potential buyers remorse - camera purchase

Boris · #1 06-29-2007, 05:32 PM

I just bought a Panasonic digital camera. Relevant specs are:
6x optical zoom
7 megapixel resolution
video w/voice recording
cost = $200

I could have purchased:
10x optical zoom
5 megapixel
no video w/voice
form factor is ~20% larger than the one I purchased.
cost = $180

I can still return the one I purchased. The major factor here is the 10x optical zoom. I have to make a huge jump in price to find another camera with that feature.

kipin · #2 06-29-2007, 05:40 PM

Zoom and megapixel rating aren't everything.

What are the optics like on the two cameras?

Full specs would be nice here.

Badger · #3 06-29-2007, 05:49 PM

10x optical zoom is pretty great for a typical point and shoot.

It's my understanding that megapixel ratings can be misleading anyways. What kind of camera is the second one?

magister ludi · #4 06-29-2007, 05:49 PM

don't worry about megapixels, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between 5 and 7. 10x optical zoom is pretty prime though.

NT! · #5 06-29-2007, 05:52 PM

boris,

what are the relevant models here?

Foghatlive · #6 06-29-2007, 06:01 PM

I have a Panasonic 12x zoom, which was recommended to me by none other than 2+2's own Ray Zee. It cost me about $300, but, I think you can get it now for about 250. I couldn't be happier with it. The zoom is the best feature. After a certain point the megapixels don't mean very much. The model is dmc-fz5.

Boris · #7 06-29-2007, 06:18 PM

the one I purchased

the one maybe I should have purchased

Boris · #8 06-29-2007, 06:39 PM

[ QUOTE ]
don't worry about megapixels, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between 5 and 7. 10x optical zoom is pretty prime though.

[/ QUOTE ]

nice handle. surprised it took so long.

superadvisor · #9 06-29-2007, 06:41 PM

I'd be satisfied. Video + voice is very handy, I use it on mine every once in awhile. The smaller form factor is also a plus, especially for guys who don't have a purse to put it in. the zoom is overrated because you're pictures are going to be like 5000x3000 resolution anyways, you can always crop extra stuff out and still have a super high res photo.

wrschultz · #10 06-29-2007, 06:50 PM

I want a cheap camera that will get the job done. I don't care about any extra features at all, I just want something that can take the best pictures for the dollar. I don't need picture editing software or any of that crap.

My budget is about $200-$300 I guess.

Are there any good sites out there for me to start researching?