Need opinions on digital cameras

[merrill2121]

Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum so if this thread is in the wrong section please feel free to move it.

I am looking to get into a little bit of photography on a budget. I don't need anything professional and am not looking to spend any more than around 300-350.

I am looking to take pictures of nature, concerts, and sports. I would be bringing the camera on a lot of hiking/camping trips. Basically looking for something to take really nice quality pictures and have a pretty decent zoom.

I would also be looking for this camera to have a video mode built in, especially for concerts and sports. I would prefer something with decent video and audio quality.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and I really appreciate it.

PS: The following are some cams I have been checking out. Feel free to shoot them down if their no good . Thanks!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8739966&type=product&id=1202429847854
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8510989&type=product&id=1186005750966
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8297513&type=product&id=1172881524725
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8696681&type=product&id=1198888991656
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8749964&type=product&id=1202649426922

 

[deudeu]

Being the "photographer" of my group of friends, i have played with a lot of P&S.

Generally, I really like the Panasonics because of the image quality, built quality, and the ease of use. The new TZ-5 seams like a nice one.

I have not been as pleased with what i have seen from olympus. So if you want to stick to your selection, you should definitely go Canon. I really like their ixus (AKA SD) series, the Ixus 950 IS is a beautiful little thing!

Finally, if you know a little bit about cameras and/or are willing to read the manual that goes with it, the Fuji f50fd is a very good P&S for the money.

I hope this helps!

 

[merrill2121]

Thanks a lot for the information. I decided to go with the Canon S5 IS. Should be arriving here in a couple of days.

 

[PaulBennett]

Battery life type and costs should be researched. There is a major difference here.