multi purpose camera

[Just Jim]

I'm looking to get the best camera possible for as close as $500 as possible. I was looking at the Sony alpha DSLR-A200K or the Nikon D40. The problem is that the camera that I'm replacing (just broke) had a 12x zoom (not DSLR) and I really need the zoom. Are there any realistic options of me getting a different camera that would suit both my needs without having to buy extra lenses?

 

[drparker]

In that price range with that zoom your still looking at a P&S camera. I have found that the Canon SD 850IS to have a good feature set. I got it for my wife. But that was last year. Make sure that your zoom is optical not digital. All digital is doing is blowing up the picture and cropping it.

Check-out DPreview.com I have it book marked, it one of the best review sites for cameras.

 

[Just Jim]

well, it looks more and more like I'm going to go the route of a P&S camera. I'm narrowing it down between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 and the Canon PowerShot S5-IS. I saw the powershot has some cool lenses that I can add on so it's more likely that I'll go that route, but does anyone have any other cameras that I should be looking at?

 

[djc1026]

Have you looked at the Panny FZ50? You can also get add on lenses for the FZ18 if you didn't know.

Dave

 

[Just Jim]

I've been looking at sooo many different cameras. Point and shoot and SLR's. The add on macro lenses for the P&S cameras confuse me as to what to buy for which camera and which is the best for the money. I saw a sony alpha bundle last week (SLR) with a zoom lense for $599. Unfortunatley the sale ended yesterday. The MOST I can do is $599. Any real suggestions would really be appreciated. I'd like to get a camera in the next few days....