a better system in there. She says, "The music doesn't sound the same in here."
Hmmmm........

GM we are 2 lucky guys. I asked wifey 'bout dropping some $$$ on those C-7's (although I probably won't get them) and she was like "do what you want". She says that about everything. It's nice to have support with this expensive hobby. You really gotta have support to pull off a 15" Titanic in the house. Perhaps I'll start a thread on the subject for the fun of it.

GMichael
12-15-2006, 09:28 AM
GM we are 2 lucky guys. I asked wifey 'bout dropping some $$$ on those C-7's (although I probably won't get them) and she was like "do what you want". She says that about everything. It's nice to have support with this expensive hobby. You really gotta have support to pull off a 15" Titanic in the house. Perhaps I'll start a thread on the subject for the fun of it.

Uh, you do know what "do what you want" in 'women speak' means right? It translates roughly to, "You should know the right thing to do by now. I shouldn't have to tell you. And if you don't do it right, you'll get no nookie for a month."

This has been a public service for you younger studs out there.

Yeah, we are lucky. When I showed these to Honey, I was expecting, "What! More d'm speakers?!" But instead I got, "Those look great! They'd look perfect in our living room."
I almost fainted. Then she through in the bit about putting the tube amp and .5's in the computer room and I started checking to make sure she wasn't a pod person. I guess she's finally noticing the difference between music and good music.

L.J.
12-15-2006, 09:40 AM
Uh, you do know what "do what you want" in 'women speak' means right? It translates roughly to, "You should know the right thing to do by now. I shouldn't have to tell you. And if you don't do it right, you'll get no nookie for a month."


hmm.......it wasn't a "do what you want" :arf:, it was a "do what you want" ;). I guess that should make sense.

Oh, I'm only looking to drop $400 on the C-7's but the guy won't budge under $550. $1500 on a pair of speakers would be a different story.

GMichael
12-15-2006, 09:47 AM
hmm.......it wasn't a "do what you want" :arf:, it was a "do what you want" ;). I guess that should make sense.

Oh, I'm only looking to drop $400 on the C-7's but the guy won't budge under $550. $1500 on a pair of speakers would be a different story.

Glad to hear that it was a happy do what you want. Sometimes it's hard to tell one from the other unless you are listening closely.
Bedroom shopping is tomorrow. I hope we don't find anything we like. :ihih: