Dang! I dropped my camera!

[dakotamouse]

I have a Kodak Easyshare Z740. And I dropped it! Shoot! Now the pictures it takes have lines through them and it doesn't adjust for light correctly. I really liked this camera it took great pictures and video. I wasn't crazy about the Kodak software so I just didn't bother using it.

The Kodak website says I can send it in and repair should be about $135. Alot yes......but I do like the camera. This model isn't available anymore...of course! Should I repair or buy another? The camera is 1.5 years old.

What is everyone else out there using? My price range is between 250 and 350 bucks. I'd like at least 10x zoom. I've been going through Consumer Reports and I'm starting to get dizzy!

Feel free to give your 2 bits........and then some!!!

[dhazard]

I have a Canon PowerShot A630, and like it. It fits into your price range.

[mikeschn]

I've got the Canon G7, and I really like it. I mean REALLY REALLY like it!!! It has a hot shoe, and I have the external flash so I don't get red eye in my pictures. And it's in the same family as the Powershots that dhazard mentioned... all of them are good cameras... even my mom uses a powershot!

But if you are convinced your Z740 is the best thing since sliced bread, you ought to see if you can get one on ebay.

If you are getting dizzy reading consumer reports.. try this site...

http://www.dcresource.com/

Mike...

[Micro469]

Try this website... Great camera reveiws.
http://www.dpreview.com

[dakotamouse]

I don't know if it's the best but that Kodak Z740 was really easy to use and I wouldn't have to learn a new model. I loved the 10X zoom. I like to zoom in on wildlife. There is a new Easy Share Z712IS it has 12x zoom and 7.1 pixels for around $249. The one anoying thing is that it requires a lithium battery that sells for around $18 bucks and isn't rechargeable like my Z740.

I found a Canon PowerShot S3 IS with 6.o pixels and 12x zoom. That goes for around $349.

I found a few new Z740s on Ebay also.

....................arggggh! Can't I just take back those few seconds in time when my camera hit the garage floor!!!

[Hibidi-Shibidi]

i think a move towards a canon would be your best bet. the powershots are great cameras for the price and have many after market options such as lenses and external flashes that make for easy add ons.

other cameras that i would consider in that range would be something like a sony cybershot.

those are really good cameras for the price.

both the cybershots and powershots run on AA batteries i believe.

[tonyj]

My small pocket camera takes great pics and I am pleased with it. It's a Canon PowerShot SD 630.

[forestfrog]

I have the Canon PowerShot S3 IS and love it! In fact, I usually choose it over my digital SLR (Canon Rebel XTi 10.1MP). The S3 has tons of customizable features, but also shoots great on 'auto'. The supermacro and swivel LCD are really useful features and there are telephoto and macro add on lenses available. I use rechargeable AA batteries and can shoot around 300 photos with one set.

Having said that, my cousin just retired her old Kodak EasyShare and got the newest version and loves it...so if you liked your Z740, you'll probably like the new one too...

Have fun shopping!

[Podunkfla]

Dakotamouse... I use an Olympus 6.1 megapixel point 'n shoot that's a bout 2 years old... Great small camera for about $179. or so.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/fe180.html

And I use a Canon EOS 20D when I don't mind lugging around something bigger... An amazing camera for the money.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/30d.html

Steve's Digicams is prolly the best website there is for info on cameras.
Here's the link where he rates and test all the most popular ones:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

[asianflava]

I have a Canon S-70 point and shoot and a Canon Rebel XT DSLR. They have their uses. The DSLR definitely takes better pictures but sometimes I don't want to carry it. The P&S fits in the pocket easier, plus I have an underwater housing for it so I can take it fishing or to the beach if I want. I've used the S3-IS and it is nice, very fast write times and a wide range on it's lens.

The wife wanted her own camera that could fit in her purse so we went and test drove several at Best Buy. She got an HP which takes decent pictures but I don't like it's computer interface. Plus it requiers a cradle to charge. I tried to get her to buy another Canon because I am familiar with their software, it's almost second nature to me. She however, doesn't like it because it uses mostly pictograms.

You may want to look at another Kodak if you are already used to their software. It will make for quicker learning. If size is not an issue, look for one that can use AA batteries. I know it's hard to check for but try to see if any computer can read the card in a card reader. The HP that my wife got uses a standard SD card but neither my laptop or desktop can read the cards with the card reader. It forces you to use the cradle for everything.

Check the reviews on this site:
http://www.steves-digicams.com

[john]

I guess image stabilization is nearly universal now. Be sure it is on what ever you get, though, considering your desire for zooming.

I have a cannon A620. It is a little large but I like the non proprietary batteries and standard SD memory. Reg. AAs can be used in a pinch and last beyond a 100 pics. I also like the swivel screen. (useful and not a gimmick) It doesn't have the zoom you need, though.

Your z740 seems to be selling in $150 range on Ebay. In reading the ads it didn't seem to be an SLR. If I was to get a camera that big, though, I would try to make it an SLR. The results are there with an SLR.

Goto these sites for reviews:

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

also

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html


I tend to lean towards Steves digi reviews.

[Geron]

Dakotamouse... I use an Olympus 6.1 megapixel point 'n shoot that's a bout 2 years old... Great small camera for about $179. or so.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/fe180.html

And I use a Canon EOS 20D when I don't mind lugging around something bigger... An amazing camera for the money.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/30d.html

Steve's Digicams is prolly the best website there is for info on cameras.
Here's the link where he rates and test all the most popular ones:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

Geez Brick, ya beat me to it.

That's an excellent site and for rechargeable batteries and chargers for these battery eaters check out Thomas

http://www.thomas-distributing.com/index.htm



g

[dakotamouse]

Wow! Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to sit down tonight and wade through it all.

Has anyone had any experience with the Fujifil FinePix s5200 ?
consumer reports seems to like it but I don't know of anyone with any knowledge of it.

[Geron]

Wow! Thanks for all the tips! I'm going to sit down tonight and wade through it all.

Has anyone had any experience with the Fujifil FinePix s5200 ?
consumer reports seems to like it but I don't know of anyone with any knowledge of it.

This may be far more information that you really want but get's very high ratings for a "family camera" from Steve.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_rev ... s5200.html

g

[kiacker]

I don't know if it's the best but that Kodak Z740 was really easy to use and I wouldn't have to learn a new model. I loved the 10X zoom. I like to zoom in on wildlife. There is a new Easy Share Z712IS it has 12x zoom and 7.1 pixels for around $249. The one anoying thing is that it requires a lithium battery that sells for around $18 bucks and isn't rechargeable like my Z740.

I recently purchased the Kodak Z712IS camera & I love it! The 12x zoom on it is incredible! Especially for getting close to wildlife. It has many options & functions on it - much like my ol' Canon Elan 35 mm SLR camera. It even has the option of shooting video with sound altho the quality of that is not the best. It comes with their special lithium battery but you do have the option of getting their rechargable battery pack or using 2 rechargable lithium AA batteries instead. The more I use it, the happier I am with my choice. If you want even more zoom power, there is a zoom lens you can add to the camera. Kinda pricey tho! Here's an example of the 12 x zoom:
Regular lens
Same shot from same position with 12x zoom.