Need a Camera

[101RRS]

Well the weekend trip up to Stockton showed up some limitations on my old cheap Kodak digital still with a video function. It is a 4 mp model with 5xoptical zoom and takes photos that are OK - main issues are with its use and limited features.

The screen is too small at only 4cm and is not visible in daylight - however it does have an old style view finder that works Ok as well. In video it is extremely difficult to focus at long distance and the zoom does not work with video selected. The batteries do not last very long - even rechargable lithiums.

What I need is a hand size digital, big screen, have to be able to be use in high light conditions, zoom on video, easy to focus, good battery life and something a bit rugged.

Suppose the higher the MPs and optical zoom would be good. Cheaper would be good but not cheap and nasty.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Garry

[cal415]

Hi Garry,
Check out the canon ixus range, you can get them in titanium body, they are small reliable, good battery life, big LCD, do excellent video, and take a great picture for a point and shoot. Best bet is to go check them out at a local electrical place and find the model you like then purchase them it off the net to save some cash, you can get them grey market with a local warranty and save heaps....

Mick.

[nice1guv]

...then purchase it off the net to save some cash, you can get them grey market with a local warranty and save heaps....


This place is really good for online: Digital Camera Warehouse Australia - Discount Digital Cameras shipped Australia Wide - Home (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/index.htm) :D

It has almost every camera available, so you can peruse and compare until your hearts content. :p

[dmdigital]

For what you're looking for there's an awful lot out there. A lot no longer have a view finder:( but look around. There is also the option of a weather proof camera and again there are a number of shock, dust, water proof models.

dpreview.com is a good source of information and DCW as mentioned is good to buy through, but shop around.

[inside]

How much do you want to spend?

[101RRS]

Hi Garry,
Check out the canon ixus range, you can get them in titanium body, they are small reliable, good battery life, big LCD, do excellent video, and take a great picture for a point and shoot. Mick.

Thanks - do they have a view finder - I can look it up! On Sunday I could not see the screen in the sun - even in the shade but I could us the view finder.

Garry

[101RRS]

How much do you want to spend?

Not sure - prepared to pay for something I can use and just throw in the truck - will get bounced around a lot in the truck too - must be able to work in bright sunlight.

Lets say somewhere around $500 - but would prefer less. But maybe a little more for the right piece of gear.

Garry

[cal415]

Yes, well atleast mine has a view finder, i got mine (ixus950is) with a waterproof housing delivered from overseas for around 560 IIRC from these guys
Digital Cameras & Accessories - Citiwide Online - Australia (http://www.citiwideonline.com/au/index.php)

also try
www.shopbot.com.au (http://www.shopbot.com.au) when you know what model you are after, theres always somewhere cheaper on there....

Having owned several canon cameras, including 2 digital SLRs, im a big fan of canon cameras.... mine have all been thoroughly used and abused, all have been lugged around the country side on many a trip and 4wd gatherings as well as beening used regulary at martial arts gatherings and all still work perfectly :)

[101RRS]

Thanks for the good information - prices are cheaper than I thought - I need to get into shops for some hand on time to work out what is best and then to buy online somewhere.

Cheers

Garry