New Camera
 

We want to get a new camera for our upcoming trip- what would a Fodorite choose?

Go to dpreview.com and start reviewing cameras there. You probably want digital , perhaps a point and shoot. Halfpint.

Thanks for the advice, but I did go there. Found the camera that I thought would be best and found out that it had been discontinued. 2 replacements since then....

You are not providing enough info - what do you want from a camera/ How many photos would you expect to take? Do you want an SLR or a point and shoot? Will you be doing any enlargements? If so what size? What is your budget?

Think about your q in a different way "We want to get a new car - what would you choose" "A new pet" etc etc

What was "the camera" you found, and what were the features that attract you to it? Most cameras were replaced by newer and even better models.

I don't want to pay more than $400.00-was looking at the Panasonic DMCFZ7. Digital, good zoom, would like to be able to take movies. Point and shoot is fine sometimes, but I would like to take control sometimes too.

I am using a Panasonic DMC Z18 which I would recommend. However, if you are used to a film SLR, it will take some getting used to. On the other hand, it weighs nothing compared to a my Canon SLR, has one lens that more than takes the place of two (multiply 28 by 18 and you get the idea), and will be cheaper on the development side even if you want prints (I don't) because you choose the prints you want to develop rather than have the whole roll developed.

The DMC-FZ7 was replaced by the FZ8, which was replaced by the FZ18 that Michael has.

It goes for about $300 now. I think you should be happy with it.

I have a Canon EOS 20D that I absolutely love, but for my upcoming trip I wanted something smaller that could fit in my purse. I went to my local camera shop, and they recommended the Canon Power Shot G9. I am by no means a camera expert, but the salesman (and owner of the shop) thought this camera would be perfect for my needs. He thought it could take the place of my 20D (and the 2 lenses I have for it). It has 12 megapixels and 6 X optical zoom. It may be a little over your price range, but if you shop around you might get a good deal. (try www.bhphotovideo.com for starters).

Good luck!

I have the Canon Powershot G9 and have no hesitation in recommending it. It has point and shoot, when you need it and many SLR like functions if you want to experiment and have more control. It's light enough to carry round, if (like me) you find an SLR too heavy and bulky.

Thanks for all the input- I'm sure it will help a lot.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 has won several awards. I recommended it to a friend for his holiday and he was delighted with it. He bought it in the States and got it much cheaper. It's been out for nearly a year, so shop around for a good price.

This camera question pops up a lot...and it really does depend on what your needs are. "Getting a new camera for a trip" leaves out all the rest of your expectations for what you will do with the camera afterwards.

For me one of the key elements that people overlook when traveling is the actual SIZE of the machine, along with the tech features.

I have found it is sometimes better to have a smaller "pocket size" that I carry with me effortlessly, than a larger (and "better") complex camera that you have to watch out with, and is always hanging out on display.

I was an avid film camera guy (did both b+w and color printing at home in the old days)but am now a real convert.

You have had some good suggestions here on the thread. But what do you want your camera to do for you both on the trip and afterwards?

I love the Lumix range...they offer both simplicity, but also full control if you want (bracketing, changing f-stop from auto, macro, etc)and also offer a good movie option.

The DMC-TZ3 is a real winner. I have the older model, but have bought 3 more for friends in Europe and they love them.

However on our last trip to Tuscany, my wife opted to take only the smaller Lumix - like the current FX30K. We had it everywhere, and took some wonderful shots. She chose this one because it is half the size of the TZ3 one. We gave up a little on the zoom range , as a trade-off for portability. Since we have both, I can say both are great...just depends on your needs. I also thing the Image Stabilization system on Panasonic (it was the first I believe) is a feature well worth getting.

Yes there are other good cameras out there by Nikon, Canon, etc.

So in short, for me, the Best Buy is the Lumix TZ3 which does everything well and can be had on Amazon for about $200 which is a great value.

You can spend more and less, of course. I would say go to a camera store and try some in your hand. The big Canons and others are really nice. Just depends what you want to have as your camera after the trip as well.

One more comment: I don't think 10 mega pixels is really better than 7 megapixels for me. We print only as large as 8.5x11 if we are making a print, and either prints well. Having the larger size just seems to eat up the chip faster, without giving us any real benefit, so be aware of just comparing specs. Another example is that a 10x zoom is probably as good as a 12x for us, because although 12x sounds better, you have to really be steady, and might need a tripod or monopod to insure a good image which we don't normally carry.

So anyway, good luck and let us know what you finally choose. In the end it is a very personal choice...no "right" or "wrong" answers. Rouss

Buying the camera is one thing, being able to use it to take viewable pictures is another. One pro I guided used two cameras, one with black and white and the other with color. I never saw him take a picture without using a tripod and cable trigger. He also 'bracketed each shot and made exact notes of the operation. Buy your camera and then practice with it! Try and get a friend to criticize the pictures. Try an online photography school. Good pics are 10% camera and 90% skill and eye!

While a pro may do that it has little to do with having a good camera, going on a trip and getting good pictures. Learning to use the camera is, of course, true. The memory cards are so inexpensive now that even if a camera "eats up memory" by have a lot of MP, it doesn't matter a lot.
But DO take extra cards, in case something happens to one.
I love my Canon IS3--it "can" be put in a pocket but is not really that small. I do love the rotatable feature of the screen for taking pictures over my head, if needed.
I think our son has a Lumix (not sure of the model) and the speed it will take pictures is incredible. The lag factor of digitals has truly been addressed.

Hi S,

Where are you going?

At least one of those Panasonic Lumix cameras has a Leica zoom lens starting at 28 (35mm equivalent) mm. This is a great focal length for travel -- works in cities and for landscapes. (Of course, though the lens is made by Leica, it is not one of their great 35mm lenses, which cost four or five times what this entire camera costs.)

My only reservation is that the camera has no view finder. I'm still not comfortable with the screen. Might not be an issue for you.

Another vote for the Panasonic Lumix range. The wide-angle lens is a great asset in a point-and-shoot camera.

Thanks for all of the great advice!
Ira- we're going to Sicily and then to Greece. Plenty to photograph!

Hi S,

I also have a Canon IS3 - love it.

Great lenses and terrific 12:1 zoom.

It is a great point and shoot, AND has more override features than I know what to do with.

You can take about 1hr of movies with stereo sound and a wind filter.

I think that they now have the IS5, which has more pixels.

((I))