Digital Camera for a first timer !

[Derwentrocker]

I hate to say this, but i have never owed a digital camera and need one for a holiday this year to California and las Vegas. I always felt abit aprehensive going in to shops as i do not know what is a good camera for the spec i require (or think i do).

I haven't brilliant eye sight so would require the screen to be more than 2.5. I basically require a good zoom lens and i suppose mega pixels are a must as well. I do not want anything that is to high tech for my first one, a point and click sounds good to me

I would also like one that i can do little videos on one, as well to put on my computer. But that isn't an necessity.

I also want one that can take long battery life, eg, lithium if they are the best, do not want to be charging all the time.

Please can you help me with some advice, i do not want to spend more than £150, the less the better.

Thank you

[icemanonline]

Check this out.......it answer your question....

http://www.avforums.com/forums/digit...ct-camera.html

icemanonline

[Derwentrocker]

Thank you for the information and your reply. If anyone else can offer their ideas, it would be advantageous thanks.

[mark1000]

The Panasonic TZ5 is a good choice, 10x zoom 720p HD video and a full IA auto mode that selects the scene for you in a relatively compact body.

And here is the but, its £20 more than you want to pay, but the best £20 you will spend IMO.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Silver Digital Camera


Or £26 over budget and you can get it on the high st at Jessops.


http://www.jessops.com/online.store/...3867/Show.html

Full and trusted review here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review


Mark.

[Derwentrocker]

Hi, Thanks Mark

I was actually looking at the Panasonic TZ5 and the FX37, i am not quite sure what the difference is, except one is newer.

Have you ever used or know of UKdigi cameras? They have the FX37 at £169.99 or with 2 gb as an offer at £191.99p.

This seemed cheaper than jessops and John Lewis, although maybe they may do a price match? who knows......

[Dirty Harry]

Originally Posted by Derwentrocker

Hi, Thanks Mark

I was actually looking at the Panasonic TZ5 and the FX37, i am not quite sure what the difference is, except one is newer.

Have you ever used or know of UKdigi cameras? They have the FX37 at £169.99 or with 2 gb as an offer at £191.99p.

This seemed cheaper than jessops and John Lewis, although maybe they may do a price match? who knows......

Get the FX37 at Dixons mate, code SALE25 gets you 2.5% off too

[Derwentrocker]

Hi DH

Your swayed towards the FX37 over the TZ5, in your opinion what is the difference and why should i go for the FX37, i am intriged

Thanks
Michelle.

[Dirty Harry]

Im starting to be yes, was set for the TZ5 but the FX37 is smaller & lighter with the only thing i can see majorly different is the TZ5 has a better viewing screen, which for the usage i will have wont make a jot of difference.

FX37 has good reviews at C-NET & Reevoo too

[mark1000]

Originally Posted by Dirty Harry

Im starting to be yes, was set for the TZ5 but the FX37 is smaller & lighter with the only thing i can see majorly different is the TZ5 has a better viewing screen, which for the usage i will have wont make a jot of difference.

FX37 has good reviews at C-NET & Reevoo too

The main difference is the zoom 10x + 16.9x EZ zoom on the TZ5

FX37 has 5x zoom.


Mark.

[mark1000]

Originally Posted by Derwentrocker

Hi, Thanks Mark

I was actually looking at the Panasonic TZ5 and the FX37, i am not quite sure what the difference is, except one is newer.

Have you ever used or know of UKdigi cameras? They have the FX37 at £169.99 or with 2 gb as an offer at £191.99p.

This seemed cheaper than jessops and John Lewis, although maybe they may do a price match? who knows......

Please don't pay an extra £20 for a 2gb card, thats daylight robbery, pay £3/4 at the most.

I have highlighted the zoom difference in the post above.

Memory card here

7dayshop.com - Online Store



Mark.

[cambsos]

Reckon a Canon A720is would do the job
8m pixies, 6X Optical Zoom, 2.5" screen and viewfinder
Also a good bit of manual control, only minus from your list is it takes AA's
I prefer them though and NIMH rechargeables last ages, also the option to get batteries anywhere or use Lithiums for extra long life.

[Dirty Harry]

Originally Posted by mark1000

The main difference is the zoom 10x + 16.9x EZ zoom on the TZ5

FX37 has 5x zoom.


Mark.

What would you choose between the two mate ?

[mark1000]

Originally Posted by Dirty Harry

What would you choose between the two mate ?

As your asking, i already have the TZ5 and am happy with it as a pocket camera with HD video and a really good zoom, but it wont fit your shirt pocket in the summer if thats what your after, the FX37 however will.


Hope you make the right decision for you.


Mark.

[Dirty Harry]

Thanks, starting to lean towards the FX37 due to its size now.

Can get it for around £160 at Dixons & Fotosense right now, do you think its worth holding on for anorher price drop or will that be about as good as it gets ?

[Derwentrocker]

I am looking at prices and think that the tz5 looks like the one for me, besically because i need one with a bigger lcd screen, and like the better long zoom. As Mark has tried and tested it, i shall find somewhere that sells it reasonable without ripping me off.

Thanks Mark for the link reguarding the memory card, will use that also.

Its a shame that no one on the forums sells these cameras

Michelle.