I am looking to purchase a reasonably priced digital camera with a 10x or 12x optical zoom. At least, that is what I think I want. We are leaving for Costa Rica next week and would like a digital camera that will capture the best wildlife photographs with a zoom lens. We currently have a Nikon Coolpix 3100 with a 3X optical lens. We like the camera overall - easy to use - but thought that a higher zoom might be better for wildlife like birds, monkeys in trees, etc. Any recommendations?

What is your price range?

For a reasonably priced 3.2mhz($450 for camera, 32K card-standard, 1 gig card, and recharcheable battery pack), I like my Canon IS1. It is 10x. The camera without the 1 gig card would have been about $325. It also comes with the cables for direct camera to computer dowloading.

I have only had mine a little while but have been satisfied with the quality of the photos it takes. It has automatic exposure, just as most others do, but it also allows you to select aperture, shutter speed, ASA film equivalent, and exposure bracketing. For those who want that capability, it also has a panorama stitching mode.

My price range is somewhere around $300-500. From my own research I am deciding between the Panasonic Lumix DMCFZ5K and the Canon Powershot S2IS. They both seem fairly similar and are about the same cost. The Canon S1IS is a little less expensive so I might take your recommendation for that one. It has 10x optical zoom (vs. 12x) and is 3.2 Megapixels (vs. 5) but is about $150-200 cheaper.

metcarl,

I am in exactly your position! The Panasonic has image stabilization I believe, which is a plus. I am leaning toward that advantage.

Whatever you decide on, could you reply hre or to me directly on how it worked. And have fun in Costa Rica!

My Canon IS1, referred to above, also has image stabilization. I forgot to mention it. It is automatic and I just take it for granted.

My husband has an Olympus 10 times zoom and loves it.