New Camera

[kyshel]

Ok, it's about time we got a better camera. We seldom take many photos, but safari is the exception. Maybe Bali will be, too...

I keep a pocket camera--Canon Digital PowerShot Elph. About the size of a cigarette pack.. Has only 3X zoom. Need better, smarter, compact camera. We do only carry-on bags, so it must be small. Who's got what or what should we get? I'll still keep the Elph because the battery charger is very compact, too. So, that's a must. This one is 7.1 mega pixels.There are times we'll just take it on excursions/day trips but when I want more, we'll take the new one.

Feel free to toss in what you use, or have shopped recently. Thanks!

[LL_Travelfan]

Have a look at the Panasonic Lumix ZS10/TZ20 http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/compa...z20/index.html
I find this little camera takes beautiful pictures, and is very versatile. My lumix ZS10/TZ20 goes wherever I go, I am never without it. I absolutely love it.

[kyshel]

oh, oh, oh--that could be the one. Thanks for adding tgeh link, too.

[[email protected]]

We just got this one and it is awesome
Nikon - Coolpix P510 16.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - $399 on sale
Nikon Coolpix P510 16.1-Megapixel Digital Camera
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL5)
AC adapter/charger (EH-69P)
USB cable (UC-E6), A/V cable (EG-CP16), lens cap (LC-CP24) and strap (AN-CP21)
Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Owner's manual
Product Features
16.1-megapixel 1/2.3" CMOS sensor
Captures high-resolution images up to 4608 x 3456 pixels. Backside-illuminated CMOS sensor technology increases light flow to the sensor's surface to promote improved image quality and reduced noise.
42x optical zoom/2x digital zoom/84x total zoom
Through a Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens for precise zooming and accuracy.
3" vari-angle TFT-LCD monitor
With an antireflection coating and 5 levels of brightness adjustment for clear viewing of photos and videos. Electronic viewfinder makes it easy to set up your shots.
Video mode
Lets you record high-definition video clips in 1080p with audio at 30 fps. One-touch record button allows instant movie recording, and special effects, multiple speed options and continuous autofocus offer enhanced creative control.
Optical VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
Helps prevent blurry photos and promotes sharp, clear pictures and videos.
GPS function
Instantly geotags your files to offer a visual travelogue that pinpoints latitude and longitude. Integrate geotagged photo and video files with Nikon's My Picturetown, Google Earth and Nikon ViewNX 2 (additional fees may apply).
20 preprogrammed scene modes
Include auto, beach, backlight HDR, close-up, copy, dusk/dawn, fireworks show, food, museum, night portrait, panorama assist, party/indoor, pet portrait, portrait, snow, sports, sunset and 3D photography.
Panorama mode
Combines multiple shots into a seamless 180° or 360° image to help you create expansive panoramic photos. Continuous shooting captures up to 5 shots at 7 fps for fast-action sequences.
White balance modes
Include auto, cloudy, daylight, flash, fluorescent, incandescent and manual for achieving natural tones under different lighting conditions.
TTL auto flash
With monitor preflashes helps you capture shots in low-light situations.
Skin softening function
Helps hide complexion imperfections to promote quality images. Crop, D-lighting, filter effects, quick retouch, rotate image and small picture in-camera editing tools help you touch-up your pictures.
9-point autofocus
Along with 99 manual focus points, features face priority and center options for clear photos. Subject tracking allows you to focus on and follow a moving subject.
Compatible memory formats
Include Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity and SDXC.

[kyshel]

Thanks, Denise. That one is too big and too heavy for our needs. It also has a lot of features we won't use. HAHA--I can barely get reading glasses out in time to change a setting! If that's the one sold by Ashton Kutcher, it's def a no! (I'm not giving that twit any $)
I appreciate the info, tho--keep it comin', folks!

[[email protected]]

The camera is actually very lightweight - great pictures and great video.
Never saw Ashton sell this one, although I usually tune out commericals ;-0

[kyshel]

The camera is actually very lightweight - great pictures and great video.
Never saw Ashton sell this one, although I usually tune out commericals ;-0

The specs say it's 19 ounces--too much weight for me--got to be well under a pound.. It's just too big in every aspect. I think the Lumix is more what we're wanting. You always have great pics but we're limited. Again, many thanks!

[jmbklj]

I second the Lumix recommendation. I bought it right before my trip to South Afica. For a small lightweight camera, it has a great optical zoom - so important for getting those animal shots + HD movie capability.

[jmbklj]

I second the Lumix recommendation. I bought it right before my trip to South Afica. For a small lightweight camera, it has a great optical zoom - so important for getting those animal shots + HD movie capability.

One other thing, I recommend you get an extra battery for the battery charger.

[kyshel]

hi, jmb--what is the battery charger like? I need one that's as compact as the camera, respectively. I've never taken more than 100 photos in one day (ever!) so it seems like the battery life should be okay (as per reviews) We might do a video, but that would be quite rare. We took a flip video with us and never used it.