Help me pick out a camera

[Colorado_Carter]

I travel a few times a year to go diving, spend time backpacking, at the lake, in the mountains, snowskiing, etc. I think you get the picture, I am rough on cameras. I picked up a olympus tough a couple yrs ago with an underwater case and I am pleased with it. It looks like hell, but still works great. Sand isn't an issue, cold doesn't bother it, Ive gone snorkling with it many many times without the case. It even survived a 30ft free dive without the case. Its easy to use which means when its in the case and Im diving I can still use all the functions. I can stick it in my pack or pocket and not worry if it rains. I've dropped it in the lake, on a rock, sat on it, etc.

I am not a photographer by any means and don't know squat about cameras. I think it takes great pictures even after the abuse, and thats important in my book. The ability to drag it anywhere without worry means I take pictures when others have left their cameras in there rooms.

Thats just my 2 cents though

[DMcCam]

Howdy, I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 that has been a constant companion during my build and on the road. It has taken exceptionally good images for a camera in the middle of your price range. I take a lot of cloud and landscape imagery for my paintings and really rely on the wide angle lens. I've just looked at the new ZS20 and it looks to be the next one I'll be considering. You can pick one up for about $250. or so. The only problem I've had with the camera is dust on the sensor which is no surprise given the amount of time it's been in the shop. I followed a YouTube tutorial on cleaning it and restored the camera to perfect condition in minutes. The Lumix line are very compact, reliable and with the Leica lens, they take very sharp images. I've also found that I'm taking more HD Videos than I ever thought I would. The ZR1 takes quite respectable video clips and I would think that the ZS20 would be a magnitude better. The ZS20 has a 20X optical zoom too!

Cheers,

Dave

[sleepy]

My favorite is the Panasonic FZ150, $398 at Amazon. This price was in the high 500s a few months ago. All the reviews are very good. The lens is not especially fast, but the higher ASA settings hold up unusually well, so, there you are. There is a socket I like where you can use a remote control, or you can plug in an interval time exposure thingy. I just like The camera overall. Especialy that the autofocus is very very quick to get done and ready to shoot. Even in full telephoto mode. It is either point and shoot or full control. And HD 1080 Video too.
Steve

[asianflava]

I picked up a olympus tough a couple yrs ago with an underwater case and I am pleased with it. It looks like hell, but still works great. Sand isn't an issue, cold doesn't bother it, Ive gone snorkling with it many many times without the case.

Already have one. I like it because I don't have to worry about it. I carried it with me during the Zombie run. Crawling thru a mudpit, climbing over a sand hill, sliding down a waterslide into a "pool of blood" didn't phase it. I just don't like the picture quality, and forget about interior shots, the flash is weak.

Also have an OLD Canon S70 with a waterproof housing which is good to 150ft. If I ever had the need to past 30ft, I can use that.

[Aaron Coffee]

I too have been thinking of a new camera. I currently use a Sony Mini DV video camera with a built in digital camera(think it is like a 2 megapixel). My budget is $200 or less. A couple criteria I have are: compact(something to carry in my pocket on motorcycle), and something that is quick to shoot. On the video camera I have to turn a thumbwheel 2 clicks, and usually miss the teardrop going the other way on the interstate. Which would be better, a camera that takes regular (AA)batteries(do they still make those?)or something with a rechargerable battery. The reason I ask is I don't have anyplace to plug a rehargeable battery in on the motorcycle.

Thanks

[jstrubberg]

Aaron;

One of the things I love about the Samsung I bought this year is that it uses a lithium rechargeable battery. Not only do I get hundreds of shots on a charge, but they advertise that you can carry it in your pocket for a year and it won't discharge. I carry mine in my backpack and have pulled it out after five,six weeks and still shown a full charge.

[asianflava]

I made my decision; last night I ordered the Sony RX-100 from Best Buy online. I had forgotten that I had "Reward Zone" bucks from a TV we bought earlier this year. I had enough that it brought it very close to the $500 budget. The price was the same at the bigonfoto site, but I just didn't trust it since nobody knew anything about them. Best Buy says that I should be able to pick it up on the 26th. Also got a 32gig SD card for it.

I was also intrigued by PubUltraStar's post. I love to do "hacks" to things so I looked on eBay and found a used S90 for pretty cheap. It will be something else to play with.